UBC News

Broken Windows At Midnight? Rockdale Glazier Talks Fast Fixes & Safety First

Episode Summary

Broken glass can upend a household in seconds. Rockdale glazing specialists at SOS Glass outline practical, safety-first steps every property owner should know before an emergency strikes. Go to https://sosglassservices.com.au for more information.

Episode Notes

Glass Emergencies Happen Fast. A splintering window—whether cracked by a stray cricket ball or shattered in a late-night break-in—quickly shifts from annoyance to genuine danger. Exposed shards can fall, whip in the wind, or invite further impact, so an immediate response is essential to protect people and property.

Stabilising the Scene. Drawing on decades of residential and commercial glazing work in Rockdale, specialists at SOS Glass Services recommend four precautions while help is on the way: keep children and pets clear of the break, close interior doors to contain fragments, lay a towel across the sill to catch loose chips, and—only if it can be done without leaning on the pane—apply a large ‘X’ of masking tape to minimise movement. These steps limit injury risks and give arriving technicians safer conditions in which to work.

Why Speed Matters. The Insurance Council of Australia estimates glass-damage claims now cost NSW homeowners about AU $43 million each year, while SafeWork NSW records show hands and forearms are the most common injury sites during DIY clean-ups. Commercial tenants face different stakes: local chamber surveys suggest that a boarded-up shopfront can cut daily takings by up to 30 percent through lost foot traffic and security concerns. Fast, orderly mitigation protects both wallets and wellbeing.

Safety Over Shortcuts. Glaziers advise against sweeping broken glass with household brooms; stiff fibres scatter micro-splinters that may later embed in shoes or pet paws. Instead, cordon the area with chairs or tape, allow fragments to settle, and wait for professionals trained in safe disposal. Australian Standard 1288 also mandates safety or laminated glass in doors, bathrooms, and balustrades, so owners should verify thickness and compliance stamps before installation—an easier task when serial numbers are photographed in advance.

Interim Barriers and Insurance Fine Print. Heavy-duty plywood, rigid polycarbonate sheets, and exterior-grade tape form weather-tight seals until permanent glazing arrives. Cardboard, cling film, and light plastics may appear convenient but often invite moisture, breach warranty terms, and void some insurance policies. A modest investment in the right temporary materials avoids larger repair bills later.

Final Word. Broken panes rarely give warning, yet a little preparation can help to manage any emergency glass breakage. Local specialists, including SOS Glass Services, note that keeping sturdy gloves, a torch, and reliable trade contacts in one accessible spot streamlines emergency repairs and limits safety risks when glass unexpectedly fails.

Check out the description to learn more! SOS Glass Services Pty Ltd City: Bexley Address: 34 Verdun Street Website: https://sosglassservices.com.au