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Windshield Repair
Overview
Many people don’t realize that a crack in the windshield compromises the safety of their vehicle. In most cars, the windshield is actually part of the vehicle’s safety restraint system along with seat belts and airbags. The safety restraint system (SRS) is designed to keep the passengers inside the vehicle’s main compartment during a collision.
Your windshield supports the structural integrity of the passenger compartment and helps to keep the roof from collapsing during accidents and rollovers. It also supports the passenger-side airbag during deployment.
Windshield technology is designed to break and flex which cushions the blow of impact should any passenger be thrown forward into it. All of these safety features could be compromised if your windshield isn’t repaired after it cracks.
Average Costs
The Average Cost To Repair Or Replace Your Windshield $20 – $500
Windshield repairs can vary depending on the type of repair and the auto glass service that you use. A damaged windshield poses a danger to drivers and passengers that can be avoided by having repairs completed as soon as possible.
The average to repair a windshield will cost between $20 and $60. The cost to repair a chip or crack is on a per incident basis – that is you will pay for every crack or chip.
The majority of replacements range from $200 to $300 for older model models from the 1990’s. Expect to pay $300 to $400 for quality replacements of most car makers 2000’s models.
Basic Information
Replace Or Repair A Broken Windshield
Windshield repair or replacement depends on the size, location and severity of the damage. The majority of repairs can be done up to quarter-sized chips, and cracks up to three inches long. Anything bigger and you should have the windshield replaced. However, some windshield repair companies use a special technique that allows them to repair cracks up to 12 inches long. So it pays to check around before committing to a new windshield.
Location of the damage also plays an important role in determining whether you should repair or replace. Cracks at the edge of the windshield tend to spread very quickly and can compromise the structural integrity of the glass. In this instance, it’s usually advisable to replace the windshield. Also, some windshield repair companies may not repair a chip that appears directly in the driver’s line of vision. In this event, you should just have the windshield replaced
Regardless of the size and location of the damage, it’s always advisable to have it repaired quickly. If you wait to repair it, dirt can work its way into the damaged area, affecting the effectiveness and clarity of the repair.
Repair
Repairing one chip or repairing one crack typically takes about 30 minutes. Windshield repair involves injecting a clear, curable resin into the outer layer of glass in order to restore its integrity and improve the appearance of the glass. The resin is cured and polished, leaving a smooth surface, and the crack or chip is unable to spread and cause further damage.
A deep or slanted crack or chip may have damaged the intermediate PVB layer. In such a case the crack or chip is slightly enlarged or deepened with a drill to make the hole smoother and more even so that in the subsequent step resin can reach the intermediate PVB layer. Any dust or debris in a chip needs to be thoroughly removed first; this is usually done with a small vacuum.
For repairs, an ‘injector’ is attached to the windshield around the damaged area and a small quantity of a special resin is injected into the chip or into and along the crack. The excess is removed after which UV light is applied for curing and hardening the resin.
Replacement
A chip that is bigger than two inches across or a crack one foot or longer will (almost surely) require your windshield to be replaced.
Windshield replacement is a four-step process :
- The areas of the car body around the windshield and the nearby interior are protected with canvas or such.
- The windshield is then cut from the edges and removed, as are the seals and glues, leaving behind the bare frame.
- A primer is spread on the inside of the frame where the windshield will be fitted after which the new windshield’s edges are coated with a special adhesive sealer with a polyurethane base.
- The windshield is carefully fitted and bonded to the frame.
This replacement process usually takes from half-an-hour to 60 minutes. Then another 60 minutes is needed to allow the adhesives to set and bond.
Back Windshield
Repairing or replacing of back windshield is very important.The back windshield functionality is same, in the sense that, it also prevents the occupants from the outside elements, giving them the feel of calm and quiet climate.
The only difference is that, it does not need wipers, and it is just as important in terms of safety. It does not play much role in offering drivability to the driver of the automobile.
However, there are chances that if the glass is exposed to hits or extreme temperature changes, it may shatter, harming the back seat occupants of the vehicle. Also, during rollover, the back windshield plays a role in not allowing the passengers to get ejected out of the vehicle.
Insurance Coverage
If your windshield is damaged by something other than a collision, you’ll likely pay for it using comprehensive insurance coverage. However, understand that this coverage is optional and if you don’t have it, you may be on your own when it comes time to pay for repairs or replacement.
Before filing a windshield repair claim, compare the cost of the repair/replacement with the size of your deductible. If your deductible is greater than the cost of the estimated repair, it won’t be worth your while to file a claim.
Comprehensive insurance coverage covers
- Storms
- Fires
- Vandalism
- Animal collisions
Check to see whether your car insurance company includes windshield repair and replacement in your comprehensive coverage. Auto glass replacement on some comprehensive coverage plans only covers the side and back windows, but not the windshield.
Tips & Advice
- Ask For The License – Ask for all local and state business licenses.
- Proof Of Insurance– For your own protection, check proof of both workman’s compensation and liability Insurance.
- Business Stability– Find out how long the company has been in business.
- Check Online Reviews – You’re probably not the first person in town looking for their services. Rely on the internet to get reviews written by people in your community.
- References – Expect any top-notch company to be able to provide you with references upon request. Once you have these names, contact the clients to get information about the quality service. When you call, ask questions about the work, timeliness, cost and whether the clients would use the company again for future work.
- 24-hour Emergency Service – Make sure your local company offers emergency 24 hour service. If something goes wrong, it’s good to know that you will not have to wait days for them to come out and fix it.
- Over The Phone Pricing – Honest estimates simply cannot be given over the phone – especially if you aren’t talking with an actual technician when you call.
- Free Estimates – Most companies offer free estimates. This is important because they can provide you with the costs upfront, so that you are not shocked with a bill after the services are completed.
- Safety Record – Safety can be a significant factor, so ask the company about their safety records to ensure that any service professional you hire has a satisfactory safety record. You want a company that doesn’t have a high incidence of on-the-job mishaps or injuries.
- Satisfaction Guarantee – Choosing a company that offers a satisfaction guarantee will ensure that they will get the job done right the first time and will save you money and frustration in the long run.
- Cleanup – The mess left behind after a project can be major. Ask what cleanup work the company includes with it’s services.
