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Windshield Repair Process

Dynamo Windshield Repair does something that very few other companies do:

We make sure that your windshield is repaired correctly. The first time.

Our repairs follow a documented process.

1. We inspect the glass damage using professional equipment.

2. Perform the repair needed to fix the rock chip.

3. Verify that the rock chip was actually filled.

Not every company does this but we do.

Rock chip in windshield before & after repair

Rock chips and cracks on windshields are a common occurrence here in Edmonton. Most of us will experience this at least once every few years. While rock chips are annoying, most chips are usually repairable.

Read on as we take a look at the process of windshield rock chip repair.

Examine the Chip

The first step is to take a look at the damage to your windshield. There are various types of windshield chips and cracks. It depends on the size and type of rock chip whether it can be repaired or not.

Crack

A single line that extends from an impact point is a crack.

A crack can be repaired if it is less than 12 inches in length. If the crack is in the driver’s line of sight, it should not be repaired. The repaired crack could still impair the driver’s vision.

Bullseye

This type of rock chip is because it can often resemble a bullseye. It will have a central impact point, with a dark circle around it.

If the bullseye chip is less than 1 inch it can usually be repaired. It should not be repaired if it is in the driver’s field of vision.

Pit

A pit is a small chunk that is missing from the windshield. Most small pits can be repaired if they are less than 1 inch.

Star

A star rock chip is usually a central impact point with various cracks spreading out from the center.

If the star is less than 2 inches in diameter, it can usually be repaired. Once again, that is if the rock chip is not in the driver’s field of vision.

Combination

A combination chip is a rock chip that has features of a bulls eye chip and a star chip. If the diameter of the combination chip is less than 2 inches, that it can usually be repaired. Provided it is not in the driver’s field of vision.

How is my windshield repaired?

Step 1:

We inspect your windshield and identify any damaged area(s). This prevents missing a small or hidden rock chip and causing you problems later. We flex the glass around the rock chip using a specialized tool.

Next, we use a fine tipped carbide drill bit to open up the center of the break.

Step 2:

We will mount a specialized windshield repair bridge over top of the damage. We are very careful not to tighten the injection cylinder and hold-down screws too tight.

Next, we apply a few drops of resin into the injection cylinder.

Step 3:

We screw the piston into the injector cylinder until resin moves into the break. We wait several minutes, remove the piston and then apply a strong vacuum.

Next, we alternate vacuum and pressure cycles before reapplying pressure with the piston.

Step 4:

We flex all the radial cracks until resin moves into the tip of each crack. We repeat these steps until the rock chip appears filled.

Next, we slide the injection device aside and examine for reappearance of air into the chip. If satisfactory, we then cover the break with a pit resin and curing film.

Step 5:

The break is then cured using an Ultra-Violet (UV) curing lamp. The lamp is center over top of the repair for a period of 1-2 minutes.

Next, we remove the UV lamp and remove the excess resin. We scrape the pit with a sharp razor blade. We polish the pit to a gloss and now your windshield repair is complete.