What to Do When Your Window Breaks at the Worst Possible Time
Got a call yesterday from someone whose basement window shattered at 11 PM. Hockey puck from the neighbor’s kid. Glass everywhere, freezing air pouring in, and they had no idea what to do first.
It got me thinking – most people have never dealt with a broken window emergency. And when it happens, you’re stressed, it’s probably cold, and you just want to fix it NOW. So here’s what actually helps, from someone who’s seen this situation hundreds of times.
First Things First: Safety and Security
Before you do anything else:
Get everyone (including pets) away from the broken glass. Seriously – glass shards spread further than you think, and they’re sharp enough to go through socks.
If it’s your ground floor or a basement window, you need to secure that opening. A broken window is basically an open door. Even if you’re home, you don’t want that vulnerability overnight.
The Temporary Fix That Actually Works
Here’s what we tell people on emergency calls:
Find some thick cardboard (moving boxes work great) or a piece of plywood if you have it. Tape it INSIDE the window frame – not outside where wind can rip it off. Use lots of duct tape. It looks terrible, but it works.
If glass is still hanging in the frame, don’t try to remove it yourself. That’s how people end up in emergency rooms. Just tape cardboard over it.
Can’t find cardboard? Garbage bags and tape. Multiple layers. Won’t stop the cold perfectly, but it’s better than nothing.
What Actually Counts as an Emergency
Not every broken window needs a 2 AM response. Here’s when you really can’t wait:
Call right away if:
It’s ground level or basement (security issue)
You have kids or pets and can’t keep them away from the glass
It’s a large window and the temperature is dropping fast
Weather is coming in (rain, snow, or we’re talking -20°C outside)
It’s at your business and you can’t secure it properly
Can probably wait until morning if:
It’s a small window on an upper floor
You can seal it off completely from the inside
The room has a door you can close and keep everyone out
Temperature inside is manageable
Being honest here – if you can safely wait until regular business hours, you’ll probably have more options and potentially better pricing. Emergency calls are for actual emergencies.
The Insurance Question Nobody Explains Clearly
Most people’s first question: “Will my insurance cover this?”
Here’s what we see most often:
Home insurance typically covers:
Break-ins or vandalism
Storm damage (hail, wind, flying debris)
Accidents (yes, even the hockey puck scenario)
They usually won’t cover:
Wear and tear (old seal failure, gradual deterioration)
Damage from lack of maintenance
But here’s the thing – even if it’s covered, you often have a deductible. For a small window, it might cost less to just pay out of pocket than file a claim that could affect your rates.
Call your insurance first. Ask the question. Then decide.
Why This Happens More in Calgary Winter
Since we’re talking about Calgary specifically – broken windows spike hard in winter here, and it’s not just the cold.
The real culprits:
Temperature swings. When it goes from -25°C to +5°C in two days (classic Calgary), your window glass is expanding and contracting. If there was already a tiny crack or the seal was weak, that stress can cause a full break.
Snow sliding off roofs. Especially those first warm days after a heavy snowfall.
Ice dams causing water backup that gets into window frames and freezes.
And yeah, sometimes it’s just that your window was old and Calgary winters finally won.
What We Actually Do on Emergency Calls
When someone calls us for a broken window emergency, here’s the realistic timeline:
Immediate response (if we can): We’ll talk you through securing it yourself over the phone. Free advice, no strings attached. Sometimes that’s all you need to get through the night safely.
Same-day or next-day visit: We assess the damage, take measurements, and get you a quote. If it’s a standard size, we might have glass in stock. Custom sizes take a few days.
Temporary vs. permanent: We’ll board it up or do a temporary seal if needed. Then schedule the permanent replacement when the glass comes in.
The reality is – unless you have a truly standard window size, your permanent fix probably isn’t happening instantly. But we can absolutely make your home secure and warm while we get the right glass.
What Actually Matters When Choosing Who to Call
Look for:
Someone who answers the phone. Sounds basic, but you’d be surprised. If they’re not picking up during a supposed “emergency service,” that tells you something.
A real location. Not just a cell phone and a truck. You want accountability.
Clear pricing. Even in an emergency, you should get a straightforward answer about costs.
Red flags:
Pressure to make a decision RIGHT NOW over the phone.
Prices that seem too good to be true (they usually are).
No mention of being insured or licensed.
Vague answers about timeline or process.
The Question I Get Asked Most
“How much is this going to cost?”
Honestly? It depends on so many factors – window size, type of glass, how accessible it is, whether it’s an emergency call, what time of day or night.
A basic single-pane window in a standard size might be a few hundred dollars. A large double-pane energy-efficient window could be over a thousand. Custom shapes or sizes? Even more.
But here’s what I can tell you: Get at least two quotes if it’s not a true emergency. Prices vary a lot between companies, and you should know what’s fair for your specific situation.
The Honest Truth About Emergency Services
Are we available for true emergencies? Yes. Have we helped people at 2 AM when their window broke and they had no other option? Absolutely.
But we’re also going to be straight with you – if your situation can safely wait until business hours, you’ll probably be happier with the result. Better availability, more options, and typically lower costs.
Our job is to help you make the right decision for YOUR situation, not to pressure you into an emergency call when it’s not necessary.
Bottom Line
Broken window? Take a breath. Secure it if you can. Make sure everyone’s safe. Then make the call about whether it truly can’t wait or if morning is okay.
And if you’re reading this at 3 AM with a broken window and freezing air coming in – yeah, call someone. That’s what emergency services are actually for.
Questions? Dealing with a broken window right now? Drop a comment or give us a call. We’re here to help, even if that help is just walking you through what to do until morning.
Jacksonport Glass
Calgary | BBB Accredited
📞 403 558 0427
#CalgaryWindows #HomeEmergency #WindowRepair #YYC #CalgaryWinter #HonestAdvice #EmergencyGlass #CalgaryHomeowners #LocalBusiness
