Finding Better Glass For Your Home

Your windshield is hit by a rock from a passing truck and makes a small chip in the glass. Now is the time to take your car to a service that does auto glass repair in your area to fix the chip, before it gets worse. Here is why a simple rock chip can become a bigger problem and how it is repaired.

A Simple Rock Chip Can Quickly Become a Major Crack

When a rock chip occurs, the glass becomes stressed at the point of impact. Temperature changes on the glass, such as when it heats up on a sunny day, causes the glass to expand, and a crack can start extending from the chip. You can drive your car to work with a chip in the windshield and find a crack extending from edge to edge at the end of the day when you're ready to leave for home. This is why it's a good idea to get the chip fixed as soon as possible.

Fixing a Rock Chip

Auto glass repair companies can quickly repair rock chips. You can even stop on your way to work or home and have it done without affecting your schedule significantly. Here is what is done to fix rock chips in the windshield.

1. Any dirt and pieces of glass are cleaned out of the chip and any cracks surrounding the damaged area.
2. A clear polymer is forced into the chip and surrounding cracks.
3. The polymer is allowed to cure, then it is buffed until the area is level with the rest of the windshield so your wipers won't catch on the patch.
4. The spot is polished so it is as clear as the surrounding glass and, in most cases, you won't be able to detect the repair.

The Mobile Option

Some auto glass companies offer a mobile service. In this case, a service technician will travel to your workplace or home and do the windshield repair right there. The repair can be done in the parking lot where you work and your car will be ready for you when you leave at the end of the day.

Insurance Benefits

Another reason to get the chip repaired before it becomes a large crack is that some insurance companies will pay for the cost of a rock chip repair and not require a deductible. The repair prevents the insurance company from paying for an entire windshield later, should the chip form cracks that extend across the windshield.