In addition to being unsightly, cracks in your house windows can lead to bigger problems if left unrepaired. Many people assume that they can’t fix glass themselves, so they will have to replace the whole window. This is not entirely the case. That’s why we’re here to teach you how to fix a small crack in your window yourself and save some money.
Unfortunately, large cracks will require a professional in order to fix them properly. But if a crack in a window is only a couple of inches in length, you can fix it yourself by following these steps:
- Clean the glass.
- Mix the epoxy.
- Apply the epoxy to the crack.
- Remove the excess epoxy.
- Clean the glass again.
Repairing small cracks in glass can be done with very few materials and for very little money. In this article, we’ll explain how to fix a cracked window in more detail. We’ll also explain what can cause the window to crack in the first place and answer any other questions you may have about fixing your window. Continue reading to learn more.
What Causes A House Window To Crack?
The windows in your house can become cracked due to causes that are apparent or not-so-apparent. Apparent causes are those that you physically saw or were inadvertently caused by someone or something in your home.
Examples of apparent damage include a rock being thrown by a lawnmower, someone throwing something that hit the window, or something falling into the window.
But sometimes your window can become cracked and you don’t know what caused it. If this is the case, the most likely cause is thermal stress. Thermal stress occurs due to temperature changes in or around a material.
As an example, you are more likely to experience stress cracks in windows that are partially located in shady areas. If part of your window is in the sun and part is in the shade, it can create a temperature gradient between the two areas, causing a crack.
Dramatic and sudden changes in the temperature outside can also cause stress cracks, regardless of the location of the window.
Another cause of cracks in windows could be due to pressure. This usually happens if the window wasn’t installed properly or isn’t properly insulated.
The problem with both stress and pressure cracks is that they are common on double-paned windows and usually cause the window to crack from the inside. If your window is cracked from the inside, you will need to have it fixed by a professional.
Can A Cracked Home Window Be Repaired?
Small cracks in your glass windows can be repaired and are actually minor fixes. Of course, it’s important that you fix them as soon as possible after noticing them. Small cracks can turn into larger ones as a result of weather conditions and other elements.
Before we begin explaining how to fix it though, there are a few things you should be aware of:
- This method is only recommended for cracks that are smaller than a couple of inches.
- You can only use this method if the window has a single pane of glass. It will also work if the glass is double-paned but only has a crack in one pane.
If the crack is larger than a couple of inches, or there are pieces missing, then this method will not work. It also won’t work if the window is double-paned and the crack is in both panes. If either of these is the case, you will need to call in a professional or may even need to have the window replaced entirely.
How To Fix A Cracked Window
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Materials
- Clean cloths
- Dish soap
- Two-part epoxy resin
- Paper plate
- Toothpicks
- Putty knife
- Acetone
- Razor blade
- Glass cleaner
Steps
Now that you’ve gathered all of your tools and materials, here are the steps you’ll need to follow. Be sure to follow them carefully and use caution when working with sharp objects.
Clean the Glass
The first thing you will want to do is clean the glass around where the crack is. This is necessary to ensure that the repair will adhere and hold up over time. At this point, dish soap will be the most effective at removing tough dirt and other residues. Save the glass cleaner for later, when you don’t need to clean as thoroughly.
Dampen a clean cloth and add just a couple of drops of dish soap to the cloth. Remember that with dish soap, a little goes a long way. Wipe off any dirt, dust, fingerprints, or other stains that you see. Then, use another damp, clean cloth to wipe off the soap from the window. You will want to let the glass dry completely before proceeding.
Mix the Epoxy
The repair patch that you will be using is a two-part epoxy. It can be purchased online or at most home improvement or craft stores. It is called two-part epoxy because it contains both a resin and a hardener that you have to mix together in order for it to be effective.
Mix the resin and hardener together on a paper plate by following the directions on the packaging. Use a toothpick to combine the two parts by stirring them together for about 20 to 30 seconds.
Note that you should only mix the epoxy if you are ready to begin work on the window. The hardener will cause the epoxy to harden quickly, so you must work quickly as well. Depending on the brand of epoxy you use, you’ll have about 10 minutes maximum before the epoxy starts to harden beyond use.
Click here to see this two-part epoxy on Amazon.
Apply the Epoxy to the Crack
After mixing the epoxy, use the putty knife to apply it to the crack in the glass. Apply a small amount of pressure to ensure that the epoxy penetrates into the crack, then smooth it out using back and forth motions. Give the epoxy time to cure before continuing to work. The curing time just depends on the brand.
Remove the Excess Epoxy
The next step is to remove the excess epoxy from around the crack. Otherwise, it may be noticeable after the glass has been repaired. Use the razor blade to scrape away as much epoxy as you can.
Then, dip the corner of a clean cloth into some acetone and use it to wipe around the crack to remove any remaining residue. Leave the repaired glass to cure for 24 hours.
Clean the Glass Again
Once 24 hours have passed and the glass has had time to cure, you can clean the glass again to polish it up. Use a clean cloth and some glass cleaner to clean around the repaired crack. The epoxy should do a nice job of sealing the crack.
Is A Cracked House Window Dangerous?
A cracked window in your house doesn’t necessarily cause direct danger just by being cracked. However, it can lead the way to other problems down the line if it isn’t repaired.
We’ve already mentioned that small cracks can get bigger if they aren’t fixed. Cracks in windows, especially larger ones, can lead to higher heating and energy costs because it allows air to escape over time. That’s not really a danger, but it can cost you more money.
The biggest danger from having a cracked window is that it can make your house easier to break into. This can pose a danger to you especially if you don’t have a security system installed. That’s another reason why it is important to fix a cracked window as soon as possible.
See more: How To Block Heat From Windows [4 EASY Ways]
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Cracked House Window?
If you call in a professional to fix small cracks, it can cost around $50 to $100 for the same basic method that you can do at home yourself. When you hire someone to fix something, you have to pay for labor as well.
If you’re confident that you can repair a small crack yourself, you’ll likely come out a lot cheaper, especially if you already have the tools. Of course, larger cracks that require a professional will cost more.
How Do You Tell If a Window Was Broken From the Inside?
If you have a double-paned window and you can’t tell whether or not it is cracked on the inside or outside, there is an easy way to tell. All you have to do is run your finger across the cracked area. If you can’t feel the crack, then it is cracked on the inside.
See more: How To Tell If Glass Is Tempered
In Closing
We hope this was helpful in teaching you how to fix cracks in windows. All you need is a little two-part epoxy to help seal it up. Remember that this method works if the crack is only a couple of inches long. Larger cracks or broken glass will require a professional. Thanks for reading!