Perhaps a rock was tossed against your Toronto home’s living room window. Or your dog jumped against it. Or a branch cracked it during a windstorm. These and many other scenarios may result in a cracked glass window.
Unfortunately, a glass window that is broken into tiny pieces or has cracks bigger than one inch cannot be repaired. Instead, they need to be replaced by a glass cutting and replacement company in Toronto.
But tiny cracks can be fixed using a few simple techniques. In this post, we discuss how to do it yourself.
Let’s get started.
Step-by-Step Guide to (Temporarily) Fixing a Cracked Glass Window in Toronto
Does your cracked glass window require a temporary fix? Below are the best DIY techniques to temporarily fix cracks in your glass window.
Use Masking Tape
Applying this tape over the crack may help keep the glass intact. Apply it on both sides to give the glass the adhesion necessary to remain in one piece. Add at least two to three layers to prevent water from leaking through. Ensure that the tape extends beyond the width as well as the length of this crack and then press it against the glass pane properly.
Use Nail Polish
Dip the brush into the polish and fill in the crack. Apply an adequate amount of polish to fill the hole completely. Then allow the polish to dry and re-apply it at least 3 to 4 times to seal the crack further. Keep in mind that this polish may only seal tiny cracks.
Use a Nylon Mesh Patch
Cut a rectangular or square piece from a pair of old nylon stockings. Then lubricate the edges with super glue and paste it on the crack. Firmly press this patch against the window until the glue dries. A mesh patch may not look good but can block cold air and bugs.
Make Use of Thick Plastic
This technique is similar to the one that we just discussed. All you need to do is to cut a square piece of plastic from a tarp or shopping bag. Ensure that the piece is big enough to cover the entire crack. Then put this piece over the crack and paste it by applying duct tape around the edges. For this, you may also use masking tape.
How to Fix a Cracked Glass Window Permanently
Below are the steps to be followed to permanently repair a cracked glass window
Gather the Necessary Items
Below are the items you need to repair properly:
- Glass cleaner
- Toothpick
- Razorblade
- Clean rags
- Epoxy
- Liquid dishwashing soap
- Putty knife
- Acetone
- Paper plate
Wipe the Glass
First, pour a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap on a clean rag to clean the glass. Make sure you remove dust, oil, or fingerprints from the glass near the crack. Remove soapy residue using a dry cloth and allow the glass to air-dry.
Prepare the Epoxy
Two-part epoxy (a type of adhesive) has a separate resin and hardener that should be mixed just before its use. In a well-ventilated place, blend both these substances on a cardboard piece or disposal plate. Generally, this mixture is a 50/50 combination of resin and hardener. Blend both substances using a toothpick for 30 seconds. After that, you have 5 to 10 minutes to apply this adhesive before it becomes hard and thick.
Apply Epoxy
Use a putty knife to fill the crack with epoxy. Then slowly press the epoxy into the crack and fill in the opening. Leave the epoxy to dry for at least five minutes.
Get Rid of Excess Epoxy
You may have noticed excess epoxy falling off from the side of the crack. Use a razor blade to remove the adhesive and prevent it from falling on the ground. You may also spray a few drops of acetone on a dry rag and apply it to remove epoxy oozing out of the crack. Allow one day for your repaired glass window to cure.
Polish the Glass
Pour a few drops of a glass cleaner on another clean rag and then use it to polish the glass.
Follow these tips to repair small cracks in your cracked glass window. For windows that require fixes that are more complicated and riskier, contact a trusted company for glass repair, replacement, and glass cutting in Toronto. Keep in mind that even if you think a minor crack is not that bad, you are wrong. Left untreated, it will turn into a bigger crack due to constant exposure to moisture, dirt, and fluctuations in temperature. For more information on glass windows and other glass solutions, contact a leading glass company today.
