How to Fix Cracked Glass Window? (Step-By-Step Tutorial)

The thud of a ball hit by children playing in the street. A paw-first jump of your over-enthusiastic cat. The dirt and debris flying around in a windstorm. We can name endless scenarios that can result in a cracked glass window. That isn’t important.

What is important is how to fix cracked glass window. Provided the crack is smaller than an inch and hasn’t ripped a hole in both panes, you can still reverse the damage. Here’s how.

How to Fix Cracked Glass Window (Quick Fixes)

Provided you’re short of time, you can apply one of the following quick fixes. Remember, these methods will only help you hide the defect. So only turn to them if you can’t follow the proper (and time-intensive) method listed below.

1. Apply Masking Tape

Applying a piece of clear packing tape over the crack might help keep the glass intact. Apply the tape on both sides to give the glass the necessary adhesion that will hold it together. Add two or three layers of tape to prevent water from coming in. Make sure that the tape is extending past the length and width of the crack and press it securely against the pane.

2. Apply Nail Polish

After dipping the nail polish brush into the polish, fill-in the crack. Apply copious amounts of polish as you’ve to fill the hole in. Give the polish enough time to dry, then reapply it three to four times to further seal the opening. Remember, nail polish can only seal small cracks. It won’t be any good if the crack is large or the damage is more significant.

3. Apply mesh patch of nylon

Cut a square or rectangular piece from a pair of nylon stockings. Lubricate its edges with super glue and paste it over the crack in your window. Keep the patch pressed firmly against the window until the glue has dried. The mesh patch won’t look beautiful but it will prevent cold air drafts and bugs from coming into the room.

4. Apply a piece of thick plastic

This method is similar to the one we discussed above. All you have to do is to cut a square piece of plastic from a shopping bag or a tarp. Make sure that the piece that you’re going to cut is large enough to cover the crack. Put the piece over the crack and paste it there by applying duct tape around its edges. You can also use masking tape.

How to Fix Cracked Glass Window (Permanent Fix)

Here’s how you can permanently fix the cracked glass window:

Step 1: Gather the supplies

You’d need the following items to apply this method:

• Liquid dishwashing soap
• Glass cleaner
• Acetone
• Clean rags
• Two-part Epoxy
• Toothpick
• Paper plate
• Putty knife
• Razorblade

Step 2: Clean the glass

Pour a few drops of dishwashing soap on the clean rag and then use it to clean the glass. You’ll need to remove fingerprints, oil, or dust from the glass around the crack. Then remove the soapy residue using a dry microfiber cloth and let the glass dry.

Step 3: Prepare the two-part epoxy

Two-part epoxies have a separate hardener and resin that need to be mixed just before the time of use. In a well-ventilated area, mix both the substances on a disposal plate or a cardboard piece.

In most cases, the mixture is a 50/50 blend of the hardener and the resin. Mix both the substances using a toothpick for at least 30 seconds. Once the time is over, you’ll have about five to ten minutes to apply the proxy before it thickens and harden.

Step 4: Apply the epoxy

Use a putty knife to fill in the crack with the epoxy. Gently press the epoxy into the crack and fill-in the opening. Let the proxy dry for at least five minutes.

Step 5: Remove excess proxy

After the drying time is over, you might notice excess proxy falling off of the side of the crack. To prevent it from falling to the ground, use a razor blade to remove the excess proxy. You can also squirt a few drops of acetone on a dry rag and use it to remove any proxy that’s oozed out of the crack. Give the glass at least a whole day for cure.

Step 6: Polish the glass

Pour a few drops of a glass cleaner on a clean rag and use it to polish the glass. This will help remove any difference in appearance that may have appeared between the area of the crack and the whole glass.

Type of Cracks

Before you try and fix the crack, identify its type. This will let you decide whether the crack can be cured or if you need to replace the entire window.

Impact Cracks

As the name implies, impact cracks develop in a window when an object strikes against it with force. Think about a speedy ball hitting the glass. This type of crack results in a starburst pattern where there is a prominent spot at the point of collision and lines spreading outwards. If you’re dealing with such a crack, it’s best to hire a professional to install a replacement window.

Stress Cracks

These cracks are usually the by-product of a huge difference in temperature between the inside of your home and the outside. For instance, if it is freezing outside and you increase the temperature of the thermostat to stay warm in your home, stress cracks may occur. You can fix these cracks on your own.

Pressure Cracks

Pressure cracks are extremely rare. They usually develop when your window is installed too low or too high, and extreme weather conditions bring about dramatic shifts in pressure. Their shape resembles the curve of an hourglass. Just like when you’re dealing with impact cracks, you cannot fix the pressure cracks on your own and may have to do a complete window makeover.

Conclusion

Provided you’re running short of time and dealing with a minor crack, any of the three quick-fix methods mentioned above might come to your rescue. Conversely, if you desire a long-lasting lasting solution, turn to the permanent fix method and use a two-part proxy to seal the crack.

If you’re unsure which of the two methods will serve you better, feel free to get in touch.