How to Repair Cracked or Chipped Glass

If you’ve ever driven a car or lived in a home with windows (both likely), you’ve probably experienced the unpleasantness of a broken window. Whether your windshield has been chipped due to flying rocks, or the windows in your home have a crack or two, we have a few quick and easy fixes for the beatings your windows take. 
 
When working with damaged glass, make sure to always wear a durable pair of gloves, like heavy duty rubber kitchen gloves. No matter how small the damage may be, take precaution. It can be hard to spot a shard of glass sticking out from a window, and protection can prevent a potential injury. 

Once you’re equipped to work with the broken glass, make sure it’s clean, especially if the window was damaged by something dirty, like a rock. Ball up a moist cloth towel and wipe the entire area gently until any particles of dust or dirt have been removed. If you can’t get it clean this way, use a glass-cleaning solution to do the job.  

Now that you’ve prepped the glass for fixing, it’s time to get it done! 

For a super easy and very temporary fix, think simple. Use a strip of strapping tape to completely cover the damaged area. Any heavy duty tape will do, but we recommend using strapping tape over others such as masking tape because of its waterproof properties. Smooth the tape against the glass, making sure it’s secure. This will prevent the crack or chip from spreading until you can get the glass permanently fixed. 

For a longer lasting solution, take some clear nail polish and dab a thin layer to fill the damaged glass. Allow the polish to dry, and then repeat the process, allowing time to dry in between, until the crack or hole is completely filled. Once the glass is even and sealed, the damage will be practically invisible. 

If you’re willing to go the extra step to really fix that window, here’s the option for you. You’ll need a plastic putty knife and silicone sealer. Place a small glob of the sealant onto the crack, and using the knife, smooth the product down until it’s flat and blends with the rest of the glass. Wipe the blade with a paper towel, then smooth one more time for an extra smooth finish. 

These methods are, for the most part, for small cracks and chips. If your window is in disrepair to the point of no return, or if you aren’t sure, give us a call at (303) 777-4491. We’re here to help!!