Emergency Window Broken? Here's What Toronto Homeowners Should Do (24/7 Guide)
It's 2 AM. You wake to the sound of breaking glass. Whether it's from a storm, an accident, or an intruder, a broken window needs immediate attention. As Toronto's 24/7 emergency window service, we've helped hundreds of homeowners through this stressful situation.
1Immediate Safety Steps (First 5 Minutes)
1. Ensure Everyone's Safety
- If break-in suspected, call 911 first
- Move family members away from broken glass
- Keep pets confined to safe area
- Turn on lights to assess damage
2. Document Everything
- Take photos from multiple angles (for insurance)
- Note the time and cause
- Save any objects that caused damage
- Don't clean up yet - insurance may need to see
3. Prevent Further Damage
- Clear glass from high-traffic areas (wear shoes!)
- If raining, place buckets to catch water
- Move furniture and valuables away
- Cover area with tarp if available
2Temporary Fixes Until Professional Help Arrives
Small Breaks (Under 6 inches)
Materials needed:
- Heavy-duty clear tape
- Plastic sheet or garbage bag
- Duct tape
Steps:
- 1Apply clear tape in X pattern over crack
- 2Cover entire window with plastic
- 3Seal edges with duct tape
- 4This holds for 24-48 hours maximum
Large Breaks or Missing Panes
Materials needed:
- Plywood or thick cardboard
- Drill or hammer
- Screws or nails
- Weatherstripping tape
Steps:
- 1Measure the window opening
- 2Cut material 2 inches larger than opening
- 3Apply weatherstripping to edges
- 4Secure from inside if possible
- 5Seal all gaps to prevent water entry
Winter Emergency Considerations
Toronto winters add urgency:
- • Indoor temperature drops 5°F per hour with broken window
- • Pipes near window can freeze in 4-6 hours
- • Use space heater (safely) in affected room
- • Close interior doors to contain heat loss
3When to Call for Emergency Service
Call Immediately If:
- Ground floor window (security risk)
- Bedroom or bathroom window
- Large opening (over 2 square feet)
- Multiple windows damaged
- Frame damage visible
- Winter temperatures
- Rain or snow forecasted
Can Wait Until Morning If:
- Small crack only
- Upper floor window
- Garage or shed window
- Secure temporary fix in place
- Mild weather conditions
What Emergency Window Service Includes
Our 24/7 Response Provides:
- Arrival within 2 hours
(GTA coverage)
- Professional board-up
(secure, weatherproof)
- Glass cleanup (safe disposal)
- Damage assessment (frame, sill inspection)
- Insurance documentation (detailed report)
- Quote for permanent repair (no obligation)
Emergency Service Rates:
Often covered by insurance
Toronto-Specific Resources
Emergency Contacts:
Where to Buy Emergency Supplies:
- • 24-hour Home Depot locations
- • Canadian Tire (open until 9 PM)
- • Most Walmart locations
- • Corner hardware stores
Real Emergency Stories
Winter Storm in North York
"Tree branch went through our bedroom window at 3 AM during the ice storm. TigerDoors arrived in 45 minutes, boarded it up, and had new window installed next day."
- Jennifer K.
Break-in Attempt in East York
"Someone tried breaking in while we were on vacation. Neighbor called TigerDoors who secured it immediately and worked with our insurance."
- Raj S.
Baseball Accident in Etobicoke
"Kids were playing and ball went through our front window. TigerDoors cleaned up the glass safely and had it fixed same week."
- Maria G.
The Bottom Line
A broken window is stressful but manageable. Your priorities are:
- 1Safety first
- 2Secure the opening
- 3Document everything
- 4Call professionals
Remember: temporary fixes are just that - temporary. Proper repair ensures your home's security, efficiency, and value.
Need Emergency Help Right Now?
Call TigerWindowsDoors 24/7 Emergency Line
(416) 555-1234