If you have kids that practice batting or throwing a football in the backyard, then breaking out a window is always a constant danger. All it takes is one miscalculated swing of the bat to send a ball careening into the glass. A broken window isn't the end of the world, but you do want to have it repaired as soon as possible for the sake of home security. Here are some suggestions for dealing with a window that has cracked glass.
Try A Glass Repair Kit
If you're lucky and the damage is a very small chip or slight crack, then you might be able to fix the damage yourself with a glass repair kit. Repairs from a DIY kit might be visible, so you may not want to attempt it on a front window or on glass that is highly visible in your home. You can buy a glass repair kit at a home improvement or auto parts store. A kit has a clear filler you squeeze into the crack and then you remove the excess from the surface of the glass. The filler dries and holds the crack or chip together so the damage doesn't spread. When a professional uses a glass repair kit, the area is buffed and polished so the repairs are less visible. You may not be able to achieve these results yourself and if your attempts look sloppy, the work can't be undone. The only other solution then is to replace the glass.
Have The Glass Replaced
If the damage is more severe and it's obvious the glass has to be replaced in the window, you have a few options. You can replace the glass yourself if you have advanced home improvement skills or you can let a professional replace the glass. If you want a professional to do the job, you can take the frame out and take it to the shop to have the glass replaced or you can have a glass repair company come to your home. Calling a company to come to your home is the most convenient of all the options, and it will save you a lot of work.
However, you may need to secure the window while you wait. If the repair company can't come right away, you may want to board up the window to keep your home secure. If the glass is in danger of falling out, you may want to put on a pair of gloves and pull out the shards so they don't fall and hurt your kids or pets. Be sure to keep everyone away from the window until it can be repaired.
If the glass is cracked but intact, you should still have it replaced or repaired as soon as you can. Temperature changes or vibrations can cause the crack to spread, so a broken window is dangerous. A window repair professional can usually do the job quickly unless you have specialty glass that has to be ordered. If that's the case, the repair company may help secure the window so it is safe and your home is protected until the work can be completed.
