3 Windshield Repair Techniques Explained
If you’ve recently noticed damage to your auto glass, you’re probably considering your options:
•DIY repair? (Spoiler: Don’t do it!)
•Professional repair? (Absolutely!)
Trained technicians use a variety of Windshield Repair Techniques to restore windshields, each far superior to DIY solutions. At SRG Auto Glass, we adhere to industry best practices and materials to ensure top-quality results. Let’s break down the most common repair methods:
Windshield Repair Techniques: Resin
Windshield resin is the most commonly used Windshield Repair Technique for minor chips and cracks in auto glass. It’s a fast, efficient, and cost-effective method that restores the structural integrity of the windshield and prevents further damage. Here’s a detailed look at how the process works:
•Cleaning the Damage:
Before any repair begins, the technician thoroughly cleans the damaged area. This step ensures that no dirt, moisture, or debris remains inside the chip or crack, which could compromise the effectiveness of the Windshield Repair Technique. The cleaner the surface, the better the resin will adhere and seal the damage.
•Injecting the Resin:
Once the area is prepped, the technician uses specialized tools to inject a high-quality resin into the crack or chip. The resin is designed to fill every gap, bonding with the glass to restore its strength. This step not only prevents the damage from spreading but also improves the appearance of the glass, often making the repair nearly invisible.
•Curing with Heat:
After the resin is injected, heat is applied to the area. The heat causes the resin to expand slightly, allowing it to fully penetrate the damaged area and create a tight, secure seal. As the resin cools, it hardens and bonds with the glass, reinforcing the weakened section and preventing further cracking.
•Final Inspection and Polishing:
Once the resin has hardened, the technician carefully inspects the repair to ensure it’s properly sealed. The surface may be polished to smooth out any rough edges, leaving the windshield clear and safe.
Post-Repair Care
After a resin repair, it’s crucial to take precautions for the next 24 hours:
•Avoid Rough Roads: Driving on bumpy or uneven surfaces can stress the repair before it fully sets.
•Steer Clear of Extreme Temperatures: Sudden changes in temperature can affect the curing process.
•Gentle Handling: Avoid slamming doors or making abrupt movements that might jar the windshield.
By following these guidelines, you give the resin enough time to cure completely, ensuring a long-lasting repair.
Windshield Repair Techniques: Patch
Though not a long-term solution, patches can temporarily hold the glass together:
•Temporary Fix: Patches are cut to fit and applied over the damaged area.
•Curing: The patch hardens over time, adding strength to the glass.
Patches are common in DIY kits but are not recommended for permanent repairs.
Windshield Repair Techniques: Replacement
For large chips or cracks or those that contain ground-in debris, windshield replacement is typically the only feasible repair option.
Because extensive windshield damage can compromise your vision while driving, professional auto glass repair specialists will generally recommend a complete windshield repair for the following types of damage:
- Cracks that extend into the driver’s line of sight
- Complex cracks
- Cracks that exceed 6 inches
- Deep or contaminated glass chips
The technician will most likely tell you to limit your driving as the new windshield sets. For the first 24 to 48 hours, it is recommended to leave a window cracked because it helps equalize pressure between the exterior and interior of the car and remove some of the stress on the adhesive seal.
Why You Don’t Want to Put Off the Repair
Hopefully, you’re opting to get the repair completed, but if you’re second-guessing and thinking it might not be a big deal, there are a few reasons why putting off the repair is never recommended.
- Extreme cold and heat can make the damage worse
- If the chip turns into a large crack, it can’t just be fixed, and you will need a replacement
- The structural integrity of your vehicle is compromised because the windshield now has vulnerabilities in it
- Depending on where you live, you can get pulled over for it
- Cracks can obstruct your vision and make driving more dangerous
Windshield Damage Prevention Tips
Using preventative methods is the best way to reduce the chances of damage happening to your windshield, so a couple of strategies we recommend are:
- Keep a safe distance between you and other vehicles to avoid pitting from projectiles.
- Parking areas where the windshield can be sheltered from falling objects.
- Consider using a protection film for the glass.
- Choose high-quality wipers that won’t scratch or scrape the glass surface.
- Stay on top of regular cleanings to avoid debris build-up that could scratch the glass, and only use manufacturer-recommended products.
If your windshield or auto glass has been damaged, don’t wait—get it repaired by trusted professionals. At SRG Auto Glass, we specialize in top-quality auto glass repairs using industry-leading techniques and materials to ensure your vehicle is safe and secure. For more information on our services or to schedule a repair, visit SRG Auto Glass – Auto Glass Repairs. Let us help you restore your windshield to its optimal condition!
