Emergency Glazing After a Break-In or Accident
Here at Preston Glass and Glazing we’re knowledgeable about all types of current UK Glass and Glazing replacement and emergency glazing. If you have had the unfortunate experience of a break-in or an accident where you require emergency glazing we can assist. If you follow this handy guide to get help in your area or if you are in the Lancashire or Preston area and need further assistance just call 01772 822 442 or 07789 690237 or email Preston Glass for Emergency Glazing near me.
Emergency glazing is a temporary or permanent fix to secure your property after glass has been broken. What you’ll need depends on the situation:
1. Temporary Boarding
- If the glass can’t be replaced immediately, emergency glaziers like Preston Glass and Glazing will usually board up the window or door using plywood panels.
- This keeps the property secure and weatherproof until new glazing is fitted.
- This is often the fastest and safest option right after a break-in.
2. Like-for-Like Replacement
- If possible, the broken glass is replaced with the same type of glazing (e.g., single-glazed, double-glazed, safety glass).
- If it’s a door, shopfront, or critical security area, toughened or laminated glass may be required.
3. Upgraded Security Glazing
- After a break-in, many people choose to upgrade to prevent future incidents:
- Laminated glass – holds together when broken, much harder to smash through.
- Toughened (tempered) glass – stronger than standard glass, shatters into small blunt pieces.
- Polycarbonate or acrylic panels – lightweight, impact-resistant alternatives to glass (often used in high-risk areas).
- For doors and accessible windows, laminated safety glass is usually recommended under UK building and security standards.
4. Insurance Considerations
- Most insurers require that the property is made secure immediately (boarding if needed).
- Permanent replacement should be arranged quickly to maintain cover.
- Keep photos and invoices for your claim.
If the glass was broken accidentally (not a break-in), the situation is a bit simpler because you don’t have to worry about crime scene preservation or urgent security in quite the same way.
Here’s what usually happens:
1. Immediate Safety
- Clear away loose shards if it’s safe to do so.
- Keep children, pets, and anyone barefoot away from the area.
- Wear gloves if handling any pieces of glass.
2. Temporary Securing
- If the glass leaves a hole that compromises safety, security, or weatherproofing:
- Emergency glaziers can board it up with plywood until replacement.
- If it’s just a small crack, you may be able to tape over it as a very short-term measure, but replacement is normally best.
3. Replacement Options
- Like-for-like glass – if it was standard window glass, glaziers will usually just fit the same type.
- Upgraded safety glass – if it’s in a door, patio door, bathroom, or low-level window, building regulations often require toughened or laminated safety glass. Even if not required, many people choose to upgrade for safety.
- Double glazing – if it was a sealed unit, the whole panel will need replacing, not just one sheet.
4. Insurance
- Accidental damage may be covered if your home insurance includes “accidental damage cover.”
- Take photos and keep receipts if you plan to claim.
For ease of use please see our handy guide to deal with your glazing issues after an accident or break-in:
Break-in: Step-by-step
- Stay safe
- If the intruder could still be around, leave and call 999.
- Don’t touch disturbed areas (fingerprints).
- Call the police (as soon as you’re safe)
- For an incident that has already happened and no one’s in danger, call 101.
- Ask for a crime reference number (you’ll need it for insurance).
- Document the damage
- Take wide shots + close-ups of broken glass, frames, locks, and any entry point.
- Make a quick list of stolen/damaged items.
- Secure the property immediately
- Call an emergency glazier for a board-up if the opening isn’t secure/weatherproof.
- If a lock or door was forced or keys were taken, call a locksmith to resecure/rekey.
- Notify your insurer
- Report the claim, provide the crime ref number and photos.
- Ask whether they want to send an approved glazier/locksmith or if you can use your own.
- Keep all invoices and receipts.
- Plan the permanent fix
- Arrange replacement glazing. For entry doors, sidelights, shopfronts and other vulnerable spots, ask for laminated safety glass (better resistance and stays intact if cracked).
- Agree lead time and measurements; confirm whether any frame repairs are needed.
- Follow-ups
- Update your inventory/claim, give any extra info the insurer requests.
- Consider extra security: better locks, window locks, security film, alarms, lighting, cameras.
Accidental damage: Step-by-step
- Make the area safe
- Keep people/pets away, sweep/vacuum carefully (wear gloves/footwear).
- Tape over remaining cracked glass only as a short-term precaution.
- Document it
- Photos of the damage and the whole window/door.
- Check your cover
- Call your insurer only if you have accidental damage cover and you plan to claim.
- Ask if they require an approved contractor.
- Secure the opening (if needed)
- If there’s a hole or it’s not weatherproof, book an emergency board-up.
- Replace the glazing
- For double glazing, the whole sealed unit gets replaced.
- In doors, side panels, bathrooms, and low-level panes, ask for safety glazing (laminated or toughened) as typically required in those locations.
- Confirm measurements and lead time with the glazier.
What to tell the glazier (makes things faster)
- Location & access: upstairs/downstairs, ladder access, parking, shopfront, etc.
- Frame type: uPVC, aluminium, timber.
- Unit type: single pane or double-glazed sealed unit; approx. sizes (measure opening edge-to-edge).
- Safety/spec: ask for laminated in vulnerable/door areas; toughened where appropriate; like-for-like elsewhere.
- Photos: text/email them to get accurate quotes and confirm stock.
If you require further information then don’t hesitate to contact us