How Big Of A Crack In A Windshield Can Be Repaired
Windshields can be repaired if they are damaged by cracks or chips. Windshield repair is the process of removing stress from a windshield so that it does not get worse and spread out along the line of the crack. The main goal of repairing a windshield is to stop the crack from spreading and keep it as small as possible. There are many methods of windshield repair, some better than others.
Some new technologies like laser welding allow technicians to make more complicated repairs without necessarily replacing the whole windshield. A technician will usually attempt to remove all damage around the breakage area; however, sometimes an entire piece may need to be replaced instead of depending on how deep or severe the damage is.
Another common method of repairing a windshield is to inject resin into the damaged area using what is called a "resin drip" or by using special glue that cures when exposed to ultraviolet light, known as urethane bond. This process joins the broken pieces together and creates an even surface on the glass. One disadvantage to this type of repair is that it can be difficult to inspect for unseen cracks beneath the glaze coat of resin, so some technicians will double-check with an electronic detection device after applying the resin.
Some new technologies like laser welding allow technicians to make more complicated repairs without necessarily replacing the whole windshield. A technician will usually attempt to remove all damage around the breakage area; however, sometimes an entire piece may need to be replaced instead of depending on how deep or severe the damage is.
Another common method of repairing a windshield is to inject resin into the damaged area using what is called a "resin drip" or by using special glue that cures when exposed to ultraviolet light, known as urethane bond. This process joins the broken pieces together and creates an even surface on the glass. One disadvantage to this type of repair is that it can be difficult to inspect for unseen cracks beneath the glaze coat of resin, so some technicians will double-check with an electronic detection device after applying the resin.
If a crack is too big, or if it has damaged the edge of the windshield and created sharp metal edges, then replacement may be necessary. The difference between chipped glass and broken or cracked glass is that chipped glass can usually be repaired by using one of the processes mentioned above. A technician will drill holes into either side of the chip to inject resin underneath, sandwiching together both sides of the breakage and holding them in place until such time as it hardens. Using this process ensures there is no air bubbles leftover from the poor injection that interfere with driving safety.
Windshields can also be replaced entirely when they are excessively damaged. Sometimes entire large pieces are completely shattered, making it impossible to merely replace the fragment. Replacement of windshields is necessary when there are sharp edges or if a chip has damaged the edge of the window and created sharp metal edges. A replacement windshield will usually cost significantly more than a repair because it involves removing the entire windshield, including glass, frame, and plastic molding as well as labor costs.
However, if there are small cracks that do not obstruct the driver's vision, then it may be possible to repair them. There are several different processes for repairing a windshield, depending on factors such as the size of the crack and its location. Some common techniques for windshield repair include injecting glues or resins into the damaged area or inserting tiny prisms into the crack itself. By placing pressure over these prisms, technicians can use them to refract light in order to hide the existence of a crack beneath what appears to be an intact windshield. The main goal of repairing a windshield is to stop the crack from spreading out along the line of damage while keeping it as small as possible for safety reasons.
So how big can a crack in a windshield be repaired? In general, a crack that is less than 7 inches long can either be repaired or completely replaced. If the damage is more extensive then the entire windshield will need to be replaced instead of depending on how deep or severe the damage is. Windshield replacement usually involves removing the entire windshield including glass, frame, and plastic molding as well as labor costs.
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