A storm rolls through overnight. In the morning there are branches in the yard, ice on the gutters, and snow piled against the back of the house. Most people check the roof and the driveway. The windows are easy to miss until someone notices a crack running across the kitchen pane a week later.
If we've worked on your home before, you know the routine: photos first, then a price, then a visit. Here's a quick way to check every window after bad weather, what the damage usually means, and what to do if a pane is broken.
How do I check windows after a winter storm?
Do one slow lap outside and one inside. Outside, look at every pane for cracks, chips, and broken corners, especially on the sides that took the wind. Inside, look for new fog between the panes and test each window to see if it still closes and locks. Take photos as you go.
Outside the house
- Start on the windy side. Walk the side of the house that faced the storm first. Wind-blown branches, ice, and debris usually hit there.
- Look at every pane. Check for cracks, star-shaped chips, and broken corners. Low windows and basement windows near snow piles are easy to skip.
- Check under trees. Any window near a branch that came down deserves a close look.
- Look at door glass. Check patio, sliding, and entry door glass, plus storefront glass if you have a business.
- Check the screens. Look for tears, holes, and bent frames.
Inside the house
- Look between the panes. On double-pane windows, look for new haze, fog, or moisture that won't wipe off from either side.
- Close and lock every window. Note any that won't close all the way, won't latch, or feel different than before.
- Do the halfway test. Lift each sliding sash halfway and let go. If it drops, the balance isn't holding.
- Check the kids' rooms. A cracked pane or a window that won't lock matters most where children sleep and play.
What kind of window damage happens after a winter storm?
Most storm damage is to the glass: cracks and chips from branches, ice, and wind-blown debris, and sometimes a fully broken pane. You may also notice fog between the panes, a window that won't close or lock, or torn screens. Frames can be damaged too, though that's less common.
- Crack across the pane
- Likely cause: Impact from a branch, ice, or debris
- Can it be fixed without a new window?: Usually yes: new glass
- Small chip or star-shaped break
- Likely cause: Impact from ice or debris
- Can it be fixed without a new window?: Usually yes: new glass
- Shattered or missing glass
- Likely cause: Hard impact
- Can it be fixed without a new window?: Usually yes: new glass (board-up available on request while you wait)
- Fog between the panes
- Likely cause: The seal on the double-pane unit has failed
- Can it be fixed without a new window?: Usually yes: a new double-pane glass unit
- Window won't close, lock, or stay up
- Likely cause: Worn or damaged hardware
- Can it be fixed without a new window?: Often yes: a hardware repair
- Torn or bent screen
- Likely cause: Wind or debris
- Can it be fixed without a new window?: Usually yes: rescreen or a new screen
- Cracked patio or sliding door glass
- Likely cause: Impact
- Can it be fixed without a new window?: Usually yes: new door glass
- Frame is split, crushed, or pulled apart
- Likely cause: Heavy impact, like a fallen limb
- Can it be fixed without a new window?: Probably not: this may need a new window
That last row is the exception. If a falling limb crushes the frame, new glass won't sit right, and we'll tell you a new window is the better answer. We don't sell full windows, so that advice comes with no sales pitch attached.
What should I do right away if a storm broke a window?
Keep everyone away from the broken glass first. Then take photos, and send them with your ZIP code so we can price the repair and tell you what's possible on timing. We don't work Sundays, and after-hours help depends on the situation. If the opening is exposed to snow, wind, or anyone outside, board-up is available on request while you wait for new glass.
- Keep kids and pets out of the room. Broken glass travels farther than you'd think, so check the floor and windowsill.
- Don't pull loose pieces out by hand. Leave cracked glass that's still in the frame where it is.
- Take two photos. One of the full window from inside and one close-up of the damage, if you can do it safely.
- Call or text (267) 458-7879. Tell us if the opening is exposed. You reach a real person, not a call center.
- Ask about board-up. If the glass needs to be ordered, board-up is available on request to cover the opening in the meantime.
Our guide to emergency window glass repair goes deeper on what to do in the first few hours.
Should I fix a small crack from the storm right away?
It's a good idea. A cracked pane is already weaker, and cold snaps, wind, and another storm can finish the job. Most cracked panes can be replaced without touching the frame, and fixing it now means you're not dealing with broken glass in February. Our article on cracked window glass repair explains what to watch for.
Why did my window get foggy after the storm?
Fog between the panes means the seal on the double-pane unit has failed and moisture is getting in. Winter temperature swings often make a failed seal easier to spot, so you may notice it right after a cold stretch or a storm. The fix is a new sealed glass unit, and the frame stays.
If we installed that double-pane glass, check our Lifetime Seal Warranty. Seal failure with fog or moisture between the panes is covered, and covered labor and materials cost you nothing. Impact damage, like a crack from a branch, isn't covered. Our post on your window repair warranty explains the difference. Full terms are at https://2hourglass.com/warranty.
How long does it take to fix storm-damaged windows?
For regular-size clear single or double-pane glass, it's usually one visit, most of the time within 2 hours. Tempered, textured, colored, and Low-E or argon glass has to be ordered, so we measure first and install about 2 to 3 weeks later. Same-day or same-week appointments when available.
Patio and sliding door glass is usually tempered, which is safety glass that breaks into small pieces instead of sharp shards. Tempered glass always has to be ordered, even when it's clear. If a storm broke your door glass, ask about board-up while the new glass is on the way.
After a storm, send your photos as soon as you spot the damage. Here's how it works:
- Send photos. Two per window: the full window from inside and a close-up of the damage.
- Get your price. Photo review is free. If the photos show what we need, we can usually send a price within minutes during business hours. You get a fair price for the right repair.
- Pick a time. We'll offer the soonest appointment we have.
- We come to you. Our mobile glass truck comes to your home or business. Removal of the broken glass, disposal, and clean-up are included.
What customers say
"They came exactly when they said they would. I would had emergency situation. They showed up in time and the best part. It was a lot cheaper than I was quoted."
Robyn D., Google review
We have 2,000+ reviews across Google, Yelp, Facebook, Angi, Thumbtack, and Housecall Pro, including a 5.0 average from 1,358 Google reviews. You can read more at https://2hourglass.com/reviews.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to fix a window damaged in a storm?
Every job is priced individually, based on the size and type of glass and what's damaged. We don't publish price ranges, because a range would mislead: the price depends on your exact glass and window. Send two photos and we can usually send your exact price within minutes during business hours.
How fast can you fix a broken window after a storm?
Regular-size clear glass is usually replaced in one visit, most of the time within 2 hours, with same-day or same-week appointments when available. Same day costs the same as any other day; it's a matter of availability. If we're already fully booked and it's a serious same-day need, there may be an extra charge to make room in the schedule, depending on the situation. Send photos and your ZIP code first so we can tell you what's possible. Tempered, textured, colored, and Low-E or argon glass takes about 2 to 3 weeks after we measure.
Can you board up a broken window until the glass arrives?
Yes. Board-up is available on request.
Do I need a new window if a storm broke the glass?
Usually not. If the frame is solid, we replace the glass and the window stays. If a fallen limb crushed or split the frame, a new window may be the right call, and we'll tell you.
Is storm damage covered by your warranty?
Impact damage isn't covered. Our lifetime warranty covers all labor and parts we install, and our Lifetime Seal Warranty covers seal failure, fog, and moisture between the panes in double-pane glass we installed.
What photos should I send?
Send one photo of the full window taken from inside and one close-up of the crack, break, or fog. If it isn't safe to get close, a photo from a distance is fine to start.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, and Chester counties in Pennsylvania, plus 13 New Jersey counties: Camden, Burlington, Mercer, Gloucester, Salem, Atlantic, Ocean, Monmouth, Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex, Morris, and Essex. Not sure about your address? Check your ZIP below, or send a few photos and we'll confirm we can get to you.
Where we work
2HourGlass is a local PA and NJ team focused on window glass and hardware repair, with repair before replacement. We serve Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, and Chester counties in Pennsylvania, plus 13 counties in New Jersey. When you call or text, you reach a real person, not a call center.
