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Frequently Asked Questions About Windshield Repair
In almost all cases you should have it repaired unless it is over one year old, it has already been repaired, or it is larger than can be repaired.
After the rock chip appears, do not put anything on the windshield
except water or window cleaner. You may be tempted to apply cleansers,
rain repellents, soap, baby oil, foreign chemicals, glue, vinegar,
finger nail polish, or other "home remedies", but these products will
only make it more difficult to repair.
The
possibility of your rock chip forming into a crack is greater now if
not repaired. But if you repair the rock chip before it turns into a
crack it will not spread under normal conditions. A rock chip could
form a crack if there is a drastic change in temperature (example:
washing you car on a very hot day with cold water) or if internal or
external stress occurs to the windshield.
Windshield repair is a process that utilizes modern technology
to repair rather than replace a damaged windshield. The repair provides a strong bond that prevents
further cracks and improves the cosmetic appearance.
Stone
damage or rock "chips" up to the size of a quarter can be
repaired. Best results are obtained if the repair is done before the
damaged area is contaminated from washing or inclement weather. A rock
chip is usually round or star shaped and may have lines radiating from
the center. It has a black or silver color to it. If your rock chip looks like a white speck in the glass and has no dark areas, then
this should not be repaired. It is only a pit. The following are types of rock chips that can be repaired:
Basically,
the process consists of injecting a specially formulated resin
into the damaged area. When the damaged area has been completely
filled, it is exposed to an ultraviolet light which cures the resin.
This restores 100% of the structural integrity and in most cases, a
good deal of the clarity on the damaged area. Most rock chip
repairs can be done in 15-20 minutes.
Clarity
is dependent upon the size, age, amount of glass missing from the
center and the quantity of fragmented glass within the
break. Because of the nature of windshields, it is almost
impossible to make your rock chip totally disappear. But in most cases
the the visibility will improve after your rock chip is repaired.
Most insurance companies
consider windshield repair a no fault claim and it will not affect your insurance rate. Windshield
repair is covered by the comprehensive portion of an individuals'
insurance policy. All major insurance companies encourage and have
recognized the benefits of windshield repair. Please contact your
insurance agent to confirm if you are eligible. We will do all the
insurance paperwork, saving you the hassle!
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