Can a 12 Inch Crack in Windshield be Repaired?
To repair a 12 inch crack in the windshield, there are two options: replace or repair. The cost to replace it will be higher since you'll need to purchase the entire windshield as opposed to just repairing it. This is because if any moisture gets into the vehicle and causes even more damage than what you initially had. Replacing the windshield could also take longer since it requires careful removal without breaking any of the surrounding glass or leaving adhesive residue on anything after removing it.
Replacing your windshield can cost anywhere from $400-$2000 (and up), depending on your make and model. If you're only having the cracked area repaired, then this will usually run between $100-$150 (and up) for labor and materials. To find out how much it would cost for you, use our Auto Glass Repair Cost estimator.
What is involved in replacement?
Auto glass is very delicate so the installation process must be handled carefully to avoid further damage or injury. The windshield will be removed by loosening - but not removing - bolts on the inner and outer edges of the windshield. A suction-cup lifter is then inserted into the car body and attached to these bolts, pulling them away from their initial holding point. This allows the installer to access the adhesive between the layers of glass that hold them together. Pressure is then applied along this bond until it breaks or begins to lift from its initial location. Once one side has been lifted from its spot, a razor blade is used to score the adhesive along the top layer of glass. This allows for controlled separation of the layers while still containing all vehicle parts within their original spaces by using protective plastic sheeting. The new windshield is then lifted into place and secured with several bolts, tightened back to normal strength.
What does it take to repair?
The process involves heating up an area around the cracked area (usually no larger than 6 inches in diameter) until many micro-fissures form along this outer edge - these are known as "cracks" in layman's terms. Once this occurs, pressure is applied around these cracks to fuse them together, resulting in one solid piece that has repaired itself. To accomplish this task most effectively, experts often use amber or gray tint. This helps reflect heat away from the glass, protecting it from any further damage and ensuring a strong seal along the repaired crack.
Auto glass repair is no different than any other type of work in that there are both good and bad ways to do it. If you feel like your windshield was not repaired properly, contact us . We can put you in touch with someone who can take another look at it for you at no charge to determine whether or not the issue was resolved properly.
Is it safe?
It may go without saying, but most windshields that are cracked or damaged enough to need repairing aren't always safe . Cracks (or chips) that aren't larger than 6 inches across must be fixed right away since any damage to the glass can cause it to eventually shatter. If this happens, pieces of sharp auto glass will fly through the vehicle and could possibly injure someone - especially if they are sitting in a location where these flying shards cannot avoid them. Long cracks or chips that run from the edge to the center of the windshield pose an even greater risk because a complete break along a single pane of glass can result in a loss of control over your vehicle.
Risks of not repairing a windshield crack
If you have a small chip or crack in your windshield that has been repaired properly, then there is little to no risk involved. If you feel as though the technician who came to fix your auto glass used poor judgment when determining if your windshield needed repairs, don't trust. It may be something as simple as using the wrong type of adhesive product. Using an adhesive that isn't made for automotive use could result in much larger damage than just a small cracked window: leaks, flooding and even electrical malfunctions could occur because of this oversight. We want to ensure that everyone drives out on the road as safely and securely as possible, so we always recommend getting a second opinion on any work you feel was not completed properly.
Coconut Creek, FL