What to Do If Your Window Shatters: Emergency Tips

A sudden bang. A gust of cold air. Tiny shards of glass everywhere.

When a window shatters unexpectedly, it can be both alarming and dangerous — especially if you have children, pets, or live on a busy street in Newcastle.

At Windows and Doors Newcastle, we’re often called out for emergency window repairs after accidents, storms, vandalism, or break-ins. We know how unsettling it can be.

This quick guide will walk you through what to do immediately after a window shatters, how to stay safe, and how to secure your home until it’s repaired.

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Step 1: Stay Safe and Keep Others Away

Broken glass can cause serious injury. Your first priority is to keep everyone safe.

• Keep children and pets well away from the area
• Wear thick gloves and shoes if you need to enter the space
• Don’t touch large broken panes or attempt to remove them yourself

If the window is still cracking or dropping glass, close off the room until it’s stable or until help arrives.

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Step 2: Identify the Cause (If Safe to Do So)

Try to work out why the window shattered. This helps determine your next steps — and whether you’ll need to contact your insurance or the police.

Common causes in Newcastle include:

• Storm damage or strong winds
• Impact from thrown objects (accidental or vandalism)
• A failed double glazing unit due to pressure or poor installation
• A break-in or attempted burglary

If you suspect criminal damage, contact the police first to report the incident and request a crime reference number.

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Step 3: Clear Loose Glass Carefully

If the damage is minor and safe to approach:

• Sweep up large pieces with a dustpan and brush
• Vacuum the area thoroughly (including nearby furniture and rugs)
• Use masking tape to gently lift smaller shards from hard surfaces
• Place all debris in a thick rubbish bag or cardboard box

Never use your bare hands — even small splinters can cause cuts.

If you’re unsure or the damage is extensive, it’s best to wait for a professional. At Windows and Doors Newcastle, we offer fast response and can handle safe removal and clean-up.

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Step 4: Secure the Opening

Until the glass can be repaired or replaced, you’ll need to make the area safe and weatherproof.

For small broken sections:

• Apply strong tape (like duct tape) across cracks to prevent further shattering
• Cover sharp edges with cardboard or towel padding

For fully shattered windows:

• Board up the opening with thick cardboard, plywood, or MDF
• If boarding isn’t an option, use heavy-duty plastic sheeting taped securely to the frame
• Make sure the area is locked from the inside if accessible (especially at night)

If you’re not confident securing the window yourself, our team can provide emergency boarding services across Newcastle and surrounding areas.

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Step 5: Call a Local Glazing or Repair Specialist

Don’t wait days to get it sorted — especially in cold or rainy weather.

Contact a trusted local provider like Windows and Doors Newcastle. We offer:

• Same-day emergency repairs
• Toughened and laminated glass replacements
• Double glazing unit replacements
• Temporary boarding for security
• Insurance-friendly documentation and quotes

Our team can also advise on why the window failed and whether it’s part of a larger issue — like frame damage or incorrect installation.

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Step 6: Check Your Insurance Policy

Most UK home insurance policies do cover accidental or malicious damage to windows, but terms can vary.

• Review your buildings insurance documents
• Look for cover related to break-ins, vandalism, or weather
• Take photos of the damage and keep all receipts
• Ask your repair provider (like us) for an official quote and invoice
• Contact your insurer as soon as possible with all the details

We’ve helped many Newcastle homeowners through the insurance claims process — including providing FENSA-compliant installation paperwork where needed.

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Step 7: Prevent Future Breakages

Once your window is fixed, take a moment to think about prevention.

Consider:

• Installing laminated or toughened glass
• Adding window restrictors or internal beading for security
• Using shutters or screens on exposed windows
• Replacing older or worn frames that may no longer support glazing properly

We can recommend upgrades that protect your home and give you peace of mind — especially during storm season or if you’ve had a previous break-in.

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Final Thoughts: Act Fast, Stay Safe

A shattered window is stressful — but with the right steps, it doesn’t have to become a bigger problem.

By acting quickly and using a professional repair service, you can protect your home, restore security, and prevent further damage.

If you’re dealing with a broken window in Newcastle, contact Windows and Doors Newcastle for fast, friendly help. We’ll get your home secure again — day or night.