Do I have to replace my windshield or can it be repaired?
A chipped windshield can be a minor annoyance but can turn into a serious problem if it is not fixed before winter. Cold weather and precipitation can cause a chip to turn into a crack, and a crack into a major problem.
After a chip or nick is created in your windshield, there is an opening for moisture to enter the integrity of the laminate, the layers of glass. If that moisture is allowed to collect in the chip at night, for instance, and then the morning sun hits the windshield, the expansion of the moisture can and very often does cause the "spider webbing" often seen around a chip. In some extreme cases, it will cause a long, growing crack that will eventually extend completely across your windshield.
Repair vs. Replace
Windshield repair or replacement depends on the size, location and severity of the damage. The majority of windshield repair shops can repair quarter-sized rock chips and cracks up to two inches long. Anything bigger and most places will recommend replacement.
- Size of the damage
- The majority of windshield repairs involve quarter-sized rock chips and cracks up to three inches long. Anything bigger will recommend replacement.
- Location of the damage
- Cracks at the edge of the windshield tend to spread very quickly and can compromise the structural integrity of the glass. If caught in time, they can be repaired, but in most cases we advise replacement of the windshield.
- Have it repaired quickly
- If you wait some time to repair it, dirt can work its way into the damaged area, affecting the effectiveness and clarity of the repair. Additionally, the crack can grow too long to repair.
- Severity of the impact
- If your windshield took a big enough hit, it may simply be beyond saving. BIG objects or accident damage often go beyond what any repair can fix. In these severe cases, replacement is a must.
If your are not satisfied with the repair or your windshield breaks during the process we will credit the cost of the repair toward a replacement windshield.
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