Home & Garden
California Homeowners: How To Replace A Cracked Window Pane
First, figure out what type of windows are installed in your home.
In sunny California, we love our expansive glass windows. But while many varying window types can give our home an appealing design and flair, it can make maintenance a little trickier. That’s because repairs are different for different types of windows.
If you have a cracked pane or broken glass, the first thing to do is determine the type of window you’re dealing with. Then, you can determine if it's safe to DIY the fix or if it’s better to call in a pro. Read on.
Single Pane Windows
Find out what's happening in Los Angelesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A single window pane is the easiest to replace. While the process can be tedious and time consuming, it doesn’t require much carpentry or construction knowledge. Wooden frames are fairly easy to work with, aluminum is a bit more difficult and vinyl (though the most durable) will be the hardest to repair.
If you have a cracked pane, first locate the type of material and manufacturer for your window. They may be able to provide an instruction manual, or you can search online for a DIY replacement guide.
Find out what's happening in Los Angelesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Double Pane Windows
Replacing a double window pane is significantly more involved. Unfortunately, if one pane is cracked or broken, you’ll almost always need to replace both. If you see moisture appearing between the two panes of glass, you’ll want to replace the unit right away. This is the first sign a seal is broken.
As with single windows, you will likely be able to track down detailed replacement instructions. But in the case of double windows, it’s a difficult job that requires a large degree of finesse. If you’re pretty handy, you might consider a DIY job, but for most of us, this is a good time to call a pro.
Picture Windows
Don’t confuse picture windows with single-pane designs. These large windows can be extremely difficult to replace. Leave this delicate job to the pros. They will likely come with a small team to get it done. Materials are expensive and you’ll want it done right the first time. Don’t give it a whirl without proper training and equipment.
HomeAdvisor is a Patch promotional partner.
