Broken Window in the Cold? Here’s How to Keep the Chill Out Fast!

Winter can be tough on your home, especially when you’re hit with a broken window. Whether it’s from a freak storm, a stray baseball, or just the wear and tear of age, a broken window during a cold snap can quickly turn your cozy living room into an icebox. But before you panic, don’t worry—you can stop the chill and keep your house warm without too much hassle. Here’s how to handle the situation until you get it professionally repaired.

1. Assess the Damage: Is It Safe to Stay?

The first thing you want to do when you notice a broken window is to make sure everything is safe. I remember one winter evening when my own living room window shattered out of nowhere, probably due to the freezing temperatures. I panicked at first, but then I realized that the biggest priority was to make sure the space was secure.

Look for Broken Glass
If the glass is shattered or cracked, be cautious! You don’t want to cut yourself. Grab a pair of gloves to handle the glass, and if you’re dealing with large shards, a broom and dustpan should help clean up the mess safely. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to clean up tiny glass fragments.

Check the Window Frame
After you’ve cleaned up the glass, check the window frame. Is it still intact, or has the impact caused more damage? You’ll want to ensure the frame isn’t loose or warped, as that could make it harder to secure a temporary solution and cause bigger issues later.

2. Temporary Fixes to Keep the Cold Out

Once you’ve ensured the area is safe, it’s time to block out the cold. Don’t worry if you’re not a handy DIY pro—there are plenty of quick fixes that can keep your home warm until the window is replaced.

Use Plastic Wrap or Plastic Sheeting

This is my go-to fix. A few years ago, during a particularly chilly winter, I had a huge crack running through my bedroom window. I grabbed some heavy-duty plastic wrap (the kind you use for moving) and taped it tightly across the window. It wasn’t perfect, but it was enough to prevent a draft and keep my space from freezing.

Here’s what you do:

1. Cut a piece of plastic large enough to cover the window completely.
2. Tape the edges securely to the window frame, making sure the plastic is pulled taut to reduce air gaps.
3. If possible, apply a second layer of tape around the plastic to reinforce the seal.

Cardboard and Tape

If you don’t have plastic wrap on hand, a large piece of cardboard can work wonders as a temporary barrier. When my kids were younger, they loved playing baseball in the yard, and one winter, one of those errant balls came through a window. We grabbed some cardboard from an old moving box, taped it tightly to the frame, and voilà—instant insulation!

Make sure you tape it securely, pressing down along all the edges. This solution isn’t the most aesthetic, but it’s effective for keeping the cold out.

Old Towels or Blankets

You might not have plastic or cardboard around, but I bet you have old towels or blankets. These can work in a pinch! Roll up towels and stuff them along the sides of the window frame to block drafts. You can also drape a thick blanket over the window to reduce heat loss.

3. Keep Your Home Warm with Space Heaters

Once the window is temporarily covered, it’s time to focus on maintaining warmth inside your home. If you’ve ever had a space heater running in your living room to keep the cold at bay, you know it’s a lifesaver when dealing with drafty rooms.

Use Portable Heaters

Place a portable heater near the broken window to add extra warmth. This will help counteract the cold air sneaking in through the gap. But be sure to keep the heater away from anything flammable (like those towels or blankets you just stuffed around the window). I learned this the hard way when I left a heater too close to some laundry once—thankfully nothing happened, but it was a reminder to be cautious.

Seal Off the Room

If the broken window is in a room that can be isolated, close off any doors leading into the rest of the house. You want to preserve the heat that’s already in that room. I did this in my own house during a particularly brutal storm when half the windows had drafts, and it worked wonders. To take it a step further, you can use door draft stoppers at the base of doors to prevent any more cold air from entering.

4. Preventing Further Damage: What to Do Next

Once you’ve tackled the immediate cold problem, it’s time to focus on preventing any additional damage.

Minimize Exposure to Water

If your broken window is exposed to rain or snow, it’s essential to act quickly to prevent water from damaging your home. I remember a time when a storm hit, and a window shattered due to high winds. Rain started leaking in, and I had to scramble to cover it. A large tarp worked well for me until the repairman arrived the next morning. If you don’t have a tarp, you can also use plastic sheeting or even a large plastic garbage bag—anything to keep the moisture out.

Watch for Potential Mold

Moisture can lead to mold growth, especially if a broken window allows humidity inside. You don’t want that headache to compound your issues, so consider using a dehumidifier if you have one on hand. Also, keep the area well-ventilated, especially if you’re using space heaters, to keep air moving and prevent dampness.

5. When to Call a Professional

As much as you might want to DIY everything, a broken window is one of those issues that often requires a professional touch. If the damage is extensive or you simply don’t feel confident about your temporary fixes, don’t hesitate to call in an expert.

Evaluate the Level of Damage

If your window frame is warped, or the glass is shattered beyond a manageable point, it’s time to bring in a professional. When I had a window broken by a storm, the glass was beyond my ability to replace safely, so I called an emergency glass repair service. They were quick, and the repair was seamless.

Emergency Glass Replacement Services

Many local window repair companies offer 24/7 emergency services, especially during the winter months. It’s worth calling around for a quote and to check their availability. Emergency services might cost a bit more, but it’s often necessary to restore your home’s warmth and security quickly.

If you need a trusted professional to replace your broken window, don’t hesitate to contact us here to find the right experts near you.

6. Preventing Future Breakage

No one wants to deal with a broken window more than once, especially when it leads to freezing temperatures indoors. Taking preventative measures can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

Regular Window Maintenance

It’s a good idea to inspect your windows every year, particularly before winter. Check the seals around the frame and make sure the glass is still intact. If you spot any cracks or chips, replace the glass before they get worse. This small maintenance step can save you from a broken window emergency later on.

Install Storm Windows

Storm windows are a great investment if you live in an area prone to extreme cold or high winds. They provide an extra layer of protection, making it less likely that your windows will break. I added storm windows to my home a few years ago, and they’ve made a noticeable difference in keeping the heat in and the cold out.

Strengthen Window Frames

If you live in a storm-prone area, consider upgrading your window frames to a stronger material. Reinforced frames can withstand stronger winds and reduce the risk of breakage during a storm.

Conclusion

A broken window during the cold months can feel like a disaster, but with a little quick thinking, you can keep the chill out until you can get it professionally repaired. Start with assessing the damage, secure the window with plastic, cardboard, or blankets, and keep your home warm with space heaters. And remember, if the damage is too severe or you’re not comfortable making the repairs yourself, don’t hesitate to call a professional.

By staying proactive and taking quick action, you can prevent further damage, keep your home comfortable, and avoid costly heating bills during the cold months. So, if you find yourself facing a broken window this winter, follow these steps and breathe easy, knowing you’re prepared. And remember, if you need expert help with your window repair, contact us for reliable service near you.