Broken Window in Jacksonville? What to Do Right Now and How Fast It Can Be Fixed

A broken window is stressful, and it can be dangerous. There’s glass on the floor, a gap in your home’s protection, and in Jacksonville, there’s often heat, humidity, or rain coming through the opening. The good news is that a few simple steps can keep everyone safe and protect your home until help arrives. Here’s what to do first, and what to expect when you call a glass company in Jacksonville, FL.

If you think someone broke in, don’t go inside. Move to a safe place and call 911.

First: Keep People Safe

• Keep children and pets away from the area, including from small shards that can travel across a room.
• Wear sturdy shoes, not socks or bare feet, if you need to walk nearby.
• Don’t touch pieces still in the frame. Loose or cracked glass can fall unexpectedly.
• Don’t lean over the opening or reach through jagged edges.

Second: Secure the Opening

A temporary cover helps keep out rain, insects, heat, and humidity, and gives you some security.

1. Put on thick gloves and safety glasses if you have them.
2. Clear larger pieces of glass carefully, if it’s safe to do so.
3. Cover the opening with heavy plastic sheeting, cardboard, or a thin board.
4. Secure it with strong tape or fasteners on the frame.

Think of this as a short-term fix, not a repair.

Third: Clean Up Safely

• Pick up larger pieces by hand with gloves, and place them in a sturdy box or thick bag.
• Pick up small slivers with a damp paper towel or a piece of tape.
• Sweep carefully, then check carpets, rugs, and pet areas for slivers.
• Label the container so no one is hurt when it’s handled later.

If the damage is extensive or the glass is hard to reach safely, leave it to a professional.

Fourth: Document the Damage

Take photos or video of the window, the surrounding area, and any damaged belongings before you clean up. If an incident like a storm, accident, or break-in caused the damage, this helps with insurance. Note when you noticed the damage and what happened.

Fifth: Call a Glass Company

Having this information ready speeds things up:

• Your address and which window is broken
• Approximate size, and whether it’s a single or double pane unit
• Whether the frame is damaged
• Whether the window is on an upper floor or hard to reach
• Whether the opening is secured, and whether there’s a security concern
• Your availability and best contact number

Photos can help a company assess the job from a distance.

How Fast Can It Be Fixed?

Timing depends on several factors, and a good company will give you a realistic estimate once they understand your window.

Often Quicker

• Standard-sized, single-pane glass is more likely to be in stock or easy to source.
• Easy access to the window reduces labor time.
• Early-in-the-day calls give a company more time to schedule and complete the work.

Often Takes Longer

• Insulated double-pane units are typically made to order, which can add days.
• Tempered, laminated, tinted, or specialty glass may need to be ordered.
• Custom sizes or shapes require fabrication.
• Frame damage may need repair before new glass can be installed.
• High demand after storms can lengthen scheduling.

Ask whether the company can provide a temporary board-up if the permanent glass will take a few days.

What a Good Glass Company Will Do

• Ask clear questions about the damage
• Give you an honest estimate of timing and cost
• Offer a temporary solution if needed
• Explain whether repair or replacement makes sense
• Install new glass properly, seal it, and clean up afterward

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting too long and letting water or pests get in
• Leaving broken shards where kids or pets can reach them
• Skipping photos before cleanup
• Trying to remove large cracked pieces without protection
• Assuming a quick tape job is a lasting fix

Final Thoughts

Start with safety, cover the opening, document the damage, and call a glass company with clear information. Most standard window repairs can move quickly, while specialty or made-to-order glass takes a little longer, and a temporary cover can bridge the gap.

If you have a broken window, Gordon’s Glass & Mirror offers glass repair and replacement for homes and businesses across the Jacksonville area.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do first when a window breaks? Keep people and pets away, protect your hands and feet, and don’t touch glass still in the frame.

2. Can I cover the window myself? Yes, with heavy plastic, cardboard, or a thin board, secured to the frame, as a temporary measure.

3. How long does replacement usually take? Standard glass may be quick, while double-pane, tempered, or custom glass often takes longer because it may need to be ordered.

4. Should I take photos before cleaning up? Yes. Photos help with insurance claims and help the glass company assess the job.

5. Should I go inside if I think someone broke in? No. Stay safe and call 911 first.