Houston Sunroof or Moonroof Repair and Glass Replacement
Whether you have a classic sliding glass panel or a full panoramic glass roof, we specialize in providing top-quality repair and replacement services for all types of sunroofs and moonroofs. We can address leaks caused by faulty seals, handle mechanical malfunctions, and replace full glass panels with factory direct glass that’s a perfect fit for your vehicle.
Houston’s climate can be tough on auto glass, from intense heat and sunlight to potential damage from hail or tree branches during severe storms. Damage to your sunroof or moonroof in particular can compromise not only the security of your vehicle but can lead to major interior damage if enough water gets inside.
Count on Houston’s #1 source for auto glass services for fast and professional sunroof repair at a competitive price. Let our team at Affordable Auto Glass take care of it all for you.
Sunroof vs. Moonroof
Traditionally, a sunroof was an opaque panel in the roof of a car, often metal and painted to match the car’s body, that could be manually tilted open or even fully removed to allow light and air in.
A moonroof is a glass panel that may also tilt or slide open but is designed to let light in even when closed. Often, these glass panels include a retractable interior shade to block light when desired.
Modern vehicles today use glass rooftop panels (versus the old removable metal ones), and the terms “sunroof” and “moonroof” are used interchangeably to describe this feature.
Mechanical Issues with Vehicle Sunroof
When your sunroof malfunctions, it’s not only frustrating, but it can compromise the security of your vehicle. Here are some common issues we see with vehicle sunroofs and moonroofs here in Houston.
Getting stuck is the most frequent complaint. The sunroof might refuse to open, close, or stop partway through its movement. This can be due to several factors. Dirt and debris can build up in the track over time, or the metal arms that guide the glass can become dented or damaged if you have tried to force the stuck panel open or closed. Also, many sunroofs use cables to pull and push the glass panel. These cables can stretch, fray, or even break over time.
The electric motor that powers the sliding glass and/or tilt function can fail due to electrical problems or internal wear and tear. This might result in the sunroof not moving at all or moving very slowly and erratically.
Sunroofs are designed to be water-resistant, with drainage channels to direct water away from the cabin. But if these channels can become clogged with debris, it can cause water to back up and leak into your vehicle. The seals around the sunroof panel can also deteriorate over time, especially given the constant exposure to high UV rays and heat.
Glass Repair and Replacement for Sunroof and Moonroof
Damage to your sunroof or moonroof glass can range from small chips and cracks to complete shattering. The most common causes of auto glass damage here are road debris, hail, tree branches falling on your roof, and car accidents.
Repair is typically possible for minor chips and small cracks. A technician cleans the damaged area and injects a special resin that restores the glass’s structural integrity and helps it look almost like new again. Repair is a cost-effective solution for minor damage and prevents further cracking.
For larger cracks, multiple chips, or shattered glass, full glass replacement will be necessary. This involves removing the damaged glass panel, cleaning the frame, and installing a new glass panel that matches the original specifications of your vehicle. The process includes replacing any damaged seals to ensure a watertight fit and prevent leaks.
Type of Glass Used for Vehicle Sunroof
Vehicle sunroofs and moonroofs primarily use tempered glass, although some higher-end vehicles, especially those with large panoramic roofs, may also incorporate laminated glass. Sunroof or moonroof glass usually includes a tint to reduce glare and heat from the sun.
Tempered glass is the most common type of glass used for sunroofs. It’s made by heating regular glass to a high temperature and then rapidly cooling it. This process makes it significantly stronger than standard glass. While strong, it can still be broken by significant impact, and when it does, it usually shatters completely.
A key safety feature of tempered glass is how it breaks. Instead of shattering into large, sharp shards, it breaks into small, relatively harmless pebble-like pieces. This significantly reduces the risk of injury to you and your passengers if it breaks.
Laminated glass consists of two layers of glass with a layer of durable plastic (usually polyvinyl butyral or PVB) between them. It’s more resistant to shattering than tempered glass. If it does break, it tends to crack rather than completely shatter, and it might be repairable if the damage is limited to the outer layer.
This type of glass is more commonly used for windshields, but is increasingly being used in large panoramic sunroofs and moonroofs, particularly in luxury vehicles. This boosts overall vehicle safety and also provides better sound insulation and UV protection.
Will My Insurance Cover Sunroof or Moonroof Repair?
Generally, your auto insurance will cover your sunroof glass repair or replacement, but it will depend on the type of coverage you have and the cause of the damage. Normal wear and tear or mechanical failure of the sunroof mechanism itself is usually not covered by insurance. Insurance typically covers sudden and accidental damage.
Some insurance policies may have a separate glass coverage with a lower or even waived deductible. Always review your insurance policy for any specific inclusions or exclusions related to glass or sunroof damage.
Comprehensive Coverage
This is the most likely coverage to pay for sunroof or moonroof damage. Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from damage not caused by a collision. This includes vandalism, theft, weather-related damage, and falling objects. If the damage to your sunroof falls under one of these categories and you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance should cover the repair or replacement. You will typically have to pay your deductible before your insurance coverage kicks in. If the cost of the repair is less than or close to your deductible, it might not be worth filing a claim.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage typically pays for damage to your car resulting from a collision with another vehicle or object. If your sunroof is damaged in a car accident, your collision coverage would likely apply, minus your deductible.
Get a Free Quote for Houston Sunroof Repair
Houston’s sunroof and moonroof repair specialists are ready to help. Get your free quote now for expert service and quality workmanship at Affordable Auto Glass.
