Windshield repair is a simple process that involves using an injector tool to infuse a curable clear resin into the damaged glass. This repairs the outer layer of the windshield, restoring its appearance and structural integrity.
If left untreated, a chip or crack can spread across the entire windshield, impeding your vision and possibly weakening the integrity of the glass itself. If a crack spans the entire windshield, replacement is the only option. Click https://windshieldsdirect.com/ to learn more.
Chips and dings that don’t spread into cracks are often repairable by professional glass technicians. They use a special resin and apply it to the damaged area of your windshield to stop the chips from spreading and strengthen the structure of the glass.
First, the technician will thoroughly clean the area of the damage. This ensures that there is no dirt or debris in the chipped area and that it is ready to receive the resin. Then, the technician will fill the glass with the resin and seal it. The resin is then cured under UV light to harden it. Afterward, the surface is polished and buffed to smooth out any imperfections in the glass.
There are a number of DIY windshield chip repair kits on the market that are designed to allow you to fix your windshield at home. These kits can be purchased for under $25, but they generally don’t work as well as the products that professional glass technicians use. If you do decide to try one of these kits, be sure to read the directions carefully and perform the repairs on a day that is warm and dry. Also, if it is raining, you may want to rethink your plan as water can cause the epoxy to clump up and not adhere properly.
Another thing to keep in mind is that a crack or chip in your windshield can be dangerous and it is illegal in some states to drive with a cracked windshield. It is therefore important to get it repaired as soon as possible and by a professional.
Windshield repairs done by professional companies are backed by a warranty that protects you in the event that the repair doesn’t hold up over time or if you ever have to replace your windshield. Unlike changing your oil or replacing an air filter, windshield repair is a unique task that requires expert knowledge and high-grade materials not available to the do-it-yourselfer. Changing your windshield yourself could be dangerous, not to mention the fact that it won’t be covered under your car manufacturer’s warranty.
Bullseye Chips
Bullseye chips, named for their distinct impact point shape, are one of the most common forms of windshield damage. These chips leave a dark circle at the point of impact, and can result in dings or cracks when left untreated. While these marks may seem minor, they can negatively affect the structural integrity of your windshield and compromise driving safety.
Fortunately, bullseye chips are also one of the easiest types of windshield damage to repair. Your Houston windshield repair technician will use a special tool to clear away any broken glass debris and then inject the glass with resin. This will fill the damaged area, preventing further cracks from forming in the immediate vicinity. Then, a curing film is placed over the rock chip and ultraviolet sun rays are used to harden the resin.
However, not all rock chips are eligible for repair. If the damaged area is within the Driver’s Primary Viewing Area (DPVA) or the crack has a diameter greater than three inches, it will likely require a windshield replacement. Your trained technician will be able to assess the situation and recommend the proper service for your vehicle.
Another type of windshield damage that is difficult to repair is a star break. This is a cross between a chip and a crack, as it has the defined chip center of a bullseye but has straight crack legs that run out from the impact site. If the cracks are less than three inches long, they may be able to be repaired, but this is a decision that should be made by your trained repair technician.
Another type of windshield crack is a floater crack, which is a crack that starts in the middle of your windshield and moves toward the edges over time. While these types of cracks can sometimes be repaired, it is often best to have a windshield replacement done instead, as the damage can significantly compromise the structure of your windshield.
Pits
Even though your windshield is shatterproof, it still suffers from normal wear and tear that affects its appearance and function. For example, pitting is caused by seemingly harmless debris that scratches the surface of your windshield over time. These tiny pits and craters distort the light that hits your windshield and creates glare. This can be a dangerous driving hazard, particularly on paved roads with sand, dust and other particles.
Pitting is a common issue that most people don’t think about until they notice that their windshield no longer looks clear. It usually happens as a result of natural wear and tear, such as when the sand, dust or pebbles from the road hit your windshield. These particles may not crack the glass, but they can leave pits in the windshield that can be very annoying and difficult to see through. This type of damage is more likely to occur on highways, where cars are traveling at higher speeds.
You can spot pitting by observing the surface of your windshield, particularly when sunlight or street lights are reflecting on it at night. If the light strikes a pit or crater in just the right way, it can blind you. This is why it’s important to repair pitted windshields as soon as you notice any hazing.
A repair shop can fill in these pits using bonding resin, which will fuse the damaged area of the windshield together. This solution is typically transparent and is not noticeable, but it is only a temporary fix. Over time, these pits will return and need to be repaired again.
Windshield pitting can be hard to repair, especially if it’s extensive. If the hazing is pervasive, it’s often better to replace your windshield than try to buff out these small pits and craters that are obstructing your visibility. In some cases, you may also need to replace your entire windshield if it is pitted all the way across. If you do opt for windshield repair, it’s best to have a professional do the job so that it is as permanent as possible.
Cracks
Windshield cracks are not always easy to diagnose and even more difficult to fix. Some cracks require the help of a technician to assess their severity and whether they can be repaired.
If a windshield has cracked, it is important to take steps to prevent further damage until the repair is complete. Keeping the vehicle out of direct sunlight and avoiding slamming doors can help.
Stress cracks are often caused by sudden temperature changes, which can cause the windshield to expand and contract in a way that stresses the glass. Weather events such as hail or high winds can also be culprits.
Another common cause of windshield cracks is exposure to sunlight. Sitting under the sun for extended periods of time can cause heat to radiate outward from your vehicle, which causes the edges of the windshield to heat up faster than the center. This can lead to cracks that may seem to appear out of nowhere.
A bullseye chip is a type of crack that resembles a circular shape with a cone inside the outer layer of the windshield. This type of windshield crack can also be called a half-moon crack or a bowling ball crack. This is one of the more common types of cracks in a windshield. Fortunately, bullseye chips are usually repairable.
When it comes to repairing a crack in your windshield, the first step is to identify and categorize the type of crack. The best way to do this is by taking a picture of the damage and noting how deep and wide it is. If a crack is more than a foot long, it is likely not repairable and will need to be replaced instead.
Before scheduling a professional windshield repair, it is a good idea to tape the damaged area to keep moisture and dirt out of the crack. This is especially important if you live in an area that experiences drastic temperature changes, which can quickly cause stress cracks. It is also a good idea to avoid washing your car, using the air conditioner, or hosing down your windshield before the appointment to make sure that no moisture gets into the crack.
