A broken storefront window is a setback on many levels – from insurance, to concerns about security for your property and employees, to scheduling a repair and dealing with the police. You may even have to close your business temporarily and send employees home until the opening is repaired.
But you can reduce the headache of these incidents by knowing what to do, if and when you have the misfortune of dealing with a broken window or glass storefront.
Common Causes of Commercial Glass Damage
Broken glass doors and windows can be caused by:
- Break-ins and attempted theft
- Severe weather, such as high winds or hail
- Accidental impacts from equipment or vehicles
- Stress cracks from temperature changes
Understanding the cause helps determine whether a repair will solve the problem, or if a full replacement is necessary.
5 Steps for Dealing with a Broken Glass Emergency
1. Close the Affected Area
Whether glass falls inside or outside of the property, you probably need to cordon off the area for safety until all the broken glass is cleaned up. You may also need to put up plastic sheeting or board up the opening, depending on weather conditions and other factors, until help arrives.
2. Call the Police
If your storefront glass or window was damaged by vandalism or during a break-in, call the police right away. Did the act occur while the premises were occupied? Get names and contact information so that these individuals can serve as witnesses if need be. By all means, make a police report for insurance purposes, and also, because you want to alert local law enforcement if someone is breaking into local businesses. For off-hour break-ins, have law enforcement check the building before you or anyone else goes inside in case someone dangerous is still lurking about.
3. Contact Your Insurance
If your glass was broken by a tree branch or in another type of accident, you probably need only contact your insurer and then follow the instructions about scheduling a repair. Be sure you contact a company that is equipped to deliver emergency repair service. For safety and security reasons, you want the glass fixed ASAP.
4. Arrange Cleanup
Glass cleanup can be risky, so don’t expect just any of your employees to assist. If you have experienced cleaning staff equipped with gloves, closed-toe shoes and proper equipment, they may be able to handle the job. If not, you should ask your glass repair contractor how to handle the cleanup, including where to dispose of the broken glass. Don’t allow customers to help.
5. Notify Employees and Customers
These days, you can also alert the public via social media if you need to be closed for whatever reason until the glass is repaired. Be sure to notify your employees about any needed work schedule revisions.
Repair vs Replacement: What to Expect
Emergency service often begins with a temporary board-up to secure your property. From there, a technician may recommend either a quick glass repair or a complete commercial glass replacement. Many businesses choose to upgrade to security glass installation during replacement, adding both protection and peace of mind for the future.
Preventing Future Emergencies
While no business can avoid every incident, preventive measures can reduce risks:
- Install tempered or laminated security glass
- Schedule regular inspections of windows and doors
- Ensure door hardware and frames are properly maintained
- Arrange for expert repair or replacement to ensure the safety of your business