Broken front door glass can raise a lot of questions. Does this mean you need to replace your door? Or just the glass? We often get calls about repairing broken front door glass in our door installation studio. Here’s the advice that we give homeowners whose front door has broken glass.
1. Assess the Damage
Safety First: Ensure that no one is injured and that there are no immediate safety hazards. Wearing protective gear, clean up the area as best you can to ensure that no one is injured by broken glass shards.
Next, check the panel and frame Integrity. Inspect to determine if the door panel and frame are damaged. Consider also if the broken glass is causing any structural instability.
2. Secure the Area
If the damage is extensive, temporarily secure the area with plywood or similar material to prevent unauthorized entry.
Consider using plastic sheeting to protect the interior from the elements depending on the weather.
3. Contact Your Insurance Provider
If you have homeowners’ insurance, contact your provider as soon as possible. They can guide you through the claims process and determine your coverage.
You’ll want to be sure to gather any relevant documentation, such as photos of the damage or video showing how the damage occurred.
4. Determine if You Need to Replace the Door or just the Glass
In Step 1, you assessed if the frame or panel of the door was damaged, or if just the glass was broken. The answer to this question will determine what kind of professional will help you fix your door.
If just the glass in your front door is broken, and the door frame is undamaged, you need a glazier. A glazier is a glass professional who can patch small areas of damage to glass. They can also replace larger pieces of glass if the damage is widespread.
If, however, your door frame or panel is also damaged, you may want to consider replacing your whole door. That’s because damage to these door parts can make your door more susceptible to weathering, rot, and warp over time. If the damage is limited to surface-level scratches you may be able to address this through sanding and refinishing. However, any more significant damage may warrant replacing your door.
Best Front Door Installation Company
Broken door glass is not just a pain, it can be confusing to know what the best steps to take are. If you find yourself with shattered glass in your front door, you want to get guidance from professionals who won’t take advantage of your situation and try to sell you things you don’t need. The pros at Window Works Co. will give you honest advice, even if it doesn’t mean a sale for us.
And if you do want to replace your whole door? Use the calendar below to schedule a consultation call with us!
