When a window fails, it isn't always the frame, the crank, or the lock that is the culprit. More often than not, the issue lies within the glass itself. Whether it's a jagged crack from a stray baseball, the annoying haze of a failed seal, or the dangerous shards of a shattered pane, damaged glass compromises the three things every homeowner needs: clarity, comfort, and protection.
In Richmond, IN, the elements are rarely kind to residential and commercial glass. From intense UV exposure to fluctuating humidity and the looming threat of storm season, your windows are under constant pressure. Ace specializes in the precision science of window glass repair and replacement. We focus on the glass—the critical barrier between your indoor sanctuary and the outside world—ensuring that your views remain unobstructed and your energy bills stay manageable. Call (888) 670-9331.
Detecting glass failure early can save you from secondary damage like wood rot in frames or mold growth in drywall. If you notice any of the following signs, it is time to consult a professional.
A crack in a window is never "just" a cosmetic issue. Even a tiny hairline fracture compromises the structural integrity of the pane. Due to temperature changes, these cracks expand and contract, eventually spreading across the entire surface. A full fracture is an immediate security risk and an invitation for moisture to enter your home.
If you try to wipe away a smudge only to realize it is inside the window, you have a failed Insulated Glass Unit (IGU). This "fogging" occurs when the airtight seal between two panes of glass breaks, allowing moisture-laden air to seep in. Once the desiccant inside the spacer bar is saturated, permanent calcium deposits (silica haze) can form, ruining the glass forever.
Small chips caused by pebbles from a lawnmower or bird strikes might seem minor. However, these impact points create "stress concentrations." In the heat of a Richmond summer, the glass expands; if there is a chip, that expansion can lead to a sudden, spontaneous crack.
A shattered window is an emergency. Beyond the obvious safety hazard of sharp glass, a missing pane leaves your home vulnerable to intruders, pests, and the weather. Whether it is tempered glass that has crumbled into pebbles or standard glass that has broken into dangerous shards, immediate replacement is required.
If you feel a breeze while standing near a closed window, the glass may have shifted, or the glazing compound holding it in place has dried out and shrunk. Drafts are a primary sign that your window is no longer providing the thermal envelope your HVAC system relies on.
Glass should be seated firmly. If a gust of wind or a door closing causes your window glass to rattle, the mechanical bond between the glass and the sash has failed. This usually indicates that the glazing points or the adhesive sealant have degraded.
Water pooling at the bottom of the glass or dark stains on the "glazing bead" (the strip holding the glass in) indicates that water is bypassing the external seals. This is a leading cause of frame rot and glass delamination.
Windows are your primary sound barrier. If you suddenly hear more traffic, lawnmowers, or neighbors than usual, it often means the gas fill (like Argon) between your double panes has leaked out, or the glass itself has become unseated, allowing sound waves to pass through the gaps.
When your glass loses its insulating properties—either through seal failure or the loss of Low-E coatings—your air conditioner has to work twice as hard. If your power bill is spiking despite normal usage, your glass may be "leaking" heat.
Richmond presents a unique set of challenges for window glass. Understanding why glass fails helps in choosing the right replacement specifications.
The most common cause of sudden failure is physical impact. This ranges from a neighborhood kid's fly ball to debris kicked up by high winds. In Richmond, even heavy hailstorms can provide enough force to chip or crack standard residential glass.
Thermal stress occurs when one part of a glass pane gets much hotter than another. For example, if a large tree shades half of a window while the other half sits in the blistering Richmond sun, the unequal expansion can cause the glass to snap. This is particularly common in thick or tinted glass that absorbs more heat.
Modern windows use two or more panes separated by a spacer. The seal is the "glue" that holds it all together. Our local humidity puts constant pressure on these seals. Over years of "solar pumping" (the glass expanding during the day and contracting at night), the seal eventually develops a microscopic breach.
Nothing lasts forever. Old-fashioned putty (glazing compound) eventually becomes brittle and falls away. Modern silicone seals can also peel or shrink after 15–20 years of exposure to UV radiation, leaving the glass unsupported.
If a window was not leveled correctly, or if the glass was cut slightly too large for the opening, the frame will put "pressure points" on the glass. Over time, even a minor settling of the house can cause that glass to crack because it has no room to move.
In our region, high-velocity winds create massive pressure differentials. If a window isn't rated for these pressures, the glass can actually "implode" or "explode" out of the frame due to the vacuum created by the storm.
Expert diagnosis. Repair when possible. Replace when necessary.
Call (888) 670-9331Replacement isn't always the only answer. At Ace, we believe in providing the most cost-effective solution that doesn't compromise safety.
For high-value glass or minor blemishes, specialized resins can sometimes be used to fill chips or polish out surface scratches. This is most effective on single-pane glass or the outer layer of a thick unit where the damage is purely cosmetic and hasn't penetrated the structural integrity of the pane.
In some very specific cases of early seal failure, "defogging" procedures can be used. This involves drilling tiny holes to vent the moisture and washing the interior of the glass. However, this is often a temporary fix, and Ace usually recommends glass replacement for a permanent solution.
On older, single-pane windows, the glass is often perfectly fine, but the "glazing" (the putty holding it in) is crumbling. We can remove the old putty, clean the glass "rabbet," and apply fresh glazing compound to reseal the original glass, extending the life of the window by decades.
When the glass is physically broken or the thermal seal is gone, replacement is the necessary path forward. We replace the glass, not the entire window structure, saving you thousands.
Found mostly in older homes or outbuildings, single-pane glass is straightforward to replace. We can cut the glass on-site to exact dimensions, ensuring a perfect fit and a quick turnaround.
This is our most requested service. We measure your existing foggy unit, have a brand-new, factory-sealed dual-pane unit manufactured, and then swap the "glass sandwich" into your existing frame. It looks and performs like a brand-new window at a fraction of the cost.
By code, glass near doors, in bathrooms, or near the floor must be tempered. Tempered glass is heat-treated to be four times stronger than regular glass. If it does break, it shatters into small, dull cubes rather than sharp shards.
Laminated glass consists of two pieces of glass bonded together with a plastic interlayer (PVB). If broken, the glass sticks to the plastic rather than falling out. This is excellent for soundproofing and high-security areas.
Whether it's "Rain" glass in a bathroom or frosted glass in a front entry, we can match almost any obscure or decorative pattern to ensure your privacy is maintained and your aesthetics remain consistent.
If you have to replace your glass anyway, why not make it better than it was before?
If your window frames are deep enough, we can often replace old, drafty single-pane glass with a thin-profile Insulated Glass Unit. This instantly doubles your R-value (insulating power).
Low-Emissivity (Low-E) glass has a microscopic metallic coating that reflects infrared heat while letting light through. In Richmond, Low-E glass is a game-changer, keeping the sun's heat outside during the summer and your expensive AC inside.
If you are tired of putting up heavy shutters every time a storm is named, we can often upgrade your existing window glass to impact-rated laminated glass. This provides 24/7 protection against flying debris and intruders.
If you live near a busy road or a loud neighborhood, upgrading to laminated glass can reduce perceived outside noise by up to 50%. It also makes "smash and grab" burglaries nearly impossible.
Bronze or gray tinted glass can be used to reduce glare on television screens and protect your furniture and flooring from UV fading.
If your glass breaks in the middle of the night, Ace provides emergency board-up services. We secure your home against the elements and intruders while your custom replacement glass is being fabricated.
Knowledge is power. Here is a breakdown of the materials we work with every day.
Commonly known as "annealed" glass. It is the most basic form of glass and offers very little insulation or security. It is primarily found in vintage homes or interior partitions.
The modern standard. Two panes of glass are separated by a spacer filled with air or an inert gas like Argon. The Argon acts as a much better insulator than plain air, significantly slowing heat transfer.
Used in "hazard" zones. If you have a window in a shower or a window that is within 18 inches of the floor, it must be tempered to meet safety codes in Richmond, IN.
Often called "burglar-proof" glass. Because it stays in the frame even when broken, it is the gold standard for security and sound dampening.
A heavy-duty version of laminated glass. It is tested to withstand the impact of a 9-pound 2x4 timber traveling at 50 feet per second. It is the ultimate peace of mind for Richmond residents.
This coating is virtually invisible but acts like a thermos for your home. It reflects heat back to its source—keeping heat out in the summer and in during the winter.
Used for privacy and extreme solar control. Reflective "mirror" coatings can provide daytime privacy, preventing people from seeing inside while you maintain a clear view out.
Includes "Seed," "Flemish," "Acid-Etched," and "Pebbled" textures. These are perfect for bathrooms, entryways, and sidelights where you want light but not a clear line of sight.
Most builders install the cheapest glass allowed by code. During a replacement, we can assess your home's orientation and recommend higher-performing glass for the "hot" side of your house to balance your home's temperature.
Better glass. Better comfort. Better protection.
Call (888) 670-9331Knowledge is power. Here is a breakdown of the materials we work with every day.
Commonly known as "annealed" glass. It is the most basic form of glass and offers very little insulation or security. It is primarily found in vintage homes or interior partitions.
The modern standard. Two panes of glass are separated by a spacer filled with air or an inert gas like Argon. The Argon acts as a much better insulator than plain air, significantly slowing heat transfer.
Used in "hazard" zones. If you have a window in a shower or a window that is within 18 inches of the floor, it must be tempered to meet safety codes in Richmond, IN.
Often called "burglar-proof" glass. Because it stays in the frame even when broken, it is the gold standard for security and sound dampening.
A heavy-duty version of laminated glass. It is tested to withstand the impact of a 9-pound 2x4 timber traveling at 50 feet per second. It is the ultimate peace of mind for Richmond residents.
This coating is virtually invisible but acts like a thermos for your home. It reflects heat back to its source—keeping heat out in the summer and in during the winter.
Used for privacy and extreme solar control. Reflective "mirror" coatings can provide daytime privacy, preventing people from seeing inside while you maintain a clear view out.
Includes "Seed," "Flemish," "Acid-Etched," and "Pebbled" textures. These are perfect for bathrooms, entryways, and sidelights where you want light but not a clear line of sight.
Most builders install the cheapest glass allowed by code. During a replacement, we can assess your home's orientation and recommend higher-performing glass for the "hot" side of your house to balance your home's temperature.
If your windows look dirty no matter how much you scrub them, you are likely dealing with seal failure. This is the #1 reason for window glass replacement in our area.
Window units are under constant stress. In Richmond, the sun heats the gas between the panes, causing the unit to expand. At night, it cools and contracts. This "breathing" cycle eventually fatigues the seal. Once the seal cracks, moisture enters. The desiccant (silica beads) inside the window absorbs the moisture until it can't hold anymore—then, the fog appears.
Since the moisture and mineral deposits are trapped between the two hermetically sealed panes of glass, no amount of exterior cleaning will reach it. The "fog" is actually a physical change to the interior surface of the glass caused by mineral deposits from evaporated water.
A foggy window isn't just ugly; it's broken. The insulating gas has escaped, and the air that replaced it is a poor insulator. A window with a failed seal can lose up to 70% of its R-value, meaning your money is literally flying out the window.
Many window companies will tell you that you need a whole new window (frame and all) just because the glass is foggy. This is simply not true. Ace can replace the glass unit itself, keeping your perfectly good frames and saving you roughly 50-70% compared to a full window replacement.
While some companies offer "resealing" services, they are rarely effective long-term. Once a seal has failed and the glass is stained, the only way to restore the window's original performance and clarity is to replace the IGU entirely.
Our process is surgical. We remove the stops or the glazing bead, pull out the old glass unit, clean the frame thoroughly, and drop in a brand-new, factory-warranted IGU. We then reseal the new unit with high-grade silicone and replace the beads. The result is a window that looks brand new.
In Richmond, impact glass is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity for storm preparedness and home value.
Impact glass is a specialized laminate. It consists of two layers of glass bonded to a heavy-duty inner layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or SentryGlas. When an object hits the window, the glass may crack, but the interlayer remains intact, preventing the wind and rain from entering the home and preventing the roof-lifting pressure changes that destroy houses during hurricanes.
Depending on your proximity to the coast, building codes in Richmond, IN may require impact-rated glass for all new construction or major renovations. Ace ensures that all replacement glass meets or exceeds these local "High-Velocity Hurricane Zone" (HVHZ) requirements.
Shutters require you to be home to deploy them. They are heavy, unsightly, and leave you in the dark. Impact glass provides 24/7 protection without changing the look of your home. It also provides superior noise reduction and UV protection that shutters can't match.
If your frames are structurally sound and designed to handle the weight, we can often retrofit impact-rated glass into your existing windows. This is a popular option for homeowners who want protection without the mess of a full-frame tear-out.
Most insurance carriers in Richmond, IN offer significant discounts on homeowners' insurance premiums for homes that have full "opening protection." Replacing your standard glass with impact glass is an investment that eventually pays for itself through these savings.
Residential. Commercial. Historic. High-rise. We do it all.
Call (888) 670-9331We pride ourselves on a process that is clean, fast, and transparent.
A technician inspects the damage. We measure the thickness of the glass (down to the 1/16th of an inch) and the overall thickness of the IGU to ensure the new unit fits perfectly in your sash.
We identify what you currently have—is it tempered? Low-E? Tinted? We then discuss your goals: match what you have, or upgrade to something more energy-efficient or secure?
We provide a clear, written estimate. We explain why we are recommending repair or replacement and give you the "good, better, best" options for glass performance.
Safety is our priority. We use specialized suction tools and protective gear to remove broken glass without leaving shards in your carpet or damaging your window frames.
Once the glass is out, we inspect the "bedding" of the frame. We remove old sealants, check for wood rot or aluminum oxidation, and ensure the frame is clean and ready for a long-lasting bond.
The new glass is set into the frame using "setting blocks" to ensure it doesn't touch the frame directly (which causes cracking). We apply professional-grade glazing or snap the beads back into place for a factory-quality finish.
We check every inch of the seal to ensure it is airtight and watertight. We clean the new glass until it's invisible and perform a final walkthrough with you for total satisfaction.
Your home is your sanctuary. We treat it with the respect it deserves, regardless of the size or style of the window.
Different windows require different glazing techniques. We have the expertise to handle everything from simple sliders to complex, heavy-duty casement glass.
Whether it's a small bathroom window requiring privacy glass or a massive picture window in the living room that needs a crane for installation, we handle it all.
Old homes often have unique glass sizes and delicate frames. We specialize in "sympathetic" glass replacement—giving you the benefits of modern thermal performance while keeping the historic look of your Richmond, IN home.
If your home is only a few years old and the windows are already fogging, you likely have a builder-grade defect. We can replace these units with higher-quality glass that actually lasts.
High-rise glass replacement requires specialized safety protocols and often involves working with HOA regulations. Ace is fully insured and experienced in the unique logistics of Richmond, IN high-rise buildings.
We understand the headaches of HOA requirements. We can match specific tints and "grid" (muntin) patterns exactly so your new glass doesn't trigger a violation notice.
For businesses, broken glass isn't just an eyesore—it's a liability and a loss of revenue.
A shattered storefront needs to be fixed yesterday. We provide rapid response for retail glass, including heavy-duty 1/4" or 1/2" tempered plate glass replacement.
We work around your office hours to replace cracked or foggy windows in professional buildings, ensuring minimal disruption to your employees and clients.
From drive-thru windows to large dining room panes, we provide durable glass solutions that stand up to the high-traffic demands of the food service industry.
We partner with property managers in Richmond, IN to provide consistent, reliable glass service for apartment complexes and rental properties.
From historic homes to high-rise condos to storefronts.
Call (888) 670-9331Transparency is one of our core values. While every job is custom, here is what influences the price you pay.
Size: Larger panes require more material and more labor. Type: Tempered, laminated, and impact glass cost more than standard annealed glass. Coatings: Low-E and specialized tints add to the material cost. Location: Second-story windows or windows requiring specialized equipment for access will have higher labor costs.
| Service | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Chip / Scratch Repair / Reglazing | $150 — $300 |
| Single-Pane Replacement (installed) | $200 — $400 |
| IGU Double-Pane Replacement | $350 — $800 |
| Impact Glass Upgrade | $600+ |
If your frames are rotting, warping, or won't open, you need a full window replacement. But if your frames are in good shape, glass-only replacement is the smarter, faster, and more sustainable choice. Full window replacement runs $1,200-$2,500 per window.
Ignoring a failed window seal can cost a homeowner between $150 and $400 a year in wasted energy. Over five years, the "repair" pays for itself in utility savings alone. Call (888) 670-9331 for your assessment.
From arched "Palladian" windows to modern "Butt-Glazed" corners, we handle any glass shape or size.
A window that is 1/8th of an inch off won't seal properly. Laser-precision tools ensure a perfect factory-spec fit.
We use only the highest-grade industrial sealants. Our glazing won't crack or peel for decades.
Impact, Low-E, laminated — if there's a way to make your home quieter, cooler, or safer, we know how.
Drop cloths, booties, and vacuum every trace of dust. The only evidence we were there is the crystal-clear view.
If we can fix it for $100, we won't tell you it costs $800. Firm price. Comprehensive warranty.
From the historic districts to the newest suburban developments, Ace is in your neighborhood every day.
Our fleet of service vehicles covers the entire Richmond, IN metro area, bringing expert glass service to your doorstep. Call (888) 670-9331.
IGU (double-pane) replacement typically ranges $350-$800 per unit depending on size and Low-E coating. Significantly cheaper than full window replacement ($1,200-$2,500).
Yes. Ace replaces only the glass unit (IGU) inside your existing frame, saving you 50-70% compared to full window replacement. Your frames stay intact.
The airtight seal between panes fails from solar pumping (daily expansion/contraction). Moisture enters, saturates the desiccant, and permanent calcium deposits form on the interior glass.
In Richmond, IN, impact glass provides 24/7 hurricane protection, noise reduction, UV blocking, and security. Insurance carriers often offer significant premium discounts for full opening protection.
Small chips can sometimes be filled with resin. But cracks expand with temperature changes and compromise structural integrity. Most cracked glass should be replaced for safety.
Low-Emissivity glass has a microscopic metallic coating that reflects infrared heat while letting light through. It keeps sun heat out in summer and AC inside, reducing energy bills.
A single window typically takes 30-60 minutes. Custom IGU units require a measurement visit first, then installation once the factory unit is manufactured (usually 1-2 weeks).
Yes. We provide emergency board-up services to secure your home against elements and intruders while custom replacement glass is fabricated.
Don't let a broken window ruin your day or your energy bill. Whether you need a simple single-pane replacement or a full-house upgrade to impact-rated glass, Ace is ready to help.
Call Ace today at (888) 670-9331 for a free window glass assessment and estimate.