Getting a chip in your windshield
It’s a beautiful day, the sky is blue and there are no clouds to be seen. Feels like today you’ll arrive home a little earlier since traffic is moving along. But suddenly—whack! Your windshield now has a crack directly in your line of sight. First you tell yourself that maybe you can just drive like this, but deep down you know you are going to need to replace the windshield. Or maybe not? Maybe you can just repair it? There are tons of videos on the topic, why not?
What does a windshield repair involve?
A windshield repair involves the application of a clear resin that cures into the outer layer of windshield glass. Repairing a windshield has a two-fold purpose: restoring the integrity, strength, of the windshield glass and eliminating its faulty appearance. When properly done, a windshield repair can leave a smooth, invisible surface and the crack is unable to spread or further the damage.
Why not DIY?
You might be tempted to repair your windshield yourself. It’s true that occasionally DIY repair kits may be somewhat effective and that DIY bloggers claim to have done it at a lower cost. But based on our experience, if you lack the right tools and training, you can further damage your windshield. Here are five main reasons DIY repair kits are NOT enough:
- DIY repair kits are often used incorrectly
Most people using DIY repair kits are not auto glass professionals and are likely to damage their windshield further. - Proper curing
Unlike professional UV curing lamps, the sun offers an ultra violet strength of less than 10%. The slow and weak cure of the sun is not effective. The glass will go through many temperature changes, expansion and contraction, and vibration during that cure period. - Proper access to the damage for the bonding resin
Damage, especially “star” cracks, require access by drilling or probing into the impact point. Without proper access, each extending “leg” of the crack may not properly fill all the way to the end. If any part of the damage is left unrepaired, the entire crack is deemed unrepaired. - Training
Professional windshield repair technicians understand the flexibility of the glass and how to properly fill the damage and evacuate the air without breaking the glass, while minimizing or eliminating the crack or chip. - DIY repair kits do not prevent further cracking
DIY repair kits are not intended to be used as permanent fixes, and they aren’t particularly durable or high-quality. Most importantly, DIY repair kits do not fix the structural integrity of your windshield, and generally shorten your windshield’s lifespan.
Call Us Today
As a leader in windshield repair, we guarantee that our repair to your chipped or cracked windshield will be perfect and permanent! If it can’t be repaired, we can replace it using only high-quality glass and adhesives produced in the U.S. If you need expert advice, contact us at 321.223.4106
