Cracked or smashed window glass in Markham: make it safe, then replace the pane

Tonight versus later

Board-up today, glass later, or both in one visit

Plain glass can sometimes be cut and fitted on the first trip, but much of what breaks in a Markham house isn't plain glass. Sealed units are built to order, and tempered glass, required in places like patio doors and sidelights, is toughened after cutting and can't be trimmed. So the usual pattern is a cover now and a measured replacement once the new glass is made.

When you send a request, say whether you need the opening covered, the glass measured, or both, so the pro who calls knows what to bring. We can't promise when someone will arrive; the pro will tell you what they can do and when.

An upstairs break, especially in a tall foyer or arched window, is its own job. It may need a long ladder, staging on the stairs or a second person, so mention the floor and height.

Glass types

Single pane, sealed unit or safety glass: what broke decides the fix

Look at the edge of the glass, or ask the pro to; what's in the frame decides what comes next. For fog, hardware or full replacement, start from all window services.

Single pane

Found in older basement windows, storm sash and original wood windows in the heritage villages. A new pane is cut to size and set in fresh glazing compound or behind stops.

Sealed unit

Two panes and a spacer, as in most windows built since the 1980s. If either pane breaks, the whole unit is replaced, because a seal can't be remade once it's opened.

Tempered or laminated safety glass

Ontario's Building Code calls for safety glass in places such as sliding doors, storm doors and wide sidelights that could be mistaken for a door. It's made to order, and the replacement has to be safety glass too. Broken door or sidelight glass is covered on the door glass page.

Cracks

A crack that can wait versus one that can't

A short crack in the outer pane of a sealed unit, with the inner pane whole, isn't urgent. The room is still closed and warm. Book it before the next cold spell all the same: cracks tend to run when the temperature swings, and moisture getting into the unit will fog it.

Some can't wait. A crack through a single pane, a break in both panes, glass that shifts when you press near it, or a crack in a door, a sidelight or a window low enough to fall against should be covered today and replaced soon.

Chips and cracks in house glass can't be filled the way a windshield can. Home window glass is replaced, not patched.

Businesses

Shops and offices: broken storefront or door glass

Commercial glass is its own trade. Storefront panes are larger and often tempered or laminated, and entrance doors carry closers and hardware that may need attention too. For a broken shop window, see storefront glass; the commercial glass overview covers offices and entrances.

In a plaza or mall run as a condo corporation, each unit can have its own owner, so check with the owner or property manager about who arranges the glass before booking anything.