Not every crack requires full glass replacement. This guide helps you assess damage, understand your options, and make the right decision for your budget, safety, and long-term value.
Last Updated: March 10, 2026
The type and extent of damage determines whether glass can be repaired or needs replacement. The diagram below illustrates common damage types and their recommended course of action.
Use this decision guide to assess your glass damage and determine the appropriate course of action. When in doubt, a professional assessment provides the most reliable answer.
Resin injection fills the void and prevents spreading. Quick, affordable, and effective for surface chips in annealed glass.
Epoxy injection can stabilize short cracks that do not reach the glass edge. The crack line may remain slightly visible but the glass integrity is restored.
Light surface scratches can sometimes be polished out using cerium oxide compound. Deep scratches may require replacement.
Old putty can be removed and replaced with new glazing compound without replacing the glass itself.
Tempered glass cannot be repaired. Even a small chip disrupts the internal stress balance, creating risk of spontaneous shattering. Always replace.
Moisture between IGU panes means the seal has permanently failed. The entire insulated glass unit must be replaced to restore thermal performance and clarity.
Edge-to-edge cracks compromise the entire pane's structural integrity. The glass will continue to shift and the crack will grow. Replacement is the only safe option.
Damaged glass near doors, stairs, wet areas, or low windows must be replaced with code-compliant safety glass (tempered or laminated) per building code.
Multiple crack lines radiating from an impact point indicate the glass is severely compromised. Repair is not structurally viable.
Different glass applications have different thresholds for when repair is viable versus when replacement is necessary. Here is a breakdown by common application type.
| Application | Repair Possible? | When to Replace | Typical Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-pane windows | Yes -- small chips and cracks | Cracks over 6 inches, edge cracks, or if upgrading to IGU | Same day to 3 days |
| Double-pane windows (IGU) | No -- seal cannot be repaired | Any fog, condensation, or crack in either pane | 5-10 business days |
| Tempered glass | No -- never repairable | Any chip, crack, or damage of any kind | 3-7 business days |
| Shower doors | No -- always tempered | Any damage; also replace if hardware is failing | 2-3 weeks custom |
| Sliding glass doors | Rarely -- depends on glass type | Any crack, fog, or difficult operation | 5-10 business days |
| Storefront glass | Small chips in non-tempered | Any security concern, cracks, or code issue | 3-7 business days |
| Glass tabletops | Minor edge chips sometimes | Cracks, large chips, or tempered glass damage | 3-7 business days |
| Mirrors | Minor silvering spots | Cracks, large dark spots, or water damage | 3-5 business days |
While repair is generally less expensive upfront, replacement may offer better long-term value depending on the situation. Consider these factors when making your decision.
Small cracks under 6 inches in a non-safety-glazing location can sometimes be repaired using clear epoxy resin injection. The repair fills the crack and restores structural integrity, though the crack line may remain slightly visible. However, cracks in tempered glass, laminated glass, insulated glass units (IGUs), or glass in safety-glazing zones (near doors, stairs, wet areas) require full replacement. Cracks that extend to the edge of the glass or have multiple branches (spider cracks) also require replacement because they compromise the structural integrity of the entire pane.
An insulated glass unit (IGU) needs replacement when you see condensation, fogging, or haze between the two panes of glass. This indicates the seal between the panes has failed, allowing moisture to enter the sealed airspace. A failed IGU loses its insulating properties (argon gas escapes), reduces visibility, and will continue to worsen over time. The only permanent fix is replacing the entire IGU -- the seal cannot be effectively repaired once it has failed. Some companies offer "defogging" services but these are temporary and do not restore insulation performance.
A small chip (under 1/2 inch diameter) in a non-safety glass window can be worth repairing if the glass is otherwise in good condition and not in a double-pane unit. Chip repair using clear resin is quick, inexpensive, and prevents the chip from spreading into a crack. However, if the chip is in tempered glass, the glass may spontaneously shatter at any time due to the disruption of internal stresses -- replacement is recommended. For chips in double-pane IGUs, the chip may have also damaged the seal, requiring full unit replacement.
Glass replacement is mandatory when: the glass is broken and in a safety-glazing location (doors, wet areas, near stairs); an IGU seal has failed (fogging between panes); tempered glass has any crack or chip (it can spontaneously shatter); the damage creates a security or weather barrier breach; or building codes require different glass than what is currently installed (such as when renovating). Replacement is optional when: a small cosmetic crack exists in non-safety standard glass that does not affect structural integrity, function, or safety.
Most homeowner insurance policies cover glass breakage caused by sudden events (storms, vandalism, accidents) under the dwelling coverage or personal property section, minus your deductible. Some policies include a separate "glass breakage" endorsement that covers replacement without a deductible. Insurance typically does not cover gradual deterioration like IGU seal failure. For the DMV area, we work with all major insurance providers and can assist with documentation and claims. Always document the damage with photos before cleanup and contact your insurance agent promptly.
A glass repair (chip fill or small crack injection) typically takes 15-30 minutes on site. Standard window glass replacement takes 30-60 minutes per window if stock glass is available. Custom-cut glass (specific sizes, tempered, or laminated) requires 3-7 business days for fabrication before installation. Insulated glass unit replacement requires 5-10 business days for custom fabrication. Frameless shower door replacement requires 2-3 weeks for fabrication and typically 2-4 hours for installation. Emergency board-up can be completed within 1-2 hours, followed by permanent replacement once custom glass is ready.
Our technicians provide free on-site assessments throughout the DMV area. We will evaluate the damage, explain your options, and recommend the most cost-effective solution -- with no obligation.
Take advantage of our special offers and save on your glass project.