Windshield damage is an unfortunate fact of life that many drivers face, but understanding how to fix it can save both money and a headache. The best windshield repair method is to use a resin-based kit to fill and seal the cracks or chips. The kit typically includes a device that allows you to insert the resin into the damaged area and then seal it with plastic, making it hard for anyone to see the repair.
Using this type of resin is the most common practice of professional glass specialists. The resins used in these kits are clear and able to bond with the windshield to create a permanent repair that restores the structural integrity of the glass. They are also less expensive than replacing the entire windshield, and they can be completed quickly by someone who is familiar with the process.
If you have full coverage car insurance, most will cover the cost of a windshield replacement if it is cracked or chipped to the point of impairing your visibility while driving. However, this doesn’t mean that you should ignore it, as a crack could spread and weaken the structure of the windshield to the point of requiring replacement.
Windshield repairs are usually done by a technician at an auto glass repair shop. The technician will clean the damaged area and then inject a resin into the crack or chip. The resin is cured by applying heat or UV light to the surface of the glass, and it helps prevent further damage by sealing the cracked or chipped area. The resin will also strengthen the windshield, preventing it from cracking further and reducing its structural integrity.
When choosing a windshield repair kit, it is important to consider the quality of the resin. There are several different types of resin available, and it is important to find one that dries clear and provides users with flawless, seamless results. The resin should also be able to bond with the windshield and prevent further damage.
There are a number of different types of cracks and chips that can affect your windshield, and each requires a unique approach to repair. Bullseye chips have concentric circles that surround a central divot, edge cracks occur on the perimeter of the windshield, floater cracks are circular and spread out from the center of the glass, and star cracks look like tiny fissures in a pattern resembling a starburst. It is also possible for your windshield to have a combination of these different kinds of cracks and chips, or even all of them.
Some people try to use super glue or nail polish to repair their windshields, but this is not a good solution. While it may work in the short term, these products will eventually break down, and they can leave blemishes on your windshield that are difficult to remove. If you have full coverage car insurance, it is worth letting a professional repair your windshield to avoid any issues down the road.