Does cracked impact glass have to be replaced?

It should be. The pane still keeps weather out for now, but the crack weakens it and it may no longer perform as the rating expects. A new glass unit or sash restores it.

Can just the glass be replaced?

Often, yes. The glass unit or the sash is replaced with the matching part from the window's maker so the window keeps its rating. If the frame is damaged too, a full replacement is quoted instead.

Is a permit needed for new glass?

A like-for-like glass or sash replacement in the same frame generally is not permitted work; a complete new window is. The installer will say which applies to yours.

How long until the new glass arrives?

Replacement glass is made to size by the window's maker, so there is a wait. The installer gives you the timing with the quote and covers the opening in the meantime if it needs it.

My window spidered but did not fall out. Is that normal?

Yes. That is laminated glass working: it cracks across the interlayer and stays put. Leave it in place until the installer arrives.

Should I report it to my insurer?

That is between you and your policy. The installer gives you a written quote and photos, which is what an insurer usually asks for, and the decision on any claim is the insurer's.

Cracked or shattered window glass

Laminated impact glass cracks but holds together, which is what it is designed to do. The fix is a new glass unit or sash from the window's maker, fitted so the window keeps its rating; a temporary board-up by the installer covers the opening until the part arrives.

Call now · (954) 758-8382

Phones answered around the clock · free quote

Doing several openings? Count them with the free window inventory planner and send the list with one request.

What people call about

A crack from a thrown stone, a mower, a ball or a dropped tool.
A pane that cracked on its own from a corner, often from stress in the frame or heat.
A shattered single-pane window where the opening needs covering now and replacing properly.
A sliding door panel that spidered after a hit.
Glass damaged during a move, a renovation or a storm.

What to have ready

A photo of the damage and of the small label in the frame corner or sash edge, which names the maker and series.
The rough size of the pane, and whether it is a window, a door panel or a sidelight.
Keep people and pets away from loose glass; leave a laminated pane in place rather than pulling at it.
Whether the window still locks and closes, so the installer knows if a cover is needed first.

What happens on the visit

The window identified by maker and series from its label, so the replacement glass unit or sash matches the rating.
A temporary cover fitted by the installer where the opening is open to the weather.
The glass unit or sash ordered to size; on the return visit the old glass removed, the new unit set, glazed and sealed.
Where the whole window is beyond repair, a quote for a complete replacement unit with the approval your county requires, and the permit for it.
The sash, lock and weep paths checked so the window works as before.

In Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach

South Florida glass gets hit by mower debris, coconuts and storm-blown objects more than most, and laminated glass does its job by staying in the frame when it cracks. A like-for-like glass replacement usually does not change the window's approval, but a complete new unit does need the permit and the approval for your county, and the installer will say which your case is.

Questions people ask

Does cracked impact glass have to be replaced?: It should be. The pane still keeps weather out for now, but the crack weakens it and it may no longer perform as the rating expects. A new glass unit or sash restores it.
Can just the glass be replaced?: Often, yes. The glass unit or the sash is replaced with the matching part from the window's maker so the window keeps its rating. If the frame is damaged too, a full replacement is quoted instead.
Is a permit needed for new glass?: A like-for-like glass or sash replacement in the same frame generally is not permitted work; a complete new window is. The installer will say which applies to yours.
How long until the new glass arrives?: Replacement glass is made to size by the window's maker, so there is a wait. The installer gives you the timing with the quote and covers the opening in the meantime if it needs it.
My window spidered but did not fall out. Is that normal?: Yes. That is laminated glass working: it cracks across the interlayer and stays put. Leave it in place until the installer arrives.
Should I report it to my insurer?: That is between you and your policy. The installer gives you a written quote and photos, which is what an insurer usually asks for, and the decision on any claim is the insurer's.

Get an installer out

Free quote. The price is agreed before anything is ordered.

Other window and door jobs

One Call Impact Windows arranges the visit; the installer does the work, pulls the permit and gives you the price.

Free tool

Window inventory planner