What is what to do when your sliding glass door shattered?

Here's some information on what to do if your sliding glass door shatters:

1. Safety First! The most immediate concern is ensuring the safety of everyone in the area.

   • Wear appropriate protective gear like gloves, eye protection, and sturdy shoes. This will protect you from cuts from sharp glass fragments.
   • Keep children and pets away from the shattered glass area.

2. Contain the Area:

   • Carefully block off the area around the broken door to prevent anyone from accidentally walking through it. You can use caution tape, furniture, or blankets.
   • Cover the shattered area with a heavy-duty tarp or thick plastic sheeting to prevent further scattering of glass.

3. Clean Up:

   • Carefully remove large pieces of glass by hand, wearing gloves. Place them in a sturdy container like a cardboard box clearly labeled "BROKEN GLASS."
   • Use a strong shop vacuum to vacuum up smaller glass shards. Pay close attention to crevices and carpets. A regular household vacuum may not be sufficient and could be damaged.
   • Sweep the area thoroughly to remove any remaining glass particles.
   • Duct tape can be used to pick up very small shards.

4. Secure the Opening:

   • Board up the opening temporarily using plywood or thick cardboard. This will provide security and protection from the elements. Measure the opening carefully before cutting the material.
   • Secure the board to the door frame with screws or nails.

5. Contact a Professional:

   • Contact a glass repair company or a contractor immediately. Replacing a sliding glass door often requires specialized tools and expertise.
   • Get quotes from multiple companies to ensure you're getting a fair price.

6. Assess the Damage:

   • Inspect the door frame and surrounding area for any damage caused by the shattered glass or the impact that caused it.
   • Take photos of the damage for insurance purposes.

7. File an Insurance Claim:

   • If you have homeowners insurance, contact your insurance company to file a claim. They will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage.
   • Provide them with the photos you took and any documentation from the glass repair company.

8. Consider the Cause: Try to determine the cause of the shattering. Was it accidental impact, forced entry, or thermal stress? This information can be helpful for your insurance claim and for preventing future incidents.

Here are some important subjects with links:

• Safety First
• Clean Up
• Secure the Opening
• Contact a Professional
• File an Insurance Claim