If storm-damaged windows leave your home open, first keep everyone away from the glass, take photos of the damage, and cover the opening with plywood or heavy plastic to keep out rain and intruders. Then call your insurance company and a glass professional to plan the permanent replacement. A board-up is only temporary, so replace the glass as soon as it is safe.
Whether a hailstorm hit your area or a massive windstorm shattered your windows, your house is exposed. We know this can be stressful, but knowing what to do can take some of the worry away. You should start by getting everyone to a safer part of the house, then document all the damage. Contact your insurance provider and arrange for temporary board-ups before expert glaziers can install permanent, high-quality glass. If you’ve been wondering how to handle storm-damaged windows, you should read the following article.
Why Storm Damaged Windows Need Fast Action in Houston
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and strong thunderstorms can hit at other times too. In May 2024, a storm blew out more than 2,500 windows and skylights in downtown Houston, and some building owners were told replacement windows could take months (ABC13). Whether you live in Houston or Katy, an open window lets in rain, humidity, and unwanted visitors. A quick cover and a clear plan protect your home while you wait for new glass.
Common Types of Storm Window Damage
| Damage type | What it looks like | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Hail-damaged windows | Chips, cracks, star-shaped breaks, foggy or broken seals | Small cracks can spread and let water in |
| Wind-damaged window | Bent frame, glass pushed out, a window that no longer closes or locks | Wind can loosen a frame even when the glass looks fine |
| Flying debris | Holes or large breaks from branches or objects | Leaves sharp glass and an open hole |
| Cracked but not broken | Hairline or spider-web cracks | The pane is weak and can fail in the next storm |
Weathering The Aftermath: How To Handle Broken Windows
Do you have hail-damaged windows that need to be replaced? Or did a nearby tree crash into the house and shatter your bedroom window instead? Either sight can send your blood pressure rising, but having a plan of action helps. Start by clearing and securing the area; then take precise measurements and look into the best time for a storm-damaged window replacement service. The following section acts as your guide during disasters such as these.
Read carefully as we guide you through.
Personal Safety
When a situation has broken glass in the mix, you need to prioritize your safety. So, put on closed-toed boots with thick soles, along with thick work gloves before you ever go anywhere close to the wreckage.
Note:
If you have kids or pets, move them to a different room
Visual Inspection
When you have a broken window after a storm, you have to examine it carefully. So, without standing directly underneath the frame, look for structural shifts, severely bent frames, or hanging glass shards that would help you assess the severity of the damage.
Document The Damage
You need to get the storm dyou need to have evidence of the disaster that took place at your property. So, take multiple time-stamped photographs of the shattered glass, damaged frame, and surrounding area and save all the evidence before you even think about cleaning up.
Find A Glazier
Storm-damaged window repairs need to be handled by experienced professionals for speed and safety. So, you should get in touch with a reliable glass repair technician in your area and tell them about the situation. Set up an appointment before doing anything else.
Clear The Area
Storm-damaged windows mean that the windowsill, floor, and surrounding furniture are littered with shards. So, the next step is to carefully start gathering all the pieces with a mop and dustpan. Use a vacuum cleaner for the smaller pieces.
Emergency BoardUp
If you’re wondering how to secure a broken window after a storm, you should carefully board it up. Use exterior-grade plywood to close the opening. This step will keep out rain, wind, and possible intruders before permanent repairs can be made.
Temporary Cover for Storm Damaged Window: Which Option Works?
| Option | Best for | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior-grade plywood | Large or fully open windows | Must be screwed into solid framing; blocks light |
| Heavy plastic sheeting (6-mil or thicker) | Small openings, or as a short-term moisture layer | Can tear in strong wind; not secure against entry |
| Tape on cracked glass | Not reliable on its own | Does not hold cracked glass safely in heat, humidity or storms |
How To Board Up a Window After a Storm, Safely:
- Cut the board larger than the opening so it overlaps the frame on all sides.
- Fasten it into solid framing, not thin trim or cracked parts of the window.
- Seal the edges to keep rain out.
- For upper-floor or very large openings, call a professional instead of climbing a ladder in the wind.
- Remember: a board-up is a temporary safeguard, not the final repair.
Moisture Inspection
If rain or hail shattered your glass, there might be moisture inside the house. Since ignoring it could lead to a mold problem, you should carefully inspect your floors, walls, and window frames and thoroughly dry any moisture immediately.
File Your Insurance Claim
You need to get the storm-damaged windows insurance claim process started as soon as possible. So, once you have your repair estimate, reach out to your insurance company and share your pictures, videos, and repair quotes to find out how much they are willing to cover.
Storm Damaged Windows Insurance Claim: What to Know
- Coverage depends on your policy, the cause of damage and your deductible. Wind, hail and flying debris are commonly covered, but flood damage is usually covered by a separate policy.
- Many policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent more damage. Keep receipts for plywood, plastic or a board-up service, and ask your insurer whether they can be included in the claim.
- Ask if your policy has a separate wind or hail deductible.
- Keep your photos, videos, storm date and written estimate together in one folder.
This is general information, not insurance advice. Check your own policy or call your insurer.
Repair or Replace? How to Decide
- Replace only the glass when the frame is straight and solid and only the pane is cracked or broken.
- Replace the whole window when the frame is bent, the window will not close or lock, water has damaged the area around it, or the seal has failed. If you notice fog between the panes after a storm, see our guide on foggy windows: full replacement or repair.
- Ask the installer to check the frame, seals and surrounding wall before choosing.
- Business owners with storefront or office glass can learn about commercial glass solutions.
Precise Measuring
Every window has a unique height and depth. So, you have to be careful with the measurements. Measure the width, length, and depth of the frame to ensure that you get the exact size of glass for your wind-damaged window replacement service.
Schedule Replacements
Finally, pick a date for the installers to come back and attach the new glass pane. We advise that you pick high-efficiency or impact-resistant glass so that you don’t have to worry about shattered windows during storms again.
Impact-Resistant Glass: What to Ask
Impact-resistant glass is usually made with laminated layers that help hold broken pieces together. Before you decide, ask your installer which glass options fit your window, how they are rated, how they compare in price, and whether your insurer offers any benefit for upgrades.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After Window Storm Damage
- Cleaning up before taking photos.
- Relying on tape or thin plastic that the next gust can tear off.
- Leaving a covered window for weeks instead of scheduling replacement.
- Assuming every type of storm damage is covered the same way.
- Picking up broken glass with bare hands or reaching for hanging shards.
Need Help With Storm Damaged Windows?
Precision Glass & Mirror offers 24-hour emergency glass services and residential glass services for Houston and nearby areas. Call (713) 534-7627 or contact our team. Tell us what happened, how many windows are affected, and keep your photos ready so we can plan the right glass and visit.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, when you have storm-damaged windows, you need to think logically and act quickly. Put on gloves and boots before getting close to the wreckage. Inspect the framing to check the severity and reach out to a glazier and your insurance provider. Make sure to get the exact measurements for a custom replacement and go for impact-resistant glass to prevent future trouble. We hope this article was helpful. To learn how to board up a window after a storm, please reach out to us.
FAQS
What is the cost of a storm-damaged window replacement?
Expert glaziers can charge you anywhere between $300 and $900.
Can I replace the broken glass pane myself?
Since handling glass is dangerous, it’s best to leave it to professionals.
How long do emergency glaziers take to arrive?
They strive to reach your location within 30-90 minutes in an emergency.
Does homeowners insurance cover storm-damaged windows?
Often yes, when the damage comes from a covered cause such as wind, hail, or flying debris. Coverage depends on your policy, deductible, and the cause, and flood damage is usually covered separately. Call your insurer to confirm.
How long can a storm-damaged window stay boarded up?
As briefly as possible. Plywood or plastic can fail in the next storm and does not restore the security or weather protection of real glass, so schedule the replacement as soon as you can.
Can hail crack a window without breaking it?
Yes. Hail can leave chips, cracks, or broken seals even when the glass stays in place. A cracked pane is weaker and should be checked by a glass professional.
Should I put tape on a cracked window?
Tape alone is not a reliable fix. It does not make cracked glass safe or weatherproof, so keep clear of the window and call a glass professional.