You've got damaged glass and you're trying to figure out if you can repair it or if you need full replacement. After 15+ years in the glass business, I can tell you the answer depends on what's broken and how bad it is. Let me walk you through it.
When You Can Repair (Not Replace)
Small chips in windshields: If you have a chip smaller than a quarter in your car windshield, it can usually be repaired with resin injection. This doesn't work for home or commercial windows — only auto glass.
Scratched glass: Light scratches can sometimes be buffed out with special compounds. Deep scratches can't be fixed — you need replacement.
Hardware issues: If your window won't open or close but the glass is fine, that's a hardware repair, not glass replacement. We can fix hinges, balances, and locks without touching the glass.
When You Need Replacement
Cracked glass: Any crack means replacement. You can't repair cracked glass in windows or doors. The structural integrity is compromised and it'll eventually fail completely.
Shattered glass: Obviously needs replacement. We remove all the broken glass and install a new pane.
Foggy dual-pane windows: When you see condensation between the panes, the seal has failed. The only fix is replacing the entire insulated glass unit.
Broken tempered glass: Tempered glass shatters into thousands of small pieces when it breaks. It can't be repaired — full replacement only.
Cost Comparison
Glass Only vs Full Window Replacement
Most of the time, you only need to replace the glass, not the entire window. We remove the broken glass from your existing frame and install new glass. This saves you money and preserves your window frames.
Replace just the glass if: Frame is in good condition, window is less than 20 years old, only the glass is damaged.
Replace the whole window if: Frame is rotting or damaged, window is 20+ years old, you want to upgrade to better energy efficiency.
Portland Climate Considerations
Our wet climate is hard on windows. Wood frames rot, seals fail faster than in dry climates. If you're replacing glass in an old window with a rotting frame, I'll be honest with you — you're better off replacing the whole window. Otherwise you'll be back in a few years when the frame fails.
How to Decide
Call a glass contractor for a free estimate. We'll come out, look at your window, and tell you honestly whether repair or replacement makes sense. Sometimes it's obvious (shattered glass = replacement). Sometimes it's a judgment call based on the age and condition of the window.
Bottom Line
Most broken glass needs replacement, not repair. Cracked, shattered, or foggy glass can't be fixed — only replaced. Hardware issues can be repaired without replacing glass. Glass-only replacement ($150-$600) is cheaper than full window replacement ($400-$1,200+).
Not Sure What You Need?
Free estimates. We'll tell you honestly what makes sense.