The unexpected sound of shattering glass is a fast way to ruin your day. Whether it’s caused by a backyard ball game or severe weather, a broken window must be handled safely.  The glass replacement experts at Woodburn Radiator & Glass have some helpful tips you should follow for an injury-free cleanup.

Secure the Area

Seal off the space around the broken window to keep everyone out of harm’s way, especially children and pets. If you plan to file an insurance claim, take pictures of the damage before you start cleaning.

Assess the Damage

Thoroughly survey the area. Glass shards can fly several feet away from the accident. Scan the window frame and sill for dangling or loose glass fragments, and the floor and all nearby furniture for shards and chips.

Start the Clean-Up

Before you begin cleaning, put on a pair of thick work gloves. Pick up the largest pieces of glass first and wrap them in newspaper before placing them in a thick trash bag. Next, vacuum the smaller shards and glass dust; work carefully and clean in overlapping strokes to pick up hard-to-see debris. Do not use a broom because it will scatter fine pieces of glass throughout your house. After you’ve removed all visible traces of glass, go over the area with a wet, disposable mopping cloth or towel to collect any dust and fibers the vacuum didn’t pick up. When you’re finished, dispose of the glass, towels, and vacuum debris in an outdoor trash container.

Stabilize the Widow

You will need to call a window repair specialist as soon as possible to fix the damage. If the broken window occurs after business hours or you have to wait for a service appointment, you will need to stabilize the window. Seal the window with a tarp, plastic sheeting or plywood. If most of the pane is missing, remove the remaining pieces of glass before sealing the area.

Repair the Window

Consult a window repair service to learn about your replacement options. The specialist will help you determine what types of glass and protective features are right for your home.

Woodburn Radiator & Glass are one of the most trusted commercial and residential window installation contractors in Marion County and the surrounding areas. They specialize in both commercial and residential glass repairs as well as auto glass service. Call (503) 982-3421 to request a quote for your broken window repair and visit their website for more details about their custom glass services.