How to Fix a Cracked Window
Updated: Jun. 04, 2023
The keys to success here are a good putty knife and a quality glazing compound.
Time An hour or less
ComplexityBeginner
Cost$20-50
Introduction
Unlike your car's windshield, when a windowpane in your house cracks, the only repair is to replace it. For single pane glass, it's a pretty easy fix. Just order a piece of glass from your neighborhood hardware store, grab some glazing points and glazing compound and you're ready to get started.Tools Required
- Putty knife
- carbide scraper
- Utility knife
- Caulking gun
Materials Required
- Glass
- Glazing points
- Glazing putty (oil or latex)
Project step-by-step (5)
Step 1
Remove the Glass
- Chip out all of the old glazing compound with a putty knife. Really old glazing compound like this chips out pretty easily. Here are a few tips for glazing a window.
- Remove the glazing points that hold the glass in place, and then pull out the glass.
Step 2
Clean the Seat
- Clean out any remaining glazing compound using a carbide scraper or chisel, taking care not to gouge the wood.
Step 3
Set the New Glass
- Tilt the new pane into place, verifying that it fits and that it’s completely flat against the wood seat.
Step 4
Secure the New Glass
- Secure the new pane with glazing points.
- Note: I like the kind with tabs, allowing me to push them in with a putty knife.
Step 5
Seal the Glass
- Apply new glazing compound around the new pane, creating a beveled profile that looks tidy and sheds water.
- Glazing compound comes either as a putty or in a tube, as shown. Both are relatively easy to use, but require a little practice to get a nice looking bead.
Originally Published: December 04, 2020
