Can Cracked Window Glass Be Repaired?

Regardless of how it happens, cracked window glass isn't something any homeowner wants to deal with. It can be expensive, complicated or even dangerous if people aren't sure of how to deal with the situation. For the most part, homeowners should not try to repair cracked windows. However, there are temporary fixes that may be helpful while you decide who to hire to replace the glass or window. Read on to learn the different types of cracked window glass, what they mean for your windows, and how you can make sure they're repaired properly. 

In this post, we cover the following topics:
(Click the links below to jump ahead)

• Can Cracked Window Glass Be Repaired?
• Types of Residential Window Cracks: Impact; Stress: Pressure
• How to Fix Cracked Glass in a Single Pane Window

Can Cracked Window Glass Be Repaired?

Generally speaking, there are not many cases where cracked window glass can be repaired. This mainly depends on the type of crack that you have. It’s generally accepted that cracks approximately longer than an inch, double-paned glass that have holes in both panes or glass that’s broken into pieces are broken beyond repair. That means that any cracked window class smaller than that might be able to be fixed yourself. However, it’s also important to remember to repair cracked window glass as soon as possible, because small cracks can become larger in a short amount of time if they’re exposed to moisture, changes in temperature, or misuse. And while there are cracks that are small enough to be repaired yourself or by a professional, it’s important to be aware that this may only be a short-term solution depending on the damage that’s been done.

Types of Residential Window Cracks

Impact Crack

Just from its name, this would be what most people think of when they think about a window crack. An impact crack↗ is a break in window class caused by the force of an object that hits your window – think of the neighborhood kids who hit the baseball through your window. Since there is usually a lot of force on an impact crack, window repairs can be difficult and dangerous. Proceed with caution if you attempt any type of temporary repair.

Stress Crack

Stress cracks↗ start small but have potential to do a lot of damage. Usually starting at the edge of a window, a stress crack can spread across the glass over time due to temperature variances between the outside and inside the window. Continual force on the cracks through slamming the door or window shut can also cause stress cracks to appear and worsen. Finding stress cracks early is important if you want a chance a repairing the glass. Waiting too long will make it nearly impossible to repair and you'll have to replace the glass or window unit instead.

Pressure Crack

The least common type of window crack among these three is a pressure crack↗. Pressure cracks occurs when there is an intense or dramatic shift in pressure. Oftentimes, the cause of that pressure is a swift change in weather, but it also can happen if the window glass was installed incorrectly. One way to recognize a pressure crack is to look at its shape. If the window glass crack in the shape of an hourglass, you’re dealing with a pressure crack.

How to Fix Cracked Glass in a Single Pane Window

There are several ways to fix cracked glass in a single pane window, with the goal of putting a temporary fix on the glass that will keep everything intact until more permanent can be done. Ways to fix cracked glass include:

• putting masking tape on both sides of the cracked glass
• applying nail polish and super glue to the crack to hold the panes together
• applying multiple layers of adhesive material to the broken glass 

There are even step-by-step ways↗ to fix cracked glass using at-home remedies and materials. However, these solutions are not one-size-fits-all, so you’ll want to know what type of cracked glass you have before you attempt to fix it. If the crack has become too large, call a professional to repair or replace the glass or window.

Cracked window glass can be repaired, but in most cases it's a short-term solution. Once you notice a crack in your window glass, you should make sure you figure out what type of crack you have to make plans to repair it. Sometimes, the best solution is to replace the window entirely. Visit Brennan’s website to learn more about the window replacement options available for you and your home.