Repairing Windscreen Cracks and Chips

New technologies now allow you to repair your windscreen instead of replacing it. Repairing a windscreen is more cost friendly then replacing the windscreen and it allows the original manufacturers seal to remain in place. There are two types of windscreen damage that can be repaired: chips and cracks. There are similar materials used for repairing windscreen cracks and chips, however, the processes by which they are repaired are slightly different. It is important to remember that some chips and cracks will not be able to be repaired properly and the windscreen will need to be replaced.

Whether your windscreen is chipped or cracked you should have the damage repaired as soon as possible. Damage to the windscreen lowers the strength of the windscreen. The longer the chip or crack is left un-repaired the bigger it will get and the more damage it will do to the windscreen. Most cracks or chips over a month old will not be able to be repaired and the windscreen will then have to be replaced.

A chip in the windscreen is a small break usually caused by a pebble hitting the windscreen during driving. The first step in repairing a chip is to properly clean the windscreen of any debris, glass fragments and dirt. A small drill bit is then used to open up the impact point to allow resin to flow in properly. Air is then sucked out of the chip and resin is inserted. After the resin has completely filled in the chip the windscreen is placed under UV light so that it can properly cure and the windscreens strength can be restored.

A crack in the windscreen is also able to be repaired as long as the crack is one line less than 24 inches. The technician first has to create a tip for the crack using a drill bit. Resin is then injected into that tip. Then resin is injected starting at the impact point of the crack moving up until it reaches the tip. UV light is then used to cure the resin.

The resin used for cracks and chips is slightly different. Chips need a lower viscosity resin so that it is able to flow into the chip better. Cracks need a higher viscosity because it is most important to have a stronger bond with the windscreen to restore the windscreens strength

Repairing a windscreen can be a better option then replacing the windscreen. Repairing a windscreen is much less expensive. However, you must make sure to remember that larger cracks and chips should not be repaired. Furthermore, if the crack or chip is directly in the driver's line of sight then repairs should not be made. While a repair will look fairly invisible, at some angles sight can be distorted. You would not want the driver’s sight to be distorted when operating the vehicle.

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