How to Repair and Replace Your Boat Glass
If you own a boat, you might wonder when and why it would be necessary to repair or replace your windshield glass. Marine glass has different requirements from other glass products you might be familiar with, so it’s important to educate yourself about boat windshield replacement. Our team will be here to support you at any time with your marine glass repair, so keep reading to discover more about this task and how we can replace boat windows.
What We’ll Cover:
- Tempered glass
- Laminated glass
- Vinyl and polyester composite glass
- Lexan/polycarbonate glass
- Acrylic glass
- Signs your boat needs glass repair
- Why you should avoid DIY glass repair
- Benefits of professional marine glass repair
- Key takeaways
Types of Marine Glass
The first thing to consider when replacing marine glass is the type of glass your boat has. You may find that upgrading your glass is a good option and will help to reduce the chance of future cracks and damage.
Tempered Glass
This type of glass is processed through controlled thermal or chemical treatments, making it stronger than regular glass. Tempered glass is resistant to impact and thermal stress, and if it breaks, it shatters into small, relatively harmless pieces, reducing the risk of injury.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass consists of two or more layers of glass bonded together with a layer of plastic in between. This construction enhances its strength and safety properties. In the event of breakage, the glass fragments adhere to the plastic interlayer, reducing the risk of injury from flying shards. Laminated glass also provides excellent resistance to UV rays, reducing fading and degradation.
Vinyl and Polyester Composite Glass
Vinyl and polyester composite is a popular option, allowing you to curve or bend the material to fit the contours of your boat. Clear-pressed polished coated vinyl is another good option for boat tops. You can upgrade this marine glass option to include a scratch-resistant coating, which will usually extend the life of the glass by many years.
Lexan/Polycarbonate Glass
Lexan is a brand name for a specific type of polycarbonate. Similar to acrylic, Lexan is highly impact-resistant and lightweight. It is commonly used in boat windows, windshields, and hatches. Lexan provides excellent optical clarity and UV resistance and is more resistant to scratching than regular acrylic.
Polycarbonate is made from clear plastic and provides a semi-rigid clear marine glass repair. This material is virtually unbreakable, and you can add UV or scratch-resistant coatings if needed. Remember that this can be a more expensive option but is often well worth the investment for its benefits.
Acrylic Glass
Acrylic is a lightweight and impact-resistant material. It is often used as an alternative to glass in marine applications due to its high strength and resistance to shattering. Acrylic offers good optical clarity and UV resistance. However, it may be susceptible to scratching over time, so proper care is necessary.
Top Signs Your Boat Glass Needs Repair
The number one reason you will need to invest in new windshields for boats is scratches, chips, or cracks. While you may think that you can delay this work, the size and location of the crack may mean it needs to be completed immediately.
Cracks and chips can become a driving hazard when they become too large, putting you and your family’s safety at risk when out on the water. If you cannot see out of the glass window or elsewhere, it’s a good indication that you need to work with our team to fix your marine glass as soon as possible.
If you leave a broken window or windshield too long, there’s also an increased risk that the pressure of the boat will cause it to shatter. This can be a health and safety risk to everyone in the boat, so make sure you don’t put everyone in danger by delaying your repairs. You’ll protect your equipment and the boat’s interior and increase visibility when you replace boat windows.
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Why You Should Avoid DIY Marine Glass Repair
DIY marine glass repair is an option that many boat owners consider, especially if they are trying to save money. However, there are many reasons we don’t recommend taking on the task of boat windshield replacement by yourself, no matter how tempting it may seem.
You’ve probably seen boats on lakes with bad DIY jobs, often using poor caulking or duct tape to fix cracks. When you don’t repair a boat correctly, you won’t protect the boat or its passengers. Measuring the window or windshield correctly is important, removing the old sealant and ensuring the window is fully dry.
Professional glass repair companies will be familiar with this work daily, ensuring it meets their highest standard.
Top Benefits of Professional Glass Repair
When you invest in professional glass repair, you can be sure you are offering your boat the protection it needs for years to come. Our team has completed hundreds of boat windows and windshield repairs, so we know exactly which type of marine glass would best suit your unique needs. We’ll take our time to remove the old glass fully and then replace it and seal the new glass correctly.
A professional team will do all they can to help you avoid cracks and chips in the future, which will be achieved by choosing the right type of glass. They’ll also be able to answer your questions and concerns about your boat maintenance and ensure you are taking the correct steps to protect the glass on your boat in the future.
Furthermore, this job will usually be completed quicker than if you tackled it alone. You’ll be back on the water in no time at all with our help.
Key Takeaways
Here at Modern Glazing, we offer residential, commercial, and marine glass repair in Massachusetts. Our team has many years of experience working with marine glass, and we will be here to support you with putting in new windows or windshields for boats.
It is difficult for anyone to DIY, so we recommend leaving it to the professionals. We’ll be able to help you choose the right marine glass to replace boat windows and ensure that you can enjoy using your boat on your local lakes or waterways for years to come.
Upgrade your boat with new glass windows today!
THE HIGHEST-RATED MARINE GLASS REPAIR IN MA
Modern Glazing offers an extensive portfolio of marine glass to keep your boat in peak condition. As MA’s leading residential glass company, we provide versatile, durable, and functional marine glass repair for boats of all sizes.
Since 1952, we’ve provided seasonal room rescreening and window replacements throughout New England. View our residential glass portfolio today to see how Modern Glazing can renovate your property.
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