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Emergency Window Repairs: What to Do If Your Window Breaks

September 2, 2025 Steve Sherbourne

Windows are one of the most important features of any home, they let in light, keep out the weather, and help protect your property. Accidents and unexpected events can happen at any time. From a stray football in the garden to a burglary attempt, a broken window can leave you feeling vulnerable and unsure of what to do next.

In these situations, knowing how to respond quickly is essential for both your safety and peace of mind. In this guide, we’ll explain the steps to take if your window breaks and how emergency window repair services, like those offered by Windrush Doors and Windows, can help restore your home’s security.

Step 1: Stay Safe and Assess the Damage

The first priority when a window breaks is safety. Broken glass can cause serious injuries, so it’s important to keep children and pets away from the affected area. If the glass is shattered or cracked, wear protective gloves before handling any pieces and avoid touching sharp edges.

Next, take a moment to assess the extent of the damage:

  • Is the glass completely shattered or just cracked?
  • Is the window frame damaged, or is it only the pane?
  • Is the break compromising the security of your home?

This assessment will help you decide what immediate action is needed.

Step 2: Secure Your Home

Once you’ve checked the damage, you’ll need to make sure your property is secure. A broken window can be an open invitation to intruders as well as a source of drafts and water ingress.

Here are  some quick steps you can take while waiting for professional window repairs:

  • Remove any loose shards of glass to prevent injury.
  • Use a strong piece of cardboard, plywood, or heavy-duty plastic sheeting to cover the opening.
  • Secure the temporary covering with strong tape or nails if necessary.

This makeshift solution isn’t a replacement for professional repair but will give you short-term peace of mind until an expert can attend.

Step 3: Call an Emergency Window Repair Specialist

DIY fixes are only temporary. For lasting results and restored safety, you’ll need the help of professionals. At Windrush Doors and Windows, we provide a dedicated emergency domestic window repair service, ensuring that your home is quickly secured and repaired.

Our expert team can:

  • Respond promptly to emergency callouts.
  • Secure your property to prevent further risks.
  • Carry out repairs or advise on replacements if needed.

Having a trusted repair service available means you don’t have to face stressful situations alone.

two men fixing a window

Step 4: Consider Whether a Repair or Replacement is Needed

Not all window damage can be fixed with a simple repair. In some cases, a full replacement may be the more effective and long-term solution, especially if the frame is damaged or the glazing has suffered significant impact.

At Windrush Doors and Windows, we’ll always assess your situation and recommend the best course of action. If replacement is necessary, our window installation services provide high-quality, secure, and energy-efficient solutions tailored to your home.

Step 5: Maintain Your Windows to Prevent Future Issues

While emergencies can’t always be avoided, regular care and maintenance can help reduce the risk of unexpected problems. Keeping your windows in good condition ensures they last longer and perform more efficiently.

Simple maintenance steps include:

  1. Checking for signs of wear in the seals and frames.
  2. Cleaning tracks and hinges to ensure smooth operation.
  3. Inspecting glass for small cracks before they worsen.

For more tips, see our window maintenance guide.

A broken window can be stressful, but by acting quickly and calling in experts, you can secure your home and restore peace of mind. 

Remember these key steps:

  • Prioritise safety.
  • Secure the area temporarily.
  • Contact professionals for reliable emergency window repair.
  • Consider whether repair or replacement is the best option.
  • Stay proactive with regular maintenance.

At Windrush Doors and Windows, we pride ourselves on providing fast, efficient, and reliable window repairs across Oxfordshire and beyond. Whether it’s an urgent fix or a planned replacement, our team is here to help keep your home safe, secure, and comfortable.

This June Windrush installed 39 Pvcu windows to our student accommodation block at Rewley Abbey Court. The work required them to install the windows while residents were in occupation, some with young children. Windrush carried out a full risk and method statement and appraisal to carry out the works in a safe manner with multi-occupation to consider. Full scaffolding and access booms were used with everything being alarmed and fenced off with appropriate signage in place. The Windrush team involved had all the necessary accreditation holding CSCS cards, asbestos awareness trained, CRB checked etc. The windows were as per our requested specification with Windrush being the most competitive out of the competition. The College are very pleased with all aspects of the work carried out and will be using Windrush on our future projects.

Steve Williams, Buildings and Estates

Green Templeton College, Oxford

Windrush have installed new pvcu patio doors in the residents homes on site. The window installers being friendly and polite and having a nice demeanour and getting on well with the residents. The work was carried out in a professional manor with their work being clean and tidy all with an insurance baked guarantee. I would have no hesitation in recommending them to others.

Alex Jordan, Site Manager

Swinbrook Court, Langdale Gate, retirement and sheltered housing, Witney, Oxon

I would just like to say that I was very impressed by the two young men who came to do the windows yesterday, they were very efficient, had impeccable manners and they cleared up after themselves which was a joy.

Windrush serviced two Velux windows and re-glazed with new sealed units, re-glazed a bedroom window with three sealed units, and re-glazed a conservatory upgrading sealed units to “Low E Argon” gas and thermal bar

Emma Sadler

Yew Tree Farm, Abingdon Road

During the School holidays the Windrush team carried out window adaption works for the School. Windrush installed remote window winding equipment to our high level windows that have been a health and safety issue with pupils and staff standing on chairs to open. I can recommend Windrush for their professional approach, competitive pricing and ability to accommodate our requirements during a busy time with many other trades on site. They were willing to change their work schedule to accommodate changing circumstances on site.

Neil Baker, Estates Manager

St Helen & St Katherine School, Abingdon, Oxon

Windrush recently attended our Academy and replaced damaged window hinges and handles with great success. The Windrush Team who carried the work out were very professional with the work being carried out during normal School hours. The Health and Safety aspect being covered with the adoption of measures from their risk assessment and method statement being carried out.

Steve Bryan, Estates Team

The Oxford Academy, Sandy Lane, Oxford

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"The ongoing repeat business we receive is testament to our hard work and dedication in providing our home and business customers with the best possible window and door solutions, tailored to meet their exact needs. No two jobs are the same and we treat all our customers as valued individuals."
Steve Sherbourne, Managing Director

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