Broken Glass Repair
Two-phase response to broken commercial glass: immediate site make-safe to restore security, followed by exact-specification replacement matching tint, coating, and thickness of the original panel.
Storefront or commercial glass compromised? Call 012-9820888 for immediate make-safe response.
Restoring Security and Integrity — In Two Phases
When a large commercial glass panel breaks — whether from vandalism, impact, thermal stress, or structural failure — the building faces two simultaneous problems: an immediate security and weather exposure breach, and a glass replacement requirement that may take days to procure and install. Attempting to address both at once by rushing a replacement leads to poor installation quality and potential specification mismatches. The correct approach is a deliberate two-phase response: make the building secure immediately, then fabricate and install the replacement correctly.
JWE provides both phases under a single point of responsibility. Phase 1 is emergency make-safe: our teams extract remaining glass shards from the frame, clear the hazard zone, and board up the aperture securely to restore physical security and weather protection within hours. Phase 2 is exact replacement: we take precise measurements, source the correct glass specification (matching tint, Low-E coating, thickness, and tempering), fabricate the replacement panel, and reinstall it to the same structural glazing standard as the original. Because we hold direct relationships with glass processors, we can expedite fabrication significantly compared to a contractor who must order through an intermediary.
Phase 1: Make-Safe
- Safe extraction of remaining shards from frame
- Hazard zone clearance and cordon setup
- Heavy-duty boarding to restore security
- Frame inspection for damage assessment
- Documentation for insurance claim
Phase 2: Replacement
- Exact specification matching (tint, coating, thickness)
- Direct processor relationship for expedited fabrication
- Structural glazing reinstallation
- Wind-load integrity restoration
- Completion documentation
Emergency Response
Contract clients receive same-day make-safe confirmation. Ad-hoc emergency calls are responded to within 24 hours. We prioritise security breaches to minimise commercial exposure.
Exact Specification Match
We match tint, Low-E coating, tempering, and lamination precisely to the original panel. The replacement is visually indistinguishable from the surrounding facade — no mismatched appearance that signals a repair.
Insurance Documentation
We provide site photos, specification records, and written scope documentation to support your insurance claim. Our detailed records include glass type, dimensions, and installation method for the adjuster.
Direct Processor Access
Faster Than Ordering Through a Middleman
JWE holds direct relationships with major glass processors, allowing us to expedite tempering and laminating for replacement panels. Contractors who order through distributors typically wait significantly longer for the same glass.
Report Broken Glass Now
Tell us the location, glass size (approximate), whether it is tempered or laminated (if known), and whether boarding is urgently needed. We will mobilise accordingly.
Request a QuoteEmergency line: 012-9820888
Glass Types We Replace
- Tempered safety glass (6mm–19mm)
- Laminated glass (PVB & SGP interlayer)
- Low-E coated insulating glass
- Tinted glass (bronze, grey, green)
- Frosted and sandblasted panels
- Structural silicone-bonded glass
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you provide documentation for our insurance claim?
Yes. We provide pre-repair site photographs, a written scope describing the glass type and dimensions, post-repair completion photos, and a signed delivery order for the replacement glass. This documentation package is standard for all emergency glass replacement jobs. If your insurer requires any specific format or additional information, let us know at the time of engagement and we will accommodate it.
How do you match the exact glass specification of the broken panel?
During the make-safe phase, we collect a shard sample and photograph the broken panel's edge to identify thickness, glass type, and any visible coating. For Low-E coated glass, we use a reflectance meter to identify the coating type from residual fragments. For tinted glass, we match visually against a sample library and confirm with the building's records if available. When we source the replacement from the processor, we specify these parameters to ensure the new panel is visually and functionally identical to the original.
How long will the replacement take after the make-safe?
Standard tempered glass replacement panels can typically be fabricated and delivered within 5–7 working days via our processor relationships. Specialised panels — very large formats, high-performance Low-E units, or custom-tinted glass — may require 10–14 working days depending on stock. We confirm the lead time in our quotation before you commit, so you know exactly how long the boarding will remain in place. For contract clients, we can often expedite further by prioritising production.