Repairing windows isn't always a 'one size fits all' solution, and oftentimes there are a lot of minor differences that require special attention. If you have noticed a scratch or if you accidentally caused an outright break in your window, then you are no doubt curious how long it will take to fix. Being a glazier is a busy profession and repairing windows takes up a large chunk of time in most of their schedules. Here are the factors that will determine how long it takes for your glass replacement to arrive.

Shape And Size

It is not uncommon for a window to be a feature in businesses or homes, which means they can come in huge sizes and in interesting and unique shapes. Repairing windows that are outside the normal size range that you would expect to see on a house will require extra wait time because they have to be custom made. If the issue is a scratch rather than an outright break in the surface integrity of the glass, then there are methods to repair glass that can be done on-site and far quicker. A general rule of thumb is that the larger it is, the longer the wait, especially because the company will need to schedule extra labor to lift and place the glass properly when it arrives.

Location, Location, Location

Repairing windows on the ground floor is easy and relatively pain-free. However, once you take this simple task and add the element of height into the mix, you bring in a whole new dimension of complexity. Glaziers can and do handle extraordinarily high window repairs all the time, but the safety procedures, equipment and training needed are all at a much higher level. Not every glazier will be able to repair attic windows or those that are impossible to reach indoors. Always make sure to mention whether height is a factor when first explaining your broken window to a glazier because if they can't do it, they will most likely be able to provide you with contact information for contractors who can.

Special Material

If your glass is treated with a special tint or is dyed, then you will need to match the replacement window to the one that is currently broken. Repairing windows that are custom made requires access to the exact same materials and manufacturing process, which means you almost always have to go back to the original vendor who sold you that glass. Hopefully, they still have a healthy stock of the supplies you need, because if not it can be a tricky process trying to match materials and coloured glass from other suppliers. Worst-case scenario would be having to wait a few weeks or months while your glass is prepared, and this is usually the longest delay you will find in any window repair timeline.

Contact a glass contractor to learn more about repairing windows.