RV Windshield Replacement

RV windshield damage is neither expected nor welcome, but it's something you always have to handle. Whether your RV windshield has a chip in it, a scratch, or a long crack, you'll first want to find out (if you can) why your windshield broke and how you can get it fixed near you.

There are three main causes of RV glass damage:

It's been hit by a rock, road material, or other foreign object;
It's been subjected to damaging weather, or;
It's been damaged in the commission of a crime or break-in.

Whatever the reason, a broken RV windshield generally requires either a chip or a crack repair, or the replacement of the entire windshield. Sometimes it's easy to figure out if your windshield can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced. (Other times, it's harder, but we can help. Check out "Auto Glass: Repair, Replace?" for additional information.)

Repair or Replace Your RV Windshield?

First, let's talk about what these terms mean. Most of us say that we need to get our RV windshield repaired, but what we really mean is that we need to get the damage removed from our windshield. You can accomplish this in one of two ways.

An RV windshield repair is a process through which the windshield already in your RV remains in your RV and the damage is corrected. A motorhome windshield replacement requires the removal of the damaged windshield and its replacement with a new windshield.

An mobile RV windshield replacement will correct any damage - because you are removing the whole RV windshield and getting a new one. An RV windshield repair can correct many different types of damage, but there are some situations in which an RV windshield repair will not be successful or should not be done.

Pros and Cons of RV Windshield Repair and Replacement

Let's take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each correction method. An RV windshield repair generally is a less expensive, quicker process than an RV windshield replacement. It does not require the removal or replacement of your RV's windshield, so in that way, it is a bit "greener" than a replacement.

RV windshield repair does have some disadvantages, though. Although the clarity of most repaired breaks is excellent, it is never exactly the same as a new RV windshield. You may still experience some minor distortion with an RV windshield repair. Your technician will explain the differences to you upon arrival. And you will want to check your insurance coverage for windshield repair. Some insurers do not cover windshield repair. Other insurers waive your deductible if you repair, rather than replace, your RV's windshield. So it's very important that you know the type of coverage you have before you begin the repair or replacement process.

RV windshield replacement avoids any of the clarity issues that you could have with an RV windshield repair. It is more expensive than repair, and requires the RV to remain stationary until the adhesive used (called urethane) has cured. Depending on the adhesive used in the installation, that cure time can be anywhere between one hour to a day or more.

Many insurers cover RV windshield replacements, though deductibles will vary by the type of plan you have. All insurance policies permit you to choose your RV glass service provider, and there are laws in some states that do not allow an insurance company to pressure or "steer" you to a particular RV glass service provider.

Where to Get Your RV Windshield Repaired

RV windshield repairs can usually be done in an RV glass shop or sometimes by mobile units that come to you. Repair should not be done outside in inclement weather. If outdoor conditions include precipitation, the work should be done in the shop and not by a mobile van. RV windshield replacements typically need to be done at a glass shop due to the size of the glass and materials needed to perform the installation. However, there may be some locations that offer mobile service, especially for smaller Class B and Class C RVs.

Glass.com's RV glass provider continuously assesses weather and other conditions that can affect the success of your RV windshield repair or replacement. They monitor temperature and humidity conditions to make sure the materials they use will be able to perform properly. Your RV glass installer will inform you if an installation or repair must be done in-shop.

Almost all RV windshield chip repair technicians will come to you or suggest meeting to repair your windshield at a place near you. Windshield chip repair (also known as rock chip repair) usually can be completed outdoors in less than 60 minutes in good weather.