How Long Will It Last?
How long will my windshield chip repair last? We get asked this question a lot at Dynamo Windshield Repair. There are a few variables that will determine whether your windshield repair will last the lifetime of your vehicle’s windshield or only a few days. Let’s dig in!
D.I.Y. Kits vs a Professional Windshield Repair Service
In some cases, a Do It Yourself kit will do a great job in repairing a small chip in your windshield. Unfortunately, not all of these kits are created the same and some of these kits will use inferior quality resin compared to a professional windshield repair resin. The length of how long these resins will hold all depend on the viscosity and the quality of the resin used. For most small breaks, these kits will hold the structural integrity of your glass for a few months to a few years. We have also heard of kits that only lasted a few days, and eventually the chip cracked out and forced a customer to replace their windshield. In a dire emergency, these kits can be a lifesaver.
A professional windshield repair shop will typically use a stronger and higher quality resin compared to a D.I.Y. kit. If repaired properly, these windshield chip repairs can last the lifetime of your vehicle’s windshield. Of course, this all depends on the expertise and skills of the technician repairing your windshield. In some cases, a technician may not have removed enough air from the damaged area, they may not have added enough resin into the glass or they may have forgotten to cure the resin with a UV light. We highly recommend you do your research before choosing a shop to repair your windshield.
Air, Moisture and Dirt
These are all very important factors when it comes to repairing your windshield successfully. The longer your chip has been exposed to the outdoor elements, the harder it can be to remove air, moisture and dirt from the damaged area.
A skilled windshield repair technician will have the proper tools and equipment to repair your windshield properly. It is important that the technician remove as much air and moisture as possible before initiating the repair process. This is usually done by doing a proper “dry out” by using either a moisture evaporator or a heat source to remove the moisture inside of your rock chip.
Next, the technician should remove the air stuck in between your first layer of glass and the plastic laminate by using a powerful vacuum tool. This can be done with a custom vacuum “super sucker” or another type of vacuum tool that will help remove as much of the trapped air as possible.
It can be extremely difficult to remove dirt from a rock chip. This is why it is important to put a piece of tape over top of the chip as soon as possible to prevent dirt and moisture from entering the damaged area. The repair technician will usually use a small Dremel drill to clean up the dirt and glass debris stuck inside the impact point, prior to commencing the windshield repair.
When a rock chip has been exposed to the elements for a very long time, it can be quite difficult to complete a successful repair. Dirt can block the resin from entering into the legs and small cracks of your rock chip. Get your windshield chip repaired A.S.A.P. to prevent this from happening.
How Long Does A Windshield Chip Repair Take?
In most cases, a professional windshield repair service will take anywhere from 30 minutes to 60 minutes. This is all depending on the severity of the damage, the number of chips being repaired, the amount of moisture, air and debris stuck inside the glass, and the skills and expertise of the technician. A windshield repair shop promoting 5 minute repairs is more than likely not taking the time to inspect and repair your windshield chip(s) properly. It is important to do your research before picking an auto glass shop to repair your windshield.
Should I Just Replace My Windshield?
In some cases, you may not be able to repair your windshield. When a rock chip is larger than 2 inches in diameter or a crack has extended past 8 inches, it is recommended that you replace your windshield. If your chip is within 2 inches in diameter or a crack is 8 inches or less, we strongly recommend repairing your windshield. We recommend a windshield replacement only as a very last alternative.
Why Should I Repair My Windshield?
Windshield repair will cost you less money than a replacement, takes less time, your original factory seal stays intact, and you’re helping save the environment. Most windshields will end up in a landfill, as there is no easy way to recycle windshields at this time.
If possible, opt for a windshield repair over a windshield replacement. In some cases, this may not be possible. It is always a good idea to have a professional windshield technician inspect your damaged glass to help point you in the right direction.
In Conclusion…
Hopefully this article helped answer a few of your questions regarding windshield chip repair. It is always important to have your rock chips repaired as soon as possible to avoid a costly windshield replacement in the future.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us here. If you’re in Edmonton, Alberta and you are looking to a get a rock chip repaired, click here to book your appointment online. We offer a convenient mobile service that comes to you.
Thanks for reading!
