The road is clear, and your car is moving smartly when a sudden thwack causes a rosebud the size of a quarter to explode in your windshield, directly in your vision. Contact Windshield Replacement Tampa today!
Fortunately, it’s often possible to repair windshield chips and cracks. There are several key factors to consider, though.
The size of your windshield damage plays a role in whether or not it can be repaired. A windshield consists of an outer glass layer, an inner plastic layer, and a resin bonding the two together. A crack that reaches the outer and inner layers is not repairable and requires replacement. Damage that only reaches the intermediate Poly-Vinyl Butyral (PVB) layer is typically repairable. The industry uses a few trade names to describe different types of windshield damage, including pit, surface pit, bullseye, partial or full star break, and long crack.
The first step in windshield repair involves removing dust and debris from the damaged area. Then, a small amount of resin is injected into the chip or crack. This is followed by UV light to cure and harden the resin. The type of windshield damage and the quality of the repair kit and resin used both influence how long a repair will last.
Cracks that are under six inches in length and don’t impede your line of vision while driving are generally repairable. However, if a crack starts at the edge of your windshield or near the corner of your vehicle, it’s usually too close to the windshield frame to be repaired. Cracks in these areas tend to spread rapidly and can compromise your windshield’s structural integrity.
A surface pit is a shallow crack that doesn’t reach the middle glass layer. It may or may not be visible, depending on how dark your windshield is. Unlike chips, surface pits aren’t usually repairable.
A full or partial bullseye, star break, or a combination break is characterized by short cracks radiating from one point in the center of the windshield. Those are also repairable. However, any crack that resembles a spider web is a serious problem and should be replaced immediately. This is because it will likely spread into a spanning crack and require replacement. Also, a crack that appears directly in your driver’s vision should be replaced instead of repaired, as it can obscure the view and be a safety hazard.
A windshield is a safety feature that upholds the structural integrity of your vehicle in the event of a rollover. It also helps you see the road and prevents flying debris from hitting your car. If your windshield is damaged, it’s important to repair or replace it as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more damage your windshield may sustain. Even a minor crack can expand quickly and turn an inexpensive repair into a costly replacement.
Windshields are made from laminated safety glass, which consists of two layers of glass with a layer of plastic sandwiched in between. It’s not uncommon for chips and cracks to form in the outer glass layer, but they can penetrate deeper into the inner layer. This can cause a distorted appearance and impact the integrity of your windshield. If the damage extends into the plastic or inner laminate layer, it’s usually not fixable, and you’ll need to replace your windshield.
Many of the same rules apply to the depth of a crack or chip as they do to its size. A shallow chip or crack can be repaired if it’s less than an inch wide and not within the driver’s line of sight.
If your windshield has a half-moon or bullseye shape, it can usually be fixed as long as the damaged area is less than an inch in diameter and not within the driver’s line of vision. Similarly, combination breaks (cracks with a star or bullseye shape) can be repaired as long as the damage doesn’t exceed an inch.
However, even a small crack or chip can become much bigger over time if you don’t take care of it right away. During a repair, your technician will inject a clear, curable resin into the damaged area to restore the integrity of the outer layer of your windshield and improve its appearance. The process takes about 30-40 minutes. Before this happens, the technician must clean the affected area to remove any dust or dirt accumulated inside the chip or crack.
Most vehicle windshields are made from laminated glass with an inner plastic layer. This type of glass is much stronger than regular glass and tends to hold together when broken. This is why windshields and side windows often break into small granular pieces when they are damaged rather than shattering into large fragments. However, if you are driving an older model car, the glass may be tempered rather than laminated. Tempered glass breaks more granularly, making it harder to repair.
The location of the damage also plays a role in whether or not your windshield can be repaired. A crack or chip should be located on the outermost edge of the windshield. This is because the windscreen is designed to resist pressure from objects on the road. If the crack or chip is located on the inner edge, it will likely be impossible to repair and could eventually cause the windshield to crack completely.
If the crack or chip is located in the middle of the windshield, repair may still be possible. The key is to get the crack or chip fixed quickly. The longer you wait, the more likely the crack will spread. Fortunately, modern windshield repair technology has come a long way since the early days of Novus. There are now many different companies that specialize in repairing windshields and other auto glass. Some of these companies have even developed their equipment to make the process easier and more efficient.
As the popularity of windshield repair has increased, several companies have begun to offer DIY kits for consumers to use at home. These kits usually include a small kit of tools, some pre-mixed resin, and instructions for use. Most of these kits have limited warranties and are best used by people with experience working with glass and other materials.
Windshield repairs are important for safety reasons, as well as aesthetic concerns. However, it is essential to understand the limitations of these repairs and know when to replace a cracked or chipped windshield. Even a small crack can compromise the integrity of the windshield and can impair your ability to drive safely. It is best to contact an insurance company or a windshield specialist immediately after damage occurs.
A windshield crack or chip may be covered by your car insurance, depending on the policy type and the severity of the damage. This type of damage falls under comprehensive coverage, which is typically required by your lender or lessor (if you’re leasing the vehicle). The good news is that most insurers provide comprehensive policies at a reasonable cost. As with all types of auto insurance, there is a standard deductible that you’ll be responsible for before the insurance company covers any expense. Often, auto glass repair and replacement shops have tie-ups with insurance providers to help their customers save on costs.
When a chip or crack in the windshield can be repaired, it’s a smarter option than replacing the entire glass. This is because a windshield replacement requires the removal of the old glass and the installation of new hardware, which will cause additional stress on your vehicle’s frame and suspension.
A professional windshield repair shop can fix your damaged glass and restore the structural integrity of your vehicle’s passenger cabin. It’s also important to repair your windshield quickly, as a crack allowed to spread can become a safety hazard. In some states, operating a vehicle with a windscreen that blocks visibility is illegal.
In addition to repairing windshield damage, an auto glass repair and replacement shop can often restore the function of your wipers. This will help you see better on rainy or snowy days, which is especially crucial in Flagstaff’s climate. A professional windshield repair and replacement shop can also offer a warranty on its work, which only some DIY kits provide.
It’s important to remember that filing an insurance claim can impact your future car insurance rates, depending on your insurer and how frequently you file claims. While a single glass claim should not have a major impact, if you’re making frequent claims, your insurance company will view you as high-risk and raise your premiums accordingly. If you want to lower your insurance rates, consider switching companies or purchasing full glass coverage, an add-on to comprehensive coverage that can save you money on premiums.