A broken glass door can be alarming, whether it’s due to an accidental impact, extreme weather, or wear and tear. Beyond the initial shock, it’s important to handle the situation safely and efficiently to prevent further damage or injury. Today, we at Rohan Glass Company would like to share what you should do immediately when faced with a broken glass door.
Ensure Safety First
The most important step when dealing with a broken glass door is to prioritize safety. Broken glass can be hazardous, leading to cuts, scrapes, or more severe injuries. Here’s how to stay safe:
Stay calm: Panicking won’t help and could increase the risk of accidents. Take a deep breath and focus on handling the situation systematically.
Clear the area: Ensure that everyone, especially children and pets, stays away from the broken glass. Keep them at a safe distance to avoid accidental injuries.
Wear protective gear: If you need to approach the door to clean or secure it, wear thick gloves, long sleeves, and pants to protect yourself from sharp shards of glass.
Secure the Area
If the breakage is severe and the glass door is no longer intact, you’ll want to secure the area quickly to prevent anyone from accidentally walking into the broken doorframe.
Cover the broken glass: Use thick plastic sheets, cardboard, or a heavy-duty tarp to cover the open space. Secure it with tape or nails to ensure it stays in place. This will help keep debris from scattering further and block off the hazardous area.
Lock the door: If possible, lock the door or close it completely with any makeshift barrier you’ve set up. This will prevent access to the area and keep your home secure until repairs can be made.
Assess the Damage
Once everyone is safe and the area is secured, assess the extent of the damage to determine whether immediate action is needed for repairs or if temporary solutions will suffice.
Check for structural issues: If the door frame or mechanism is also damaged (e.g., a sliding door off its track), it may require more than just a glass replacement. In this case, you might need professional assistance for both glass and door frame repair.
Look for smaller cracks or chips: If the damage is limited to cracks or small chips, temporary solutions like clear adhesive film or tape may prevent further spreading until a professional can handle the repair.
Call a Professional
While some minor glass door repairs can be done DIY, it’s always best to call a professional glass repair service when dealing with a broken door. Glass door repairs require specialized tools and expertise to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.
Contact a glass repair company: Reach out to a reliable glass repair service as soon as possible. Most companies offer emergency services to replace broken glass quickly, especially for exterior doors that are crucial for home security.
Provide details: When calling for repair, describe the type of door (sliding, French, patio) and any other relevant information, such as the extent of the damage or whether the door frame is also affected.
Consider Temporary Solutions
While waiting for a professional to repair the door, consider some temporary measures to secure your home and prevent further damage.
Use weatherproof plastic sheeting: If you have a broken patio or sliding door, applying a weatherproof plastic sheet can help keep out the elements and maintain some level of security. Make sure it’s tightly secured to avoid it blowing away or letting debris in.
Avoid using the door: If the door is still functional but cracked, avoid using it until it’s repaired. Opening and closing the door could worsen the damage.
Schedule the Glass Repair
Once you’ve taken immediate steps to secure the area, it’s time to schedule the repair. Glass door repair can vary in cost and time depending on the type of door and the extent of the damage. The professional repair service will evaluate the damage, provide an estimate, and replace or repair the glass and frame if necessary.
Glass Replacement, Repairs & More in Los Angeles, Burbank, Calabasas, Glendale, Hidden Hills, San Fernando, Sherman Oaks & Greater North Hollywood, California
In a nutshell, handling a broken glass door requires quick action and attention to safety. By securing the area, assessing the damage, and contacting a professional, you can address the issue efficiently and prevent further damage. Remember, while temporary fixes can provide short-term relief, it’s essential to have a qualified expert perform the final repair to restore your door to its original condition. Call Rohan Glass Company for glass door repairs.