What Happens If You Ignore a Broken Window — The Real Cost of Waiting

A broken window in your Toronto home never stays "just a broken window" for long. Whether it's a cracked pane, a failed seal, or shattered glass from impact, the longer you wait to address it, the more expensive it becomes. Here's what actually happens when you delay window repair — and why same-day service isn't just convenient, it's cost-effective. Within Hours: Security Risk A broken window — even a cracked one — is a visible signal to opportunists. Toronto and the GTA see elevated property crime in spring and summer as more people are active outside. A visibly damaged window tells potential intruders that the home may be unoccupied or the owner is not attentive to maintenance. A temporary board-up takes 30 minutes. Don't leave it until tomorrow. Within 24 to 48 Hours: Water Infiltration GTA spring weather is unpredictable. A gap in your window — even a hairline crack — allows water infiltration during heavy rain. Water that gets into the wall cavity around your window frame causes: - Drywall damage and staining - Wood rot in the window frame (often not visible until the frame needs full replacement) - Insulation saturation, which drastically reduces thermal performance A $250 glass replacement becomes a $1,500 frame repair plus $800 drywall repair if water damage sits for a week. Within One to Four Weeks: Mould Moisture trapped in wall cavities and around window frames creates ideal conditions for mould growth. In Toronto's humid spring and summer climate, mould can establish within 24 to 48 hours of sustained moisture exposure — and can spread through a wall cavity in under two weeks. Mould remediation in Ontario costs $500 to $3,000 depending on extent. It also typically requires disclosure if you sell your home. The Energy Cost of Waiting Every day a broken or cracked window remains unrepaired, you're paying to heat or cool the outdoors. A single broken pane can increase energy loss through that window by 50 percent or more. In a Toronto winter, that's a measurable increase on your Enbridge gas bill within the first billing cycle. Does Home Insurance Cover Broken Windows? This is one of the most common questions we hear. The answer: it depends on the cause. Covered by most Ontario home insurance policies: - Storm damage (hail, wind, fallen branches) - Vandalism and deliberate breakage - Break-in damage Not covered: - Normal wear and tear - Failed window seals - Accidental breakage by household members (unless you have comprehensive glass coverage) If your window was broken by a covered event, call your insurer before making repairs and document everything with photos. Most standard deductibles in Ontario are $500 to $1,000 — if the repair cost is below your deductible, it's worth paying out of pocket rather than making a claim. What to Do Right Now If you have a broken window: 1. If the glass is shattered, board it up immediately using plywood or heavy cardboard and tape — this is a same-day task 2. Take photos for potential insurance purposes 3. Call a glass repair professional for same-day or next-day repair At Window Fix GTA, we provide emergency glass repair and board-up services across Brampton, Mississauga, Toronto, Oakville, and the surrounding GTA. We typically respond within 1 to 2 hours for emergency calls. Call (647) 961-8637 — 24 hours, 7 days a week.