Because cracked glass poses a threat to safety, it’s best to have an expert repair or replace the affected glass as soon as possible. Glass Doctor is knowledgeable about all things glass. Whether it’s replacing a home window pane, auto glass, a glass shower enclosure, or a. Royalty free stock sound clip for personal, commercial, production use Glass Crack. 0:01 / 774.3 KB / $5. Download now on Pond5.
Repair a cracked window, glass tabletop, or even a mirror with this easy step-by-step guide.
Photo: istockphoto.com
A pebble from the lawnmower tossed against a window. A drink set down too heavily on your glass-topped coffee table. A favorite vase tipped over by your curious cat. These and near-endless other scenarios can lead to a crack in glass. Sadly, glass that has broken into pieces or has cracks larger than an inch, as well as double-paned glass with a hole through both panes, is pretty much beyond repair.
The good news is you can often fix a small crack in glass yourself with little more than a steady hand and a few basic supplies. You’ll need to fix a crack in glass right away, however, as small ones can grow into larger breaks if exposed to moisture, temperature swings, dirt, or rough treatment.
Before you begin, note:
• The following guide on how to repair a crack in glass will do the job for single-pane-glass household items. This includes tabletops, shower doors, vases, and single-pane windows—as well as double-pane windows with a crack in only one of the panes. It’s not intended for repairing a cracked car windshield, which requires a syringe to inject resin into the crack and a plunger to maintain the vacuum between the windshield’s layers of glass.
• While you can fix a cracked mirror with this technique, the reflection is bound to show the repair a bit more than on regular glass. You’ll get best results with a minor crack on the sides of a mirror, out of the direct line of vision.
Photo: istockphoto.com
STEP 1: Clean the glass with dish soap.
Wash the glass around the crack with a drop or two of dishwashing soap on a damp cloth. Half-life 2: episode two download for mac. You’ll want to remove any dust, oil, or fingerprints, and then wipe the spot with a clean damp cloth to remove the soap residue. Let the glass dry completely.
STEP 2: Mix up the two-part epoxy.
In a well-ventilated area, prepare a two-part epoxy on a piece of cardboard or a disposable plate. These adhesives (which can found in many craft stores, home improvement centers, or on Amazon.com) have a separate resin and hardener that are mixed together at the time of use.
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Photo: amazon.com via Gorilla Glue
While the mixture is often a 50/50 blend of the resin and the hardener, follow the directions on your specific product. Use a toothpick to mix the epoxy for at least 20 seconds. Once the epoxy is mixed, be ready to use it immediately, as it will quickly thicken and harden. Generally, you’ll have five to ten minutes of working time before the epoxy is too thick to easily seep into the crack.
STEP 3: Apply the epoxy to the crack in the glass using a putty knife.
Press the epoxy over and into the crack with a putty knife. Work the adhesive back and forth across the crack, gently pressing it into the damaged area. Let the epoxy cure for at least five minutes.
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STEP 4: Remove excess epoxy with a razor blade and let the rest cure.
Scrape away excess epoxy with a razor blade, and then wipe the area with a clean rag moistened with acetone to further remove epoxy that’s raised above the crack. Let the repaired glass cure for 24 hours.
STEP 5: Spiff up the surface with a glass cleaner.
Polish the glass with a clean rag and glass cleaner, and enjoy your repaired item.
Cracked glass varies in consequences, depending on the specific type of glass. In commercial and residential glass manufacturing, two common glass types include Borosilicate and Soda-lime silicate. The timeline of a crack spreading, the risk of it shattering and whether or not the glass will need a full replacement is different for every situation.
What items are made with these types of glass?
Borosilicate:
* Industrial equipment
* Exterior lighting
* Kitchen glassware
Soda-lime silicate:
* Food and beverage containers
* Windows
* Lamp envelopes
Types of cracks
Impact cracks:
* Caused by a flying rock, a high-speed ball or other intense forms of immediate contact
* Characterized by a center point of impact with lines extending around the circumference
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Stress cracks:
* Starts smaller near the edge of the window
* Slowly spreads across the glass
* Caused by extreme fluctuation in temperature (just like ice cubes cracking when placed on a hot pan)
* Can also occur when a door window is closed abruptly
Pressure cracks:
* Less common, mostly seen in insulated glass or double-paned windows
* Caused by drastic temperature changes or when windows are installed are the incorrect elevation level
* Usually in the shape of a curve and will typically need a full window replacement
Are there ways to prevent the crack from spreading?
Sure, the crack may not spread immediately. However, cracked glass can be dangerous and unpredictable. If you choose to wait to replace the glass, here are some suggestions:
* Masking tape can help slow down the process. Place a strip of tape on each side of the crack.
* Superglue has the potential to help the situation, but it won’t be a long-term fix. Plus, it’s not the most attractive solution either. If you chose to do so, first clean the glass with acetone (nail polish remover).
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Once a crack in glass is identified, the safest option is to replace it immediately. As the crack grows, the more dangerous it becomes. Fixed the crack and ready to go on a trip? Our friends at Aire Serv have five road trips where you won't need AC!
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If you have any questions regarding cracked glass, or would like a professional to inspect the situation, call your local Glass Doctor today! We are happy to help. Did you know? Glass Doctor is a Neighborly brand. Discover an entire network of professionals to assist with any of your home service needs at GetNeighborly.com.