How Windshield Repair Works

How Windshield Repair Works

By:


Just because you get a chip doesnt mean you need to foot the cost of getting a new windshield. Why not do a windshield repair, which uses modern technology to quickly and efficiently repair the windshield, Its a much more cost effective solution. Heres how windshield repair works.

If you think about it, youll agree that ordinary house glass is pretty amazing. Its strong, clear, and really quite affordable. Its only real drawback is that it is brittle so when it breaks it can create dangerous shards, making it a poor choice for automobile glass.

Plastic is safer, but it isnt scratch resistant so it doesnt remain clear enough for automobile glass. Auto manufacturers use tempered glass on the side windows which is much stronger than house glass and when it does break, it breaks into tiny little cubes that arent as dangerous as shards. They can still be sharp but they are far safer.

But tempered glass doesnt work for windshields. Because the windshield is constantly being hit with tiny pebbles, sand, gravel, and other road debris, tempered glass would have a very short life span. So manufacturers started using laminated glass years ago.

Laminated glass is simply two thin sheets of tempered glass that are fused to a rubber inner layer. The two sheets are independent. What the rubber layer does is act like a sponge, absorbing the shock and reducing the chance of breakage from small particles like pebbles.

If a rock hits the window hard enough youll land up with a stone chip, but it usually only breaks the outer layer of glass. If something really big hits the window and shatters both layers, the rubber membrane will stop the windshield from falling in your lap. Windshield repair works for the rock chips that have damaged the outer layer of the glass.

Start by buying a windshield crack repair kit at Wal-Mart, Sears, Canadian Tire, Lordco or other department or auto stores. Once youve got your kit, dry the windshield to room temperature. Dont bother trying to do the repair on a wet day unless you can park inside.

Use a hair dryer to dry the window. This will pull the moisture out of the window so that the repair works. If the windshield is dirty, clean it using a harsh cleaner such as lighter fluid. This will remove any grime or film.

The repair process is very straightforward. Peel the back of the adhesive strip and apply it to the pre-cleaned glass. Center it over the chip, then burnish with a blunt object. Peel away the remaining film. Line up the adapter so its as vertical as possible, and then stick it to the film. Again, burnish with a blunt object.

Take the cap off the syringe and attach it to the adapter. Pull the syringe out as far as it goes. Hold this position for one minute to create a vacuum. While you are holding the vacuum the air in the crack begins to bubble up in the syringe while at the same time the adhesive seeps deep into the glass and chip.

Thats it. Your chip is repaired. The adhesive is a type of resin that bonds with the chip and creates a seal, and thus a repair. You can also use the windshield repair kit on cracks. Once youve correctly done the repair, the glass will no longer spider and the damage wont spread.

About the Author:
Gray Rollins is a featured writer for WindshieldMend.com. To learn more about auto glass repair and the windshield repair business, visit us.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


Tags: ,

|

Loading...
Related....
Videos...

Recent Automobiles Articles

Comments

Still can't find what you are looking for? Search for it!

Loading

Site Navigation:

Copyright 2005-2011 ArticleSnatch, LLC - All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service.