Emergency Glass Repairs: What to Do When Disaster Strikes

Glass façades and panels offer elegance, light, and a modern edge to any building. But when the unexpected happens — whether it's accidental damage, extreme weather, or vandalism — broken or damaged glass becomes more than just an inconvenience. It’s a safety risk, a security concern, and potentially a major disruption to your operations.

At Glass Aftercare, we understand that time is of the essence. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to follow when a glass panel is damaged.

Step 1: Secure the Area

The first priority is safety. Broken glass can cause serious injuries, so it’s vital to act quickly:

• Clear the immediate area of staff, customers, or passersby.

• Use barriers or signage to keep people away from the hazard.

• Avoid touching any loose glass or attempting a temporary fix yourself — this can make the situation worse.

If the damage is at height or in a public-facing area, further precautions may be needed to prevent falling glass or debris.

Step 2: Assess the Damage (But Don't Take Risks)

From small cracks to complete shattering, not all glass damage is immediately obvious in terms of risk. If safe to do so, take photos of the damage for insurance or building management records, and note whether it’s a structural panel, door, or internal partition.

However, never put yourself in danger to inspect high or unstable panels. That’s a job for professionals.

Step 3: Call an Expert Emergency Repair Service

Not all glass repair companies are equipped to handle emergency callouts — especially for specialist systems or façades. Make sure you choose a provider who offers:

• 24/7 response

• Experience with commercial glazing systems

• Accredited technicians

• Access to temporary solutions, such as emergency boarding or sealing

At Glass Aftercare, our emergency response team is trained to act fast, stabilise the site, and begin the repair process with minimal disruption.

Step 4: Temporary Measures and Site Safety

While a permanent fix may take time (especially for bespoke glass panels), professional emergency teams can secure the site quickly with:

• Boarding or bracing the affected area

• Debris removal

• Temporary sealing to protect from weather or intrusion

Our team always provides a clear, detailed assessment of what’s needed next — and how soon we can get your building back to full strength.

Step 5: Plan for Permanent Repair

Once the immediate risk is dealt with, it’s time to look ahead:

• Glass replacement timelines vary depending on the type, size, and finish of the panel.

• We’ll coordinate closely with your facilities or property management team to manage the replacement process from start to finish.

Our aftercare isn’t just in the name — it’s in how we work. We provide ongoing support, updates, and advice every step of the way.

Don't Wait Until It Happens: Be Prepared

Emergencies are unpredictable but your response doesn't have to be. Having a trusted glass maintenance partner in place means you’ll know exactly who to call when something goes wrong.

If you’d like this turned into a downloadable checklist or need a version tailored for a specific sector, just let me know!