Although far less common than the popular glass replacement services offered by glaziers, window replacement solutions are still called upon frequently and they typically take place when damage within frames or glass panels is too severe to repair. There are a few typical reasons for needing glass replacement services instead of repair options and they include:

• Wanting to upgrade an older set of windows
• The desire to receive a higher level of insulation
• Coming face to face with irreparable damage within glass or window frames

Being able to recognise when you might need to hire a glazier for a replacement instead of a repair can be pretty handy, so here are a few particular factors to keep an eye on that can spell the difference between the two tasks.

The Type of Damage

The type of damage that a piece of glass suffers with will often dictate whether or not a repair is a viable option. If not, if a replacement might be the better solution. Chips, cracks and minor splits can often be repaired, but anything worse than this might require the need to replace the window (or individual glass panes) entirely.

Has the Issue Worsened Over Time?

If you spotted a small chip a few months ago and since then the damage has worsened, then this can be a sign that the glass will soon buckle and shatter. If the chip hasn’t changed at all however, then a glazier should be able to fill it with adhesive to reform the bond and strengthen the glass to restore full functionality.

What Does Your Glazier Think?

When it comes to glass it’s never a good idea to attempt a repair without the advice of a licensed glazier. These experts specialise in all things glass related, so they can be a genuine asset when evaluating the condition of your windows and frames. Just a quick call to a local glazier should allow you to enjoy a bit of advice – and if the issue is more severe than you thought, they should be able to take care of the matter for you and without any further delay.