What’s the difference between repairing sunroofs and moonroofs?

Updated on Jul 14, 2025

Hey folks! This is Patrick from Chip Happens Auto Glass.

Welcome to another Q&A session where I answer questions from y'all on the internet.

Today's question is:

Question: "What’s the difference between repairing sunroofs and moonroofs?"

Answer form Patrick

That's actually one of the most common questions we get, and understandably so because people use the terms interchangeably. But there are some real differences worth knowing, especially when it comes to repairs.

A sunroof is typically designed to open completely, sliding or popping open to let in fresh air and sunlight directly. These are more traditional and provide an open-air experience similar to a convertible without fully removing the roof. A moonroof, however, is primarily designed to let light into the cabin. It typically has a tinted glass panel and might only tilt slightly or remain fixed entirely.

Now, when we're talking repairs, the differences are significant. Sunroofs generally involve tempered glass panels mounted onto a mechanical frame with moving parts. These mechanisms can malfunction over time, creating leaks or operational issues, and repairs usually involve replacing parts within the mechanical assembly. Thankfully, these glass panels can often be swapped out relatively quickly. The actual installation might only take a couple of hours, though the cleanup can be a bit messy due to broken glass.

Moonroofs—and especially panoramic roofs—are a completely different story. These panels often use laminated glass, similar to windshields, bonded permanently onto your vehicle using a special adhesive (urethane). These installations are far more complex, taking significantly longer and involving precise alignment and application of adhesives. Because of this complexity, panoramic moonroof repairs can easily run upwards of $2,000 or more. It’s not a quick fix, and sourcing replacement glass is difficult because each model typically requires custom-made panels from specific suppliers.

Moreover, glass roof damage is less common compared to windshield issues, meaning replacement panels aren't stocked in bulk. This rarity drives up prices substantially. If you break a windshield, you can usually get it replaced within a day because glass shops stock thousands of windshields. A moonroof replacement, however, could take days or even weeks, as we often need to custom order the exact glass panel.

There's also been a recent increase in spontaneous sunroof shattering incidents, often triggered by extreme temperature swings—like the blazing summer heat or icy winter conditions. People think it’s vandalism or debris hitting their roof, but more often, it’s just tempered glass reacting to thermal stress.

Ultimately, the type of roof you have affects the repair process dramatically. I always recommend vehicle owners understand exactly what they're buying and the associated risks and costs, so they're not caught off-guard by an expensive repair down the road.

Summary - TLDR

Patrick clarifies confusion between sunroofs and moonroofs: sunroofs open fully for direct air and sunlight exposure, whereas moonroofs primarily offer views and slight venting. Panoramic roofs are larger variants, usually involving expensive laminated glass repairs. Roof glass repairs differ significantly in complexity and cost compared to windshield repairs. Because roof damage is less common, replacement glass is costly, typically exceeding $2,000. Installation itself is straightforward, yet glass acquisition from specialized suppliers drives expenses higher.