Cracked glass is the last thing you want in your home. Be it a fractured bedside window or a damaged tabletop, cracked glass is not a homeowner’s favourite sighting. A small crack can have a big effect on the beauty of your home, let alone large ones that can even reduce the efficiency of your space.
The bad news is that cracked glass is a hard truth you must be prepared to face. A spinning soccer ball, an accidental drop of a vase, an unexpected cyclone, or a hailstorm can leave ugly scars on your glass. You cannot stop such unforeseen events, but the good news is that you can repair the rupture if you don’t wait for the crack to break all your glass into pieces. Here, Gharpedia shows how to repair cracked glass. You can fix cracked glass at home without a professional’s help with a few simple yet effective steps.
Why Does Glass Crack?
Before we discuss the solutions to cracked glass, it is important to understand why it cracks in the first place. Knowing why your glass may crack might also help you avoid a few cracks.
01. Changes in Pressure
Changes in pressure due to the weather may result in cracks in the glass. Such cracks mostly come as a surprise and are not the most frequent. Incorrect placement of glass windows can be the cause of such curved cracks.
02. Temperature Stress
Such cracks occur when the external and internal surfaces of glass vary widely in temperature. These cracks generally start from the edge, and if left unattended, a small fissure can make its way across the entire piece.
03. Hard Impacts
Cracks due to impact are the most commonly occurring type of glass fracture. A shooting stone, a cricket ball, or a storm can be one of the many reasons that cause a crack of this kind. You can identify such big or small cracks by their centres and radiating arms.
How to Repair Cracked Glass?
Handling cracked glass can be a little tricky. Sometimes it’s beyond repair, but a few cracks and chips are well within your control. Read ahead to learn about the ways you can take charge of fixing your cracked glass.
Temporary Ways to Repair Cracked Glass
Adhesives
You can use glass adhesives on windshields and vehicles. In some situations, you can also use it for fixing cracked glass windows. Apply glass adhesive to the crack and let it set. The adhesive will hold the glass together and prevent the further spread of the crack.
Masking Tapes
You can apply these tapes to both sides of the glass and press to keep the glass in place for some time. This way, you can fix the cracked glass.
Plastic Cover
This is a rather simple and sketchy way of keeping the glass in place. Here, you can place a thick sheet of plastic over the crack and fix it with duct tape.
Permanent Way to Repair Cracked Glass
For a permanent fix, two-part epoxy is the most common solution. You can apply this method to single-pane glass, mirrors, glass tiles, side lites, picture glass, and some kitchen glassware. However, you cannot use it on double-pane windows, microwave ovens, shower glass, or automotive glass. Two-part epoxy works best for round impact cracks that are less than 1 inch in diameter or longer cracks up to 12 inches.
Required Materials for Glass Repairing
To carry out this method of DIY glass repair, you’ll need the following materials in your glass repair kit:
- Utility Knife Blade
- Nitrile Gloves
- Wooden Craft Stick
- Safety Glasses
- Two-Part Epoxy
- Glass Cleaner
- Painter’s Tape
How to Repair Cracked Glass Permanently: A Step-by-Step Procedure
Step 1. Preparation of Work Area
Before you begin with glass crack repair, make sure the work area has all the materials you need in proximity because working with epoxy is tricky and you will have to complete your work as fast as possible. Make sure to work with disposable tools like gloves, matchsticks, and work surface such as cardboard. Before starting, make sure the room is well-ventilated and you have a clean piece of cardboard to work on.
Step 2. Preparing A Clean Surface
A clean glass is essential to enable the glass glue to stick to the surface. With the help of some soap, water and a rag, clean the cracked glass meticulously to get rid of any debris or filth. It is better to remove the broken pieces before cleaning; however, you can also leave them as they are. Allow it to dry thoroughly after cleaning.
Step 3. Preparing the Epoxy
A two-part epoxy is composed of a resin and hardener, neither of which can work independently. Epoxy in a double-cylinder syringe is best suited for small repairs. The syringe controls the flow of the two liquids, making sure they are in the right proportion. To prepare the epoxy, pour out the resin and hardener on paper or cardboard in equal amounts and blend them well with a stick.
Step 4. Application of Epoxy
For glass pieces that have been separated, apply the epoxy gently with a stick or putty knife, press them together, and add painter’s tape to the crack.
For cracked pieces that are still together, force some epoxy in between the fissures with a thin stick and spread. A little extra epoxy can be beneficial during the cutting. Epoxy is a good option for glass crack filler. You can rely on this glass epoxy repair method for fixing cracked glass or chipped glass.
Step 5. Removing Excess Epoxy
Once the epoxy has dried completely, use a knife or blade and some drops of acetone to slice off excess epoxy. After removing the epoxy, polish your glass clean with a clean cloth, and your glass is as good as new.
When to Replace Cracked Glass
At some point, you will need to replace the cracked glass. But how can you determine when to replace it rather than trying fixes and repairs? If you are in such a dilemma, here are our recommendations when considering a permanent solution, which means replacing your broken glass.
- If the broken glass poses a safety risk.
- If you have a double-pane window and the crack has damaged the seal.
- If the glass is shattered and no longer contained within the frame.
Conclusion
You may have learned how to repair cracked glass, but you also need to know that these methods only reduce the visibility of a crack. They do not make them disappear. The repair will help in preventing the spread of the crack, but it will not be miraculously invisible to the eye.
Entry of dirt and smudges will make the cracked patch visible, which brings another important point to notice, and that is maintenance. Cleaning the glass will only make sure that the dirt stays out of the epoxy. Besides, some remaining epoxy particles will also reveal themselves on the glass. A razor blade and a little patience can help you clean that up in no time.
Another thing to keep in mind is that all cracks aren’t for you to handle. Restrict this adventure to smaller cracks for your own safety and a thorough fix. For important items, it is best to seek professional help and just watch from a distance.
Also read
Advantages & Disadvantages of Glass as a Building Material!
Different Types of Glass Treatments
Image Courtesy: Image 3, Image 4
Author Bio
Brickly – Sakshi – Sakshi navigates the corporate world by day, and transforms into a wordsmith by night, bridging the gap between spaces and stories. Occasional travel and regular reading are her muse. Her LinkedIn following, a vibrant community of around 12k kindred spirits, emboldens her to continue this enriching exchange of ideas.
