14 Smart Strategies To Spend On Leftover Glazing Repair Budget Glazing Repair - How to Repair a Cracked Window

Glazing can make a huge impact on the energy efficiency of your home. This is particularly true for older double-glazed windows.

While it is possible to replace glazing points when the window is in position, it is quicker and easier to do so if the frame and glass are removed. This is also an excellent occasion to change the gaskets made of rubber.

Broken Glass

Broken glass isn't just unattractive but it also allows valuable heat and sunlight escape your home. It's possible to fix damaged glass without replacing the entire window.

Begin by putting on your protective gloves and safety glasses. You can also use duct tape or painter's taps to create an "X" on the glass that you intend to remove. This will prevent any broken pieces from falling while you work, which can save you from serious injury.

Cover a small scratch on your window glass with tape to keep water, insects and wind from getting. One strip of tape should be enough for superficial cracks but if you're worried about the weather becoming worse before you can replace your window, you should use a heavier-duty plastic cover, like a tarp, or a garbage bag, to hold the glass in place until you obtain a permanent fix.

Make use of a strong adhesive that is designed for windows to fix cracks. Loctite Super Glue Glass is a good option. This high-tech glue is made to bond to glass and dries transparent to give a perfect finish. Apply it to the cracks in the glass and allow it to dry completely before applying another layer.


Stress cracks are another common issue that can affect your glass window. They are usually caused by large changes in temperature and can spread quickly across the entire glass window if they aren't fixed. To avoid stress fractures, use a glass cutter to cut a small arc close to the crack. This will stop the crack from spreading and can slow it down for some days.

If you're replacing a damaged window make sure you measure the frame to fit the new pane. It should be slightly smaller than the opening to allow for expansion and contraction, and to cover any imperfections in the frame or glass. After cutting your new glass, apply glaziers' compound around the edges of the frame and glass. Once the compound has dried, paint it to match the frame.

Double Glazed Windows Condensation Inside

Condensation inside double-glazed windows is typically an indication that a seal on the window unit has failed. This is a serious problem and could mean that heat is being lost from your home through the window.

Double glazing has been designed to prevent heat transfer between the two panes of glass by sandwiching a layer of air or a vacuum between them. This creates an airtight seal that stops warm air from escaping the house. But, if the glass is colder or colder than the frame then condensation will build up on it, which can damage the window. If you notice condensation on your double glazed window that you are unable to eliminate it by opening the windows, with extractor fans, using dehumidifiers or by trickle venting then you may need to call in a professional.

It's much rarer to see condensation appear on the exterior of double-glazed windows, however it can occur when the seal between the glass and the window frame has started to deteriorate. It is more prevalent in winter, when the temperature is lower. This makes it easier for condensation. The most likely cause is a flaw in the spacer that is placed between the window and the frame. The spacer is filled with desiccant which is highly absorbent and will soak up any moisture that is present.

This could result in moisture leaking into the gap once the desiccant is saturated. This could lead to condensation and water in the gap, and can be very difficult to eliminate.

Most reputable window companies offer a warranty and replace the glass and unit of a window in the event that it's damaged by condensation. Inform any issues as quickly as you can to the window manufacturer to ensure that the condensation is repaired as fast as it can to avoid further damage.

Shattering Window Glass

A damaged window isn't just a cosmetic problem, it could be a security risk, especially if the crack is spreading. It is best to have it repaired as soon as you can. There are a variety of methods to fix it by using glass adhesives designed for vehicle windows, which can be purchased online or at many auto repair shops. Alternately, you can make use of a glazing compound formulated for home use that can be found at a variety of hardware or home improvement stores.

Before starting any work, put on thick gloves that are cut-proof and safety glasses and sweep the area to eliminate large shards. You should also vacuum up any chips that have fallen. This will prevent them from cutting you or a glazing repair technician later on.

It's a good idea work from a ladder, instead of laying on the floor. This will enable you to reach all the parts of the frame with ease and also protect you from glass falling. It is also an excellent idea to clean the rabbet before proceeding to the area around the perimeter of the window frame that is where glass is likely to go. Wipe it down and then apply an oil coat of linseed to the rabbet. This will help the new putty stick securely.

After the frame has been cleaned and the rabbet prepared It's now time to put together the replacement pane. Take measurements of the width and height of the opening both ways, then order a piece of double-strength glass that's 1/8 inch shorter in both directions. You'll need to buy glass points, which is a metal triangle that holds the glass in place.

With the window sash removed from the way, carefully pull it off of the wood molding with an angled pry bar. You may need to scrape old glazing off with a utility blade or chisel. Then you can use the heat gun to warm any putty that isn't able to fall off. This will make it much easier to remove it.

After the frame has been removed from the mold and the frame is pressed gently into the new glass into its place. Then, using a glazier's or putty knife's point, fill the gaps around it and smooth them out. After the putty has dried paint the frame in a similar color to the putty. Lap the paint slightly over the edge of the compound and onto the glass to seal it completely.

Replacement Window Glass

Wear eye protection and gloves when replacing a broken pane of glass. Tape off the area around the damaged window to stop it from shattering again in a different spot after you remove it.

Begin by removing the old glazing compound and glazing points (small metal triangles) from the wood frame with a utility knife. Then, clean the frame opening and apply a coat of linseed oil in order to help the new stick of putty to it better.

Once the frame is in place, take measurements for the new window pane. Then buy it from a home improvement store or any other retailer. Be sure to purchase the pane one-sixth inch shorter in each direction than your measurement to allow for an ideal fit.

Installing the new window is simpler than you think, however ensure you follow the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure proper fit and a long life for your replacement pane. Use a wire brush to rid the frame opening of any old paint or wood gunk. then sand it down to bare wood to improve the seal between the sash and frame.

When you're putting the new pane in place, use the tip of your putty knife to lightly bed the new window against the frame made of wood. Put glazier's tips in the frame every six inches. This will keep the new pane securely in position.

After the frame has cured and the joint is painted, you can paint it several times until it matches the frame. Let the paint dry completely before cleaning and maintaining your windows. Maintaining double glazing window repairs in good shape and ensuring they function properly will increase their life expectancy and improve the energy efficiency of your home. If your windows are old or in poor condition, you may be better off having a full window replacement. If you decide to go this option, we suggest you choose the highest-quality, well-insulated window that will reduce your energy costs. The type of window you choose will also impact the total cost of your project.