Windshield Repair and Replacement

When a small pebble is kicked up into your windshield, a crack can result. When something like this occurs, you’ll be faced with a choice between windshield repair or windshield replacement. The friendly professionals at Glass Doctor^® of Winchester offers advice to help you with your decision.

According to the Auto Glass Safety Council, your windshield provides up to 45% of the structural integrity of the cabin in a head-on collision, and up to 60% in the event of a rollover. With that kind of importance, you’ll want to make sure your windshield is fully functional. Any crack or chip that starts out as an inconspicuous deformity can quickly grow into something much larger and hinder your driving.

Your vehicle’s windshield has a thin layer of vinyl in between two surrounding layers of glass. When an object penetrates your windshield, moisture can easily get in and cause damage to the vinyl layer. This is why it is common to see a small chip grow daily until it has expanded across the length of the windshield, shooting out numerous ancillary cracks from the main one. 

Windshield Repair

Repairs to a windshield should only be performed while the damage incurred is very small. Divots or chips smaller than 3/8 of an inch can safely undergo repairs. Cracks shorter than a dollar bill also benefit from windshield repairs. If repairs can be done, the cost will be considerably less than that of a replacement, and performed in less time. This is the preferred option for insurance companies, whom often cover the entire cost of windshield repairs.

When a windshield repair is performed, the glass specialist will drill a small hole into the windshield to clean an area for a repair resin. After vacuuming air and moisture out, the repair resin is injected to seal the breach and prevent moisture or debris from creeping in. This process is so effective that repair work is virtually undetectable. 

Windshield Replacement

Glass Doctor of Winchester also offers windshield replacement services. This process completely removes the damaged windshield, and a new one is fitted in its place. Once the damaged glass has been removed, the surrounding part of the vehicle’s frame is cleaned and prepared for the new windshield. Generally, beads of urethane are applied around the framework of the windshield to bond the frame and glass together. After the urethane cures, the bonding is complete. Once new windshields are installed, our specialists observe a one-hour dry time to ensure a sound replacement. 

Due to West Virginia State Inspection Laws, auto glass specialists are not allowed to reapply your West Virginia Motor Vehicle Inspection Sticker. Your vehicle must undergo a new inspection. This is in compliance with Chapter 17C-16 of the West Virginia Code and the rules of the Official West Virginia Motor Vehicle Inspection Manual. When your windshield is replaced, your inspection sticker is null and void. If you have any questions regarding the State Inspection Laws, contact the West Virginia State Police. 

Trust the Experts

When faced with the decision of windshield repair or replacement, call the glass specialists. Glass Doctor of Winchester has trained glass specialists on hand, who are well qualified to handle any kind of automobile windshield work. Glass Doctor professionals follow the Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standards (AGRSS^®) established by the Auto Glass Safety Council™. Schedule an appointment with us; our team is fully accredited and qualified to repair or replace your auto glass.