How To Fix A Cracked Window | Family Handyman

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How to Fix a Cracked Window

Total Time:An hour or lessComplexity:BeginnerCost:$20-50

By Brad Holden

Family Handyman's Editorial Process

Updated on Jun. 04, 2023

The keys to success here are a good putty knife and a quality glazing compound.

Time

An hour or less

Complexity

Beginner

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.

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Complete DIY projects like a pro! Sign up for our newsletter! Sign up Do It Right, Do It Yourself! 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.