As a business owner, there’s one thing you know for sure: glass doors break. The only catch, however, is that it’s not a question of if, but when. When it does happen, surprisingly, many business owners find it hard to decide between glass door replacement and commercial door repair.
The problem is that most advice on this topic treats it like a simple binary choice: repair if it’s cheap, replace if it’s expensive. But it’s rarely that straightforward. Here’s your go-to guide that provides you with a detailed framework of what you need to do when faced with such a situation.
When Should You Repair?
Commercial door repair is typically the right call when damage is minor, localized, and doesn’t compromise the door’s structural integrity or safety.
Small chips and cracks under three inches
This might surprise most people, but modern resin injection techniques can repair localized damage pretty well. The resin bonds with the glass at a molecular level, restoring about 80-90% of the original strength.
These repairs run $100-$300 and can be completed in under an hour. For a chip smaller than a quarter or a crack that hasn’t spread, this is usually the smart move.
Hardware failures that don’t involve the glass itself
As a commercial glass front door, your door goes through a lot. Worn-out hinges, lost pressure in door closers, sticking locks and broken handles all point towards simple repairs.
A skilled technician can swap out components for $150-$600.
Single damaged panel in multi-panel configurations
If your entrance has multiple glass panels and only one took the hit, replacing just that panel makes the most sense. You’re looking at $200-$800 typically, assuming the manufacturer still makes matching glass.
Surface-level scratches that don’t penetrate
Light scratches from cleaning equipment, shopping carts, or general wear can sometimes be buffed out. Deep gouges that catch your fingernail or affect visibility are different; those compromise the glass and typically can’t be adequately repaired.
Doors under warranty
If your doors were installed within the last 5-10 years, check your warranty before paying anything. Many commercial glass installations come with substantial warranties covering both materials and workmanship. You might discover that repair or replacement is covered entirely or partially.
When Should You Replace?
Glass door replacement costs more upfront, but becomes the only sensible choice given the risks and long-term costs.
Severe cracking or shattering
If a crack runs the entire height or width of the door, if there are multiple intersecting cracks, or if the glass is shattered but held together by lamination film, the door has failed structurally. It might still be standing, but it’s definitely compromised inside out. The next impact could potentially cause complete failure.
Frame damage or warping
Glass sits in a frame. If that frame is bent, rusted, water-damaged, or otherwise compromised, replacing just the glass doesn’t really solve anything. More often than not, frames need to be replaced instead of being repaired.
Repeated repair cycles
If you’ve called for glass door repair in NYC repeatedly in the past couple of years for the same door, you’re throwing money away. The cumulative cost of repeated repairs often matches or exceeds replacement cost, and you’re still operating with a problematic door. At some point, chronic issues indicate the door has reached the end of life. Stop repairing and start replacing!
The Decision Framework
We’ve taken the liberty of building you the perfect decision framework to make your call. Stop guessing! Use this methodical approach to evaluate your specific situation.
Step 1: Get a professional assessment from multiple sources
Your evaluation matters less than a trained technician’s. Commercial glass professionals can identify structural issues you can’t see, assess frame integrity, measure seal failure, and provide accurate cost estimates. Most reputable companies offer free assessments.
Get at least two opinions.
Step 2: Calculate the total cost of ownership, not just the upfront cost
Don’t compare repair cost to replacement cost in isolation.
Consider:
- How long will this repair last versus a new door’s lifespan?
- Am I likely to need additional repairs within the next 2-3 years?
- Is this door already approaching the end of its life anyway?
Step 3: Assess timing and operational impact
Can repairs happen after hours? Does replacement require an extended closure of your entrance? Do you have alternative access points for customers and deliveries? Can you schedule major work during slower business periods?
All of these are very valid questions you need to ask yourself.
Step 4: Review insurance coverage and warranties
Check what your business insurance covers for glass damage. Review any existing warranties on your doors.
If insurance will cover replacement but not repair, or if you’re within a warranty period, those factors change the financial equation significantly.
Step 5: Consider your longer-term building plans
Are you planning other renovations in the next 1-2 years? Coordinating commercial door repair or replacement with other construction work can save you a bunch of money.
Also Read: The Advantages of Installing Glass Storefront Doors in NYC
Making Peace With the Decision
At the end of the day, the best thing you can do for yourself and your business is get a professional’s take on your situation. A reputable commercial door repair company won’t push replacement if repair is genuinely adequate and safe.
Similarly, they won’t recommend Band-Aid repairs when underlying problems demand replacement.
When your business needs expert evaluation and service, Door Master New York brings all the experience and honesty you need. Whether you need emergency glass door repair in NYC to get operational quickly, strategic commercial door repair to extend the life of quality doors, or complete glass door replacement, we understand that your entrance is critical business infrastructure.
A commercial entrance isn’t just a door. It’s the threshold of everything your business is and does. Get in touch with us today if you need expert advice and service!
