Having to deal with damaged glass that requires emergency boarding up can be an incredibly stressful situation for Melbourne business owners. Drawing on over 20 years of experience helping businesses across Victoria, I have witnessed firsthand the disruption broken windows, shattered shopfronts, and other glass damage can cause.
What causes glass to require emergency boarding?
There are a few common causes of glass damage that may necessitate urgent boarding up:
- Extreme weather events
- Hailstorms, heavy winds
- Falling/flying debris
- Attempted break-ins
- Smashed windows
- Damaged door glass
- Structural issues
- Settlement cracks
- Old frame failure
- Accidental damage
- Vehicle collisions
- Equipment impacts
These situations often lead to glass cracking, shattering suddenly, or falling out of frames. Rapid action is needed to cover damaged areas and make the premises safe.
Common glass materials requiring emergency boarding
Float or annealed glass comprises 90% of glass used in commercial buildings and when shattered requires urgent temporary boarding. Toughened safety glass is treated with heat processing for higher strength but still necessitates professional repairs if breakages or cracks develop. Specialty glass like frosted typography, balustrades or decorative glazing also often need glaziers if damage occurs.
Factors that can exacerbate glass breakage
Issues like frames that fail, debris buildup in tracks, missing putty around panes, weakened supporting structures, and poor compliance with wind loading requirements during install can all contribute to glass being more susceptible to shattering. Glaziers evaluate these factors when determining boarding requirements and long term strengthening solutions.
Security concerns after break-ins
Forced entry damage generates safety concerns beyond just the compromised window or door that requires veteran glaziers for reliable emergency repairs. It also raises security questions around how premises were accessed, if alarms are adequate, and what loss prevention measures could be improved. Experienced glaziers provide recommendations if security risks are identified.
Why an established emergency glazier is recommended
There are clear benefits to contacting an emergency glazier with longevity in Melbourne like our family-owned firm which has served Victoria for over 65 years. Our experience across varied weather events, building types, glass materials and insurance policies means rapid, code-compliant repairs.
The risks of attempting diy emergency boarding
While it’s understandable businesses want to cover up damage quickly, DIY boarding up carries significant risks:
- Laceration dangers from exposed glass edges
- Potential fall hazards tackling second story windows
- Delay getting professional repair assessment/services
- May invalidate insurance claims
Instead, damaged glass situations must be handled by qualified glaziers with training and specialised gear for necessary safety precautions and effective temporary repairs.
What a professional emergency boarding up service entails
- 24/7 availability for urgent callouts
- Technicians dispatched promptly
- Thorough assessment onsite
- Safe installation of temporary boarding measures
- Quotes for replacement glass/restoration as required
Established glaziers have the necessary safety glass materials, plywood, metal sheeting and securing supplies available in vehicles to facilitate prompt damage coverage. We also understand the need to maintain visibility and access where possible for retail and hospitality businesses.
Long-term solutions after emergency boarding
Once a premises is safely boarded up, glaziers can consult on suitable long-term remedies such as:
- Supplying and fitting replacement glass panels
- Custom glass fabrication services
- Specialised mirror design/installation
- Glass balustrade repair
- Protective glazing barriers or window film
We are happy to provide repair quotes and expert guidance on appropriate solutions to restore your building’s functionality and aesthetic appeal after emergency callouts have secured the site.
Conclusion
Dealing with shattered glass or broken windows requires urgent response but should always be left to seasoned glazing professionals. Attempting makeshift fixes yourself risks injury, property damage and rejected claims. For 24/7 glass damage assistance across Melbourne suburbs, call my veteran team. We’ll respond promptly to board up hazards so trading can safely resume.
