If you have cracked window glass, you should repair it as quickly as possible. Not only can small cracks lead to bigger cracks and possibly breaks if not taken care of, even a slightly raised edge on a cracked piece of glass can cause serious injury. Before calling a professional, however, you can try some DIY fixes first. Does this Spark an idea?
Considerations
Cracked car windows should always be taken to an auto glass repair technician. Cracks can weaken the structural integrity of a window and lead to breaks that can cause injury to the driver or passengers, or at the very least, visibility problems. With house window cracks, you may be able to repair them yourself, but keep in mind that a well-fitted window can lead to significant savings on your energy bill and will also make your home more secure. If you the crack is large enough to feel with your hand, you will probably need to replace the pane or the window.
Quick Window Fixes
To provide a temporary patch to a crack until you can fix it, apply masking tape firmly to both sides of the crack. If the window is shattered, wear heavy-duty work gloves to remove the broken glass, then staple a square piece of thick plastic, such as a double-thickness of a heavy-duty garbage bag, onto the surrounding sash.
If your window is merely scratched or the crack is tiny, take some cerium oxide powder mixed with water to make a paste. Use a leather or hard felt buffing pad with some of the paste and polish out the scratch. You can find polishing kits containing these ingredients at DIY stores and Online. However, if the crack is slightly bigger, you can still try to fix it yourself but use resin instead. Auto supply stores sell resin repair kits which usually include the resin, an installation tool, curing strips, razor blades and instruction sheet.
If the window has a small hole in the window from something like a BB pellet, carefully dab a small amount of clear nail polish into the hole. Let it dry and then repeat the process as often as needed until the polish is flush with the window surface.
Broken Window Fix
If the window crack is fairly large, you'll probably need to replace the pane. Take the measurements of the frame with you to the hardware or window supply store, and they should be able to cut the glass for you. The first step in replacing the pane is to remove the glass, which may require a hammer. Just be sure to wear gloves and eye protection and place the window down on a flat surface, if possible. Use a chisel or putty knife to extract any leftover putty.
Next, prepare the frame by using a small amount of glazing compound in the window channel to cushion the glass. If the frame is wood, you'll need to apply a light coat of linseed oil first. Position the new glass pane in the frame and apply glazer points (small pieces of sheet metal shaped like a triangle) in three-inch intervals.
To hold the glass in place on wood frames, use a small amount of glazing compound where the glass meets the wood; for aluminum frames, use a rubber gasket. Last, remove any remaining glazing compound with a putty knife. Be sure and wait at least seven days before painting the window.
Tags: glazing compound, small amount, amount glazing, amount glazing compound, need replace, need replace pane
