Repairs FAQs
Glass repair FAQs
What does “toughened safety glass” mean?
Toughened safety glass is glass that has been heat-treated to make it significantly stronger than standard glass. If it breaks, it shatters into small blunt fragments rather than dangerous sharp shards, reducing the risk of injury.
Why do I now need toughened glass in my door when it wasn’t there before?
Current New Zealand building standards (NZS 4223.3 – Human Impact Safety) require safety glass to be installed in certain locations where there is a higher risk of impact.
These areas include:
Some Doors
Bathrooms
Low-level glazing
Glass panels larger than a specified size
Childcare and school facilities
If your glass is being replaced, it must comply with current safety standards, even if the original glass did not.
What does DGU / IGU mean?
DGU (Double Glazed Unit) and IGU (Insulated Glass Unit) mean the same thing.
It is a sealed unit made up of two panes of glass separated by a spacer and insulating air or gas gap, designed to improve insulation, reduce condensation, and make homes more energy efficient.
What types of glass repairs do you do?
We repair and replace glass in a wide range of applications, including:
Wooden window frames
Aluminium windows and doors
Steel frames
Shopfronts
Internal glass partitions
Ranchsliders and doors
Picture frames
And many other glass applications
If it’s glass, chances are we can help.
Do you carry glass in stock?
Yes. We carry a range of stock glass sheets in various thicknesses and types, which allows us to cut glass to size either in our factory or onsite.
This often means we can complete many repairs on the same day where possible.
Can you cut a hole in glass?
In most cases, yes — if the glass is standard annealed glass.
However, holes cannot be cut into toughened or laminated glass after it has been manufactured. Any holes or cut-outs must be completed before the glass goes through the toughening or laminating process.
Can you repair leadlight windows?
Yes. We work closely with a specialist leadlight repairer to restore and repair traditional or bespoke leadlight windows, ensuring they are repaired carefully and sympathetically.
How long does window putty take to set?
Traditional glazing putty typically takes around 4–6 weeks to fully harden.
We do have quick dry putty options available.
Once it has set, it should be painted to seal it from UV exposure, which helps prevent cracking or deterioration over time.
How long does it take to repair a window?
Most repair appointments start from approximately one hour.
However, the total time can vary depending on factors such as:
Window size
Second-storey access
Restricted access
Type of glass required
Are you available 24/7 for emergency glass repairs?
Yes. We have a glazier on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for emergency glass repairs.
Please note that after-hours call-out fees apply.
Can you board up a broken window after a break-in?
Yes. If your window has been broken due to a break-in or accident, we can secure the opening with temporary boarding to make your property safe.
We can then return to measure and install the correct replacement glass once it has been manufactured.
Can you replace double glazing that has fogged up?
Yes. If your double glazed unit has fogging or condensation between the panes, it usually means the seal has failed. This can happen over time and the unit will start to break down.
The entire double glazed unit (DGU/IGU) will need to be replaced, but the existing frame will remain.
Will my insurance cover broken glass?
Many insurance policies include cover for accidental glass breakage or damage caused by events such as storms or break-ins.
We recommend contacting your insurance provider to confirm your cover. We can also provide quotes and documentation to support insurance claims if required.
Window & Door Maintenance – FAQs
What types of window and door maintenance do you provide?
We repair and replace a wide range of window and door hardware and components, including:
Window handle levers
Window stays and security stays
Ranchslider rollers
Ranchslider handles and locks
Sliding door tracks
Mohair strips and brush seals
Draft sealing and weather seals
Rubber wedge seals on aluminium windows
Putty replacement on timber windows
Minor timber joinery repairs
If your windows or doors are hard to open, rattling, or not sealing properly, we can usually repair them.
Can you fix windows that won’t open or close properly?
Yes. Windows that are difficult to open or close are often caused by worn hardware, damaged stays, failed seals, or alignment issues.
In many cases we can repair or replace the hardware and service the window to restore smooth operation.
Can you repair sliding doors that are hard to slide?
Yes. Sliding doors commonly become difficult to move when rollers wear out or tracks become damaged or dirty.
We can replace worn rollers, service tracks, and adjust the door so it slides smoothly again.
Do you replace ranchslider rollers?
Yes. Ranchslider rollers wear out over time and can cause doors to become heavy, stiff, or uneven.
Replacing the rollers usually restores smooth sliding and reduces strain on the door frame.
Can you replace ranchslider handles and locks?
Yes. We can replace broken or worn handles, locks, and locking mechanisms on most sliding doors to improve both function and security.
What are mohair strips and why are they important?
Mohair strips are the soft brush seals used in sliding windows and doors.
They help to:
Reduce drafts
Keep out dust and insects
Improve insulation
Reduce rattling in windy conditions
Over time these seals can wear down and may need replacing.
What are rubber wedge seals on aluminium windows?
Rubber wedge seals are the rubber strips that hold the glass securely in aluminium window frames.
Over time these seals can shrink, crack, or deteriorate, which may lead to drafts, rattling glass, or water leaks. Replacing them helps restore the seal and improve weather resistance.
Can you help stop drafts coming through my windows or doors?
Yes. Drafts are often caused by worn seals, damaged mohair strips, or gaps around frames.
We can install new seals and weather stripping to improve comfort and reduce heat loss in your home.
Do you repair timber window and door frames?
Yes. Timber joinery can sometimes suffer from rot, water damage, or general wear over time.
Where possible, we can repair minor rotten or damaged timber sections, replace glazing putty, and restore the joinery so the window or door continues to function properly.
Where a repair is not possible, we also can manufacture and install replacement timber window joinery.
How long does window putty take to set?
Traditional glazing putty typically takes around 4–6 weeks to fully harden.
We do have quick dry putty options available.
Once it has set, it should be painted to seal it from UV exposure, which helps prevent cracking or deterioration over time.
Do I need to replace the whole window if the hardware is broken?
In most cases, no. Many window and door issues can be resolved simply by replacing the hardware or servicing the moving parts, which is much more cost-effective than replacing the entire unit.
Can you service older aluminium or wooden windows?
Yes. We work with both aluminium and timber windows, including older joinery.
Where possible, we repair or replace the hardware to extend the life of your existing windows and doors.
Do you carry replacement parts for windows and doors?
We carry a range of common window and door hardware, but some parts need to be ordered to match specific brands or older joinery systems.
If parts need to be sourced, we will measure and arrange the correct replacement.
Automotive Glass Repair – FAQs
Do you stock my windscreen?
Every vehicle has multiple glass panels specific to the make, model, and year of the vehicle.
Because of this, we generally order the required glass for each job, which is typically delivered overnight so repairs can be completed as quickly as possible.
Do you do insurance jobs?
Yes. We work with most insurance providers.
To proceed with an insurance job, we simply require your insurance provider’s details and a valid claim number.
Do you only replace windscreens?
No. We replace a wide range of automotive glass panels, including:
Front windscreens
Rear windscreens
Side door glass
Rear quarter lights
Wing mirror glass
Some sunroofs
If it’s automotive glass, we can usually help.
Do you offer a mobile service?
Yes. We can carry out windscreen repairs and replacements at your home or workplace for your convenience.
For mobile installations, if wet and raining conditions, we require a dry, covered space to safely carry out the work, such as a garage, carport, or sheltered area.
Mobile service is available by request and additional travel or call-out fees may apply depending on location.
Can a windscreen chip be repaired?
In many cases, yes.
Small chips can often be repaired using a specialist resin that restores strength and visibility, helping prevent the damage from spreading.
However, not all chips can be repaired. Factors such as size, location, and the number of existing repairs will determine whether a repair is possible or if a replacement is required.
How big can a windscreen chip be to repair?
As a general guideline, chips around the size of a small coin (approximately 25mm / 1 inch or less) are usually repairable.
Long cracks, large impact damage, or chips with multiple spreading cracks may require a full windscreen replacement.
Does the location of the chip matter?
Yes.
If a chip or crack is located within the driver’s direct line of sight, repairs may not be recommended as they can slightly distort visibility.
Damage near the edge of the windscreen can also weaken the glass structure, which may require replacement.
How many windscreen repairs can be done on one windscreen?
If a windscreen has multiple previous repairs, it may no longer be structurally reliable.
As a general guide, windscreens with many previous repairs or multiple repairs within the driver’s viewing area may require replacement instead.
What if my car windows were tinted?
No problem. We work closely with a specialist automotive tinting company, so if your vehicle had tinting previously it can be replaced at the same time as your glass installation.
What is windscreen calibration?
Many modern vehicles have cameras and driver-assist systems mounted behind the windscreen.
When a windscreen is replaced, these systems may need to be recalibrated to ensure the cameras and sensors are correctly aligned.
Calibration helps maintain the accuracy of features such as:
Lane assist
Collision warning systems
Adaptive cruise control
Our team arrange the calibration where required during windscreen replacement.
How long does a windscreen replacement take?
Most windscreen replacements take around 1–2 hours.
After installation, the adhesive requires a short curing period before the vehicle can be safely driven. Our technicians will advise you on the safe drive-away time.
Should I repair a windscreen chip straight away?
Yes.
Small chips can quickly develop into large cracks due to temperature changes, road vibration, or pressure on the glass.
Repairing a chip early is often faster, more affordable, and can avoid the need for a full windscreen replacement.
Can I drive with a cracked windscreen?
While it may still be possible to drive, it is not recommended.
A cracked windscreen can:
Reduce visibility
Continue spreading over time
Weaken the structural integrity of the vehicle
It’s best to have the damage assessed as soon as possible.
Will a chipped windscreen fail a WoF?
It can.
A windscreen may fail a Warrant of Fitness inspection if the damage:
Is within the driver’s viewing area
Is large enough to impair visibility
Affects the structural strength of the glass
If you are unsure, our technicians can inspect the damage and recommend whether repair or replacement is required.
Is my windscreen part of the vehicle’s safety system?
Yes.
Modern windscreens are an important structural component of the vehicle. They help support the roof in the event of a rollover and allow airbags to deploy correctly.
This is why professional installation and the correct adhesives are essential when replacing a windscreen.
How do I know if my windscreen needs repair or replacement?
The best way is to have the damage assessed by a technician.
In general:
Small chips can often be repaired
Long cracks, large impacts, or edge damage usually require replacement
Our team can inspect the damage and recommend the safest and most cost-effective option.
