What To Do When A Window Breaks
The glass used in residential windows is made of tougher stuff than the drinking glasses in your cupboard. However, sufficient impact can cause that glass to break or even shatter. If you have a window-related accident in your house, it's important that you know what to do. Here are four steps you can follow if a window breaks in your house:
1. Protect yourself and family members.
Your safety is the most important concern. Even if a window appears to only have cracked, there may still be fragments of glass on the floor. Protect your children and pets by sealing off the room, if possible. Put them in another room and close the door. Alert any adults in the household to the possibility of broken glass. You can protect yourself during the cleanup process by making sure you're wearing shoes.
2. Clean up the broken glass.
Getting all the glass off the ground is your first step. Pick up any large pieces of glass. Wrap them in a paper bag or newspaper before placing them in the trash. You want to blunt the sharp edges as much as possible, so you don't accidentally get cut or scratched while taking the trash out. Sweep up any smaller pieces of glass. If you have carpet, a vacuum will be more efficient. Vacuum a larger area that you think is necessary, since shards of glass can travel surprisingly far. If the glass spilled onto a hard surface, you may want to follow up by mopping once.
3. Call a residential glass service.
Next, you'll want to call a residential glass service. They will be able to repair or replace the window that was damaged. Cracked windows can often be repaired without the need to replace the entire pane of glass. If there's a hole in your windowpane, or if the glass was knocked out completely, a replacement is necessary. Use newspaper or plastic bags to cover up the hole in your window until the repairman arrives. This will help you retain your privacy and keep bugs out of the house.
4. Choose more impact resistant glass.
If you do need to replace your window, you might want to consider an upgrade. Choose a more impact resistant glass to minimize future damage. This is especially useful if you live with children who like to horseplay in the house, or if you live in an area that sees a lot of hurricanes and other destructive storms.
For more information, contact companies like Ace Discount Glass & Door.
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