how to fix cracked glass

Regardless of how it occurs, cracked window glass is not something any homeowner wants to deal with. If people aren't sure how to deal with the matter, it can be costly, confusing, or dangerous.

Mostly, homeowners should try attempting to fix cracked windows. However, several temporary fixes may be helpful while you figure out the best way to deal with cracked window glass and should you be seeking replacement windows right away.

In our guide, you can learn all you need about broken windows. By the end, you'll have a better insight into how to fix broken glass with one of our cracked glass repair tips.

cracked window

Is There a Way to Fix Cracked Glass?

In general, cracked window glass in a home's windows can only be repaired in a few situations. This is primarily determined by the sort of crack you have. (Learn How To Fix Peeling Paint)

Any glass that has cracks longer than an inch, double-paned glass with holes in both panes, or glass that has broken pieces is deemed broken beyond repair.

The good news is any cracked window smaller than this, and you can fix them. However, it's important to note that not all window repairs are permanent.

After making a temporary fix, seek a professional to repair cracked window glass as soon as possible since small cracks quickly grow to larger ones when exposed to moisture, temperature changes, and many other reasons.

Types of Window Cracks

impact cracks

Impact Cracks

This is what most people think of when they think of a window crack simply because of its name. An impact crack in your windows is a break in the windows caused by the force of an object striking it.

Window repairs can be difficult and risky because an impact crack usually has a lot of force. If you try any temporary repair, proceed with caution.

Stress Crack

Stress cracks are small at first, but they can do a lot of damage. A stress crack usually begins at the windows edge and spreads across the glass over time because of temperature differences between the outside and interior of the window.

Stress cracks can occur and worsen because of a constant force on the cracks, such as slamming the door or window shut. If you want to fix the glass, you must find stress cracks as soon as possible. If you wait too long, it will be practically hard to repair, and you will be forced to replace the glass or window unit.

pressure cracks

Pressure Cracks

A pressure crack is the least common of the three types of window cracks. When there is a significant or sudden change in pressure, pressure cracks form. A sudden change in weather causes such pressure, but it can also occur if the window glass is placed wrongly.

Looking at the shape of a pressure crack is one way to identify it. You're dealing with a pressure crack if the window glass cracks as an hourglass. (Learn How To Fix A Leaky Hose Bib)

How Do You Repair a Cracked Window Without Replacing It?

Here's how you can go about fixing cracked glass. You will find you can use this on regular glass and tempered glass as this is also prone to cracks, yet it could take more force to do so.

Things you'll need

Liquid dishwashing soap
Glass cleaner
Acetone or nail polish remover
Clean rags
Two-part Epoxy
Toothpick
Paper plate
Putty knife
Razorblade

Clean Your Broken Glass

Apply a few drops of dishwashing soap to a clean rag and wipe the glass clean. You'll need to remove the glass around the crack of fingerprints, oil, or dust.

Using a dry microfiber towel, remove the soapy residue, and allow the glass to dry.

Prepare Your Two-Part Epoxy

A Two-part epoxy will have a separate hardener and resin, which must be mixed right before use. Mix the two epoxy substances on a disposable plate or a piece of cardboard in a well-ventilated area.
In most circumstances, hardener and resin are mixed in a 50/50 ratio.
For at least 30 seconds, use a toothpick to mix the substances. You'll have about five to ten minutes of working time to apply the epoxy to window cracks when it hardens.
Choose clear epoxies as you can find some that are colored.

Apply Your Epoxy

Use your putty knife to fill in the crack using the epoxy. Carefully press the epoxy into the crack and fill any openings.
Let your epoxy dry for at least five minutes.

Remove Excess Epoxy

You may observe excess epoxy at the sides of your crack once the drying time has passed.
Remove any excess epoxy carefully with your razor blade
Use a clean rag and a few drops of acetone to remove epoxy that has spilled to the side of the crack. Allow at least a day for the glass to cure.

Polish Your Glass

Add a few drops of a glass cleaner on a dry cloth and polish the glass. This helps remove any difference in appearance from the crack and the whole glass. (Learn How To Fix A Lawn Mower That Won't Start)

Can You Seal a Crack in Glass?

If you are short on time, you can use one of the following quick fixes. Remember, these methods only mask the window glass crack in most cases and should only be used as a temporary fix rather than a permanent window crack repair.

Use Nylon Mesh Patch

Using a pair of nylon stockings, cut a square piece. Apply super glue to its edges and stick it over the crack in your window. Keep the patch firmly against the window until the glue dries. The mesh patch isn't attractive, yet it can stop chilly air or keep pests out of your room.

Use Thick Plastic

To repair cracked glass, you can use this method which isn't too far from the above. Cut a large square piece of thick plastic from a shopping bag or plastic tarp. Ensure the selection is large enough to cover the window surface crack. Place the piece over the damage and stick it using duct tape or masking tape around the edges.

If you have clear packing tape, you can run this down the length of the crack shape to help keep your glass intact and help you stay warm.

Can Super Glue Fix Broken Glass?

Here are some simple, temporary solutions for broken windows in your home or car:

Use masking tape on both sides of the crack to support the broken edge of the pane.
Clean the small crack in the glass surface using acetone or nail polish remover. Carefully apply superglue to help prevent the minor crack from spreading and turning into a larger crack after dramatic shifts.
Call a professional if the crack is in your home and you are losing heat or your air conditioning through it.

However, until they can arrive, you can use these workarounds:

The window should be covered with plastic. You can buy kits to insulate windows temporarily from hardware stores.

If the impact cracks are in a storm window, place some insulation between the glass panes. You can use bubble wrap for insulation as this uses the air pockets to provide further insulation of your window.

While working on your window, check around the frame of your windows and see you still have a good seal. Use caulking to fill gaps, especially if the windows are old.

Remember that these fixes are only temporary because a crack in glass will propagate once it emerges. Although you won't be able to stop the crack from growing, you might be able to slow it down.

How To Fix Cracked Glass (2)