Impact Window Cracked or Broken: What to Do in Florida (2026)
A cracked impact window is alarming — especially in South Florida where hurricane season runs half the year. Here's exactly what to do, whether you need to board up immediately or can schedule a replacement in the next few months.
Hurricane season emergency?
If both panes are broken or the frame is damaged, your home is unprotected. Board the opening with 5/8" plywood immediately. Then call:
Is a Cracked Impact Window Still Protective?
Impact windows use laminated glass — two panes of glass bonded together with a PVB (polyvinyl butyral) or SGP (SentryGlas Plus) interlayer. This design means the glass can crack but doesn't shatter into dangerous shards and doesn't immediately open your home to wind.
The key distinction:
- Cracked outer pane only: The PVB interlayer holds. Glass stays in frame. Provides partial wind and impact resistance. Not ideal but not an immediate emergency in calm weather.
- Cracked inner pane: IGU seal is compromised. Moisture enters the window cavity. Hurricane protection is degraded. Replace soon.
- Both panes broken: No hurricane protection. Board immediately. Do not wait.
- Frame damaged/bent: Full structural failure risk. Emergency replacement required.
Important: Even a cracked-but-intact laminated pane should not be relied upon as your primary hurricane protection. Replace it before the next storm event.
Urgency Guide: What Action to Take by Damage Type
Immediate Steps After Impact Window Damage
Document everything before touching it
Take clear photos and video of the crack from both inside and outside. Date-stamp if possible. This documentation is needed for insurance claims and warranty claims.
Assess safety first
If glass shards are loose, do not touch with bare hands. Impact laminated glass typically holds together, but fragments can still cause cuts. Wear gloves if touching any glass edges.
Check the frame
A cracked pane with an intact, undamaged frame may allow glass-only replacement at lower cost. A bent, bowed, or separated frame means full replacement.
Tape exposed cracks (outer pane only)
Clear packing tape or window film over a cracked outer pane reduces water infiltration short-term. This is temporary — not hurricane protection.
Board if both panes are gone
Use 5/8" CDX plywood cut to cover the opening. Secure with approved clips or screws into the masonry or wood framing — not into the impact window frame itself.
Call your insurance company
Report the damage even if you're not sure it's covered. Note the date of the damage event. Take photos of any weather conditions that caused it (storm, falling branch).
Call Vieser Construction
We'll assess repair vs. replacement, whether in-stock glass fits, and expedite permitting. Hurricane season doesn't wait: (754) 303-7130.
Repair vs. Full Replacement: Which Do You Need?
Glass-Only Replacement (Lower Cost)
Possible when:
- • Frame is undamaged and structurally sound
- • Same IGU size is available in stock or from manufacturer
- • Original product's NOA/FL# is still current
- • No frame hardware or weatherstripping damage
Cost: Typically $150–$400 for the IGU + $100–$200 labor vs. $500–$800+ for full window replacement. Significant savings.
Full Window Replacement
Required when:
- • Frame is bent, warped, or structurally compromised
- • Product has been discontinued (e.g., CGI Sentinel)
- • NOA for the original product has expired
- • Replacement IGU size not available
- • Damage is extensive (multiple panes, sealant failure throughout)
Cost: $400–$900+ for residential window installed. In-stock units at Windows Stock Market reduce this by 30–60%.
Does Insurance Cover Cracked Impact Windows?
Coverage depends on the cause of the damage. Here's a breakdown by scenario:
| Cause of Damage | Likely Coverage |
|---|---|
| Hurricane or tropical storm damage | Yes — homeowner's policy, hurricane deductible applies |
| Flying storm debris (non-hurricane) | Yes — typically covered, standard deductible |
| Contractor damage during installation | Claim against contractor's liability insurance |
| Third-party damage (neighbor, contractor) | Third party's liability; homeowner's policy if uninsured |
| Manufacturing defect | Product warranty claim (PGT, ESW, Mr. Glass) |
| Installation defect | Workmanship warranty (1–2 years typically) |
| Accidental breakage (no identified cause) | Only if you have accidental breakage endorsement |
| Intentional damage/vandalism | Only if vandalism coverage included |
Always file a claim even if coverage is uncertain. Your insurer makes the final determination. Keep all photos, receipts, and contractor documentation.
How Fast Can You Get a Replacement in South Florida?
Standard size, in-stock at Windows Stock Market
Available now at wholesale prices
Non-standard size, in-stock unit close fit
May require minor trim adjustment
Custom order from manufacturer (PGT/ESW)
Reserve early if possible
Emergency board-up while waiting
Vieser Construction can provide referral
In-stock units at Windows Stock Market are the fastest path. Call Vieser Construction and we'll check available inventory before scheduling: (754) 303-7130.
Warranty Claims for Cracked Impact Windows
If your impact window cracked without any obvious cause (storm, impact, or accident), the crack may be covered under your product or workmanship warranty:
- Product warranty (PGT/ESW/Mr. Glass): Covers manufacturing defects in the glass unit. Spontaneous cracking with no external cause is typically covered. Contact the original installing contractor — they handle warranty claims.
- Workmanship warranty: If the crack appeared shortly after installation, it may be an installation defect (improper shimming causing stress on glass). Contact your installing contractor.
- What voids the warranty: Added window film, incorrect cleaning products, structural modifications to the opening, or applying sealant over the existing sealant without removing old product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cracked impact window still protective against hurricanes?
A cracked outer pane of a laminated impact window still provides significant protection — the PVB interlayer holds the glass in place even when cracked. However, a cracked outer pane does compromise water intrusion protection and may void your product warranty. The window should be replaced before hurricane season. A cracked inner pane is more urgent — contact your contractor immediately.
Does homeowner's insurance cover broken impact windows in Florida?
It depends on the cause. Hurricane damage: yes, covered under your homeowner's policy (subject to deductible). Storm debris impact: yes. Accidental breakage by contractor or third party: typically yes. Normal wear, manufacturer defect, or installation error: potentially covered under the product or workmanship warranty. Intentional damage, vandalism: covered if you have that endorsement. Call your insurance company and your contractor first.
Can cracked impact window glass be repaired without full replacement?
On most modern laminated impact windows, only the glass unit (IGU) can be replaced without replacing the entire frame. This is called a 'glass-only replacement' and costs significantly less than a full window replacement. However, this is only possible if the frame is undamaged, the original manufacturer's NOA is still current, and a replacement IGU is available in the same size. Contact Vieser Construction to assess whether glass-only replacement is viable: (754) 303-7130.
How long can I wait to replace a cracked impact window in Florida?
Ideally, replace before the next hurricane season (June 1). If the crack is hairline and the outer pane only, temporary window film or board may provide short-term weather protection. However, a cracked impact window should not be considered your primary hurricane protection. If it's March through May, treat replacement as urgent. If it's mid-hurricane season, contact Vieser Construction immediately: (754) 303-7130.
How quickly can Vieser Construction replace a broken impact window?
In-stock replacements available at Windows Stock Market can often be installed within 2–5 business days for standard sizes. Custom-size replacements require 8–14 weeks from manufacturer. For hurricane-season emergencies, Vieser Construction will source in-stock inventory first and advise on temporary protection while waiting for custom sizes.
Does a cracked impact window need a permit to replace in Florida?
Yes. Any window replacement in Florida requires a building permit, even if you are replacing a broken unit with an identical product. Vieser Construction handles all permitting as part of every replacement project.