Identifying your damage...
|
|
TYPES OF DAMAGE:
• Breaks usually have a clearly identifiable impact point where a piece of glass is missing and damage radiating out from that point.
• Cracks generally run in a line. They form a single line of separation of the glass.
• Blemishes are just that—small surface pits or marks that don’t require repair.
TYPES OF BREAKS:
• A bullseye is damage that has a separated cone in the outer lite of glass. This results in a dark circle around the impact point. It looks like a bullseye on a dartboard.
• A halfmoon is a partial bullseye.
• A star break looks like a star. There are a series of legs that extend out from the impact point.
• A combination break is a break with characteristics of more than one type of break, like a star within a bullseye or a bullseye and a start. Combination breaks usually are the most difficult type of breaks to fix.
TYPES OF CRACKS:
• Any crack 6 inches (150 mm) or less is considered a short crack.
• Any crack more than 6 inches (150 mm) is considered a long crack.
• Any crack that extends to the edge of the windshield is called an edge crack.
• Any crack that does not touch the edge of the windshield is called a floater crack. This is because it floats in the windshield.
• A crack that extends from the edge but does not have a clear impact point is called a stress crack.
• Breaks usually have a clearly identifiable impact point where a piece of glass is missing and damage radiating out from that point.
• Cracks generally run in a line. They form a single line of separation of the glass.
• Blemishes are just that—small surface pits or marks that don’t require repair.
TYPES OF BREAKS:
• A bullseye is damage that has a separated cone in the outer lite of glass. This results in a dark circle around the impact point. It looks like a bullseye on a dartboard.
• A halfmoon is a partial bullseye.
• A star break looks like a star. There are a series of legs that extend out from the impact point.
• A combination break is a break with characteristics of more than one type of break, like a star within a bullseye or a bullseye and a start. Combination breaks usually are the most difficult type of breaks to fix.
TYPES OF CRACKS:
• Any crack 6 inches (150 mm) or less is considered a short crack.
• Any crack more than 6 inches (150 mm) is considered a long crack.
• Any crack that extends to the edge of the windshield is called an edge crack.
• Any crack that does not touch the edge of the windshield is called a floater crack. This is because it floats in the windshield.
• A crack that extends from the edge but does not have a clear impact point is called a stress crack.
Why is windshield repair often better than replacement?
There are many reasons why REPAIR is a better option than REPLACEMENT when possible. Here are just a few reasons:
- Repair can restore the full structural integrity of the windshield - The efficacy of airbags depends on the windshield strength - Repair maintains the factory-bonded windshield seal - Repair restores or improves optical clarity of the glass - Repair avoids recalibration expenses for the ADAS system - Repair is much more cost effective - Repair is much more environmentally friendly |
|
You've got questions. We've got answers...
What are windshields made of?"
There are two main types of glass. Tempered and Laminated. Windshields are made from laminated glass which consists of 3 layers. There are two layers of glass (the inner and outer) that are held together by a plastic layer in between the glass panels, which is made of polyvinyl butyral. This center layer is often referred to as the PVB layer. Unlike tempered glass, windshields are designed so that they will not "shatter" in the event of a crash or damage. When an object hits a windshield, only the outer glass shatters, which creates a break - or an air gap between the outer layer and the PVB. Substances like water, dirt and oil, (along with temperature changes), easily expand and contract within this air gap, causing it to crack further. Repairing the windshield prevents the cracks from spreading and damaging the entire windshield.
Are repairs covered by my insurance policy? And do you handle this process?"
Absolutely, and absolutely! Click here more details on insurance coverage and how you can get your windshield repaired at NO COST.
Will I still be able to see some damage after it is repaired?"
Windshield repair does have its limitations. From a visual standpoint, it cannot completely restore the windshield to its pre-damaged condition. It can however restore the strength and integrity of the original, factory windshield.
The main benefits of windshield repair are as follows:
• Improve the optical clarity of the damaged area;
• Restore a smooth surface to the glass. This will prevent an interference with the windshield wipers;
• Stop the damage from spreading. It is very important to stop the damage from spreading.
• Keep the windshield from needing to be replaced. Keeping the same windshield in place is important as it maintains the original factory bond and seal and saves the consumer a lot of money!
The main benefits of windshield repair are as follows:
• Improve the optical clarity of the damaged area;
• Restore a smooth surface to the glass. This will prevent an interference with the windshield wipers;
• Stop the damage from spreading. It is very important to stop the damage from spreading.
• Keep the windshield from needing to be replaced. Keeping the same windshield in place is important as it maintains the original factory bond and seal and saves the consumer a lot of money!
I just picked up a rock chip. What do I do?"
- Schedule an appointment with Bluff City Autoglass Repair ASAP! The longer you wait, the more difficult the repair becomes.
- Avoid the urge to touch or rub the damage point with your finger. You will get oils from your fingers onto the glass and into the break.
- Try to keep moisture out of it if possible until it can get repaired. Water, oil, dirt and grime will all affect the clarity of the repair.
- Avoid the urge to touch or rub the damage point with your finger. You will get oils from your fingers onto the glass and into the break.
- Try to keep moisture out of it if possible until it can get repaired. Water, oil, dirt and grime will all affect the clarity of the repair.
Can my damage be repaired, or will I need to replace my windshield?"
The types of damage may differ, yet the repair procedure remains consistent across the board. Both rock chip and crack damages are deemed eligible for repair if they meet the following conditions:
- For rock chips and cracks, they must measure less than 14 inches in length from start to finish, with an impact point smaller than 3/8 inch.
- If the damage occurs within the Driver’s Primary Viewing Area (DPVA), damage cannot exceed one inch in length from start to finish, with the impact point smaller than 3/16 inch.
- For rock chips and cracks, they must measure less than 14 inches in length from start to finish, with an impact point smaller than 3/8 inch.
- If the damage occurs within the Driver’s Primary Viewing Area (DPVA), damage cannot exceed one inch in length from start to finish, with the impact point smaller than 3/16 inch.
Do you have training and certification in this industry?"
Absolutely! BLUFF CITY AUTOGLASS REPAIR™ technicians are experienced AND certified. We hold professional industry-recognized certification and accreditation as Certified Repair Technicians through the National Windshield Repair Association, along with manufacturer certification through GlasWeld Professional Academy and Liquid Resins International. We also are always furthering our education as new techniques and products are introduced to the auto glass repair industry. We are a member of the National Windshield Repair Division (NWRD) of the Auto Glass Safety Council.
|
|
|
|
|
|
How long does the repair take, and can I drive my vehicle immediately afterwards?"
Typically, most rock chip repairs are completed within approximately 30 minutes from the time we arrive, to the time we are leaving. However, certain types of damage, such as long cracks, require additional time. Some minor chips can be completed in as little as 15 minutes. Rest assured, your vehicle will be deemed safe to drive once we are completed with the repair.
How much time do I have before my rock chip or crack becomes irreparable?"
It’s important to note that there is no way of telling how quickly (or if) your chip will spread. However, there are a few tips to help prevent further spreading and damage which can be read below:
To prevent exacerbating damage to your windshield, refrain from rolling up your side windows when parked directly in the sun. Allowing any built-up heat pressure to escape without exerting force on your windshield can help prevent the spread of damage.
For temporary protection before repairing, apply a piece of clear scotch tape over the affected area, ensuring to smooth it out to eliminate any air bubbles or gaps under the tape. This will aid in keeping the chip dry and safeguarded from contamination. Please refrain from adding anything else to the damage to ensure the best repair possible.
Be mindful of temperature fluctuations. During winter, avoid turning the defroster on high if damage remains unrepaired. Similarly, in summer, keep from turning the air conditioning on the defrost setting. Remember, damaged glass is prone to spreading when subjected to rapid shifts between temperature extremes.
To prevent exacerbating damage to your windshield, refrain from rolling up your side windows when parked directly in the sun. Allowing any built-up heat pressure to escape without exerting force on your windshield can help prevent the spread of damage.
For temporary protection before repairing, apply a piece of clear scotch tape over the affected area, ensuring to smooth it out to eliminate any air bubbles or gaps under the tape. This will aid in keeping the chip dry and safeguarded from contamination. Please refrain from adding anything else to the damage to ensure the best repair possible.
Be mindful of temperature fluctuations. During winter, avoid turning the defroster on high if damage remains unrepaired. Similarly, in summer, keep from turning the air conditioning on the defrost setting. Remember, damaged glass is prone to spreading when subjected to rapid shifts between temperature extremes.
We adhere to the highest of standards in the glass repair industry. Download the Standards PDF. Only the best for your car’s windshield.