A broken window needs to be dealt with quickly. Whether it is a cracked pane, a smashed window from a break-in, a storm-damaged frame, or an accidental impact, the steps you take in the first hour matter. Here is a practical guide to broken window repair in Tauranga.
What to Do Immediately After a Window Breaks
Safety first. Broken glass is dangerous. Before doing anything else:
- Keep children and pets away from the area. Broken glass, particularly toughened safety glass which shatters into thousands of small fragments, spreads further than most people expect.
- Do not try to remove large shards yourself. Large pieces of glass can shift and cause serious cuts. Leave them in place and call a glazier.
- If the break is a security risk, a smashed window from a break-in or vandalism, call the police first to report it, then call a glazier. You will need a police report for most insurance claims.
- Cover the opening temporarily if weather is a concern. A heavy-duty rubbish bag taped over the opening will keep rain out until the glazier arrives. Do not use thin plastic or cling wrap, it will not hold.
Call First Glass Solutions on 07 571 1336. We respond across Tauranga and surrounding areas, emergency glass, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Can a Cracked Window Be Repaired or Does It Need to Be Replaced?
In most cases a cracked window needs to be replaced, not repaired. Glass crack repair products exist but they are not suitable for:
- Structural cracks that run across the full pane, the glass integrity is compromised and the pane is at risk of shattering further.
- Toughened safety glass, toughened glass cannot be cut, drilled, or repaired once it has been tempered. A cracked toughened pane must be replaced.
- Double glazed sealed units, once the outer pane of a double glazed unit is cracked the unit needs to be replaced. The seal will fail and moisture will enter the cavity.
The only scenario where a crack repair product is appropriate is a very minor surface chip on a single glazed non-structural pane, and even then it is a temporary measure.
How Does Broken Window Replacement Work?
- We assess the window, type of glass, frame condition, size of the opening
- We measure the opening and specify the correct replacement glass
- If we have the glass in stock, same-day or next-day installation is often possible
- Standard sizes are usually available same day. Custom sizes or double glazed units require 2 to 5 working days for fabrication
- We fit the new glass, seal the frame, and clean up completely before leaving
What Type of Glass Will Be Used?
All replacement glass in windows and doors must comply with AS/NZS 2208. In most residential applications this means toughened safety glass. We never replace safety glass with standard float glass, it is non-compliant and unsafe.
Under the NZ Building Code, glass where the lowest sight line is within 800mm of finished floor level in residential buildings, or within 1100mm in commercial buildings, must be toughened or laminated safety glass. This also applies to glass in doors, sidelights adjacent to doors, and any panel that could be mistaken for an unobstructed opening.
What Does Broken Window Repair Cost in Tauranga?
Pricing depends on the size of the opening, the type of glass, and the time of the callout. As a general guide:
- Standard single pane window replacement: from $150 to $350 installed
- Double glazed unit replacement: from $300 to $700 installed
- After-hours emergency callout: standard pricing plus a callout fee typically $80 to $150
We provide a written quote before starting work. For insurance claims we provide GST invoices and documentation suitable for your insurer.
Does Insurance Cover Broken Windows?
Yes, in most cases. Home and contents insurance in New Zealand generally covers:
- Accidental glass breakage, dropped objects, accidental impacts, children's balls through windows.
- Burglary and vandalism damage, smashed windows from break-ins.
- Storm and weather damage, wind-driven impacts, fallen branches, storm damage.
The Insurance Council of New Zealand recommends contacting your insurer before authorising repairs. We can provide quotes directly to your insurer and in many cases liaise with them on your behalf.
You will need to pay your policy excess. The rest is covered subject to your policy terms.
How Quickly Can You Respond in Tauranga?
For emergency callouts we aim to be on site within 2 hours across Tauranga city and inner suburbs including Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, Bethlehem, Greerton, and Otumoetai. Outer suburbs including Katikati, Te Puke, and Omokoroa typically take 2 to 3 hours.
For non-emergency replacements we offer same-day or next-day appointments across the full surrounding areas service area.
