Glass Repair – What Happens When You Hit a Crack in Your Windshield?

It happens all the time, a rock or debris from a passing vehicle hits your windshield while you are driving on a busy road. This is one of the most common causes of a chip in your windshield glass, but there are other reasons why you might need to call for glass repair. No matter what the cause, it is important to schedule a repair service as soon as possible so that the crack can be contained and your vision remains unobstructed. The longer you wait, the more likely the crack is to spread, and that could be very dangerous to you and others on the road.

It is also important to know that if the crack does not get repaired, you may face increased insurance premiums or even lose your coverage altogether. So while it might be tempting to try a do-it-yourself crack repair kit, you should always seek out the help of an experienced technician.

First of all, any professional will evaluate the damage to ensure they can find the best solution for you. Then, they will clean the damaged area to remove any debris and moisture from the surface. They will then use a tool, such as a syringe, to inject a special resin into the crack. This resin bonds with the glass and helps prevent it from spreading. It will be cured using a combination of air and heat, ensuring that it fully seals the crack.

Crack filling can be used to repair round impact chips and short, longitudinal cracks up to a quarter of an inch long in single-pane automotive glass. It can also be used to repair picture glass, door glass or window sidelites, kitchen glassware, mirrors and certain types of bathroom and shower doors. However, this method cannot be used to repair double-pane windows or microwave door glass.

After the resin is applied, the crack is cleaned and polished to remove any remaining dirt or smudges from the surface of the glass. It will then be allowed to cure for up to thirty minutes before it is finally removed. During this process, it is vital to not use any tools that might scratch the surface of the glass, as these scratches can make the repair job worse and affect the durability of the glass.

Once the resin is cured, it can be shaved off with a razor blade to make it less noticeable. Then, the glass panel will be polished to restore its smoothness and clarity. Glass repair is a relatively quick and easy process, and most auto glass shops or mobile glass services can complete the repairs for you. Just remember, that if the cracked glass is of sentimental value, it might be better to leave this job to an experienced technician. They can also help you determine whether your insurance policy covers the cost of a repair or replacement. Then, you can decide how to proceed based on your specific circumstances and budget.

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