how to fix a broken window

Why do you need to know how to fix a broken window? Won't it be better if you hire someone to do the job for you? If the damage to the pane is minimal, like a small hole or a crack, you can do the job on your own. There is no need to hire a professional.

All you need to have to perform the job satisfactorily is a couple of free hours, a little patience, and the tools required for the job. But you must know that the 'fix' will be temporary. You'll eventually have to replace the broken pane of glass.

Broken Window Temporary Fixes

Here are three quick-fire ways to fix the broken window temporarily:

1. Masking Tape Method

Masking Tape Method

Cut two pieces of masking tape that are big enough to cover the whole crack. Apply one on the inner side of the crack and the other on the outer side.

You can apply more pieces on top of these if you want to be more careful. Try to find a tape with a neutral color. This will prevent the tape from standing out on the glass and make it difficult for guests to notice it.

2. Nail Polish Method

Dip the nail polish brush into the polish and fill in the crack or hole on the glass pane. After giving the initial coat enough time to dry, reapply the polish three to four times. This method is only useful for minor cracks as big holes can't be filled in with nail polish.

3. Mesh Patch Method

Measure the dimensions (length and width) of the crack. Cut a piece of fabric that must be big enough to cover the entire crack. Use one hand to hold the mesh over the window and apply super glue around the edges of the mesh with the other hand.

Don't remove the pressing hand until you're sure that the mesh will remain in place without your help.

4. Thick Plastic Method

Is the hole in your window big? Then you can stop the entry of drafts into your room using this method. Cut a square piece of thick plastic big enough to cover the whole.

Use your dominant hand to press the piece over the hole. Apply duct tape around the plastic's edges using the other hand. It will seal the plastic onto the glass pane.

Broken Window Permanent Repair

5. Removing the Broken Glass Pane

Here's how you can remove a broken glass pane:

Step 1: Gather the supplies

You'd need the following items to apply this method:

Work gloves
Safety goggles
Utility knife or chisel
Set of pliers
180 grit sandpaper
Damp rag

Step 2: Wear personal protective equipment

Wear work gloves and protect your eyes with a pair of safety goggles. Don't remove either during the following steps as you'll be dealing with shards of glass.

Step 3: Loosen the glass

Loosen the glass

Use chisel or utility knife to remove the putty which might have developed around the edges of the glass over the years. It will loosen the grip of its surrounding surface over the glass, making it easier for you to remove it.

Step 4: Remove clips or nails

Some old windows have clips or nails to hold their glass panes in place. Use a pair of pliers to grip onto them and pull them out. Some worn-out or rusty clips might require you to strike them before they can be pulled out of the frame.

Step 5: Take the shards out of the frame

Take the shards out of the frame

Use both your hands to twist the shards until you can feel they have come loose. Once they are loose, take out the shards and dispose of them in a dustbin. Repeat this process as long as the frame is devoid of any glass pieces.

Step 6: Smoothen the area around the broken window

Use 180-grit sandpaper to smoothen the area around the broken window. Go back and forth in circular motions over any remaining sealant. Once you feel that the area has become smooth, use a damp rag to wipe it down.

6. Replacing the Broken Glass Pane

Here's how you can replace the broken window pane:

Step 1: Gather the supplies

You'd need the following items to replace the broken window:

Tape measure
New windowpane
Painter's brush
Wood sealer
Glazing compound
Hammer, screwdriver and a set of pliers
Putty knife

Step 2: Measure the dimensions of the broken windowpane

Measure the length and width of the entire frame. Subtract 0.32 centimeter (1/8 inch) from the measurement. You need the additional space to a) fit the glass inside the window and b) prevent it from cracking during winter months when frames usually expand.

Then apply a layer of wood sealer around the broken window frame using a painter's brush to weather-proof the frame. Once the wood sealer has dried, coat the opening of the frame (from where you took out the broken window) with a glazing compound.

Step 3: Install the new pane

Install the new pane

Purchase the new pane from your local hardware store by telling the shop owner the dimensions you measured at the start of the previous step. Then install the pane by pressing it into the opening. Make sure that after you've pressed the glass against the putty, it has adhered to it.

Step 4: Reinsert nails or clips

Using a hammer, a pair of pliers or a screwdriver, reinsert the nails or clips that you had removed to take out the pane. Lightly tap them into the frame.

Step 5: Apply putty around the new window

Apply putty around the new window

The glazing compound that you applied in the frame's opening in step number three will hold the new pane from inside. This putty, meanwhile, will hold the responsibility of holding both sides of the glass in place. Apply it around the edges of the new window.

Step 6: Remove the excess putty

After you have given the putty enough time to dry, use a utility knife to remove the excess. You need to smooth the putty on both the inner and the outer side of the window.

Conclusion

You now know everything you need to about fixing a broken window. The three methods mentioned above are more than enough to help you repair your glass pane and stop the inward flow of cold air, insects, and rain. The onus, then, is on you to pick the method which best fits your requirements.

If you're having trouble deciding which of the methods will work better for you, please get in touch.