From baseballs and bird strikes to bad weather and everyday wear and tear, there are many hazards that can cause small chips in your windows and glass doors. While a chip may seem like no big deal, that small area of damage can spread over time to become a large crack that is costlier and more time-consuming to repair. Whether you’re dealing with chips in a window, storm door or other glass surface, try these tips to help stop the spread.
Clean the Area and Remove Debris
The first step is to prevent contaminants from entering the damaged area, which can lead to further cracking. Use glass cleaner and a microfiber towel to gently clean the surface around the chip. If you see any debris embedded in the glass, carefully remove it with tape or clay. Don’t try to scrape it out or remove it with tweezers because these actions can cause the damage to spread. Only a professional should remove deeply embedded debris.
Seal the Chip Temporarily
After thoroughly cleaning the glass, you can apply a temporary seal to hold the object together and lock out dust, dirt and moisture. This temporary seal can be as simple as a piece of tape. Choose painter’s tape or clear packing tape instead of duct tape or other types of tape with sticky adhesive that can make later repairs more difficult. Another option is using a windshield repair kit to seal the chip. Clear nail polish can also work in a pinch.
Avoid Additional Stress
Stressors like impacts, vibrations and temperature and humidity fluctuations can cause glass chips to grow and spread. Use shades or aluminum foil to protect the glass from sunlight and thermal stress. Avoid opening and closing a damaged window or door as much as possible until you can have it repaired. Prevent vibrations by steering foot traffic away from the area, and don’t allow children or pets to run or play too close to the damaged glass.
Don’t Delay Professional Repair
Although you can keep a chip from spreading into a larger crack, a professional repair is the only way to fix the problem permanently. Every day that the damage goes unrepaired increases the chances of it becoming a bigger and costlier problem, so have it fixed as soon as possible.
Whether you choose to patch the damage or have it repaired right away, taking prompt action can prevent that little chip from becoming a problem that requires major repairs or even replacement. Inspect your glass windows and doors for damage regularly, and address even the smallest nicks or chips immediately. When you need glass installation services in Anchorage, AK, contact Advanced Glass and Sealants.
