There are several reasons why a window pane might sustain a crack. Hopefully, the cause is something more superficial, such as an object hitting the window and not a structural concern with the home that is causing the window to bow, bend, or break. Whatever the cause, it is imperative to take steps to get the window replaced as quickly as possible. Here’s what to do when window panes crack:

1. Call a Professional and Schedule a Replacement

If there is a crack in your double-pane window, the seal is broken and the pane or the entire window will need to be replaced. Cracks are usually one of the reasons to replace your windows. Some cracks are more serious than others, but it’s always your best bet to get an appointment set up for a replacement as soon as you can.

A reputable contractor can often provide you with some immediate advice that is specific to your situation. They can help advise you on how to stabilize the window and protect your home from any further damage while you wait for it to be replaced.

2. Clean Up and Stabilize the Crack

Depending on how or why the glass window pane cracked, there may be glass shards to clean up. Make sure you keep pets and children safe by making cleanup a priority. The next thing you will want to do is make sure that you keep further damage from occurring.

If the glass has not shattered and is just cracked, you can keep the crack from spreading by putting masking tape on both sides of the crack to stabilize the pane. You can also gently clean the glass with acetone and then carefully apply super glue to keep the crack from spreading.

The contractor you call initially can to schedule a replacement can help you determine what to do and what not to do for your situation. Stabilizing a window pane so that the damage does not get worse is important so that your home is not left vulnerable to the elements, especially during excessively cold months or inclement weather events.

3. Seal the Window as Best as You Can

A cracked window is a drafty window and can cause a lot of energy loss. But, sealing the window as best as you can helps to avoid most of that loss. You can cover the window with plastic and/or place bubble wrap or put other insulation between the panes if there is a storm window. Here, too, the contractor you call about the broken window can help direct you to the best solution for your situation.

By sealing a cracked window effectively, you will help to keep temperatures regulated in the home and also ward against the potential for moisture to enter the home. Mitigating potential energy loss will help to keep the costs associated with a cracked or broken window from inflating.

This is what to do when window panes crack – just be sure that you don’t put off a needed window replacement. The costs of energy loss from delaying a necessary replacement can oftentimes exceed the cost of the replacement window! Not only is replacing windows when needed one of the top home security tips to protect your home, but also replacing a window tends to be quick and can often be done without impeding upon your everyday schedule or routine.

Finding yourself in need of replacement windows? We can help you with the window replacements that your house needs; give us a call at (717) 399-4708!