Rock Chips

What is Windshield Chip Repair?

Automotive and truck windshields are constructed with two layers of glass and a layer of “plastic” or “laminate” inserted between them for safety in the event of glass breakage. In addition, more and more auto manufacturers are also installing “laminate” side windows in their production vehicles. When breakage in a windshield or side glass occurs, an air gap or crack opens up as a result of the damage to the glass. If not repaired, the damage will eventually continue to increase with temperature changes and vehicle flexing in normal usage.

Windshield rock chip repair provides the complete evacuation of the air in the break, along with the complete fill of resin, and the complete curing of the resin. As a net result, windshield rock chip repair will restore the strength to the windshield or side glass, above the optical clarity to the glass, and prevent the break from continuing to spread, thus eliminating the need for complete windshield or side glass replacement.

What can be repaired?

All Pro recommends windshield rock chip repair only “if the chip or crack can be completely covered by a $1.00 bill.” When a rock strikes a windshield or side glass, there are four different types of glass damage that can occur: The Bulls-Eye, Combination Break, Half-Moon or Partial Bulls-Eye and the Star Break.

Each type of damage has a unique look before and cosmetic look after the windshield or side glass has been repaired. Cosmetic results usually vary, (from good to excellent) depending on the type of damage and the length of time it has been in the windshield. This can be anywhere from 80% (good) to 95% (excellent) in the optical clarity of the damaged area. More importantly, the primary objectives of windshield rock chip repair are to:

• Restore strength to the windshield or side glass
• Prevent the original damage from spreading further
• Retain the “factory seal” and save the windshield
• Create a smooth surface to prevent interferences with the windshield wipers.