How To Fix Cracks In Windows

Window glass is usually pretty durable, but it only takes one unfortunate event to cause a crack.

Whether severe weather hits your windows, or a beloved pet jumps up without knowing its own strength, accidents are bound to happen eventually. But when you have a cracked window, you might wonder what steps you should take to prevent the crack from spreading, and how to fix window cracks in general.

To fix cracks in windows, you can use a two-part epoxy to seal the crack. You can also try using a clear nail polish, or even tape to seal the window crack if you need a quick fix.

For a permanent solution, you should replace the window with new glass, or try Plexiglass or a more durable material if you find the area is prone to frequent damage.

There is more than one way to fix the cracks in your window. In the end it depends whether you are just looking to seal the crack, or if you want the crack to disappear altogether.

Most repair methods are fairly simple, and depending on the window in question, you might even be able to easily replace the window pane yourself as well. Read through our five window crack repair methods to find which one is best for you.

One great way to fix the crack in your window is by using a two-part epoxy. The reason this method is so popular is because it is long-lasting and highly effective.

In some cases, if it is applied properly to a less-severe crack, it can almost completely erase the appearance of the crack.

This means it can not only stop the spreading of the crack, but almost make the crack completely disappear. Best of all, it is a fraction of the cost of replacing a window.

While it is a bit easier than replacing your window, the are still several steps involved to ensure this process is done properly. You should follow all these steps for best results.

Use a putty knife or similar tool to apply epoxy to the crack area. Be careful to apply the epoxy only to the affected area.

Make sure the epoxy soaks into the crack, ensuring it will seal. Make sure you are mindful of time, as epoxy dries fast.

Pro Tip: Epoxy hardens quickly, often within 10 minutes. So, make sure as soon as you mix the epoxy you have all your materials ready, as you will only have a few minutes to apply the product before it’s too late to sink in through the cracks.

If the glass in question is highly visible to you and guests alike, you might want to make sure the area remains crack-free. If this is the case, you might need to replace the cracked glass with a new pane of glass.

The type of windows you have will dictate exactly how you need to proceed with replacing the cracked glass. First, you should check to see if your windows are under warranty.

If they are quality and newer windows, there is a good chance there might be some warranty and insurance coverage that can assist.

Also, check your home insurance. If the cracks were caused by severe weather (including a hurricane), then they might be covered by insurance.

Make the necessary calls before heading to the home improvement store. This can save you money, and you might get a brand new window out of it.

Otherwise, follow the proper steps to replace the window pane, starting by purchasing the correct materials and having glass cut.

Before you head to the home improvement store to buy another panel of glass, consider how often your window has cracked, or how many times you can see yourself needing to make this same repair.

If you can see your dog busting the window again, or have lots of pebbles mixed into your lawn, and know it is only a matter of time before the mower hits another one and it hits the house, maybe you should think beyond glass.

Consider purchasing a more durable see-through material like acrylic sheets, with Plexiglass being the most popular option. This is a great way to properly fix the crack in your glass and ensure that there are no cracks in the future.

If you are replacing glass in a basement window, acrylic sheets are a great option, as it is unlikely anyone will get up close to the window and even notice it isn’t glass.

Applying a two-part epoxy is not the only way to stop the spread of a window crack. In fact, you might even have a solution in your home already: clear nail polish.

That’s right, not only is clear nail polish great to add a protective after-coat to your nails, but it can also help seal a window crack and prevent it from spreading.

The method using nail polish is similar to using epoxy, but a bit less complicated. This also means, however, that nail polish is also not as effective as epoxy. But in a pinch, it is a simple option that can help fix a crack quickly.

If you are looking for an immediate and temporary solution, you can opt for some adhesive tape. Ideally, you should select a clear adhesive packing tape.

This will ensure you can at least still properly see out of the window. It will also make it possible for you to see if the problem worsens.

Tape should not be the permanent solution. It does very little to properly seal a crack. This also means that the crack will likely expand and worsen over time.

But if you want to make sure no one gets cut, or make sure rain or weather does not sneak into your home, tape is a good quick fix.

It is essentially a “band aid” solution. But once you apply the tape, you should consider one of the other methods we provided in order to have a more permanent solution.