Repairing a cracked or chipped window is a lot less expensive then replacement. With modern technological advances this option is more readily available; nevertheless, there are many misconceptions floating around, even among windshield repair technicians about when it can be repaired instead of replaced.
Most technicians use metrical guides to determine when a chip or crack is repairable. For example, a commonly held belief is that a chip less than the size of a half dollar in diameter can be repaired, whereas a larger chip requires replacement. Regarding cracks, most people believe that a crack longer than a half dollar or certainly longer than 8 inches cannot be repaired. In fact, these concepts are not relevant to true industry standards, which determine when a windshield can be repaired.
According to the Windshield Repair Industry and the National Windshield Repair Association, the size of a windshield crack or chip is not the criteria that determines when a windshield can be repaired. The real critical component is that the windshield repair has been properly performed and should be judged by visual inspection. Seen in this light, it is understandable why different technicians make different claims about the size of chip or crack they can repair. A skillful technician with the best equipment will be more confident that he can repair a larger crack or chip then a less experienced technician.
Windshield Repair Industry leaders are most concerned about repairs made in the acute area of the windshield. The acute area is an area approximately 8-1/2" wide by 11' high area starting at the top of the steering wheel encompassing the area which is directly in front of the driver. (see diagram). Cracks and chips in this area can be repaired provided the repaired damage does not hinder the driver's vision, and contains no cosmetic blemishes. If the crack or chip goes all the way through the windshield, it can't be repaired. Furthermore, if the damage has pierced the windshield's inner PVB layer or has broken the inner layer of glass, then the NGA's National Windshield Repair Committee recommends windshield replacement.
A good windshield repair should significantly decrease the visibility of a crack or chip. It should increase optical clarity in the damaged area, and reduce distracting light scatter and haze. The repair should restore the structural integrity of the windshield and thereby prevent further spread of the chip or crack, and the repair should restore the smooth contour of the windshield allowing unimpeded wiper movements.
If all of the above requirements are fulfilled, the repair will be successful and will save the driver a considerable amount of money. For example, an average windshield repair may cost 1/5 to 1/6 of the cost of replacement. The repair will also save the insurance companies money. Perhaps most important increasing use of windshield repair protects the environment by preserving landfill space and reducing harmful pollutants produced by unnecessary auto glass fabrication.
I think technology has improved much and Automotive Repairs Vancouver shops have developed enough to provide the exceptional services at affordable price.
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