Windshield repair is the procedure by which minor cracks and chips are repaired. However, many windshield replacement companies have started calling themselves “repair services” in an effort to gain (and perhaps confuse) customers. Windshield repair and replacement are very different; this article attempts to explain the procedure behind, and advantages of, Windshield Service in Cedar Rapids.
The Windshield Repair Process
Your car’s windshield is made of sheets of laminated glass, which is essentially two glass sheets with a plastic layer in between. A break in the top layer, such as a crack, will allow the formation of an air pocket in between the laminate and the glass, which in turn causes a weak spot in the windshield.
Windshield repair experts fix damaged areas by injecting a resin into the crack and then letting the resin cure. The injection and curing process fills the air pocket and re-bonds the laminate and glass layers, and if it’s done correctly, the repaired section is stronger than the original glass. A repair often improves the visual appearance of a crack or chip, but the real purpose is to preserve the structural integrity in the event of an accident.
Why Should You Repair Rather Than Replace?
It’s impossible to avoid every piece of debris on the road, but you can prevent the need for replacement in some cases. Below are listed some good reasons to choose repair over replacement.
* You’ll save money because repair costs less than replacement. In some cases, you may pay nothing out of pocket if you have comprehensive coverage.
* You’ll save time because most repairs take less than a half hour, and you can drive as soon as the job is done.
* You’ll retain the factory windshield seal, which prevents leaks. Replacement windshields carry a higher risk of leaks, and can even pop out in the event of an accident.
* You’ll help the environment. Laminated glass cannot be recycled, and every windshield repair keeps 25 lbs. of glass out of the landfill.
Don’t Do It Yourself
If your windshield is cracked or chipped, you should Contact Business Name. Don’t fall for any of the scams out there, and don’t get a new windshield when a replacement will do. However, if you do need a replacement, choose a Windshield Service in Cedar Rapids that’s NGA certified.