Hurricane season has a way of turning “small” home issues into big, stressful problems—fast. If you’re in Central Florida, one of the easiest places for wind-driven rain to sneak in is anywhere your window or sliding glass door glass is cracked, loose, or already damaged.

Here’s a simple, homeowner-friendly checklist you can run through now—before the next storm is on the radar.

1) Any cracks in the glass (even hairline)

A hairline crack can spread with pressure changes, heat, or a sudden impact. During storms, the combination of wind, debris, and vibration can make a small crack worse.

What to do: If you can see a crack, plan on replacing the glass—especially on windows or doors that face the direction storms usually hit.

2) “Spiderweb” or impact marks

If you see a starburst pattern or a spot that looks like it was hit, that glass is already compromised.

What to do: Treat it as a weak point. It may hold for a while… until it doesn’t.

3) Loose glass or rattling when you tap the pane

If the pane moves, rattles, or feels unstable, it’s not sealed the way it should be.

Why it matters: Wind pressure can push water in and make the problem worse.

4) Broken glass on sliding doors (or a crack near the edge)

Sliding glass doors are a common “big opening” in Florida homes. Cracks near the edge of the glass are especially risky because that’s where stress concentrates.

What to do: Don’t wait for it to spread. If the door is also hard to slide, that’s a second reason to get it checked.

5) Water stains or dampness near the glass during heavy rain

If you’ve noticed moisture, staining, or damp drywall around a window or slider, you may already have water intrusion.

Good to know: Not every leak is caused by the glass itself—but damaged glass is one of the easiest problems to rule in or out.

6) Old repairs or “temporary fixes”

Tape, caulk patches, or DIY fixes can get you through a short window of time, but they’re not a great plan going into storm season.

What to do: If you’ve been meaning to “properly fix it later,” now is the time.

7) Any window that simply makes you nervous

Homeowners are usually right when they say, “That window has been sketchy for a while.” If you’re worried about one particular pane, it’s worth addressing before you’re trying to solve it during a storm.

When should you replace broken or cracked glass?

If you’re heading into hurricane season, the safest approach is simple:

• If it’s cracked, chipped, or impact-damaged, replace it.
• If it’s on a sliding glass door, don’t gamble—those openings take a lot of wind pressure.

AA Window Repair & Glass can replace most home glass with a new piece fast—usually within 24 hours (specialty glass may take longer).

Need broken glass replacement in Brevard or Indian River County?

If you found a crack or broken pane during your checklist, we can help. We offer flexible appointment times, with same-day appointments available in some cases. We specialize in broken window glass replacement and sliding glass door repair (including cracked or broken glass).