Your step-by-step guide to emergency glazing: What to do and who to call

Glazing emergencies strike without warning. Whether it’s a broken window caused by severe weather, attempted break-in, or accidental damage, knowing exactly what to do in those crucial first moments can prevent further damage, protect your property and ensure the safety of occupants.

This comprehensive guide walks you through the essential steps every property manager, developer and trade professional should know when facing emergency glazing situations.

Time is critical in glazing emergencies. Industry data shows that properties with broken glass face security risks within hours, while unprotected openings can lead to water damage, energy loss and structural integrity issues. The faster you take appropriate action, the better you can protect your investment and minimise costly repairs and safety risks.

At SGC Glass, our 24/7 emergency glazing service across London, Essex and surrounding areas has responded to countless glazing emergencies since 1995. Our experience shows that prompt action combined with professional help makes all the difference in emergency outcomes.

Immediate safety measures: Your first priority

When confronted with broken glass, safety must come first. Glass shards pose serious injury risks, while exposed openings create security vulnerabilities and weather exposure problems.

Essential safety steps:

1. Clear the area immediately: Keep people, especially children and pets, away from broken glass
2. Avoid touching glass fragments: Even small pieces can cause severe cuts
3. Wear protective footwear: Never walk near broken glass in bare feet or soft shoes
4. Switch off electricity: If glass damage affects electrical fittings or wiring
5. Document the scene: Take photos for insurance purposes before cleaning begins

Never attempt to remove large glass pieces yourself. Professional emergency glaziers have the proper equipment and training to handle dangerous glass fragments safely.

Assessing the extent of the damage

Understanding the full scope of damage helps you communicate effectively with your emergency glazier and insurance provider. Different types of glazing require different repair approaches and timescales.

Key damage assessment points:

• Window frame condition: Check if the frame is intact or if structural damage extends beyond the glass itself. Damaged frames may require more extensive repairs.
• Glass type identification: Single glazing breaks differently than double glazing. Sealed unit failures in double glazing may not be immediately obvious but can compromise energy efficiency.
• Security implications: Ground-floor windows and shopfronts create immediate security risks that require urgent attention.
• Weather exposure: Openings facing prevailing winds or rain need faster protection to prevent internal damage.
• Size and accessibility: Large windows or high-level glazing requires specialist equipment and techniques for safe repair.

Temporary protective measures you can take

While waiting for professional help, appropriate temporary fixes can prevent further damage and improve security. However, these are short-term solutions that should never replace proper glass repair.

Safe temporary protection options:

• Plastic sheeting: Heavy-duty plastic can provide weather protection for smaller openings. Secure firmly to prevent wind damage.
• Plywood boarding: For larger openings or security reasons, properly fitted boards offer better protection than plastic sheeting.
• Duct tape: Only suitable for small cracks to prevent spreading. Never use on large breaks or security glazing.
• Clear polycarbonate sheets: Temporary solution that maintains some visibility while providing weather protection.

Remember that temporary fixes should only be used until professional emergency window repair can be completed. They don’t provide the same security, weather protection or energy efficiency as proper glazing.

Why professional help is essential

DIY repairs might seem cost-effective, but glazing emergencies require specialist knowledge and equipment. Professional emergency glaziers bring expertise that prevents costly mistakes and ensures safety.

Professional advantages:

• Safety expertise: Trained in safe glass handling and disposal procedures
• Proper equipment: Specialist tools for different glass types and installation situations
• Material knowledge: Access to correct glass specifications and sealing materials
• Insurance compliance: Work meets insurance requirements for emergency repairs
• Security considerations: Understanding of security glazing requirements for commercial properties

At SGC Glass, our DBS-checked emergency glaziers arrive with full safety equipment and materials needed for immediate repairs or secure boarding up services.

What happens when an emergency glazier arrives?

Understanding the professional process helps you prepare for the emergency glazier’s arrival and ensures smooth, efficient repairs.

Professional emergency glazing process:

1. Safety assessment: Immediate area evaluation and risk management
2. Damage evaluation: Full assessment of glass and frame condition
3. Debris clearance: Safe removal and disposal of broken glass
4. Temporary securing: Boarding up if immediate repair isn’t possible
5. Material measurement: Precise measurements for replacement glass
6. Repair completion: Professional installation of new glazing
7. Quality check: Final inspection and testing of completed work
8. Reporting: Provide damage report for insurance purposes where required

Our emergency glaziers carry comprehensive glass inventory, enabling same-day repairs for most common glazing types including single glazing, double glazing and specialist safety glass.

How quickly should you expect professional response?

Response times matter in glazing emergencies. Industry standards show that professional emergency glazing services typically aim to reach properties within a few hours of initial contact.

SGC Glass operates 24/7 emergency services with strategically positioned teams across London, Essex and surrounding areas, ensuring rapid response when you need it most. Our goal is on-site attendance within hours, not days, minimising security risks and preventing further damage.

Common glazing emergencies and responses

Different emergency situations require different responses. Understanding common scenarios helps you take appropriate action and communicate effectively with emergency services.

Storm damage and severe weather

High winds can cause multiple window failures simultaneously. Severe weather emergencies often require rapid boarding up services to protect entire buildings while replacement glass is sourced.

Break-in attempts and vandalism

Security glazing failures need immediate attention due to ongoing crime risks. Emergency glaziers can install temporary security measures while sourcing appropriate replacement security glass.

Seal failure in double glazing

Though less dramatic than broken glass, seal failure compromises energy efficiency and can lead to costly energy bills. Professional assessment determines whether immediate repair is necessary or if temporary measures suffice.

Structural movement damage

Building settlement or structural issues can crack glazing systems. These situations require careful assessment to address underlying causes alongside glass replacement.

Types of emergency glazing repairs

Emergency repairs vary significantly depending on glass type, location and damage extent. Understanding different repair approaches helps set realistic expectations for timescales and costs.

Standard window glass repairs

Single pane windows are typically quickest to repair, with emergency glaziers often carrying stock sizes for immediate replacement. These repairs can usually be completed within hours.

Double glazing emergency repairs

Sealed unit failures or complete breakages require specialist materials and techniques. Some repairs may need temporary boarding while replacement units are manufactured to exact specifications.

Commercial and security glazing

Shopfronts and commercial glazing often use specialist glass types requiring particular expertise. Emergency glaziers should stock common commercial glazing materials for rapid response.

Fire-rated and safety glazing

Specialist glazing systems need exact replacements to maintain safety certification. Emergency repairs may require temporary solutions while sourcing compliant replacement materials.

Preventing future glazing emergencies

While some emergencies are unavoidable, regular window maintenance can prevent many common problems. Professional glaziers can identify potential issues during routine inspections.

Preventive maintenance recommendations:

• Annual frame inspections: Check for wear, movement or seal deterioration
• Regular cleaning: Proper cleaning reveals developing problems early
• Weather seal maintenance: Replace worn seals before water penetration occurs
• Security film application: Additional protection against impact damage
• Professional assessments: Expert evaluation of high-risk glazing installations

SGC Glass provides comprehensive commercial repair services and maintenance programmes to help prevent emergency situations developing.

Peace of mind through professional emergency services

Glazing emergencies create stress and disruption, but professional emergency glazing services restore normal operations quickly and safely. The key is knowing who to call and what immediate steps to take while help is on the way.

SGC Glass has built its reputation on reliable, professional emergency response across London, Essex and surrounding areas. Our 24/7 service combines rapid response times with quality workmanship, ensuring your glazing emergency is resolved with minimal disruption and maximum safety.

Key takeaways for glazing emergencies

• Safety first: Always prioritise personal safety over property protection
• Act quickly: Rapid response prevents further damage and security issues
• Use appropriate temporary measures: Protect openings while waiting for professional help
• Call professionals immediately: Expert help ensures safe, compliant repairs
• Document everything: Photos and records help with insurance claims
• Plan ahead: Know who to call before emergencies happen

When glazing emergencies strike, SGC Glass responds

Don’t let glazing emergencies compromise your property’s security, energy efficiency or occupant safety. Whether you’re dealing with a broken window, failed double glazing or storm damage, professional help is just a phone call away.

SGC Glass’s experienced emergency glazing team operates 24/7 across London, Essex and surrounding areas, providing rapid response and quality repairs when you need them most. Our comprehensive service includes safe glass removal, temporary boarding up and permanent repairs using high-quality materials.

Facing a glazing emergency right now?

Contact SGC Glass emergency services immediately for rapid, professional response. Our expert team is ready to secure your property and restore normal operations safely and efficiently.

When emergencies happen, experience the peace of mind that comes from working with London and Essex’s trusted glazing professionals.