The Repair Process
- How Windshields Are Repaired -
Windshields are made of laminated glass, which is basically two sheets of glass pressed together with a plastic filling in between. Breaks in the top layer of glass (such as a rock chip or crack) allow an air pocket to form in between the surface glass and the laminate. This causes a weak area in the windshield.
~A windshield is repaired by injecting ultraviolet light curable resin into the damaged area of the glass. The resin is cured, creating a bond between the portions of the windshield separated by the damage. If done properly, the repaired area is stronger than the original auto glass, and prevents the damage from spreading to unaffected areas of the windshield. ~Repair usually improves the appearance of the break, but the purpose of repair is to restore the structural integrity of the windshield so it remains intact during an accident.
Not only is it part of the support structure of the vehicle, but the windshield is necessary for airbags to deploy properly. This is one good reason not to replace the windshield and break the factory seal unless it is absolutely necessary.
