A practical guide for safely securing a damaged window until professional repair arrives.
By Dan Burlingham
A broken window can be stressful for any homeowner, especially when it compromises safety, comfort, and curb appeal. While temporary fixes can help you secure your home, they are never a true substitute for professional repair or replacement. Here is how to safely stabilize the situation while you wait for a licensed expert to properly restore your window.
Common Causes of Broken Windows and Immediate Safety Precautions
Windows can break for many reasons, including wind-blown debris, accidental impacts, temperature stress, or shifting frames. No matter the cause, safety should be your first priority. Move children and pets away from the area, avoid touching the damage with bare hands, and be alert for loose shards on the floor.
Even small cracks can spread quickly and compromise the pane’s structural integrity. When this occurs, timely window glass crack repair or replacement becomes essential to avoid further damage. According to Community Glass & Mirror, cracked or broken windows should be addressed promptly to prevent injury and ensure they continue to properly insulate your home.
How to Safely Secure the Area
Before attempting any temporary fix, take a moment to stabilize the space around the broken window.
Remove Loose Shards
Wear thick gloves, closed-toe shoes, and eye protection. Carefully pick up large pieces of glass and place them in a rigid container. Vacuum only smaller fragments after larger pieces have been cleared, and avoid aggressive sweeping, which may scatter sharp edges.
Protect the Frame
Check the surrounding frame for damage. If wood or vinyl splinters appear unstable, avoid applying pressure. Community Glass & Mirror emphasizes that broken glass repair requires expert precision and a careful assessment of structural integrity, which is why temporary measures should remain gentle and minimal.
Temporary Sealing Methods
Once the area is safe, you can block the opening to protect your home until a technician arrives.
Clear Packing Tape
For minor cracks that have not fully compromised the pane, apply strips of clear packing tape across the crack. This helps hold pieces in place but should not be considered a long-term solution.
Cardboard or Plastic Sheeting
Cut a sheet of cardboard or thick plastic to size and tape it securely over the window opening. This option is simple and keeps out drafts, pests, and dust.
Heavy-Duty Plastic or Visqueen
For larger breaks, stretch heavy-duty plastic over the frame and secure it with tape. This makes a more weather-resistant temporary covering.
Plywood
If the pane is completely missing or severely shattered, attach a piece of plywood to the frame using minimal hardware to avoid causing more damage. This method offers the strongest temporary security against intruders and outdoor elements.
Protecting Your Home While Waiting for Repair
A compromised window exposes your home to weather, pests, and potential security risks. Temporary coverings are helpful but far from ideal, especially in Simi Valley, where heat transfer can quickly affect interior comfort.
A damaged or patched window significantly reduces energy efficiency. Cracks allow hot and cold air to pass through easily, increasing HVAC usage and utility costs. Community Glass & Mirror notes that broken or cracked windows should be repaired promptly to maintain proper insulation and home comfort.
If you are dealing with a ground-level window or a large opening, consider staying home until the area is fully secured, or install motion lighting near the affected space.
When a Temporary Fix Is Acceptable
Short-term solutions are reasonable when:
- The crack is small and not spreading.
- The pane is still intact and safely seated in the frame.
- You only need to secure your home for a few hours before professional help arrives.
Temporary fixes should not be used if the window is shattered, bowing, missing large sections, or no longer structurally stable. In those situations, immediate professional service is necessary.
Risks of DIY Temporary Repairs
Improper handling of broken glass can lead to injury, and makeshift coverings can further damage the frame or sash. Community Glass & Mirror’s technicians emphasize that glass replacement and repair are delicate processes requiring expert knowledge and precision. Their experienced glaziers complete repairs with minimal stress and disruption to your home.
Additionally, DIY fixes rarely restore full weather protection, leaving your home vulnerable to heat loss, moisture, or insects.
Why Simi Valley Homeowners Should Call a Licensed Professional
Community Glass & Mirror has served Simi Valley and the surrounding Ventura and Los Angeles County communities since 1960 with skilled, trusted, and dependable service. As a licensed, insured, and bonded contractor, the company provides peace of mind by ensuring every technician who enters your home is fully qualified.
Their team has decades of hands-on experience, and most technicians have been with the company for more than a decade. This level of expertise ensures the job is done right the first time, protecting your home and investment.
Benefits of Professional Window Glass Repair or Replacement
Working with Community Glass & Mirror ensures you receive:
- Expert evaluation of whether repair or replacement is appropriate
- High-quality materials that improve energy efficiency and durability
- Clean, precise workmanship that enhances your home’s appearance
- Efficient service that prioritizes safety and long-term performance
- A company that stands behind its work and provides lasting support
Their technicians also help determine if damage is likely to worsen, offer guidance on upgrades, and restore your home quickly with minimal disruption.
Conclusion
A temporary fix can help stabilize a broken window, but it is only a short-term solution. For true safety, energy efficiency, and long-lasting performance, professional repair or replacement is essential. Community Glass & Mirror is Simi Valley’s trusted, licensed expert for reliable window glass crack repair and full window replacement services.
Dan Burlingham is the owner of Community Glass and Mirror. He is also still the man who comes to your home to give quotes for the work and keeps the company running smoothly with all its employees. Being a locally owned company means you have someone to turn to if you ever have a problem. Dan has carried the traditions of high-skilled custom glass and mirror work for residential and commercial work.