Window Glass Replacement Guide: Foggy, Cracked and Broken Glass

Foggy windows

A foggy double-pane window has a failed seal, so moisture has gotten between the panes. It cannot be cleaned from the outside. The fix is to replace the sealed glass unit, which restores the view and the insulation without replacing the frame.

Foggy glass often shows up in summer humidity and tends to get worse. A window that is foggy only in part may still need a new unit.

Replacing the unit is usually faster and more economical than a whole new window.

A foggy window is more than a cosmetic problem, because it also means that insulation is gone. Replacing a failed unit is often a simple way to bring back both clarity and comfort.

Cracked glass

A small crack can grow. Heat, cold and wind can spread it. Cracked single-pane glass can be replaced with new glass in the same frame. A crack in a double-pane unit usually means the whole unit is replaced.

Tape holds a crack for a short time but does not fix it.

Protect the area from weather and children until it is repaired.

Cracks tend to grow with temperature changes. If you see a crack, protect the area and schedule repair soon rather than waiting for the next hot or cold day.

Broken glass

A broken window needs immediate attention. Clear loose glass carefully, wear gloves and cover the opening. We offer emergency board-up and replacement.

For security, secure the opening quickly.

Take photos if you plan to make an insurance claim.

If a window breaks, stay calm, protect people and pets and secure the opening. A temporary cover keeps weather out while replacement glass is made.

Replace the glass or the window

If the frame and sash are in good condition, replacing the glass is a good choice. If the frame is rotted, warped or hard to operate, a replacement window may be better.

We inspect the frame and tell you honestly which is better.

A new window costs more and takes longer, but it can fix problems a new unit cannot.

The decision between glass and a whole window is often about the frame. If the frame still opens, closes and seals well, new glass can give you a long additional life.

Glass options

When replacing a sealed unit, you can often upgrade with low-E coatings, argon gas fill, laminated glass for sound or tint for glare. Patio door glass is tempered. Special units, such as those with blinds between the glass, take more care.

We match your existing specification or help you choose an upgrade.

New units are made to order and often take a week or two.

Upgrades are easiest at the moment a unit is replaced. If you have a sunny side that gets hot, ask about low-E coatings or tint, and if street noise bothers you, ask about laminated glass.

Measuring and ordering

Glass units are measured to the sixteenth of an inch, and the thickness and spacer type are identified. We check for decorative grilles or special glass.

Custom shapes and sizes take longer.

We give you a clear timeline when we measure.

Photograph the label or the spacer edge of your window if you can find it. It helps us identify the unit and avoids mistakes in ordering.