Can You Fix a Cracked Window Temporarily?

Yes, you can temporarily fix a cracked window using clear packing tape, nail polish, super glue, or window repair resin until you can get it professionally repaired or replaced. These solutions work for small cracks (under 6 inches) and can last days to weeks depending on the method. Apply tape on both sides of the glass, use nail polish to fill hairline cracks, or apply epoxy resin for stronger repairs. These are emergency solutions only – permanent repair or replacement is needed for safety and proper function.

Why Temporary Fixes Matter

When You Need a Quick Solution

Common scenarios requiring temporary repair:

• Can’t afford immediate replacement
• Waiting for insurance claim processing
• Replacement glass on backorder (2-6 weeks typical)
• Weather exposure until contractor arrives
• Emergency damage after hours or weekends
• Need to secure home immediately

Benefits of temporary repairs:

• Prevents crack from spreading
• Keeps out weather and pests
• Maintains some insulation
• Provides basic security
• Buys time for proper solution
• Costs under $20 in most cases

Important limitations:

• Not a permanent fix
• Reduces visibility through window
• May not prevent further damage
• Could void some warranties
• Doesn’t restore full strength
• Still need professional repair

Method 1: Clear Packing Tape (Easiest)

How It Works

Clear packing tape provides an immediate barrier that holds cracked glass together and keeps out weather. It’s the fastest emergency solution.

Best for:

• Small to medium cracks (any length)
• Immediate temporary fix needed
• Kids or pets in home (safety concern)
• Weather protection until repair
• Budget solution (under $5)

Step-by-Step Application

Materials needed:

• Clear packing tape (2-3 inches wide)
• Scissors
• Clean cloth
• Glass cleaner (optional)

Installation process:

1. Clean both sides of glass around crack
2. Cut tape strips 2-3 inches longer than crack
3. Apply tape on exterior side first, smoothing from center out
4. Remove air bubbles by pressing firmly
5. Apply tape to interior side, matching exterior placement
6. Overlap strips if crack is longer than tape width
7. Press all edges firmly to seal

Performance expectations:

• Lasts: 1-4 weeks typically
• Weather resistance: Good for rain, moderate for wind
• Visibility: Significantly reduced
• Strength: Minimal structural support
• Cost: $3-$8

Tips for best results:

• Use high-quality clear packing tape, not masking tape
• Apply in temperatures above 50°F for better adhesion
• Replace when tape starts peeling
• Clean glass thoroughly before application
• Overlap tape strips by 1/2 inch for long cracks

Method 2: Clear Nail Polish (For Hairline Cracks)

How It Works

Clear nail polish seeps into tiny cracks and hardens, preventing them from spreading. It’s nearly invisible when dry.

Best for:

• Very small hairline cracks (under 2 inches)
• Cracks that haven’t fully penetrated glass
• Cosmetic improvement
• Preventing crack expansion
• When visibility is important

Application Process

Materials needed:

• Clear nail polish (high quality works best)
• Clean cloth
• Rubbing alcohol
• Patience for multiple coats

Steps:

1. Clean crack area with rubbing alcohol
2. Let glass dry completely (15-20 minutes)
3. Apply thin layer of clear nail polish along crack
4. Work polish into crack by gently running brush along it
5. Let dry for 1-2 hours
6. Apply second coat, repeating process
7. Apply 3-4 coats total for best results
8. Let cure for 24 hours before touching

Performance expectations:

• Lasts: 2-8 weeks depending on weather exposure
• Weather resistance: Fair, can peel in rain
• Visibility: Nearly invisible when done well
• Strength: Very minimal
• Cost: $5-$12

Important notes:

• Only works on surface cracks, not through-and-through breaks
• Won’t stop large cracks from spreading
• Primarily cosmetic and preventive
• Needs reapplication as it wears off
• Not suitable for safety glass or large cracks

Method 3: Super Glue or Epoxy (Stronger Hold)

How It Works

Cyanoacrylate (super glue) or clear epoxy fills the crack and bonds glass pieces together, providing better strength than tape or polish.

Best for:

• Small to medium cracks (under 6 inches)
• Cracks that need structural support
• Longer-lasting temporary solution
• Interior windows with less weather exposure
• When strength matters more than visibility

Application Process

Materials needed:

• Clear super glue or 2-part clear epoxy
• Toothpick or applicator
• Clean cloth
• Rubbing alcohol
• Gloves
• Razor blade for cleanup

For super glue:

1. Clean crack thoroughly with alcohol
2. Dry completely
3. Apply glue along crack using toothpick
4. Work glue into crack by capillary action
5. Wipe excess immediately with cloth
6. Hold pieces aligned for 30-60 seconds
7. Let cure for 24 hours

For epoxy:

1. Mix 2-part epoxy per instructions (typically 1:1 ratio)
2. Clean crack with alcohol and dry
3. Apply mixed epoxy into crack with toothpick
4. Smooth surface with gloved finger
5. Remove excess before it sets (5-10 minutes)
6. Let cure fully (usually 24 hours)
7. Scrape off dried excess with razor blade

Performance expectations:

• Lasts: 4-12 weeks depending on conditions
• Weather resistance: Good with epoxy, fair with super glue
• Visibility: Moderate impact, slightly cloudy
• Strength: Much better than tape or polish
• Cost: $8-$20

Pros and cons:

• Pros: Stronger hold, better weather resistance, longer lasting
• Cons: Harder to apply cleanly, more visible, difficult to remove

Method 4: Glass Repair Resin Kit (Best Temporary Fix)

How It Works

Windshield-style repair kits use UV-curing resin to fill cracks professionally. This is the closest to a real repair without replacement.

Best for:

• Cracks needing strongest temporary repair
• Windows you want to keep functional longer
• Better appearance than other methods
• Maximum weather protection
• Delaying replacement for months

Using a Glass Repair Kit

Materials in kit:

• Clear resin compound
• Applicator or syringe
• Curing strips or film
• Instructions
• Sometimes UV light (or use sunlight)

Application steps:

1. Clean crack thoroughly and dry
2. Position applicator over crack
3. Inject resin into crack using syringe
4. Work out air bubbles
5. Apply curing film/strip over repair
6. Expose to sunlight or UV light (30-60 minutes)
7. Remove film and scrape excess resin with razor
8. Polish surface if needed

Performance expectations:

• Lasts: 3-12 months or longer
• Weather resistance: Excellent
• Visibility: Best of all methods, nearly clear
• Strength: Restores significant strength
• Cost: $15-$35 for kit

Best practices:

• Work in warm, dry conditions
• Follow kit instructions exactly
• Don’t rush the curing process
• Multiple coats may be needed for deep cracks
• Professional results require practice

Method 5: Plastic Sheeting (For Broken Windows)

When to Use Plastic Sheeting

Best for:

• Completely broken or shattered windows
• Large cracks or holes
• Emergency weather protection
• Security until replacement
• When glass is unsafe

Installation Process

Materials needed:

• Heavy-duty clear plastic sheeting (6 mil or thicker)
• Duct tape or packing tape
• Scissors
• Staple gun (optional)
• Measuring tape

Steps:

1. Remove any loose glass carefully (wear gloves)
2. Measure window opening, add 6 inches all around
3. Cut plastic sheeting to size
4. Tape plastic to window frame on all sides
5. Overlap tape strips for better seal
6. Smooth out wrinkles for better visibility
7. Reinforce with additional tape strips on corners
8. Check for gaps and seal them

For exterior application:

• Use on inside and outside for better protection
• Staple plastic to wood frames if possible
• Use furring strips for more permanent mounting
• Check regularly and repair tears

Performance:

• Lasts: 1-8 weeks depending on weather and quality
• Weather resistance: Good with proper installation
• Visibility: Poor to moderate
• Security: Minimal
• Cost: $10-$30

What NOT to Do

Common Mistakes

Avoid these temporary fixes:

• Regular clear tape (doesn’t hold, peels easily)
• Cardboard or paper (not weather-resistant)
• Leaving window unrepaired (crack will spread)
• Using heat (thermal stress worsens cracks)
• Applying pressure trying to close crack

Don’t ignore these warning signs:

• Crack growing rapidly
• Glass pieces falling out
• Water infiltration
• Structural instability
• Safety glass shattering pattern

Safety hazards to avoid:

• Cutting yourself on broken glass
• Breathing glass dust
• Using toxic adhesives in poor ventilation
• Climbing ladders alone for high windows
• Putting excessive pressure on cracked glass

When Temporary Fixes Won’t Work

Replace immediately if:

• Safety glass (tempered or laminated) is cracked
• Crack affects structural integrity
• Multiple cracks or spider web pattern
• Glass is bowing or bulging
• Window is in high-traffic area
• Building codes require immediate repair
• Insurance requires specific timeline

Planning for Permanent Repair

Getting Quotes While Using Temporary Fix

Action steps:

1. Take photos of damage from multiple angles
2. Measure window dimensions
3. Note window type and features
4. Get 3-5 quotes from contractors
5. Check insurance coverage
6. Order replacement glass if DIY
7. Schedule professional repair

Timeline expectations:

• Single-pane glass: 3-7 days
• Double-pane insulated units: 1-3 weeks
• Custom or specialty glass: 3-8 weeks
• Emergency service available: 1-3 days (premium cost)

Budgeting for Permanent Solution

Typical repair costs:

• Glass only replacement: $150-$600
• Full window replacement: $300-$1,200
• Emergency service: Add 50-100%
• DIY glass replacement: $50-$300

Decision factors:

• Age and condition of window frame
• Energy efficiency of existing window
• Cost of repair vs. replacement
• Insurance coverage available
• Long-term value considerations

Safety Considerations

Protecting Yourself

Safety equipment needed:

• Heavy work gloves
• Safety glasses
• Long sleeves
• Closed-toe shoes
• First aid kit nearby

Safe glass handling:

• Never put pressure on cracked glass
• Remove loose pieces carefully
• Dispose of glass in cardboard box, not plastic bag
• Keep kids and pets away during repair
• Work with helper for large pieces

When to Call Professionals Immediately

Emergency situations:

• Large pieces hanging or falling
• Safety glass shattered
• High windows requiring ladder work
• Structural concerns with frame
• Weather causing immediate damage
• You’re uncomfortable with DIY approach

Professional assessment needed:

• Double-pane seal failure
• Frame damage beyond glass
• Multiple windows affected
• Historic or specialty glass
• Code compliance questions

The Bottom Line

You can temporarily fix a cracked window using tape, nail polish, super glue, or repair resin depending on crack size and severity. These solutions cost $3-$35 and can last from days to months, providing weather protection and preventing crack expansion while you arrange permanent repair.

For best results, use clear packing tape for immediate fixes, glass repair resin kits for longer-lasting repairs, and plastic sheeting for broken windows. These are emergency solutions only – schedule professional repair or replacement as soon as possible for safety and proper function.

Remember that temporary fixes on double-pane windows won’t restore the insulated seal, and cracked safety glass should be replaced immediately regardless of temporary repairs. Budget $150-$600 for professional glass replacement or $300-$1,200 for full window replacement.

Don’t delay permanent repairs too long – the longer a crack remains, the more likely it is to spread, potentially requiring more expensive full window replacement instead of glass-only repair.

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At Utah Window Experts, we provide emergency glass repair services and can typically replace cracked glass within 1-2 weeks. If you need temporary guidance while waiting for service, we’re happy to help you choose the right temporary fix for your situation. Call us for fast, professional glass replacement.