Arriving at your business premises to find a smashed window is never convenient. The priority is to secure the property and make it safe. Then you’ll need to arrange emergency repairs as quickly as possible.
You should document the damage and find an emergency commercial glazing company that can board up or replace the glass.
Immediate Steps to Take
Once you know that the area is safe, including being sure that any intruders are gone, assess the area. Broken glass can spread across entrances and pavements, so take care stepping inside. If the damage looks linked to a break-in, avoid touching anything unnecessarily.
The next priority is securing the premises. A smashed window leaves the property exposed. Temporary boarding is usually the fastest solution and protects the opening until a full repair can take place. For example, our emergency boarding up service secures the site quickly. We can then arrange your permanent repairs.
If there are signs of forced entry or theft, contact the police straight away. You’ll probably need an official record for any insurance claims. Make sure to keep the crime reference number.
Take clear photos of the broken window and the surrounding area. Include any missing items. Close-up and wide shots will show the full extent of the damage.
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Call Us For Emergency Glazing NowEmergency Commercial Glazing: What Happens Next
Once your property is secured, you need to arrange a permanent repair. You need a glazing company that can respond quickly and handle both temporary and long-term fixes (for example, Able Group is available 24/7. We offer glazing and shop front repair too).
A good emergency commercial glazing service should include:
- Boarding up damaged windows and doors
- Measuring for replacement glass
- Installing new shopfront or commercial glazing
- Making the area safe for staff and customers
Arranging Repairs Quickly
Commercial glass is often made to size and cannot always be fitted immediately. Same-day replacement may be possible. But shopfronts and businesses usually need custom-made units. So, in most cases, boarding is first. The glazers then return for full replacement.
While damage is never ideal, it is an opportunity to choose new glass. Toughened glass is widely used due to its strength and safe break pattern. Laminated glass adds an extra layer of security and holds together when shattered.
A good glazier will recommend the best option based on your premises and how the space is used.
Read: Understanding shop front glazing regulations
How This Affects Your Business
A damaged window creates an immediate security risk. Even after the initial incident, unsecured glass risks further attempts at break-in or vandalism. Moving quickly reduces that risk.
There may also be a disruption to your business too. You might need to delay opening or restrict access to part of the premises. Unless the damage is severe, most businesses can continue once the area is made safe.
Prompt repairs keep your business’s appearance professional.
Insurance and Legal Considerations
It’s likely your commercial insurance policies will cover accidental damage and vandalism. You’ll need to evidence the damage. If it’s a criminal act, you’ll need to make a police report and show invoices for any repair work, if the insurance company isn’t arranging this.
Preventing Future Incidents
While not all damage can be avoided, there are ways to reduce the risk. Getting laminated or toughened glass can make a difference, as both are more resistant to impact.
Improving external lighting can also help. Well-lit areas are less attractive to vandals. Installing visible CCTV systems is a good deterrent. They also provide evidence if an incident occurs.
Regular glazing checks are another useful step. Small issues such as minor cracks or weakened seals can make glass more vulnerable over time.
Choosing the Right Commercial Glazing Service
Even if it hasn’t happened yet, have the number of an emergency glazier handy. Able Group offers a 24-hour emergency response, has a dedicated service for commercial properties, and offers both boarding up and replacement glass services.
Need Urgent Help with a Smashed Window?
If your business has been affected overnight, choose a fast and reliable response. Our professional glazing service is available 24/7, can secure your property and arrange a full repair without delay. Get in touch today to see how we can help you.
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Contact Our Glazing Team TodayHow quickly can a smashed shop window be fixed?
With Able Group, temporary boarding is usually done within a couple of hours. Full replacement depends on the type of glass and availability.
Do I need to close my business after a broken window?
If the area is made safe and secure, trading can continue - depending on the nature of your business. You may need to check with your insurance.
Is boarding up enough for insurance purposes?
Your insurance will give specific details but, in most cases, insurers expect you to secure the property quickly. Boarding up is a standard solution.
What type of glass is best for commercial properties?
Laminated glass is often better for safety. When it smashes, the laminate holds it together. Toughened glass is widely used for general applications. There are specific regulations around shop front glass-types.
Can smashed glass be repaired instead of replaced?
Fully shattered glass will need to be replaced. It might be tempting to try to repair chips or cracks, but these can damage the integrity of the glass, leading to failure later.
Can a commercial glazier attend the same day?
Able emergency glazing services attend the same day, and within 30-90 minutes where possible. Full replacement may take longer, depending on the glass required. Shop front and commercial glass is often a customised size.
What is temporary boarding, and how long does it last?
Boarding is a short-term solution used to secure an opening. Wooden boards are strong and secure. They remain in place until the new glass is ready for installation.
