Finding a broken or badly cracked window is stressful, especially late at night or in bad weather. While it is natural to reach for cardboard or tape, a rushed fix can be dangerous or cause more damage. A temporary board-up should always be approached with caution and, where possible, left to a professional.
Situations where you should avoid DIY boarding
Not every broken window is suitable for a DIY approach. In some cases, even getting close to the glass can put you at serious risk. If in doubt, step away and call an emergency glazier rather than trying to make it safe yourself.
There are several scenarios where it is usually safer not to attempt boarding at all and to keep people well clear of the area instead.
Glass still under tension: Large cracks, bowing panes or glass that rattles in the frame can shatter suddenly with very little movement.
Upper floors and awkward access: Windows above ground level, near stairwells or over conservatories often need proper access equipment.
Shopfronts and large panes: Toughened or laminated shopfront glass is heavy and unpredictable when broken.
Damaged or loose frames: Rotten timber, twisted uPVC or bent aluminium can collapse if you lean on them.
Suspected structural movement: Cracks in walls, sagging lintels or doors that will not close alongside window damage can signal a wider issue.
If any of these apply, keep children, pets and other occupants away, close internal doors to the affected room, and arrange an emergency call-out. Hunters Glass Ltd provides 24/7 make-safe and boarding services so you do not have to take unnecessary risks.
Safer temporary materials compared to makeshift covers
Bin bags, cardboard and flimsy plastic taped to the frame can flutter loose quickly and may even draw attention to an easy entry point. They also do little to protect from sharp edges. More robust materials can improve both safety and security.
For a simple, short-term board-up at ground level, homeowners sometimes use sheet materials that are easier to handle. Where it is safe to do so, the following materials tend to perform better than household stand-ins.
Plywood or OSB boards: Exterior-grade plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) is the usual choice for professionals. It is rigid, resists weather for a short period, and can be fixed securely to the surrounding structure.
Suitable fixings: Screws with appropriate wall plugs for masonry or longer wood screws for substantial timber frames help keep the board in place. Avoid nailing into fragile frames, as this can split the timber or damage uPVC.
Heavy-duty plastic sheeting: Thick, clear plastic (such as builders' sheeting) can be stapled or taped over a boarded opening to reduce drafts and water ingress. It is not secure on its own, but can be a useful extra layer.
Step-by-step overview of a cautious temporary board-up
If the window is at ground level, the glass is already mostly out and the frame appears solid, some homeowners may feel confident to attempt a basic temporary board. Even then, it is important to move slowly and treat every shard of glass as a hazard.
Prepare the area and protect yourself
Before you go near the broken pane, clear the immediate floor area of rugs, toys and clutter. This helps you see any fallen shards and reduces tripping risks while you work. Keep children and pets in another room with the door closed.
Wear thick gloves, eye protection and sturdy footwear, ideally with a hard sole. Avoid touching cracked glass that is still seated in the frame unless you are certain it is loose and ready to fall, and never attempt to break remaining glass out of the frame yourself.
Measure the opening and prepare the board
Use a tape measure to note the width and height of the opening inside the frame. It is usually safer to fix the board to the stronger surrounding wall or solid frame rather than trying to wedge it tightly within the reveal.
Cut the board slightly larger than the opening so it overlaps the frame or masonry around the window. If you are not confident cutting sheet material safely, many DIY stores offer a cutting service, or you can leave this to a glazier.
Protect the frame and secure the board
To avoid damaging uPVC or painted timber, you can place a strip of cardboard or thin timber batten between the board and the frame. This spreads the load and reduces marking. Hold the board in place carefully while you mark fixing points around the edges.
Pre-drill holes in the board, then use appropriate screws into the solid structure around the window, not just the decorative trim. Tighten the screws so the board is firm, but stop if you feel the frame flexing or hear cracking noises. For many people, this is the point where a professional’s tools and experience make a real difference.
Weatherproof and allow some ventilation
Once the board is secure, you can improve weather protection with heavy-duty tape or plastic sheeting around the edges. Focus on the top and sides where wind-driven rain may find its way in. Avoid completely sealing a damp room, as trapped moisture can encourage mould.
If ventilation is a concern, discuss options with your glazier. They may suggest partial boarding, trickle vent solutions or scheduling a quick follow-up once replacement glass is ready.
Staying safe around broken glass and clearing up
Even small shards left on the floor or sill can cause nasty injuries hours or days later. Take your time with the clean-up, and treat all debris as sharp until it is fully contained. Good lighting makes it easier to spot slivers that might otherwise be missed.
Use a brush and pan to gather larger pieces rather than picking them up by hand. A damp disposable cloth or paper towel can help collect tiny fragments afterwards. Double-bag the waste in strong bin liners and place it somewhere children and pets cannot reach until collection.
What a professional glazier will do when they arrive
Emergency glaziers handle damaged windows every day, so they are equipped to make the area safe quickly and securely. On arrival, they will usually start by assessing the risk, checking for loose panes, damaged frames and any issues with access.
The glazier will then safely remove dangerous glass, clear the opening, and fit robust boarding that is properly fixed into the structure. Where possible, they will take accurate measurements or templates for replacement glass so the permanent repair can be arranged without delay.
You can help speed things up by having clear photos of the damage, the type of window, and the outside access ready to share when you call. Let them know if there are upper floors, conservatories, nearby cables or other hazards, so they can bring suitable equipment.
Need safe emergency boarding and repair?
Temporary boarding is not just about keeping the weather out. Done poorly, it can leave your home less secure and expose you to sharp glass and unstable frames. When you are unsure, the safest option is always to step away and call a professional.
Hunters Glass Ltd offers 24/7 emergency glass repair and boarding-up services, with trained glaziers who can make your property safe and secure as quickly as possible. To arrange urgent help or to ask for advice, call 03301331655 or visit the Hunters Glass Ltd emergency glass repair and boarding-up pages for more details.
