Our expert installation team is often asked if we can repair heavy equipment glass. The answer depends on the type of glass and the extent of the damage. In general, it is better to replace heavy equipment glass. There are some cases where repairs are appropriate on flat glass, but in general it will be safer to go ahead and replace the glass. Here’s an overview of your options, including when it’s possible to repair flat glass and when it’s necessary to replace laminated or tempered glass.

Heavy Equipment Flat Glass

For heavy equipment with flat glass, such as bulldozers or forklifts, it is sometimes possible to repair small chips with resin injection. However, these repairs can impair the driver’s visibility or create a visual distraction, which could be dangerous on the job. If the stability of the glass is at all compromised in the frame, or if the damage impairs the visibility of the driver, it’s best to replace the glass. Even a small resin-filled chip could create a safety issue for the driver. 

Laminated or Tempered Glass Replacements

For heavy equipment such as train cars, RVs, and construction machinery, the glass is going to be laminated or tempered. Laminated glass is made of two or more layers of glass with a layer of PVB (polyvinyl butyral) in between. Tempered glass is heat-treated to increase its strength and resistance to shattering. If either of these types of glass is damaged, the structural integrity of the layers could be compromised and you should replace the entire piece of glass. Once laminated or tempered glass has been damaged, it loses its strength and protective properties. If you were to attempt to repair small chips or cracks with resin, it could impact the long term structural integrity of the glass.

When to Repair Heavy Equipment Glass

Heavy equipment glass is engineered to protect people from high speed and industrial impacts. The structural integrity of this glass is critical to ensuring operator safety in sometimes dangerous environments. Even if it seems like the damage is relatively minor, the glass could become loose in its frame or a small nick could become a crack that compromises safety. Have heavy equipment glass evaluated by a professional glazer who specializes in heavy equipment machinery any time there has been glass damage. 

Our experts are highly experienced in heavy equipment glass replacement, and we can evaluate your specific equipment and replacement needs. We’re here to help – give us a call today!