New England Homeowners: How to Temporarily Fix a Broken Window

Broken windows happen for many reasons, but you may need to wait for repairs from time to time. There are a few options for a temporary fix for a tiny hole all the way to a large hole. Use caution when handling broken glass and if you are not sure what to do, call a New England professional for help.

Safety Gear

Always approach a broken window with the appropriate safety gear. Broken glass is sharp and can cause deep cuts. Wear thick gloves when picking up pieces and dealing with sharp edges. If you are not sure if the glass is completely broken, wear safety goggles to keep splinters out of your eyes.

Clear the Area

Before repairing the window, clean any broken shards of glass in the area. Removal of the glass ensures no one will get hurt during the repair process. Dispose of large glass shards in a container so they won’t puncture your trash bag and injure anyone handling the bag.

Steps to Temporary Window Repair of Your New England Home

Once you have your safety gear, these steps will help you temporarily repair a window until you determine a more permanent solution:

• Examine the broken area. Determine if pieces will continue to fall from the window or if the area is secure.

• If the glass feels sturdy, use clear packing tape across the crack to hold the pieces together. Put a piece of tape on each side of the pane of glass to make it stable.

• If there is a large hole, remove all broken pieces of glass and measure the hole. Use several layers of thick clear plastic cut to cover the area. A sturdy trash bag can also do in a pinch. Use packing tape to secure the plastic to the windows or a staple gun to secure it to the wooden window frame.

• In the case of a first-floor window, use a piece of wood to board up the entire window. Attach it to the exterior of the home to deter intruders from entering.

Once the window is secure, you should be safe to look for a more permanent solution. Do not let children play around the broken window in case they bump it and more pieces fall.

Small Cracks and Leaks

Use clear nail polish for any small cracks or holes in a window pane. Layer the clear polish over the hole, letting it dry between layers. Once filled, you may not even see the hole anymore, avoiding the need for a replacement pane.

Repair Mesh Screens

A hole in your mesh screens will let in insects and other unwanted guests. Cut a patch from mesh or pantyhose and superglue it over the hole in the screen. This will secure it until you can get an official repair for your screen.

These are only temporary fixes for a broken window and should not be a replacement. The window is still fragile and outdoor elements can cause the cracks to become worse. They will help you prevent further damage and get by until a New England professional can replace the whole window pane.