Safety First! Always wear appropriate safety gear, like gloves and eye protection, when working with glass and adhesives.

A cracked window can be fixed without replacing it, at least temporarily. Depending on the crack’s size and location, you can often repair it yourself to prevent further damage. Here’s how.

Assessing the Damage: Is Repair Possible?

Before starting, assess the crack’s size, depth, and location. Consider if it goes through the glass, its proximity to the edges (where cracks spread faster), and the cause of impact. Check the glass type: single-pane, double-pane, tempered (unrepairable as it shatters), or laminated (professionally repairable). For large, deep, edge-proximate cracks, or tempered glass damage, consult a glazier.

Quick Temporary Fixes

These are short-term solutions to halt crack spread and prevent drafts.

1. Clear Packing Tape

  • Clean: Wipe around the crack with glass cleaner and a clean cloth; ensure dryness.
  • Apply: Cover the crack with clear packing tape, extending an inch beyond each end. Press firmly.
  • Layer (Optional): Add tape layers for extra protection.

Pros: Cheap, easy, accessible. Cons: Unsightly, temporary, tape yellows/peels.

2. Super Glue (For Hairline Cracks)

  • Clean: Clean around the crack thoroughly; let it dry.
  • Apply: Carefully apply a tiny amount of super glue into the crack. Avoid surrounding glass.
  • Wipe Excess: Immediately wipe excess glue with rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth.
  • Cure: Let the glue cure fully, per instructions.

Pros: Near invisible if applied well, minimizes water entry. Cons: For small cracks only, requires precision, messy, doesn’t restore integrity.

Longer-Term Repair Options

More durable than tape, but not a replacement for severely compromised windows.

3. Glass Repair Kit

Kits contain resin and an applicator.

  • Clean: Clean the window thoroughly and dry.
  • Prepare: Follow kit instructions, usually involving applicator attachment to create a vacuum.
  • Apply Resin: Inject resin into the crack, filling it completely.
  • Cure: Cure the resin using UV light (sunlight or lamp).
  • Remove Excess: Scrape off excess resin with a razor blade carefully.
  • Polish: Polish the area for a smooth finish.

Pros: More durable seal, potentially invisible. Cons: Tricky application, can leave blemishes.

4. Epoxy Resin

Use for larger cracks, assuming glass stability and crack distance from the edge.

  • Clean and Prepare: Clean the glass. Create a tape “dam” to contain epoxy.
  • Mix Epoxy: Mix precisely per instructions.
  • Apply Epoxy: Carefully fill the crack. Use a toothpick/spatula.
  • Cure: Cure fully per instructions (hours or days).
  • Sand and Polish: Sand smooth with fine-grit paper. Polish for clarity.

Pros: Strong, fills larger cracks, sandable/polishable. Cons: Requires skill, difficult to work with, long curing, can be visible if poorly done.

When to Call a Professional

Get professional help if the crack is large, deep, near the edge, or the glass is shattered; also for double-paned windows or if you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself. Ignoring damage can lead to energy loss, water damage, and security risks. These fixes offer time, but severe damage warrants replacement.