Can impact glass be repaired if cracked?

Detailed Answer

In most cases, cracked impact glass cannot be repaired and the affected glass unit will need to be replaced. Unlike a standard automotive windshield, which can sometimes be repaired with a resin injection for small chips, impact window glass is a laminated assembly that relies on the full integrity of its layers to provide hurricane protection. If the outer or inner pane is cracked, the structural performance of the laminated unit may be compromised, and replacement is the recommended course of action to ensure your home remains fully protected.

The good news is that a cracked impact window does not need to be an emergency. Because of the laminated interlayer, even a cracked pane will remain in place and continue to provide a barrier against water intrusion and break-ins. The window will not shatter and fall out the way conventional glass would. However, you should not rely on a cracked impact window for hurricane protection, so it is important to schedule a replacement before storm season. In South Florida, that means having any damage addressed well before June 1, when hurricane season officially begins.

At Florida Impact Windows & Doors, we offer glass replacement services for impact windows, even if we did not perform the original installation. Our team will identify the exact glass specification, order the replacement unit, and install it efficiently. If your windows are still under the manufacturer's warranty, the glass replacement may be covered at no cost to you. We recommend contacting us as soon as you notice any damage so we can assess the situation and get your home back to full protection as quickly as possible.