Can Auto Glass Repair Cracks

Damaged auto glass, such as when the glass is cracked or chipped, is sadly not an experience that is unique to any car owner. It is unimaginable how a small rock bouncing on your windscreen at very high speeds can cause great harm. Whether it is a stone thrown by a passing car or any other object, it can leave your windshield or side windows cracked and annoying. This damage is not only aesthetical, but it can progress and damage the structure of the glass. To what extent can these cracks be repaired instead of replacing the auto glass? However, here is a list of strategies that can be implemented.

Assessing the Damage

First, you must judge the kind and severity of the crack on the auto glass to determine if a repair is feasible. Holes and cracks that are not very large and chipped off have the highest chance of being repaired.

Criteria such as the following will determine if repair is viable:

– Size of crack – Such cracks that are less than an inch in size can be repaired. Again, shorter cracks are more accessible to complete compared to those that are longer.

– Crack location – Cracks in the middle of the driver’s vision range are hard to repair. For instance, cracks at the edge are more accessible to repair than those at the midspan.

– Petrographic description – Surface “bullseye” chips can be filled. Those penetrating multiple layers of the material are even more difficult to fix.

– Age of crack – Young cracks can be repaired more effectively because less contamination has occurred.

So, suppose your windshield crack meets the criteria listed above as a small, relatively shallow surface chip. In that case, you can have it repaired rather than replacing the glass entirely.

DIY Windshield Repair Kits

It is usual for many drivers to contemplate on whether to attempt to fix small cracks on the windshield on their own before contacting an auto glass company. Some of the standard repair kits can be bought from auto parts shops, which could be cheap to manage.

These include:

– Resin repair kits – Here, you will find products with liquid resins in them and accessories such as syringe applicators to inject the resin into the crack. On the cured state the resin forms a strong bond and also seals the crack.

– Glass repair tape – Transparent repair tape is also helpful in filling and sealing small cracks. This may be a more straightforward DIY repair method.

DIY repair kits do have some drawbacks to consider

– Inaccurate outcome – Depending on how products are applied, it can be challenging getting long lasting, water tight repairs. Sometimes, it is instead the technique that will make a significant difference in the results obtained.

– Visible repairs – where some of the resin or tape repairs, although efficient in sealing the cracks, can be easily distinguished from the rest of the surface.

– Lack of durability – As much as DIY repairs involve use of sealants to fill cracks, they do not bond into the glass structure to help in enhancing its strength.

Thus, DIY windshield repair kits may seem helpful in treating minor damages that have not reached the car’s structure. However, for effective strengthening and restoration of the car’s body, auto glass repair is needed.

Professional Windshield Crack Repair

Most crack damages should encourage people to seek professional Auto glass repair services. Reputable glass repair technicians have specialized tools and materials not available in basic DIY kits including:

– Vacuum-powered resin injectors – These enable the resin to penetrate into the cracks rather than just put a layer on the crack.

– High viscosity auto glass resins – new generation auto glass resins offer better repair solutions.

– Curing lamps – These lamps help to set and harden resin fast hence fast repairs.

The method of injection also makes the resin bond with the inner layers of the glass around the crack. What happens is that it extends the glass instead of merely fixing the crack and then filling it. Technicians also buff the area to integrate repairs seamlessly with other glass surfaces.

Auto glass specialists can repair most chips and cracks that are up to three inches long, and new cracks that start at the edge of the glass. However, for extensive cracks that span across the entire windshield or even a half, complete windshield replacement may still be necessary. But auto glass repair can help avoid this instance by fixing most minor cracks without needing replacement.

Other Advantages of Hiring a Professional Repairer

Beyond the higher quality repairs themselves, there are additional benefits to having windshield cracks professionally serviced including:

– Mobile repair –It is expected to find auto glass companies that will come to your location for convenience in repair.

– Money Saving Factor – Another factor that most people may not know is that in most cases, the windshield repair is covered by insurance.

– Warranties – Most professional repairs come with a warranty protecting the repair against future defects or similar damages.

– Preventative – The minor cracks that are fixed do not progress into other severe damages which may require the entire glass to be replaced.

Thus, while DIY windshield repair kits are helpful for emergency solutions for cracks, for the best results and additional advantages, auto glass repair is usually preferable for most crack damage. Calling your local auto glass business as soon as cracks are noticed offers you the most incredible opportunity of repair success.