Emergency Window Repairs: Tips on What to Do When Disaster Strikes

Whether it's a sudden storm, an accident, or a break-in, knowing how to handle window emergencies is essential for the safety and security of every Canadian homeowner.

That’s why knowing how to handle window emergencies, from mitigating damage to taking proactive steps to improve your home's energy efficiency, is essential for homeowners across the country.

Common Window Emergencies

Windows can face a wide range of emergencies and issues that require immediate attention. Here are some of the most common window emergencies:

• Broken Glass: Accidents happen, and broken glass can pose a serious safety hazard. Whether it's a baseball accidentally thrown through a window or a falling object, broken glass needs immediate attention to prevent injury.
• Storm Damage: Severe weather events like storms, hurricanes, or hailstorms can cause extensive damage to windows. High winds and flying debris can shatter glass or damage the window frame, compromising your home's integrity.
• Burglary or Break-In: If your home is targeted by burglars, your windows may be damaged during the break-in. Broken or shattered windows need immediate repair to secure your home.
• Cracked or Chipped Glass: Small cracks or chips in your window glass might not seem like an emergency, but they can lead to bigger problems if left unattended, including compromising your home's energy efficiency and security.

What to Do When Your Window Is Damaged

When faced with a damaged window, it's essential to act swiftly to ensure the safety and security of your home and family. Here's what you should do when your window is damaged:

• Ensure Safety: If there is broken glass, ensure that everyone in your household is safe and away from the damaged area. If necessary, block off the area to prevent accidents.
• Assess the Damage: Carefully assess the extent of the damage. Determine if it's a minor issue like a small crack or a major problem like shattered glass or a damaged frame.
• Secure Your Home: If the window damage is a result of a break-in or storm, it's crucial to secure your home. You can use boards, plywood, or plastic sheeting to cover the damaged area temporarily.

Navigating Emergency Window Repairs

When you're dealing with a window emergency, it's natural to have several questions about the best course of action.

Is a Cracked Window an Emergency?

A window that has even a small crack should not be overlooked, as such cracks can weaken the structural strength of the window, diminish its energy efficiency, and present a potential safety hazard.

While it may not require as immediate attention as shattered glass, a cracked window needs to be mended swiftly to avoid exacerbating the damage.

Who Should I Call About a Broken Window?

In the event of an urgent need for window repair, your best bet is to get in touch with a company specializing in professional window repair or replacement. These experts have the necessary knowledge, equipment, and materials to evaluate the extent of the damage and devise effective remedies.

In certain situations, such as after a burglary or significant storm damage, you might also need to liaise with local law enforcement or your insurance provider.

How Long Can You Go with a Cracked Window?

It's not advisable to leave a cracked window unattended for an extended period, since even a small crack can allow drafts, moisture, and pests to enter your home. Additionally, it can compromise the security of your home.

As a temporary measure, you can seal the crack with clear tape or apply a window film, but it's essential to schedule repairs as soon as possible.

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Window Repairs: Scheduling Your Home Energy Audit

Apart from addressing immediate window emergencies, it's also vital to prepare your home for extreme weather conditions. This is where a home energy audit with Canadian Choice Windows and Doors becomes crucial.

At Canadian Choice, we offer comprehensive home energy audits to assess your home's energy efficiency and identify areas that need improvement. We will investigate a variety of aspects when it comes to your home’s safety and energy efficiency, including:

• Improved Energy Efficiency: Extreme weather conditions, whether it's frigid cold or scorching heat, can lead to high energy bills if your home is not properly insulated. A home energy audit from Canadian Choice can pinpoint areas where energy is being wasted, allowing you to make targeted improvements to your windows, doors, and insulation.
• Enhanced Comfort: Extreme weather can make your home uncomfortable if it's not well-insulated. A home energy audit can help you identify drafts and areas where heat or cool air is escaping, allowing you to maintain a more comfortable indoor environment.
• Energy Savings: By addressing energy inefficiencies identified in the audit, you can reduce your energy consumption, leading to significant savings on your utility bills over time. This is not only environmentally responsible, but also economically beneficial.
• Preventative Measures: A home energy audit can identify potential issues with your windows and doors before they become emergencies. By proactively addressing these issues, you can prevent costly repairs down the road.

At the end of the day, when disaster strikes, prompt action can protect your home and loved ones. Additionally, a home energy audit with Canadian Choice Windows and Doors can help you prepare for extreme weather, reduce energy costs, and enhance the overall comfort and security of your home.

Don't wait until disaster strikes or your energy bills skyrocket: schedule a home energy audit today with Canadian Choice Windows and Doors and take the first step towards a safer, more energy-efficient home.

Contact our team at Canadian Choice today to schedule your home energy audit and ensure your home is prepared for extreme weather conditions. Your comfort, safety, and energy savings are just a phone call away.