Windshield Repair and Replacement
When do you need Windshield Repair verses Replacement?
A windshield consists of two layers of glass and a layer of plastic in between. The middle layer is polyvinyl or PVB. When an object strikes the windshield, it creates a small pit at the impact point. Underneath, a cone breaks free from the surrounding glass. When this happens, it is called the separation. Although some damage may be repaired, when the laminate and the inboard part are damaged or if delaminating has occurred, the windshield must be replaced
It is not always necessary to replace damaged windshields. Sometimes a routine repair will prevent small breaks from spreading. Often, such minor damage is caused by stones. Left untreated, the break will spread, but with early intervention you can spare the customer the cost of a new windshield. Windshield replacement should also be done if the beak occurs in the driver’s line of vision. At night, oncoming headlights may post a hazard under such conditions. As a guideline, breaks larger than a quarter should not be repaired. The integrity of the repaired glass may not be as strong as the original windshield. Larger repairs also are more difficult to hide and take longer to repair, costing the customer more in time and labor.
What Kind Of Damage Can Be Repaired?
In addition to the types of damage pictured above, cracks of any length can also be repaired, if there's an impact point.
How Is The Windshield Repaired?
AW Collision applies a unique process to the damaged glass that bonds the broken area and improves the safe driving vision through the broken area. Using vacuum and pressure, a polymer resin is injected into the break where it cures and bonds the separated glass. The resins are harden with a bond as strong as the original glass. It's fast - 45 minutes or less. There's no waiting hours for an adhesive to cure. Once your repair is completed, your car is ready to drive. It's convenient. With your full coverage insurance, it's probably free. All major insurance companies may waive your deductible when you choose windshield repair, so there's no out of pocket cost to you. It's a permanent fix and the damage won't spread further. In fact, the repair is guaranteed for as long as you own the car. It restores the structural integrity of your windshield. It's practically invisible. You may be surprised how completely your windshield is returned to a like-new appearance. It's guaranteed. The windshield repair process is designed to prevent the spread of damage from the initial point of impact. We guarantee the visual appearance of every windshield repair and is committed to your 100% satisfaction. Save time, money and your windshield with AW Collision. We eliminate the need for expensive replacements by preserving the integrity ofthe windshield with patented repair techniques.
What Is Windshield Repair?
It is the process of using today's technology to repair chips and cracks caused by stones or rocks hitting your car's windshield. It Is Not Replacement! The work is done to your existing windshield without removing it and in as little as forty five minutes.
How Is The Windshield Repaired?
AW Collision applies a unique process to the damaged glass that bonds the broken area and improves the safe driving vision through the broken area. Using vacuum and pressure, a polymer resin is injected into the break where it cures and bonds the separated glass. The resins are harden with a bond as strong as the original glass. It's fast - 45 minutes or less. There's no waiting hours for an adhesive to cure. Once your repair is completed, your car is ready to drive. It's convenient. With your full coverage insurance, it's probably free. All major insurance companies may waive your deductible when you choose windshield repair, so there's no out of pocket cost to you. It's a permanent fix and the damage won't spread further. In fact, the repair is guaranteed for as long as you own the car. It restores the structural integrity of your windshield. It's practically invisible. You may be surprised how completely your windshield is returned to a like-new appearance. It's guaranteed. The windshield repair process is designed to prevent the spread of damage from the initial point of impact. We guarantee the visual appearance of every windshield repair and is committed to your 100% satisfaction. Save time, money and your windshield with AW Collision. We eliminate the need for expensive replacements by preserving the integrity ofthe windshield with patented repair techniques.
In addition to the types of damage pictured above, cracks of any length can also be repaired, if there's an impact point.
How Is The Windshield Repaired?
AW Collision applies a unique process to the damaged glass that bonds the broken area and improves the safe driving vision through the broken area. Using vacuum and pressure, a polymer resin is injected into the break where it cures and bonds the separated glass. The resins are harden with a bond as strong as the original glass. It's fast - 45 minutes or less. There's no waiting hours for an adhesive to cure. Once your repair is completed, your car is ready to drive. It's convenient. With your full coverage insurance, it's probably free. All major insurance companies may waive your deductible when you choose windshield repair, so there's no out of pocket cost to you. It's a permanent fix and the damage won't spread further. In fact, the repair is guaranteed for as long as you own the car. It restores the structural integrity of your windshield. It's practically invisible. You may be surprised how completely your windshield is returned to a like-new appearance. It's guaranteed. The windshield repair process is designed to prevent the spread of damage from the initial point of impact. We guarantee the visual appearance of every windshield repair and is committed to your 100% satisfaction. Save time, money and your windshield with AW Collision. We eliminate the need for expensive replacements by preserving the integrity ofthe windshield with patented repair techniques.
What Is Windshield Repair?
It is the process of using today's technology to repair chips and cracks caused by stones or rocks hitting your car's windshield. It Is Not Replacement! The work is done to your existing windshield without removing it and in as little as forty five minutes.
How Is The Windshield Repaired?
AW Collision applies a unique process to the damaged glass that bonds the broken area and improves the safe driving vision through the broken area. Using vacuum and pressure, a polymer resin is injected into the break where it cures and bonds the separated glass. The resins are harden with a bond as strong as the original glass. It's fast - 45 minutes or less. There's no waiting hours for an adhesive to cure. Once your repair is completed, your car is ready to drive. It's convenient. With your full coverage insurance, it's probably free. All major insurance companies may waive your deductible when you choose windshield repair, so there's no out of pocket cost to you. It's a permanent fix and the damage won't spread further. In fact, the repair is guaranteed for as long as you own the car. It restores the structural integrity of your windshield. It's practically invisible. You may be surprised how completely your windshield is returned to a like-new appearance. It's guaranteed. The windshield repair process is designed to prevent the spread of damage from the initial point of impact. We guarantee the visual appearance of every windshield repair and is committed to your 100% satisfaction. Save time, money and your windshield with AW Collision. We eliminate the need for expensive replacements by preserving the integrity ofthe windshield with patented repair techniques.
What Will My Windshield Look Like After The Repair?
Here's some examples (results will vary)
Why Should I Repair My Windshield Instead Of Replacing It?
1) Safety - Your windshield was installed with an ultra tight bond that can never be duplicated. A newly installed windshield can pop out during an accident and cause your airbags to malfunction, placing you and your family at great risk.
2) 90% Of All Breaks Can Be Repaired - Any length crack can be repaired!
3) No Water Leaks - Because the watertight factory seal has to be broken when a new windshield is installed, water may leak past the new seal and damage your cars interior.
4) 100% Lifetime Guarantee - For as long as you own the car, we will guarantee our repair will never spread.
5) Environment - Because windshield glass can't be recycled, millions of windshields are piling up our landfills.
6) Mobile Service - We'll come right to your home or office. No more wasting time sitting in customer lounges reading 6 month old magazines.
7) It's Free - If you have full coverage, your insurance company may waive the deductible if you repair the windshield. This could save you $400.00 or more.
How Important Is The Original Factory Seal?
It Is Extremely Important. Your windshield was installed at the factory in a controlled environment. So that the adhesives that bond the windshield to your vehicle can cure properly. This process can never be duplicated outside the factory.
How Does My Windshield Help Ensure My Safety In An Accident?
The windshield provides a significant amount of strength to the structural support in the cabin of the vehicle. For instance, in a front end collision the windshield provides up to 45% of the structural integrity of the cabin of the vehicle and in a rollover, up to 60%.The windshield is an integral part of the safety restraint system in your car. It keeps the roof from crushing in on you in a rollover, it allows the airbags to deploy in the correct position to cushion passengers, and prevents you and your family from being ejected in a serious collision. It's important to your family's safety that the auto glass in your vehicle be installed properly.
Think about that for just a moment. How would you like for over half of the force of a collision to be absorbed by You because your windshield flew out in an accident? It happens more times than most of us are aware.
How Much Does It Cost?
A typical windshield repair costs around $60.00 while the average windshield replacement can exceed $400. Because of the financial benefit to Insurance Companies of repair vs replacement. If you have full coverage insurance, most insurance companies may waive your deductible - that means no out of pocket cost to you! In fact, we can do the paperwork for all major insurance companies.
Soon as the damage occurs. You are causing more damage the longer you wait.
DON'T - Wash Your Windshield
DON'T - Expose The Windshield To Extreme Temperature Change (direct sunlight, snow, air conditioner, heater, etc.)
DON'T - Touch The Damaged Area ( The slightest touch, and even the oils from your fingers can cause more damage.
DON'T - Drive On Rough Roads
LAST, BUT NOT LEAST
DON'T - Never, I Mean NEVER Try To Fix The Damage Yourself. (The do it yourself kits, super glue, clear nail polish, and any other home remedy Will Not Work. They are irreversible and will ruin your windshield by trapping air, broken glass, and moisture inside the damaged area, destroying the Safety, Visibility & Strength of your windshield, making replacement the only alternative.)
Windshield Repair Terminology
Short Crack: A crack on the windshield of 6 inches (15.24 cm) or less
Long Crack: A crack on the windshield of more than 6 inches (15.24 cm)
Edge Crack: Any crack on the windshield that extends to an edge
Floating Crack: Any crack on the windshield that does not extend to an edge
Stress Crack: Any crack extending from an edge without an impact point
Ding: A term often used by the public to refer to a stone damage.
Half Moon: A damage also known as a partial bullseye.
Impact Point: The actual location on the outside layer of glass, which was struck by an object (usually a stone).
Legs: Short cracks that emanate from the break.
Pit: The actual impact point from which a small piece of glass is typically missing
Refraction: The bending of light rays in passing from one medium to another.
Star Break: A damage that exhibits a series of short radial cracks or legs.
Stone Break: A break on the outer layer of a laminated windshield.
Windshield Replacement Process
Windshield Repair Process
Here's some examples (results will vary)
Why Should I Repair My Windshield Instead Of Replacing It?
1) Safety - Your windshield was installed with an ultra tight bond that can never be duplicated. A newly installed windshield can pop out during an accident and cause your airbags to malfunction, placing you and your family at great risk.
2) 90% Of All Breaks Can Be Repaired - Any length crack can be repaired!
3) No Water Leaks - Because the watertight factory seal has to be broken when a new windshield is installed, water may leak past the new seal and damage your cars interior.
4) 100% Lifetime Guarantee - For as long as you own the car, we will guarantee our repair will never spread.
5) Environment - Because windshield glass can't be recycled, millions of windshields are piling up our landfills.
6) Mobile Service - We'll come right to your home or office. No more wasting time sitting in customer lounges reading 6 month old magazines.
7) It's Free - If you have full coverage, your insurance company may waive the deductible if you repair the windshield. This could save you $400.00 or more.
How Important Is The Original Factory Seal?
It Is Extremely Important. Your windshield was installed at the factory in a controlled environment. So that the adhesives that bond the windshield to your vehicle can cure properly. This process can never be duplicated outside the factory.
How Does My Windshield Help Ensure My Safety In An Accident?
The windshield provides a significant amount of strength to the structural support in the cabin of the vehicle. For instance, in a front end collision the windshield provides up to 45% of the structural integrity of the cabin of the vehicle and in a rollover, up to 60%.The windshield is an integral part of the safety restraint system in your car. It keeps the roof from crushing in on you in a rollover, it allows the airbags to deploy in the correct position to cushion passengers, and prevents you and your family from being ejected in a serious collision. It's important to your family's safety that the auto glass in your vehicle be installed properly.
Think about that for just a moment. How would you like for over half of the force of a collision to be absorbed by You because your windshield flew out in an accident? It happens more times than most of us are aware.
How Much Does It Cost?
A typical windshield repair costs around $60.00 while the average windshield replacement can exceed $400. Because of the financial benefit to Insurance Companies of repair vs replacement. If you have full coverage insurance, most insurance companies may waive your deductible - that means no out of pocket cost to you! In fact, we can do the paperwork for all major insurance companies.
Soon as the damage occurs. You are causing more damage the longer you wait.
DON'T - Wash Your Windshield
DON'T - Expose The Windshield To Extreme Temperature Change (direct sunlight, snow, air conditioner, heater, etc.)
DON'T - Touch The Damaged Area ( The slightest touch, and even the oils from your fingers can cause more damage.
DON'T - Drive On Rough Roads
LAST, BUT NOT LEAST
DON'T - Never, I Mean NEVER Try To Fix The Damage Yourself. (The do it yourself kits, super glue, clear nail polish, and any other home remedy Will Not Work. They are irreversible and will ruin your windshield by trapping air, broken glass, and moisture inside the damaged area, destroying the Safety, Visibility & Strength of your windshield, making replacement the only alternative.)
Windshield Repair Terminology
Short Crack: A crack on the windshield of 6 inches (15.24 cm) or less
Long Crack: A crack on the windshield of more than 6 inches (15.24 cm)
Edge Crack: Any crack on the windshield that extends to an edge
Floating Crack: Any crack on the windshield that does not extend to an edge
Stress Crack: Any crack extending from an edge without an impact point
Ding: A term often used by the public to refer to a stone damage.
Half Moon: A damage also known as a partial bullseye.
Impact Point: The actual location on the outside layer of glass, which was struck by an object (usually a stone).
Legs: Short cracks that emanate from the break.
Pit: The actual impact point from which a small piece of glass is typically missing
Refraction: The bending of light rays in passing from one medium to another.
Star Break: A damage that exhibits a series of short radial cracks or legs.
Stone Break: A break on the outer layer of a laminated windshield.
Windshield Replacement Process
- The wipers, molding and cowl are carefully removed.
- The broken windshield is completely removed as well as the existing adhesive. To make a proper installation such that there are no water leaks, the existing adhesive must be completely removed to ensure proper setting for the new adhesive.
- The new windshield is primered to ensure a reliable seal. We use preimium primers to ensure a high quality seal.
- A Urethane adhesive is then applied to the vehicle frame. To ensure that the a quality seal, urethane is applied equally to all sides where the windshield will make contact with the frame. The vehicle is safe to drive in an about half hour to one hour for most installations. We use only premium quality urethane to ensure the highest quality seals for your vehicle.
- The new windshield is set in place and the molding, cowl, and wipers are reattached. In some cases, your windshield will require a new molding with the installation. Our installers will inform you if your molding is required to be changed. It is imperative to have a moulding which properly fits your windshield.
Windshield Repair Process
- The break is inspected and flexed, using an inspection light. We then use our glass probe to flex the area on and around the damage to check for hidden cracks.
- The pit is cleaned with the carbide probe to open the break and remove loose glass. Debris is removed by blowing air over the pit.
- The cone, cracks, and damaged area are flexed to check for moisture. Moisture is then removed.
- The damage is sighted through the cylinder guide, and a windshield repair bridge (This device is used to inject the liquid resin under pressure into the area of damage) is placed on the windshield. The bridge is positioned so the plunger is up or away from our technicians to ensure that the cylinder is closest to the windshield.
- The “O” ring is then assembled to the injection cylinder, until the "O" ring touches the glass.
- Repair Resin (Repair resins are sold in several levels of viscosities (thicknesses), each for a different part of the repair process) is placed in the injection cylinder using a dropper. Air bubbles are removed with probe.
- Vacuum/pressure pump is attached to injector.
- The gauge is observed to determine the maximum vacuum amount, the break is examined through a mirror to observe air moving out of the break. Resin will flow into the break at this time from the capillary action.
- The vacuum with switch is released, and switched to pressure position. Pressure is slowly applied (15-20 PSI)
We then give the windshield repair a final inspection before proceeding.
Curing the Windshield Repair- Cure the resin under pressure.
- Pressure is released at bridge connection. Suction cups are released by squeezing tabs and remove bridge, catching and trapping excess resin under tab over the repair.
- Repair is inspected using light, bridge remounted and process repeated.
- U.V. lamp is then placed over repair and cure for 5 minutes. (Ultra Violet Light - All windshield repair resins are UV sensitive. When exposed to UV rays whether from repair resins are will harden and bond the damaged glass together.) Equipment, interior, and windshield is thoroughly cleaned. This process is repeated and the newly repaired glass is cleaned with out finest polishing and finishing products, the vehicle then must pass our final inspection.
- The gauge is observed to determine the maximum vacuum amount, the break is examined through a mirror to observe air moving out of the break. Resin will flow into the break at this time from the capillary action.
