How To Fix Cracked Glass In Windows? DIY Guide With Tips

Cracked glass leads to extra costs, time, and labor to repair. You can easily fix it with painting tape, decorations, or epoxy. It is necessary to prevent the possibility of damage to avoid breaking the glass pane. Of course, it is impossible to protect a window from accidental mechanical damage.

It is only sometimes possible to quickly replace cracked window glass. But even a tiny crack in the glass can be annoying. Moreover, the crack can spread further, and you must repair it quickly. There are also times when you need to repair or replace the breakage quickly. If the damage is a small crack, it is easy to repair or you can replace the completely broken glass. 

Below we will give you some repairing tips for a cracked window. Also, you will know the causes of breakdowns and other subtleties. 

6 Ways to Fix Window Cracked Glass

Usually, plastic windows seldom break and deteriorate. The whole problem comes down most often to replacing:

• mosquito nets;
• fittings;
• locks. 

What to do for repairing a cracked window:

1. Tape both sides of the crack to stabilize the glass.
2. Clean the glass surface with acetone (nail polish remover) and apply superglue carefully to prevent the cracks from spreading.
3. Cover the windows with plastic film. You can buy several sets of tools to insulate windows temporarily.

When working with the windows, check the frame and glass. If there are gaps, especially in older windows, use a sealant gun to seal them. Below you can read how to fix a cracked glass. 

1. Use clear silicone glue or stationery glue

It is the usual liquid glass, just in different concentrations. To fix a large enough cracked glass and not let it spread further, put the glue in a syringe and inject it into the crack. If the damage is small, you can simply rub the glue. Degrease the glass surface before repairing it. After degreasing and applying, this adhesive will take one day to dry completely. After 24 hours, it will be possible to open or close it.

2. Use painting tape

This quick fix is a great way to temporarily fix a crack and stop it from growing. Stick the duct tape to both sides of the window pane, pressing down hard. Also, make sure that the tape extends beyond the crack. It is important if the glass in the window sash is cracked.  

3. Use glass adhesives

You will often see this method of repair used for things like car windshields. You can use these solvent-based adhesives to hold the glass together temporarily.  

4. Use two-part epoxy

You can use this resin to fix a slightly cracked single-pane glass. For this do-it-yourself repair, you need to:

1. mix the resin and hardener;
2. then quickly apply the mixture to and inside the crack with a spatula. 

5. Use colorless nail polish

If the crack on the glass is very thin, cover it with colorless nail polish. Such a coating can last a long time, about three years or more. You have to apply nail polish to the outside of the window. The rains will not wash off.

6. Use decorations

You can repair the glass by gluing the crack securely, but the mark is visible, and you’re not happy with it. Just decorate it. For example, paint over cracked glass with acrylic or glass. Polish your artwork on top. You have an original window decoration – painting on glass.

What Can Cause Cracked Window Glass?

Several reasons can cause cracks. For example, you can notice its occurrence due to: 

• scratches;
• temperature;
• strength;
• size.

Improper handling is not always the cause of the cracked window. Manufacturing errors also occur. That’s why you need a precise technique to use double-glazed steel windows correctly. Many environmental factors in manufacturing can shorten the life of a window.

1. Scratches

Even a tiny inconspicuous scratch in the center of the glass will be a weak spot that can occur later. This risk is higher when there is a more complex crack. Sometimes a slight pressure on the damaged area will cause the shattered glass.

2. Temperature

If glazing is made in hot summers, the risk of cracked glass is greater in winter when atmospheric pressure is lower. Contact only trusted companies with a long history of making and installing windows. They know how to work in all conditions.

3. Strength

If the glass has sufficient strength, you can reduce the likelihood of a cracked window. Thus, it’s usually worth choosing 6mm thick glass for repairing a cracked window. It is better than the more common 4mm variant.

4. Size

The size and shape of the window can determine which parts are most vulnerable to breakage. Consider this in terms of aspect ratio. If you have a small square or even round window, you will find that the risk of them breaking is usually very low. It is because shorter glass plates are less likely to be cracked than larger ones.

Consequently, the exceptionally high window is very narrow in these cases, and there is a greater risk of stress fracture or cracking.

Important safety note. To avoid injury, trust the removal of broken glass by a professional. 

Final thoughts

Thus, it is not difficult to fix the cracked glass. Decide which repair option is the best and with what forces you can do it. Remember that you do not always have to do everything yourself. You can ask for help from qualified professionals.

FAQ