As a driver in Calgary, you know how quickly weather conditions can take a toll on your vehicle, especially your windshield. One moment, you’re driving down the road, and the next, a small stone hits your windshield, causing a crack or chip. While these damages may seem minor at first, they can compromise the safety and integrity of your vehicle. This is where windshield repair in Calgary comes in.
In this article, we’ll explain the process Calgary windshield repair technicians use to fix cracks and chips in your windshield. By understanding how the repair works, you can make an informed decision on when to repair or replace your windshield, and why it’s essential to act fast.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Windshield Cracks and Chips
Before delving into the repair process, it’s crucial to understand why repairing windshield cracks and chips as soon as possible is so important. While these imperfections may appear harmless, they can worsen quickly, especially in Calgary’s extreme weather conditions.
- Safety risk: Cracks and chips in the windshield can obstruct your view of the road, creating potential blind spots and increasing the risk of an accident.
- Structural integrity: Your windshield is a key component in maintaining the structural integrity of your vehicle. A cracked or chipped windshield can reduce its strength, making your car less safe in the event of an accident.
- Legal implications: In Calgary, driving with significant windshield damage can result in fines. If the damage obstructs your view or affects the safety of the vehicle, your car could be deemed unfit for road use.
For these reasons, it’s critical to seek windshield repair in Calgary as soon as possible after noticing any cracks or chips in your windshield.
Step 1: Initial Inspection of the Damage
The first step in the windshield repair process is a thorough inspection of the damage. When you bring your vehicle to Stealth Windshield Repair, our technicians will assess the size, location, and depth of the crack or chip.
A small chip or crack might only affect the outer layer of the windshield, while a deeper crack can compromise the entire structure. If the damage is minor, a simple repair may be sufficient. However, larger or more complex damage may require windshield replacement.
Key Factors in Assessing Windshield Damage:
- Size: A crack or chip larger than a quarter may not be repairable.
- Location: Damage in the driver’s line of sight or near the edges of the windshield can be more problematic.
- Depth: Deep cracks or chips that affect the structural integrity of the windshield may require replacement.
At Stealth Windshield Repair, we specialize in providing quick, efficient, and cost-effective solutions based on the severity of the damage.
Step 2: Cleaning the Damaged Area
Once the damage has been inspected and determined to be repairable, the next step is cleaning the area. The technician will begin by using a special solution to clean both the crack or chip and the surrounding area. This is a critical step because any debris or dirt left inside the damage can interfere with the repair process and affect the adhesive used later.
The area is cleaned using compressed air or a vacuum to ensure that all debris is removed. This step is especially important when repairing chips, as any dirt or moisture trapped in the chip can make the repair less effective.
Step 3: Filling the Crack or Chip with Resin
The next phase in the windshield repair in calgary process is filling the crack or chip with a special resin. The resin used in repairs is a clear, durable substance designed to bond with the glass and restore its strength and clarity.
- Injection of resin: Using specialized tools, the technician injects the resin into the crack or chip. The resin fills the damage, ensuring that no air pockets remain inside.
- Pressurizing the crack: The technician may use a vacuum to pressurize the area, ensuring that the resin fully penetrates the crack or chip.
This resin hardens in the damaged area, effectively sealing the crack or chip and preventing it from worsening. The resin also restores the windshield’s structural integrity, although it may not make the damage entirely invisible, depending on the severity of the crack.
Step 4: Curing the Resin
After the resin has been injected into the crack or chip, the technician will cure it using ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light helps the resin harden and bond securely to the glass, ensuring a strong and lasting repair.
This curing process typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the crack or chip. The technician will carefully monitor the curing process to ensure that the resin sets evenly and effectively.
At Stealth Windshield Repair, we use advanced curing technology to ensure that the resin hardens quickly and securely, giving you a smooth, durable finish.
Step 5: Polishing the Repair
Once the resin has cured, the technician will polish the area to remove any excess resin and smooth out the surface. This polishing process helps restore the windshield’s clarity and minimizes the appearance of the crack or chip.
While the damage may still be visible to some degree, the goal is to make the repair as seamless as possible. The polished area should be smooth and free from any noticeable imperfections, ensuring that the driver’s visibility remains clear.
Why Polishing Matters:
- Improved visibility: Polishing ensures that no rough or uneven areas interfere with the driver’s view of the road.
- Aesthetic appearance: Polishing can make the repair less noticeable, especially for smaller chips.
Step 6: Final Inspection
Once the repair is complete, the technician will conduct a final inspection of the area to ensure that the resin has fully bonded to the glass and that the repair is both secure and visually acceptable.
The technician will check the repaired area for:
- Air bubbles: Ensuring that the resin has fully filled the crack or chip without leaving any air pockets.
- Strength: Making sure that the windshield retains its strength and integrity after the repair.
- Appearance: Assessing the aesthetic outcome of the repair and ensuring that it’s as seamless as possible.
If the technician is satisfied with the repair, the process is complete, and you’ll be good to go.
Step 7: Why Professional Repair is Essential
While DIY windshield repair kits are available, it’s always best to trust professionals for your windshield repair in Calgary. Here’s why:
- Expertise: Professional technicians like those at Stealth Windshield Repair have the training and experience to assess and repair cracks and chips accurately.
- Specialized tools: Technicians use high-quality equipment and resin that isn’t available in DIY kits, ensuring a more durable and effective repair.
- Safety: Repairing a windshield involves more than just filling in a crack. A professional ensures the repair is done correctly, maintaining the vehicle’s safety features, such as the airbag system.
Choosing a professional repair service guarantees a longer-lasting, more effective solution.
Step 8: When Should You Replace Your Windshield Instead of Repairing It?
In some cases, repairing a crack or chip might not be sufficient, and windshield replacement is necessary. Here are a few scenarios where replacement is the better option:
- Large cracks or chips: If the damage exceeds 3 inches in length or is in the driver’s direct line of sight, a repair may not provide the needed strength or clarity.
- Cracks near the edge: Damage near the edge of the windshield can spread quickly and affect the structural integrity of the glass, making replacement the safest option.
- Multiple cracks: If your windshield has multiple cracks, especially if they intersect, it’s typically safer to replace the entire windshield.
At Stealth Windshield Repair, we’ll help you assess whether a repair is sufficient or if you need a full replacement. We’ll always recommend the best course of action based on your safety and the condition of your vehicle.
Step 9: The Cost of Windshield Repair in Calgary
The cost of windshield repair in Calgary can vary depending on the size and severity of the damage, but it is generally much cheaper than a full windshield replacement. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150 for a chip repair. The cost for a crack repair can range from $75 to $200, depending on the complexity of the damage.
If your windshield needs to be replaced, the cost can range from $200 to $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
Stealth Windshield Repair offers competitive pricing and can often work with your insurance to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
Conclusion:
Cracks and chips in your windshield are more than just cosmetic issues—they can impact your safety on the road. Timely windshield repair in Calgary is crucial for maintaining the safety, structure, and appearance of your vehicle. Whether you’re dealing with a small chip or a more significant crack, professional repair services like those offered by Stealth Windshield Repair ensure that the job is done right.