Three Vital Factors That Decide On Autoglass Windscreen Repair Or Replacement

A chip is damage to the windshield that clearly marks the point of impact by debris. The chip can be of different types. Cracks create distinct lines in the glass that can range from under an inch to width of the windshield. They generally run horizontally in a straight or wavy line.

Windshields made of laminated glass can be repaired. Side windows and back glass need to be replaced because they are made with tempered glass that cannot be repaired. Size, depth and location of the damage decide if the glass can be repaired or not. Large, deep cracks that extend to the edge of the windshield would need same day windscreen replacement than small shallow chips away from the edges of the windshield.

The main deciding factors for autoglass windscreen repair are:

• Size: Generally, chips smaller than a small coin and cracks up to three inches can be repaired. Ability to repair large chips and cracks depends on professional handling it and on the repair company. The technical standards say that a chip up to three inches in size and a crack up to fourteen inches can be repaired. 
• Depth: A windshield is made of an outer layer of glass, a plastic inter layer and inside layer of glass. If the damage is through the outer and inner layer of glass, then the damage cannot be repaired.
• Location: If the damage extends to the outer edge of the glass, there is a greater chance that the structural integrity of the glass is compromised and a replacement is needed. 

So it is better to get the damage of your windshield checked by a professional so that you would get the best possible solution for the damage.