Repairing a chipped or cracked windshield instead of replacing it is:

• Good for the environment
• Good for your wallet
• Fast and simple

Whether you choose to use a DIY windshield repair kit or have a professional do the job, it nearly always makes more sense to fix a crack or chip over replacing the glass.

Windshield Glass is Repaired by Injected Polymer

Chips and cracks are repaired by thoroughly cleaning the damaged area and then injecting it with a clear polymer. The polymer welds the glass back together and is completely transparent when it dries. 

Professional Windshield Repairs Produce Better Results than DIY Kits

If you repair your own windshield, then you may see signs of repair once the polymer dries. This is usually caused by not completely cleaning debris out of the damaged area or a lower-quality epoxy polymer sold in do-it-yourself kits.

In contrast, with professionally repaired windshields, no one will be able to see where the damage was, even in direct sunlight or when viewed from an angle. Professionals also always ensure the repair location is spotless and use high-quality polymers that dry crystal clear.

Tips for DIY Windshield Repairs

If you insist on repairing your own windshield, then there are many things you can do to produce professional-looking results. Such as:

• Use a shop vac to clean out the damaged area 
• Never spray window cleaner on a chip or crack
• Wipe down the glass with rubbing alcohol before repairing it to promote better polymer adhesion
• Only repair a windshield on a nice day when it's not too hot, too cold, or raining

In addition, once you have injected the polymer into a crack or chip, knock on the glass a few times with your hand. The vibration from knocking will force air bubbles to escape the surface of the polymer. This prevents trapped air in the final repair.

Once dry, you should remove any excess polymer from the surface of the glass using a razor blade. Scrape the glass gently at a low angle to prevent scratching the glass while still removing the excess dried polymer.

Tips for Professional Windshield Repairs

Finally, when it comes to professional windshield glass repairs, there are a few things you can do to get the best results and avoid having to replace your windshield, including:

• Park in the garage until the damage is fixed
• Avoid bumps, potholes, and gravel roads
• Crack open a window when opening and closing doors

If you can avoid driving the car until the glass is fixed, this is always the best option.

For more tips, reach out to an automotive glass chip repair service near you.

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