When to Repair vs Replace Your Windshield: The ROLAGS Standard Explained

You've just noticed a chip in your windshield. The question every driver faces: should you repair it or replace the entire windshield? The answer isn't always obvious, but there's a science-based standard that makes this decision clear.

What Is the ROLAGS Standard?

The Repair of Laminated Auto Glass Standard (ROLAGS) is the gold standard for windshield repair decisions. Developed by the National Windshield Repair Association (NWRA), it provides technicians with clear, science-based guidelines for when a windshield can be safely repaired versus when replacement is necessary.

The automotive glass industry operates on a 'repair first' philosophy—and for good reason. Repairing minor damage is almost always preferable because it's more economical, maintains your factory seal integrity, is environmentally responsible, and preserves your original OEM glass.

When Repair Is Possible: The ROLAGS Criteria

According to ROLAGS, damage is generally repairable when:

• The break diameter is less than one inch
• Cracks are up to 14 inches long (some technicians can repair longer cracks)
• Damage is not in the driver's critical viewing area (directly in front of the steering wheel)
• The damage has not penetrated both layers of glass
• The damage is not at the edge of the windshield

When Replacement Is Mandatory

ROLAGS is equally clear about when repair is NOT an option:

• The impact point is larger than a quarter
• Three or more cracks emanate from a single impact point
• The crack extends to the edge of the glass
• The damage is contaminated with dirt or debris that cannot be cleaned
• Previous repair attempts have failed
• Damage is near ADAS camera or sensor mounting points

Why This Standard Matters for Your Safety

Your windshield provides up to 45% of your vehicle's structural integrity in a frontal crash and 60% in a rollover. The ROLAGS standard exists to ensure that any repair maintains this critical safety function.

A properly executed repair according to ROLAGS will restore structural integrity, be nearly invisible, prevent the crack from spreading, and be completed in under 30 minutes.

What to Do Next

If you have windshield damage, don't delay—small chips can quickly become large cracks, especially with temperature changes. Contact a certified technician who follows ROLAGS standards. They'll assess your damage and recommend the safest, most cost-effective solution.

Remember: when it comes to your windshield, the right decision isn't about cost—it's about safety. The ROLAGS standard ensures you make the right choice every time.