Finding Better Glass For Your Home

If the glass in your home's aluminum storm door was cracked, you may wonder if there is anything you can do to patch it before the next storm to keep the glass from shattering. If so, use the following three-step guide for temporarily fixing the crack in the glass using supplies you may have at home or can find in a hardware or department store.

Step 1:  Caulk Around The Glass Pane

Before you start repairing the crack, the first thing you need to do is stabilize the pane of glass, especially if the crack extends to the edge. Do not attempt to remove the pane from the door, since the added movement could shatter the glass, leaving you with an opening in your storm door.

Instead, apply a thin line of caulk into the groove where the glass meets the aluminum door. Do this on both sides to give the glass added stability.

After letting the caulk set up according to its directions, the glass should be stable enough for you to work on it without it falling out. However, still use caution, and try not to apply too much pressure to the glass.

Step 2:  Fill The Crack With Clear Nail Polish

This step involves temporarily filling the crack with clear nail polish. Although this patch will not hold for more than a few weeks, it can help keep the glass together until you can have a repair service look at it.

To apply the nail polish, use the accompanying brush to fill in the crack with a thick layer. Extend about an inch or so past the ends of the crack, as well as apply the polish to the sides. This will keep the polish in place longer.

After allowing the polish to fully dry for an hour, go on to the next step.

Step 3:  Apply Clear Packaging Tape Over The Crack

This next step adds an additional layer of protection over the glass using clear packaging tape. The tape protects the filler and helps keep the glass pieces from moving.

As with the polish, apply the tape so it extends past the edges of the crack. When placing the tape, have someone hold a towel on the other side of the glass while you gently apply pressure to keep from breaking the glass further.

While the above guide can help you fill in the cracked glass, it is only meant to serve as a temporary solution. For a more permanent solution, contact an aluminum door repair service to have them come to your home to inspect the door and discuss your options for either repairing or replacing the broken glass. Companies like Caplan Bros Inc can help.