How Windshield Repair Is Different Than Replacement

If you've recently gotten a crack in your windshield, then you know how annoying it can be. When the sun strikes it at the wrong angle, it can turn into a mirror and blast you with bright flashes as you turn a corner. Then, it can also obscure something in the roadway, causing dangerous situations for you and pedestrians as well. When you talk to your insurance company, you'll normally have a few options when it comes to glass repair. Most insurance companies will waive your deductible if you repair your windshield rather than replaced. This is because many repairs cost but a fraction of a complete replacement. There are some chips and cracks that can be repaired and others that can't.

Let's take a look at some of the differences in damages so you can understand.

If It's Just A Chip Or Bullseye, It's Probably Repairable.

In the case of a bullseye, chip or scratch, most of the time those are very repairable. The technician will sometimes drill a minute hole in the outer layer of the windshield, then use a special vacuum pump to inject clear resin into the cracked area. The resin will fill in the small fissures between the glass in the crack, and make them invisible again, just like new. This resin is like glue, it dries when exposed to UV light rays, and is permanent. It will, in most cases prevent the windshield from developing a large crack emanating from the chip, this is a huge selling point for getting repairs done as soon as possible.

Long Spidered Cracks Most Likely Can't Be Repaired, Just Replaced.

Although you should check with a trained repairman, most of the time if your windshield has a long, spidered crack, that possibly gets longer by the day, it can't be repaired. If caught early, before it starts to spread, you could save your windshield from replacement, but after it's grown, it's history. Not only that, but the really long cracks obscure huge portions of your vision, cause large amounts of glare, and can be dangerous if you're involved in an accident because the integrity of the glass is compromised.

Scratches Are Another Story.

Most surface scratches can be repaired with a special glass polisher that will basically grind off a very slight amount of the surface until the scratches no longer show. Deep scratches may not be repairable, but surface scratches will.

Having your windshield repair can be a very easy task indeed. Many of the companies that do these kinds of repairs, will actually come to your home or place of business and do the job while you work, or cook dinner. The time involved is usually less than an hour and many of the companies can bill your insurance directly. Contact a company in your area, for more details. Check freedomglassmooresville.com for more information and any needed help.