Types of Windshield Damage Repair Explained Different types of windshield damage will determine what repair processes can work. A Comprehensive Review On the Typical Damages That Can Usually Be Fixed And The Important Forces Affecting Your Options
Types of Windshield Damage
Chips:
Characteristics: Fractures in the glass that have occurred as a result of impact, usually smaller than an inch across.
Repairability: Usually repairable if they do not have spreading cracks and are centered on the windshield.
Cracks:
Types:
Interior Crack (floaters): More than 2 inches away from edge, lengths vary
Edge Cracks: Start 2 inches from the edge and can break through causing structural damage.
Repairability: You can still group cracks into repairable and non-repairable- you just have a little more flexibility on the size (although anything longer than three inches will require replacement).
Star Breaks:
Star Crack -A type of chip that can be identified by a number of small cracks emanating out from the impact or central point called the Night Light Star.
Repairability: Repairable most of the time as long as its diameter is no larger than 3 inches.
Combination Breaks:
Term: May include several kind damages, e.g.: chip with cracksberserkν断裂 Chips.
Repairability: Harder to fix; typically requires professional inspection for determining the replacement need.
Bulls-Eye Breaks:
Meaning: circular printed impact point with cone-formed fringe
Repairability: Easily repairable when size is containable (less than 1 in.)
What Affects the Decision on Repair?
Size and Position: A damage near the edge or larger than a quarter is considered un-repairable because of safety.
Causing Reduced Visibility: Any damage to the glass causing reduced visibility for the driver should require replacement, not repair.
Prior Repairs — If you have had a chip or crack repaired in the past and it has expanded, your windshield is no longer serviceable.windshield damage (ad)
To summarize, most windshield damage can be repaired but size, location and if there has been any previous repairs are factors to consider. Please consult a licensed technician for an accurate evaluation.
