What to do About a Crack in Window

No matter how big or small, a crack in a window can be nerve-wracking for any homeowner.

And there are valid reasons why they are so scary. Ignoring cracks can compromise your home’s security, energy efficiency, and appearance. At Totalseal Repairs, we regularly help customers across central Scotland deal with cracks in panes of glass. We’ve put together this guide to help you understand the causes, solutions, and what to do as you wait for a professional to arrive.

Common Causes of a Crack in Window – By Window Repair Experts

There is actually a lot of different causes behind window cracks.

Scottish weather is known for changing. These temperature fluctuations cause glass to expand and contract unevenly, which can cause cracks in your window glass.

How to Identify Types of Window Cracks

Impact cracks are very distinctive. They can form starburst or circular patterns that radiate from the point where something has struck the glass.

Hairline cracks may seem harmless at first, but don’t ignore them. Hairline cracks they will grow over time and continue getting worse.

Finally, structural settlement cracks won’t just affect your glass. It will also affect your window frame, wall, and maybe even ceiling. Unfortunately, structural settlement cracks are beyond our skill set at Totalseal Repairs, and you will need to contact a structural repair specialist instead.

Not to worry if you are unable to tell which type of crack you are dealing with. An experienced repair company like Totalseal Repairs will be able to guide you through your issue, as well as the process to fix a cracked window.

Repair vs Replacement for Cracked Window

For small single-line cracks on double glazing, you might be tempted to use store bought resin to repair the damaged piece of glass.

While this may work as a short-term solution until a professional team can attend, it will not restore the damaged airtight seal. Once that seal is compromised, the unit becomes less effective at insulation, which can lead to increased heat loss and higher energy bills over time.

You may also begin to notice condensation forming between the panes, as moisture is able to enter the unit once the seal has failed. Not only does this obscure your view, but it is a clear sign your glazing isn’t working as it should be.

If your double glazed window is cracked, you will need to get it professionally replaced.

At Totalseal Repairs, we specialise in glass replacement that keeps your original window frame in place, carefully removing and replacing only the damaged panes. This restores your window to full working order without the cost and disruption of replacing the entire unit and frame.

Temporary DIY Measures for Your Window Needs

Broken windows are an emergency.

Although we respond rapidly to emergency cracks, there are some temporary steps you can take to help stabilise the area and prevent further damage.

Applying clear packing tape on both sides of the crack can help stabilise it and prevent further damage.

For very small cracks, glass repair kits containing resin are available at most DIY shops. These can temporarily “fill the crack”, though the results can vary, especially depending on the size of the crack.

We also recommend avoiding any stress on the window by not slamming it or opening and closing it frequently. Extra pressure on the window may cause the crack to shatter.

Remember, these are short-term solutions only, and professional assessment is still always needed.

Professional Repair Process by Totalseal Repairs

When you call us about a cracked window, our process begins with a thorough assessment of the extent of damage and underlying causes. It is always important to understand the issue, so our repairs provide a long term solution and not a short term “fix”.

For double-glazed units with cracks, we can typically replace the glass without needing to change the entire frame, saving you from extra costs, allowing you to keep the aesthetic of your frame, and restoring your home’s energy efficiency.

We always act with complete professionalism to ensure you feel confident in our services. We also provide a 5-year guarantee, so you can be assured the job is done properly and built to last.

Don’t let a tiny crack become a big problem.

Contact our friendly team today on 01324 468 337 for your free quote. We will work hard to restore safety to your home.