Installing glass doors in your home undoubtedly enhances its aesthetic appeal, but it is crucial to be mindful of the extra maintenance and care they require. However, in the event that your glass door becomes broken, there are several methods available for broken glass repair, without the need for purchasing a completely new door, thereby saving you money.
When it comes to a glass door, the glass itself is the component most prone to breaking. Other parts of the door, such as the handle, locks, hinges, and so on, may also break, but the ideal solution is typically to replace them. However, when dealing with broken glass, it’s worth exploring the possibility of opting for glass repair services.
Hacks to Try for Broken Glass Repair
Here are some of the top hacks people have tried and tested along with insights from our experts. It’s important to note that while these hacks have proven effective for many, they may not work in every situation. Before attempting any of these methods, be sure to assess the condition of the glass to determine its suitability for the specific hack
1. The Toothpaste Method
This method is effective for dealing with glass that has multiple cracks. While toothpaste cannot magically repair broken glass, it can help certain crack.
Begin by cleaning the affected area with a cloth and letting it dry. Use a small amount of toothpaste, any kind you have at home will suffice, so there’s no need to purchase a specialised toothpaste for repairing cracked glass.
Apply the toothpaste to the affected area and gently rub it for approximately 30 seconds. Then, use a clean and dry cloth to wipe off any excess toothpaste. The toothpaste will settle into the glass, reducing the appearance of cracks.
It is important to exercise caution while using this method to avoid applying excessive pressure on the already cracked glass, which could potentially cause further damage. Therefore, it is necessary to be extra careful not to exceed the limits while performing this technique.
2. The Epoxy Method
The epoxy method for repairing broken glass is often considered best suited for deep and wide cracks, and some may recommend that it be carried out by professionals. This approach involves using epoxy, which is a strong adhesive, to bond and stabilise the broken glass pieces.
The primary component of this method is epoxy, which is readily available for purchase at your local hardware store. When acquiring the epoxy, ensure that the product you choose comes with detailed instructions provided with the package. Following these instructions is essential to carry out the repair effectively and safely.
How to Fix Broken Glass with Epoxy
- Clean the cracked area carefully with dish soap and water. Wear protective gloves before working on the glass.
- Take a disposable plate and pour the epoxy mixture. The mixture instructions can change depending on the type of epoxy you buy. Don’t mix it with your fingers; use toothpicks or craft sticks for mixing.
- Once the epoxy is mixed, you don’t have more than 15 minutes to apply it to the cracked glass.
- Keep cardboard behind the cracked glass and apply epoxy to the cracked glass. If the glass is broken in multiple places, use a wooden stick to apply the epoxy along the edges of the glass and stick it back to the main glass.
- Allow the epoxy to dry by letting it sit undisturbed for a minimum of 24 hours. Once the drying process is complete, you can remove any excess epoxy by gently scraping it off using a razor blade. For achieving a smoother finish, you may consider using a nail polish remover to aid in the removal of the epoxy.
However, it is important to acknowledge that the effectiveness and practicality of these approaches are somewhat limited.
They work, but only when the crack is limited to a small area and it’s easy to reach the door. Challenges may arise when the glass is broken towards the upper end of the door, making it difficult to apply epoxy or access the damaged area effectively. In such cases, it is advisable to seek professional assistance or consider replacing the glass door entirely to ensure a safe and proper repair.
Last Resort – Replace Glass Pane in Door
When repairing the glass with toothpaste or epoxy won’t work, you might have to consider the final option of actually changing the glass pane.
Replacing a glass pane in a door can be more challenging compared to doing the same for a window. This is due to the fact that in a glass door, there are typically multiple window panes separated by wooden beads or frames. As a result, the process of removing and replacing a specific pane in a glass door requires extra care and precision.
So, the process requires some craftsmanship and meticulous attention. Follow carefully;
- Apply painter’s tape on the broken glass to protect yourself from glass cuts and easily remove the broken glass.
- In order to remove the glass, you will need to take out the wooden beads that hold it in place. These long and thin wooden sticks are responsible for securing the glass within the frame. To remove them, you can gently use a blade or a screwdriver to carefully push them out from the frame.
Label each bid as you will have to replace them on the wooden frame after installing the new glass.
- Once all the bids are taken out, carefully remove the broken glass. Because you have taped it with painter’s tape, the broken glass won’t fall down. After taking the glass out, use a chisel to remove the caulk from the wooden frame.
- Take measurements of the frame and cut the new glass to the exact measurements. Now take the new glass and place it in the glass door. Apply sealant along the glass edges to hold it in place.
For best results, you can get an insulated glass that inhibits the noise and heat from entering the house and helps keep the environment cool.
- Hammer the wooden bids back to their original place. Be careful while hammering the nails in the bids, as one wrong move can break the glass. For best results, use ¾ inch finishing nails.
- Apply the sealant again, this time along the edges of the wooden frame pieces. This will fill the gaps in the wooden frame and the nail holes.
If desired, you have the option to paint the wooden frame of the glass door using the same color as the door itself. Many homeowners choose to paint the entire door, as it can give a refreshing look to the overall appearance. There is something satisfying about seeing a freshly painted door complemented by crystal-clear glass. It adds a touch of beauty and rejuvenation to your entryway.
Conclusion
Installing glass doors enhances curb appeal, but broken glass diminishes aesthetics. This blog outlines two repair methods for broken glass and pane replacement in doors. By utilising these techniques, you can restore the visual appeal and functionality of your glass doors.
Prior to commencing the repair process, it is essential to ensure that you have obtained all the necessary materials. Additionally, it is crucial to prioritise your safety by using appropriate protective gear when working with glass. However, we have an alternative solution to offer— installing CUIN integrated glass units for added protection.
Incorporate modern CUIN integrated glass units to safeguard your home and enhance its visual appeal, offering both protection and aesthetic charm.
