Chip Repair, Frisco TX
Chip repair is one of our most commonly requested windshield repair services. Chips, dings, and stone breaks are caused when other cars kick up small rocks or gravel that strike your windshield at speed. This causes small pieces of glass to flake off in circular, star, or halfmoon shapes. Chips of this type can be quick, easy, and cheap to repair.
Quick, Affordable Chip Repair. Time Is Of The Essence!
Not sure whether the damage to your windshield qualifies as a chip or a crack? To formally assess whether or not the damage can be repaired, we consider four key factors: location, type of damage, size, and depth.
Key Factors When Assessing Auto Glass Damage
The location of the damage is very important. Any chip or crack located within two inches of the edge of the windshield can compromise the structural integrity of the windshield, make the glass weak, and threaten the bonding to the surrounding metal frame. Edge cracks usually require a windshield replacement.
If the damage is located on the driver’s side, it’s important to assess if it impedes the driver’s vision. Some chips or cracks can appear opaque or blurred when moisture and dirt or debris get inside. During the repair process, our technicians do their very best to remove as much dirt as possible, but even the best repairs can leave behind some discoloration or mistiness. If the damage is in the driver’s line of sight it can be a safety issue.
Type of Damage
There are many different types of chips and cracks (for a full description of the different types, check out our Windshield Repair Service section) and some can be repaired easier than others. Generally, any quarter-sized chip or smaller can be easily repaired, while most cracks will require a windshield replacement. In the case of multiple chips or cracks, we recommend getting a technician’s assessment.
Size of the Chip
A good basic rule of thumb is to measure the damage. For chips, we generally consider anything quarter-sized (about one-inch diameter) or smaller easily repairable. For cracks, anything smaller than a dollar bill (pending the location and depth) can be repaired.
Depth of the Chip
Depth is a little bit more difficult to measure. Usually, the more superficial or shallow the chip, the better. You want to look across the glass to see if the glass is pitted or flaked. Any damage the disturbs the laminate holding the layers together is more difficult to repair.
Windshield Repair Process
For deeper or slanted cracks that have affected the PVB (Poly-Vinyl Butyral) layer, the technician may have to use a drill to even out the shape, make it smoother, etc. so that it takes the resin better. This type of damage can take slightly longer than the standard 30 minutes.
If you still have any lingering questions, feel free to call one of our trusted technicians or send us an email on our contact form. We would be happy to give you a free estimate! (972) 607-5809.