Resource Type: FAQ

For double-pane windows, the glass is usually part of a sealed insulated glass unit, so the damaged or foggy unit is typically replaced as a complete unit rather than replacing only one sheet of glass.

Keep people and pets away from the broken glass, avoid handling large shards, and secure the area until a professional can assess it. Photos of the opening, the broken pane, and the surrounding frame will help speed up the estimate.

If the frame and operation are still sound, replacing the glass may be enough. If the frame is warped, leaking, rotted, severely damaged, or no longer performs properly, full window replacement may be the better long-term option.

Cracked residential window glass usually needs glass replacement rather than a simple surface repair. Small seal, weatherstripping, or hardware problems may be repairable, but a cracked pane generally cannot be made structurally sound again.

Plain-English answers for Phoenix-area residential and commercial glass, window film, storefront, shower door, mirror, custom glass, specialty glass, and service questions.