Windshield construction has changed over time since the early 1900’s. Originally automobile windshields were made with a single pane of glass. This proved to be impractical and dangerous. Shortly after, laminated auto glass was introduced and proved itself to be much stronger and impact resistant, protecting you from flying debris such as bugs, leaves and small rocks. However, it would not stop larger objects like a deer or your head from penetrating the windshield when in an accident occurred. Rocks would chip and crack these early auto windshields and they would be completely replaced because windshield chip and crack repair was not in practice yet.
In the mid 1960’s, the (H.P.R) High Penetration Resistant windshield was developed, tested and made standard for vehicles. The improvement in the lamination film served two purposes; they made windshields stronger, eliminated large objects from penetrating the windshield and the strength of the new laminated windshield glass held up to rock impacts better with less cracking on impact. This was also the beginning of the windshield repair era.
Windshield repair has come a long way in fifty years. Improved windshield repair techniques, equipment and resins to fill the gaps has aided the repair technician in keeping the structural integrity once a repair has been made. Properly understanding the techniques and processes to seal a windshield crack or chip takes training and experience. With these markedly improved windshield chip and crack repair techniques as well as updated windshield repair equipment, 98{a53f8b9175db1cb75ce5b82618aa6abd494f11d315012478667eece155d9c697} of all automobile windshield rock chips and cracks can be repaired. This virtually eliminates the visual distortion while removing the visual distraction and reduces sun glare if not completely eliminating it in the repaired area.
Most rock chipped windshields have cracks leading from the point of impact. These cracks can be a real problem if not promptly repaired. The cracks can and will spread making repairs more difficult if not impossible.
Modern automobile windshield chip and crack repair entails identification of the break, determining the type of break such as if is it a star-break or a bull’s-eye, half-moon or a star-burst break and if there are cracks emanating from the chip. If so, how long are the cracks?
After identification, the first step is to heat the windshield to about 215 degrees Fahrenheit. This process removes any moisture if there is moisture from the rock chip or cracked area of the windshield.
Second, the equipment is set up for injection of the resin under a precise amount of pressure into the damaged area. Too much pressure and the windshield will crack out. Not enough pressure and air in the chip or crack will not be completely displaced or removed. The trapped air must be removed or it will expand in the newly sealed area of the repair expanding the crack outwards.
After these steps have been performed, the vacuum process is engaged vacuuming the air out of the break under a very precise amount of vacuum. Too much vacuum and the chip or crack will close removing the resin that was injected. Not enough vacuum and the air will not draw out while letting the resin flow in. This process under precise injection and vacuum pressures which is repeated over and over again will remove all the trapped air while filling the chips and cracks completely with resin.
The final step is curing the resin which is activated by ultra violet light. The resin cures completely, bonding to the auto glass while returning the visual appearance and structural integrity of the automobile windshield. This process also eliminates the chance that the damaged area will expand and crack out any time in the future. This is how your chipped or cracked windshield can be repaired without replacement of the windshield.
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