Blue Chip Auto Glass

Sunroof Replacement & Repair in Phoenix, AZ

Shattered sunroof, cracked panoramic roof or a small chip? We replace sliding sunroofs, moonroofs and panoramic glass roofs, repair qualifying chips in laminated roof glass, and handle sunroof insurance claims, including Sunroof Express referrals.

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Sunroof replacement & repair

Broken sunroof? We can help.

Whether your sunroof has shattered completely or you've noticed a crack in your panoramic glass roof, Blue Chip Auto Glass can help you work out the best way to get it fixed.

We replace traditional sliding sunroofs, moonroofs and large panoramic glass roof panels on a wide range of vehicles. In some cases we can also repair small chips in laminated sunroof glass, which can save you the cost of replacing the entire panel.

Sunroof replacement isn't quite the same as windshield replacement. The glass, mounting systems and installation procedures vary a lot from one vehicle to another, so it's important to work with an auto glass company that knows these specialized repairs.

From our Phoenix shop and Mesa shop, we regularly handle sunroof replacements referred to us by Sunroof Express, a company that helps major insurance providers coordinate sunroof glass claims.

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Blue Chip technician setting a new glass roof with suction cups

Know your glass

Tempered vs. laminated sunroof glass

Not all sunroof glass breaks the same way. Some sunroofs shatter into hundreds of small pieces, while others crack like a windshield. The difference comes down to how the glass is made.

The type that shatters

Tempered sunroof glass

Tempered glass is common in traditional sliding and movable sunroofs. It's heat-treated to make it stronger, and when it breaks it's designed to shatter into small pieces instead of large, sharp sections. That's why a broken tempered sunroof can leave hundreds of fragments across your interior.

Tempered glass generally can't be repaired once it's damaged. If your sunroof has shattered, the panel needs to be replaced.

Fragments can also fall into the tracks and moving parts. If your sunroof has shattered, leave it where it is and don't use the sunroof controls until it's been repaired.

Shattered tempered sunroof glass, broken into thousands of small pieces with a hole through the middle, seen from inside the car — A shattered tempered sunroof that came into our shop.

The type that cracks

Laminated sunroof glass

Laminated glass is built like a windshield: layers of glass bonded together with a durable plastic interlayer. When something hits it, it usually cracks or chips while staying in place.

Many newer vehicles, especially those with large panoramic roofs, use laminated glass. But not every panoramic roof is laminated, and some vehicles use different glass in different roof panels.

One advantage of laminated glass: some small chips can be repaired with specialized resin instead of replacing the whole panel, depending on the damage, its location and the manufacturer's requirements.

Sunroof chip repair

Can a laminated sunroof be repaired?

Sometimes, and it's worth checking before assuming the whole panel has to go. We can inspect minor damage to laminated sunroof glass and tell you whether a repair makes sense.

As a general guideline, isolated chips smaller than a quarter may be candidates for repair. But a chip being smaller than a quarter doesn't automatically mean it can be repaired. We also look at:

The depth of the damage
Whether the glass layers or interlayer are compromised
Whether it's an isolated chip or a spreading crack
Whether the manufacturer allows repairs to that roof panel

Some laminated panoramic roofs need replacement even when the damage looks minor. If your sunroof has a small chip, call us before it turns into a larger crack and we'll tell you whether a repair is worth it. Sunroof chip repairs are done in our shops.

Ask About Sunroof Chip Repair

Sunroof broke? Read this first

Important: don't operate a broken sunroof

This is one of the most important things we tell customers when their sunroof breaks: don't try to open or close it.

Most movable sunroofs run on a motor, cables, tracks and guide rails that move the glass along a precise path. When tempered glass shatters, fragments can fall right into those tracks, and running the sunroof can force broken glass into the mechanism and damage the cables, guides or motor.

It's natural to want to close a broken sunroof to protect the interior, but moving it can make the repair a lot more expensive. Often the glass can be replaced without replacing the whole sunroof assembly, but if the tracks or motor are damaged, more repairs may be needed.

Shattered sunroof glass still hanging in the frame, seen from inside the car — Broken glass like this falls into the tracks if the sunroof is moved.

What should you do if your sunroof breaks?

1
Leave the sunroof where it is
Don't press the open, close or tilt buttons.
2
Avoid touching loose glass
Keep passengers away from the damaged area.
3
Park somewhere covered
A covered spot helps protect the interior from rain and debris.
4
Call Blue Chip Auto Glass
We'll help you work out the next steps.

If the glass has completely shattered or the vehicle can't be driven safely, tell us and we'll talk through the safest way to proceed.

Call (602) 885-5330

Sunroof types

Sunroofs, moonroofs & panoramic roofs: what's the difference?

People use sunroof and moonroof interchangeably, and these days that's fine. Traditionally a sunroof was a roof panel that opened for fresh air and light, often metal or fabric and operated by hand. As tinted glass panels that let light in even when closed became common, they were called moonroofs.

Today most sunroofs are glass and many are electric. They serve a similar purpose, but they aren't built the same way, and the glass, mounting and replacement procedures vary a lot.

Sliding sunroofs
Glass panels that slide back into or above the roof to let in fresh air.
Tilt-and-slide sunroofs
Panels that tilt up for ventilation or slide open for a larger opening.
Fixed glass roofs
Glass panels that let natural light in but don't open.
Panoramic glass roofs
Larger glass roof systems that can cover the front and rear seats. Some are fixed; others have sections that open.

Panoramic roofs

Panoramic sunroof replacement

Panoramic glass roofs are now common on newer SUVs, electric vehicles and luxury cars. They're often much larger than a traditional sunroof and can stretch over most of the cabin. Some are fixed; others have multiple panels, including sections that tilt or slide.

Depending on the vehicle, replacing a panoramic roof can mean removing interior trim, carefully cutting out bonded glass, preparing the mounting surfaces and installing the new panel with manufacturer-specified materials and procedures. Larger panels can also need extra handling equipment and technicians.

We review your vehicle's specific roof design before ordering parts or scheduling, so we get the right glass and allow enough time to do the job properly.

Tesla glass roof replacement

Tesla with its glass roof removed during a roof glass replacement at Blue Chip Auto Glass

Watch us work

A shattered sunroof, replaced in our shop

From the broken glass to the new sunroof set in place, filmed by our technicians.

Insurance

Sunroof replacement through insurance

If your sunroof was damaged by a rock, a falling object, hail or another covered event, the comprehensive part of your auto policy may help pay for the replacement. Coverage depends on your policy, deductible and the circumstances.

Many customers don't realize sunroof claims are sometimes handled differently from standard windshield claims. That's where Sunroof Express comes in.

Our relationship with Sunroof Express

Sunroof Express is a third-party administrator that works with major insurance companies to coordinate sunroof and roof glass claims. They help identify replacement parts, coordinate claims and connect customers with auto glass companies equipped for these installations.

Blue Chip Auto Glass works directly with Sunroof Express and regularly receives sunroof replacement referrals through their network. We're proud of that relationship: our history of positive customer feedback and quality installations has made us a trusted referral provider for Sunroof Express in the Phoenix area.

How the insurance process works

1
Contact Blue Chip Auto Glass
We'll gather your vehicle's year, make, model and VIN and a description of the damage. Photos help too.
2
Verify insurance coverage
We'll help you verify coverage and coordinate the claim. Depending on your insurer, Sunroof Express may administer the replacement.
3
Identify and order the right glass
Sunroof glass is specific to the year, make, model and roof configuration. We find the correct glass and coordinate availability.
4
Schedule your appointment
Once the glass has arrived and passed inspection, we call you to schedule, so you never show up to find the wrong glass or no glass.
5
Professional installation
We replace the damaged glass, inspect the finished installation and go over any operating precautions with you.

Insurance coverage and any deductible depend on your individual policy.

Get Help With a Sunroof Insurance Claim

Does sunroof replacement have to be done in a shop?

In many cases, yes. Some sunroofs need extensive broken-glass cleanup, removal of interior parts or specialized installation procedures, and large panoramic panels are hard to handle safely outside a controlled shop. Our shops give our technicians the equipment and conditions these jobs need.

Do you offer mobile sunroof replacement?

Sometimes. Certain sunroof replacements can be done as a mobile job (covered parking required), depending on the vehicle and the work involved. We'll review your situation and tell you whether mobile is an option or you need an in-shop appointment.

Why choose Blue Chip Auto Glass?

Sunroof replacement isn't something every auto glass company handles. Finding the correct glass, working around sunroof mechanisms and handling large panoramic panels take extra experience and planning.

We take the time to understand your vehicle and the work involved before we schedule. We're a local auto glass company with a Phoenix shop and a Mesa shop, our technicians work on a wide range of automotive glass systems, and we're proud of the referrals we've earned from Sunroof Express. Whether you're paying out of pocket or going through insurance, we'll explain your options and what to expect.

Related services & guides

Questions

Sunroof FAQ

Call (602) 885-5330

Can you repair a chip in a sunroof?

Possibly. Some small chips in laminated sunroof glass can be repaired. As a general guideline, damage smaller than a quarter may qualify for evaluation, but the location, depth, glass construction and manufacturer requirements all matter. Not every laminated sunroof can be repaired.

Why did my sunroof shatter instead of crack?

Your sunroof is probably tempered glass. Unlike laminated glass, which usually stays together when damaged, tempered glass is designed to break into many small fragments.

Are all panoramic sunroofs laminated?

No. Laminated glass is common in many newer panoramic roofs, but some vehicles use tempered glass or a combination of glass types, depending on the manufacturer and model.

Can I close my sunroof after it breaks?

We strongly recommend you don't. Broken glass can get into the sunroof tracks and damage the mechanism. Leave it where it is and have it inspected before operating it again.

Can you replace just the glass instead of the whole sunroof assembly?

In many cases, yes. If the tracks, motor, frame and other parts are undamaged, replacing just the glass panel may be possible. We'll evaluate the vehicle and the damage to see what's needed.

Does insurance cover a broken sunroof?

Comprehensive auto insurance may cover sunroof damage from rocks, falling objects, hail, vandalism and other qualifying events. Coverage and deductibles vary by policy.

What is Sunroof Express?

Sunroof Express works with insurance providers to coordinate sunroof glass claims and replacements. Blue Chip Auto Glass works directly with Sunroof Express and regularly receives referrals for sunroof replacement work.

How long does sunroof replacement take?

It depends on the vehicle. Some traditional sunroof replacements are fairly straightforward, while larger panoramic roofs can take more work and adhesive curing time. We'll give you an estimate after reviewing your vehicle.

Can you replace my sunroof at my house?

Mobile service may be available for certain vehicles (covered parking required). Many sunroof replacements need to be done in our shop because of the equipment, working conditions or installation procedures involved.

Need your sunroof repaired or replaced?

If your sunroof has shattered, cracked or picked up a small chip, give Blue Chip Auto Glass a call. We'll identify the type of glass in your vehicle, tell you whether repair is an option, and explain the replacement process if you need new glass. We can also help coordinate eligible insurance claims, including those administered through Sunroof Express.

From our Phoenix shop and Mesa shop, we serve the whole Valley, including Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert and Glendale.

Call (602) 885-5330 Get a Sunroof Quote

What we do