A broken window is never fun to deal with, but it may have been caused by anything as simple as a wayward baseball or as dangerous as a branch caught in the wind and flew through the glass.

Fortunately, repairing fractured glass is straightforward and only requires a few basic tools. The following is a step-by-step guide for residential glass repair, which may be useful if you have recently noticed a crack in one of your windows, mirrors, or other cherished glass objects. 

Take Out the Glass

If you must take the glass from its present location, proceed cautiously to prevent being cut into shattered pieces. Put on your safety goggles and gloves, then tape an "X" shape in the center of the glass you want to remove (use duct tape or blue painter's tape). If the glass shatters while being removed, the tape will keep all the fragments together and limit the chance of damage.

Irrespective of whether it's a mirror, a coffee table, or a windowpane, you should remove the shattered piece of glass from its frame as quickly and efficiently as possible. Gloved hands should be used to wriggle out any trapped parts carefully. Some of the tricky bits of glass may need to be loosened by using a heat gun on the putty or old glazing compound around the window's margins. In case of need, you may cut along the edge with a utility knife. Don't forget to use caution once again.

Get That Broken Glass Cleaned Up!

No matter whether you want to relocate the glass or not, you will still need to clear the glass of any dirt, debris, fingerprints, and other smudges before beginning the repairs. When wiping the area surrounding the broken glass, use dish soap, warm water, and a soft towel. Even light pressure can cause the crack to widen and break, so always wear safety goggles and gloves that can't be cut.

Prepare the Epoxy

If your glass has been shattered or cracked, you may use two-part epoxy to rapidly and effectively repair the damage. Before you even think about mixing the epoxy, organize your workspace. If you've taken the glass from its original location, lay out some cardboard and set it tape-side down for residential glass repair.

Separate the epoxy into its resin and hardener components, open the container, and pour the contents onto a pristine area of cardboard or a paper plate. For about 20 seconds, or as directed on the package, mix the epoxy with a wooden craft stick or toothpick.

Fill in the Cracks with Epoxy

It would be best if you acted quickly before the epoxy sets. Depending on the crack's size, you can use a wooden craft stick or a putty knife to apply the epoxy to the damaged area. Wait five minutes, or as directed on the epoxy's packaging, for it to fully cure.

Multiple shards of glass: When reassembling shattered glass, add epoxy to the edges of each chip and press them together.

Cracked glass: For a single pane, apply a layer of epoxy to the broken area.

Trim Off the Extra Epoxy

Using a razor blade or utility knife, carefully scrape the excess epoxy off the glass by applying slight pressure. The knife or razor blade should be held at a low angle of around 15 degrees and flush with the glass. Get the knife away from you so you don't slash yourself.

Cure and Clean

Clear away the extra epoxy and ensure the glass surface is level and smooth again. Give the epoxy another day to set. Once the glass has dried and become soft, you may clean it by wiping it down with a cleaning cloth dampened with glass cleaner to remove fingerprints and dust. Using a broom or vacuum, pick up any stray pieces of glass. Remove the tape and replace the glass in its original position.

Residential Glass Repair Yourself vs. Hiring a Professional

In order to determine whether or not it is worthwhile to proceed with the restoration procedure, you first need to examine the window in question and determine whether or not the glass can be salvaged in any way. You should have a professional residential glass repair service take care of the glass if the damage is extensive. Also, this DIY is only for residential glasses; if your workplace glass got cracked, contact repair service for commercial glass Calgary!