Cons of Replacing a Windshield
Deductibles on Glass Repair Claims
There are many things that can damage a windshield. So, it is important to know what to do when time comes that a windshield becomes necessary. According to an article on Only1AutoGlass.com, there are two ways to repair a damaged windshield.
The article also offers tips on how to know if the windshield of a car becomes damaged to a point that replacement is the only repair option. The article explains that a chip that is larger than a quarter is not reparable. Furthermore, if a crack cannot be covered with a dollar bill it is also not reparable.
The article explains that rocks and other objects that hit a windshield can create damages like cracks and chips in the windshield. There are two ways to repair a damaged windshield: using a windshield patch and using resin.
Windshield Patch
Repairing a windshield using a windshield patch can be a do-it-yourself (DIY) project, and the patch is available in many DIY repair kits. However, using a windshield patch is rarely used by auto glass professionals because it is not the most effective solution to a cracked windshield problem.
To repair a cracked windshield with a patch, the first thing to do is to cut the patch down to size. Then, apply the patch over the area and smooth it out and give it time to cure.
The patch should harden and be able to straighten the affected area. Remember that the patch does not work its way down the crack or chip. It also does not strengthen the glass, but only help in keeping the glass together to prevent the crack from spreading.
Windshield Resin
According to the article, the most often used material in windshield glass repair is resin. Auto glass professionals rely on resin to fix chips or cracks. Repairing a damaged windshield with resin requires injecting resin into the crack or chip. Then, a heat source is used to allow the injected resin to heat up. As the resin heats up, it slightly expands and cover the chips and cracks to prevent a them from spreading and to strengthen the glass.
