Texan laws govern strict rules about windshield repair. So, it’s best you know the ins-and-outs of your vehicle’s glass before cracks start to grow.

Windshield glass is one of the most major – yet majorly overlooked – components to your vehicle’s ability to keep you safe on the road. Not only does it allow you to see what’s ahead, but it is also designed differently to other glass components. This is to help it shatter in a way that makes it less likely to cause you or your passengers any fatal damage.

Your windshield comprises of two sheets of silica-based glass fused with a vinyl layer in the center. So, it’s both thicker and more likely to break into smaller pieces while staying in one place. This way, you’re more likely to get a chip or a crack needing windshield repair rather than an entire hole that needs total windshield replacement.

With this, it’s worth knowing there are three types of windshield repair you should be aware of depending of the spectrum of the damage caused.

1.    Type 1: Windshield Patch

The first type of windshield repair is known as the patch. It’s a do-it-yourself kit used as a temporary measure before heading to your local trusted autobody shop for a resin repair or windshield replacement, if necessary.

However, the patch is a very useful tool: it’s affordable, effective and found in most motor stores for safe keeping in your trunk until needed. When used, it helps maintain structural integrity of the windshield to make sure it doesn’t buckle further before repair while preventing crack or chip pollution from dust or debris off the road.

When using a patch, be sure to follow the printed instructions. In general, you’ll need to apply the patch and then smooth out any air bubbles before allowing it to harden.

2.    Type 2: Windshield Resin

The second type of windshield repair is resin. This is the most common type of repair out there and can be done at home, on-the-go or in an autobody shop by the professionals.

In short, a special resin is pumped into the chip or crack via a large suction-cup. Then, it is cured into place. This effectively rebuilds the missing glass component and structurally repairs the area from further damage. A pump is applied to the affected area, sucks out any air, pumps in resin, applies heat to allow the resin to expand and stays until the resin has hardened.

However, this is only an option for certain types of windshield damage. Windshield repair via resin can only be done if the crack or chip is no deeper than halfway through the glass (or to the vinyl layer) and isn’t wider than the length of a dollar bill.

3.    Type 3: Windshield Replacement

The third repair method is the full windshield replacement. This is often a final call because it is the most expensive option and can often take the longest time for completion. This is because windshield replacement must be done in the autobody shop with the correct manufacturer’s parts.

Unfortunately, there are many occasions where the patch or resign repair won’t be a suitable fit for the damage on your windscreen. And, because of them, you’ll need to opt for the full replacement of your windshield. These are:

·     Deep cracks

·     Long cracks

·     Multiple adjoining cracks

·     Cracks in the driver’s view

·     Polluted cracks

·     Stained cracks

·     Windshield holes

·     Crack rebreak

Here at the Dealership Autoplex Collision Center, we’ve got everything you need to know about your windshield and when it needs a replacement or a simple repair job. So, if you want to learn more about the who, the where, the when, the why and the how, have a look at our other two articles. They are “Do I Need Crack Repair or Windshield and Glass Replacement?” and “The Ultimate FAQ to Windshield Replacement in Texas”.



Alternatively, if you’ve got a chip or crack in your windshield you want us to take a look at, give the team a call on (972) 242-0092. Alternatively, check out our website where you’ll find a list of all our services that we can help you with for windshield replacement and windshield repair. Or, if you’d like to come straight into the shop, our team will be ready to help you as soon as you need it here in Carrollton, TX.