How to Fix a Broken Window

Co-authored by Michael Fox

Last Updated: September 18, 2022 References

Instead of hiring someone to replace a broken window, there are ways that you can fix a broken window yourself. If the window has minimal damage, like a crack or a small hole, there are ways that you can perform a temporary fix to keep the window intact until you can fully repair it. However, a temporary fix won't last forever and you'll eventually have to remove the broken window and replace it with a new pane of glass.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Removing a Broken Window Pane

1
Scrape away the putty around the broken window pane. Use a utility knife, chisel, or putty knife to scrape away the putty surrounding the broken pane. This will loosen the glass and will allow you to remove it easily.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Wear thick work gloves and goggles for safety.
2
Remove any nails or clips with pliers. Some windows will have nails or clips that help hold the pane in place. Use a set of pliers to grab onto any nails or clips in the frame and pull them out.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Pull all the shards of glass out of the window frame. Wiggle the pieces of glass that are still stuck to the frame until they come loose. Once they are loose, remove the shards of glass and dispose of them. Continue doing this until there is no more glass in the frame.^{[3]
X
Research source}
4
Sand the area around the broken window with 100-180 grit sandpaper. Smooth out the area around the broken window pane by going back and forth over any remaining putty or sealant. Once the area is smoothed out, wipe the area down with a damp rag to remove any excess particles left over from sanding.^{[4]
X
Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Replacing a Broken Window Pane

1
Measure the area around the broken window pane. Use a tape measure to get the length and width of the window frame. Measuring the area will help you determine how big your new piece of glass should be. Subtract ¹⁄₈ inch (0.32 cm) from the measurement. The additional space will ensure that the glass will fit in the window and won't crack if the frame expands during cold weather.^{[5]
X
Research source}
2
Purchase a new pane of glass. Go to a hardware or glass store with your measurements and buy a new piece of glass. They will cut your glass to your specifications.
3
If the frame is made out of wood, use a painter's brush to apply a layer of wood sealer around the broken window frame. Let the sealer dry for one or two hours before moving onto the next step.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Wood sealer will help the putty or glazing compound adhere to the wood and will help with weather-proofing your windows.
4
Apply putty or a glazing compound around the frame. This will help hold your new pane of glass in place. If you're using putty, roll it in your hands to warm it up, then apply it to the interior of the frame. If you're using a glazing compound, squeeze a tube of the compound onto the frame, around the empty hole. If your compound came in a container, use a putty knife to apply it.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Don't worry about laying too much putty or compound because you'll be scraping the excess away later.
- You can purchase putty or a glazing compound from the hardware store or online.
5
Push your new pane of glass into the empty opening. Take your new piece of glass and carefully press it into the opening. The glass should press against the putty and adhere to it.^{[8]
X
Research source}
6
Reinsert any nails or clips that you removed earlier. Replace the clips or nails that you removed earlier by lightly tapping them back into the frame. This will help your pane of glass stay in place.^{[9]
X
Research source}
7
Apply putty or glazing compound around the new window. Apply a layer of putty or compound around the edges of the new pane of glass. This will ensure that it's held in place with the putty on both sides of the window and will hold your new glass in place.^{[10]
X
Research source}
8
Smooth the putty out and let it dry. Use a putty knife to smooth out the compound around the new window pane. Remove any excess putty or compound so that it runs flush with the frame and looks clean. Allow the putty to dry overnight so that it sets.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Remember to smooth the putty on both sides of the window.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Performing Temporary Fixes

1
Apply a piece of masking tape to both sides of a crack. Get a roll of masking tape and cut two pieces that are large enough to cover the entire crack or hole in your window. Apply the tape over the crack, then go to the other side of the window and place another piece of tape on the other side of the crack.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Applying tape to the crack should temporarily stop the window from cracking further.
2
Paint over small holes or cracks with a clear nail polish. Dip the nail polish brush into the polish and apply it over the cracks or holes to fill them in. Let the polish dry, then repeat the process three to four times to completely seal off the cracks or holes in your window.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Clear nail polish will only seal small cracks and holes in your window and shouldn't be used for windows that have sustained significant damage.
3
Glue a mesh patch over the cracks. You can use the mesh from a pair of nylon stockings or pantyhose. Cut a square from the fabric that's large enough to fit over the entire crack. Apply super glue around the edges of the mesh patch and stick it on top of the crack in your window. Hold the mesh patch there for two to three minutes or until the glue dries. This will help keep bugs out of your house and will reduce drafts caused by cold air. ^{[14]
X
Research source}
4
Tape a piece of thick plastic around the hole. If you have a larger hole in your window and don't have the time to replace it, you can stop unwanted airflow through the hole. Cut a square of plastic from a tarp or a thick trash bag that's large enough to fit over the hole. Apply masking or duct tape around the edges of the plastic, sealing it onto your window.^{[15]
X
Research source}

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you repair vinyl windows?

Michael Fox
Window Repair Specialist
Michael Fox is a Window Repair Specialist and the President at Window Repair Systems and WindowHardwareDirect.com, based in Westminster, South Carolina. With over 25 years of experience, Michael specializes in commercial window repair and service. He holds a business degree from Monroe Community College and SUNY Brockport. Michael has helped Window Repair Systems and WindowHardwareDirect.com become an industry leader in commercial window repair and hardware distribution, servicing schools and businesses and training large public school systems.

Michael Fox

Window Repair Specialist

Expert Answer

When your vinyl window fails, and let's say you can't open it up, you'd want to check for the balances to make sure they're operational. Most likely, the balances are broken. They wear out over time. So then you would need to look at the balances and get the weight stamp number off of them. Then, you can reorder those balances from that stamp. If it's a spiral type of balance, you'll need to take it out and measure that. Then you would ultimately need to measure and weigh the sash, so you can get the length and weight for that window, so you can replace those balances. After that your window would work like new.