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How to Fix a Cracked Window

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

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.
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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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.