A temporary solution pending replacement
Cracked glass, whether in a window, glass door or bay window, represents a significant risk of complete breakage, injury or easy intrusion. Even if breakage is not immediate, a simple crack can weaken the entire glass surface. If immediate replacement is not possible, it is essential to carry out a temporary repair, until a professional can be called in.
Here are the solutions you need to know to secure a cracked window temporarily, while limiting the damage and ensuring minimum protection.
Why not leave a crack untouched?
Even fine cracks can :
- spread rapidly under the effect of temperature, wind or light impact,
- reduce the glazing’s resistance to impact,
- let in moisture, air or cold,
- compromise the safety of the home, especially if the glass is accessible from the outside.
It is therefore imperative to act as soon as the crack appears, even for a temporary repair.
Steps for securing temporarily cracked glass
1. Clean and inspect the area
Before any repair, thoroughly clean the area around the crack:
- use a clean, dry cloth,
- avoid abrasive products or liquids that could seep through,
- don’t touch the crack directly with your fingers, to avoid aggravating it.
Take the opportunity to assess the length and depth of the crack: if the glass vibrates to the touch, or if the crack is a through-and-through crack, caution is advised.
2. Apply reinforced transparent adhesive tape
This is the simplest solution to prevent the crack from spreading:
- use thick transparent tape, packing tape or, ideally, special glass repair tape,
- glue a strip on each side of the glass, if possible, to hold the fragments together,
- be sure to cover the entire crack, with a safety margin of at least 5 cm on each side.
This reinforcement stabilizes the glass and reduces the risk of breakage in the event of vibration or draughts.
3. Use temporary safety film
If the glass is badly cracked but still in place, you can apply a self-adhesive safety film or a transparent plastic film, to :
- to retain splinters in the event of breakage,
- block humidity and draughts,
- to prevent accidental injury.
This type of film is often used for prevention, especially on shop windows or large bay windows.
4. Filling the crack with a special resin (optional)
For small, fine cracks, such as on a window pane or interior door, a glass repair resin can be used:
- in syringe or bottle form,
- it penetrates the crack, stabilizing it and making it almost invisible,
- the result is temporary and does not replace safety glazing.
This method is particularly useful for short (less than 10 cm), non-through cracks.
Absolutely avoid
- Don’t attempt to heat or glue the crack with strong glue: this may aggravate the problem or cause the glass to shatter.
- Never apply force to cracked glass, even if it appears stable.
- Don’t replace the glazing yourself if you don’t have the necessary tools and expertise: it’s dangerous and potentially costly.
Call in a professional as soon as possible
A temporary repair is only an emergency solution. Sooner or later, the glass will have to be replaced to ensure optimum safety, proper insulation and a clean appearance. A professional can :
- assess whether the joinery can be retained,
- recommend standard or reinforced glazing,
- ensure fast, standard-compliant installation.
At Leader Services, we intervene rapidly to replace cracked or broken glass, on all types of openings: windows, shop windows, bay windows, glass doors. Find out more about our service:
https://leaderservices.be/securite/vitrerie/
Conclusion: secure temporarily, replace quickly
Cracked glass is a risk that should not be underestimated, even if the glass appears to be holding. With a few simple steps – adhesive tape, safety film, resin – you can save time and avoid the worst. But only professional replacement guarantees lasting protection.
Need a quick diagnosis or a quote for glass replacement? Contact our team via our contact page or by phone. We’ll provide you with a fast, reliable service tailored to your needs.
