Why Use A Windshield Repair Company For Windshield Chip Repairs?

Not sure if you should try a D.I.Y. kit or just bring your vehicle to a glass shop? Here’s why you should trust the professionals when it comes to repairing your windshield chips. If you have a chip in your windshield, we believe you should use a professional windshield chip repair company.

The best time to get a windshield chip fixed is immediately after it happens. It is only a matter of time before that small chip spreads into a long crack. The chip is a pocket of air stuck between the first layer of glass and the plastic laminate holding the two pieces of glass together. Spreading can be stimulated by many things such as temperature changes, extreme temperatures, pressure on the glass or hitting a bump on the road causing the windshield to flex.

Windshield chip repair resin has been tested through various laboratories to confirm whether repairs work or not. A professional windshield repair resin will hold a high adhesion for a more durable repair, better aging quality for a visually appealing repair, and less risk of shrinkage causing any re-appearance of the chip. Belron Technical showed that under high stresses, 90 percent of unrepaired chips or cracks will crack out within several minutes. 

How Are Windshield Chips Repaired?

The chip repair process is fairly simple. A vacuum is placed over top of the damage area. Next, air and moisture are removed and the resin is injected into the damaged glass, filling the cracks. The windshield repair technician will pull off the vacuum, apply pit resin and a UV light over top of the damaged area, which will then cure and harden the resin. 

What Type of Windshield Chips Can Be Repaired?

Most small chips can be repaired, if taken care of quickly. 

• Small chips 2 inches or smaller can usually be repaired. Place a quarter over top of the chip to figure out how big the chip is. Typically, if the cracks are smaller than the quarter, you should be able to repair the chip. Damage that extends past the diameter of the quarter is usually a lot harder to repair and may call for a replacement.

• Most chips will usually look like a bulls-eye, a flower or clover leaf or a star. These types of rock chips can be repaired. If the damaged area is larger than 2 inches, you may need to replace your windshield.

What Type of Windshield Chips Can’t Be Repaired?

Any chip over the size of 2 inches in diameter cannot be repaired. Long cracks also cannot be repaired. Old chips that have already been repaired are not able to be repaired again. Any chips with legs extending out more than 2 inches can not be repaired. It is also not recommended to repair any chips or cracks that extend from the edge of the windshield.

What If The Crack Is Too Long To Repair?

If the crack is too long and extends across your windshield, you will need to replace your windshield. The cost of a replacement varies, depending on the make and model of your vehicle and whether your vehicle has any built in sensors, defrosters or cameras. Ensure you work with a certified auto glass shop that offers a warranty on your windshield replacement. 

What Will The Finished Windshield Chip Repair Look Like?

Depending on the experience and skill level of the technician, some chips will visually improve anywhere from 80% to 90%. In some cases, the repair will still be quite noticeable. It is important to have your windshield chips repaired sooner, rather than later, as this will deter any dirt or moisture from entering the damaged area and increasing your chances of a more successful repair. A successful windshield repair will save you the cost and frustration of replacing your windshield in the future.

How Long Will A Windshield Chip Repair Last? 

A professional windshield chip repair will last the lifetime of the windshield. The resin injected into the damaged area bonds to the broken glass like super glue. A windshield repair will restore the structural integrity of the glass, helping you avoid a windshield replacement.

In Conclusion…

So there you have it! In most cases, your small chip or small crack can be repaired and save you lots of money and time. You can use a DIY windshield repair kit or you can have a professional auto glass technician repair your windshield. Not all auto glass shops are the same, so we definitely recommend doing your research before getting your windshield chip repaired. 

If you’re in Edmonton, Alberta and are looking to get a windshield chip repair, feel free to contact us here. Thanks for reading!