How to Secure Glass Windows While Waiting for Replacement

For something so fragile, glass has a tough job to do. It doesn't matter whether you're talking about the windows and doors in your home or larger shop display windows and sliding doors on commercial properties, since the glass needs to be strong enough to keep the building secure while simultaneously letting light through in either case. The last thing is not normally a problem – as long as the glass is kept clean, plenty of light can get into your home and shoppers can see window displays clearly.

If the glass gets broken, however, you've got a potentially serious security problem on your hands. It can also be dangerous. If you're waiting for a professional to come out and begin the process of replacing the damaged glass, there are a few things you can do to maximise safety and security. Remember: always wear thick, heavy-duty gloves while handling broken glass.

Get rid of loose glass Before you do anything else, it's essential that all loose glass is removed. On the ground, pieces of glass can easily penetrate the soles of shoes, causing potentially serious injury. It can also be tempting to children to play with. If there's a hole in the glass or it has shattered completely, make sure you remove any glass that might fall from around the hole or the window frame. Pull out any large shards and discard them safely, but make sure your hands are protected at all times. 

Stop cracks spreading Cracks in windows can start off small but quickly become worse if they're left untreated. If you have a cracked window and you're waiting for a replacement, minimise the damage that occurs in the meantime by covering the crack with some ordinary packing tape. This can be a surprisingly effective way to stop it in its tracks. You can also buy special self-adhesive film for covering cracks, which is useful if you have a commercial business and want to maintain as much of a smart image as possible.

Hide small holes Tiny holes or chips in glass can be caused by small stones and gravel. Luckily, they can be hidden by using ordinary clear nail polish. If it's a chip, build it up in layers, letting each one dry before applying the next. If you're dealing with a hole, paint it around the edge and work inwards to the centre.

Cover the window If you have large scale damage, you'll want to cover it as thoroughly as you can. Plastic is a great way to do this, and black rubbish sacks are a handy material to use. Hold them in place using parcel tape and you'll limit the heat escaping from the building.