Glass Express

Cracked or chipped windshields are not only unsightly and annoying, they are also unsafe. If you hear the familiar "whack" of a stone chip or small crack it doesn't necessarily mean that your windshield needs to be replaced - some glass repair specialists can do just that, repair your windshield instead of going to the expense and the hassle of full replacement.

Glass repair techniques have come a long way over the last few years but it is still worth remembering that excessive damage to glass may not be worth repairing. Even the most advanced and experienced glass repair specialists have their limits - sometimes there is no other option but to have your wind shield replaced.
Whether your windshield can be repaired or needs to be replaced depends on a number of different factors. Many windshield repair specialists can deal with rock chips which are up to the size of a quarter and cracks which measure a maximum of 3 inches. Any larger or longer than this cannot be safely repaired and will need replacement. Other glass repair specialists with different equipment may be able to repair cracks up to ten or even twelve inches long so it's always worth shopping around.
The location of your windshield damage also plays a large part in the likelihood of it being able to be repaired. If a crack is located at the edge of your windshield it may grow quite quickly compromising the structural integrity and safety of the glass. This may be ripe for repair if caught in good time but it is very often safer to replace the windshield.
Some glass repair specialists will be unwilling to repair a problem which is in direct line of vision for the driver. Glass repairs do leave slight blemishes which could be deemed as a distraction.