Broken glass is a safety and security emergency. This guide provides immediate safety steps, temporary board-up instructions, insurance claim documentation advice, and guidance on getting permanent replacement.
Last Updated: March 10, 2026
Follow these steps in order when you discover broken glass. Safety always comes first.
Never attempt to remove large pieces of glass that are still attached to the frame. They can fall unexpectedly, causing severe lacerations. Wait for a professional if the glass is partially intact and unstable.
Before cleaning up, document the damage thoroughly. This documentation is essential for insurance claims and will save you significant time and frustration during the claims process.
Take wide-angle and close-up photos of the damage, the surrounding area, and any related damage (water intrusion, wind damage, property damage from the object that caused the break).
Write down the date, time, and cause of the breakage. Note the type and size of the glass, the window/door location, and any witnesses. For storms, record weather conditions.
For vandalism or break-ins, file a police report and obtain the report number. For storm damage, document the weather event. These records support your insurance claim.
Notify your insurance agent within 24 hours. Many policies have time limits for filing claims. Have your policy number and documentation ready when you call.
If you need to board up the opening yourself before a professional arrives, follow these instructions. Remember: board-up is a temporary solution -- permanent glass replacement should follow as soon as possible.
Different causes of glass breakage require different responses. Here are the most common scenarios and specific guidance for each.
Wait for the storm to pass before attempting board-up. Cover interior openings with tarps to prevent water damage. Document the weather event for insurance. Storm damage claims typically have no deductible in some policies.
Call 911 first. Do not enter the property until police clear it. File a police report immediately -- your insurance claim will require the report number. Document all damage before touching anything.
Common cause: children playing, lawn mower debris, falling tree branches. Document the cause and damage. Standard homeowner insurance typically covers this under dwelling coverage minus deductible.
Tempered glass can spontaneously shatter due to nickel sulfide inclusions or edge damage. This is not caused by impact and is identifiable by the uniform small cube fragmentation pattern. Document and photograph the breakage pattern.
If a vehicle struck the building, call 911 for structural assessment. Do not enter the building until cleared by authorities. Obtain the other party insurance information and police report for claims.
Cracks that start at the glass edge and move inward without impact are caused by thermal stress. Not an emergency unless the glass is in a safety zone, but replacement should be scheduled promptly before the crack spreads.
Expert Glass Repair offers emergency response throughout the DMV area. For board-up services, we typically arrive within 1-2 hours during business hours and within 2-4 hours after hours. Emergency calls are prioritized based on safety risk -- a ground-floor broken window with security concerns receives the fastest response. Call us at (703) 679-7741 for immediate assistance.
You can safely clean up broken glass with proper precautions: wear thick leather gloves and closed-toe shoes, use a broom and dustpan (never bare hands) for large pieces, and press damp paper towels over the area to pick up tiny fragments. Dispose of glass in a thick cardboard box or double-bagged heavy garbage bag, clearly labeled. If the glass is tempered (small cubes), cleanup is easier and safer. If the glass broke into large dangerous shards (annealed), exercise extreme caution and consider waiting for professionals.
Most homeowner and commercial property insurance policies cover glass breakage caused by sudden events (storms, vandalism, accidents, break-ins) under the dwelling or building coverage section. Emergency board-up is typically covered as a reasonable step to prevent further damage (mitigation). Standard deductibles apply unless you have a separate glass breakage endorsement. Document everything with photos and keep all receipts. We work with all major insurance companies and can provide the documentation needed for your claim.
During an active storm: keep everyone away from the broken window area, close interior doors to contain wind and water, and cover the opening with heavy plastic sheeting or a tarp secured with duct tape as a temporary barrier. Do not attempt to board up the opening during dangerous weather conditions. Once the storm passes, board up the opening properly or call for emergency board-up service. Document all damage with photos for your insurance claim before making any temporary repairs.
Plastic sheeting (such as 6-mil polyethylene) is adequate as a very temporary barrier against rain and wind for a few hours. However, it does not provide security against intruders, will not withstand strong winds, and is not acceptable for extended periods. For overnight or multi-day temporary coverage, 1/2-inch plywood is the standard board-up material. It provides security, weather protection, and structural support. We carry pre-cut plywood boards for common window sizes on our service vehicles.
For your insurance claim, document the following: photos of the damage from multiple angles before any cleanup, the date and time of the incident, the cause of the breakage (storm, vandalism, accident), a description of the damaged glass (type, size, location), any police report number (for vandalism or break-ins), receipts for emergency board-up services, and the estimate or invoice for permanent glass replacement. Contact your insurance agent within 24 hours of the incident. Many policies have time limits for filing claims.
We provide 24/7 emergency board-up and glass repair throughout Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland. Fast response, professional service, and insurance claim assistance included.
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