Broken window? Secure it tonight, replace it this week

How to cover a broken window safely until a glazier can replace it.

Last reviewed May 31, 2026 by the EveryDIY.ca editorial team

20–40 min $15–$40 CAD CAD pricing

Safety first. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911. Smell gas? Leave the house and call your utility's emergency line — do not flip switches.

Make it safe

Heavy gloves. Pick out large loose pieces of glass, working from edges toward the middle.
Vacuum thoroughly with a shop vac — glass shards travel further than you'd believe. Re-vacuum 24 hours later.
Cover sharp stubs in the frame with painter's tape.

Cover the opening

Heavy-duty 6 mil poly sheeting (Home Hardware, ~$15) cut 6" oversize.
Tape to the inside frame with Tuck Tape (red sheathing tape). It sticks better than duct tape and survives Canadian humidity.
For a more rigid cover, screw a sheet of ¼" plywood over the outside.

Get it replaced

Keep a piece of the broken pane — the glazier needs it for thickness and tempering.
Modern double-pane sealed units take 1–2 weeks. Single-pane same-day at most glass shops.
Insurance may cover if caused by storm, theft, or accident. File before paying.

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Editorial note. Wear appropriate PPE. When in doubt — especially with electrical, gas, or structural work — hire a licensed Canadian tradesperson. See our safety policy.