Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety

When a window breaks, your first instinct might be panic. But take a breath and check for the most important thing: safety.

Watch for Broken Glass

• Keep children and pets away from the area
• Avoid walking barefoot near the breakage
• Don’t touch or attempt to remove large shards without gloves

Step 2: Identify the Cause of the Breakage

Understanding how the window broke helps determine whether further risks are present.

• Storm damage or strong winds
• Accidents from sports, furniture movement, or kids at play
• Vandalism or attempted break-ins
• Thermal stress or structural issues in older buildings

If the damage was caused by a break-in or vandalism, call Toronto Police immediately to file a report—especially if it’s a storefront or commercial property.

Step 3: Secure the Area

Before calling for help, make sure your home or business is not exposed to additional damage or theft.

• Close doors leading to the room with the broken window
• Lock other windows and doors
• Place a sign or barrier (like furniture) in front of the damaged window

• Move valuables or inventory away from the broken window
• If the break is on the front of the building, place signage to alert customers
• Use metal grates or boards if available

Temporary glass damage doesn’t mean your security should be compromised. Acting fast minimizes your liability and protects your space.

Step 4: Perform Temporary Fixes to Cover the Broken Window

While waiting for a professional emergency glass replacement team to arrive, you can take some simple steps to secure the broken area.

• Thick plastic sheeting (like contractor-grade garbage bags)
• Duct tape or packing tape
• Plywood sheets
• Cardboard
• Towels or blankets to seal small openings temporarily

How to Cover a Broken Window Safely:

• Use gloves and thick-soled shoes
• Remove loose shards (carefully)
• Tape the cracks if glass is still in the frame
• Cover the hole with cardboard or plastic and tape it securely
• For larger holes, board up with plywood

These quick fixes won’t restore insulation or protection fully, but they do reduce exposure to rain, wind, and trespassers.

Step 5: Call a 24/7 Emergency Glass Repair Service in Toronto

A temporary patch is only a stopgap. To fully secure and restore your property, professional glass repair is essential.

• Weatherproofing – Toronto’s unpredictable climate can worsen damage quickly
• Security – A broken window leaves your property vulnerable to theft or vandalism
• Insurance – Delaying professional help may affect your claim coverage
• Peace of mind – Knowing experts are en route allows you to relax

If you're in the GTA, contact our team at WindowsGlassRepair.com for 24/7 emergency service. We offer same-day emergency repairs, board-ups, and full glass replacement solutions for both residential and commercial clients.

If you're in the GTA, contact our team at WindowsGlassRepair.com for 24/7 emergency service. We offer same-day emergency repairs, board-ups, and full glass replacement solutions for both residential and commercial clients.

For further reading on how to protect your property after emergencies, visit the Government of Canada emergency preparedness guide.

Step 6: Take Photos and Document the Damage for Insurance

This step is often overlooked in the chaos, but it’s crucial for smooth insurance processing.

• Wide-angle shot of the full window damage
• Close-ups of broken glass
• Any related damage (rain-soaked floor, stolen items, etc.)
• Temporary fixes you’ve done

Step 7: Contact Your Insurance Provider (If Applicable)

Depending on how the damage occurred, your homeowner’s, renters, or commercial insurance might cover repair costs.

• Breakage due to storm, vandalism, or burglary
• Damage affecting other property (like water damage or stolen inventory)
• If repair costs exceed your deductible

Be sure to file the claim within 24–48 hours, as many providers have strict deadlines.

Step 8: Choose the Right Emergency Glass Company in the GTA

Not all glass repair companies offer the same level of service. In an emergency, you need someone who is fast, reliable, and knows the local area well.

• 24/7 Availability – True emergency service means any time, day or night
• Local Expertise – Teams familiar with Toronto neighborhoods respond faster
• Full-Service Options – Board-up, repair, replacement, and cleanup
• Upfront Pricing – Transparent quotes, no hidden charges
• Licensed & Insured – Protect yourself by hiring certified professionals
• Positive Reviews – Check Google or Homestars for feedback

Need help now? Call Windows Glass Repair Toronto — serving Toronto, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, and surrounding areas with 24/7 emergency response.