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Q: Will my rock chip ever form a crack?
A: The possibility of your rock chip forming into a crack is greater now if not repaired. But if you
repair the rock chip before it turns into a crack it will not spread under normal conditions. A rock
chip could form a crack if there is a drastic change in temperature (example: washing you car on a
very hot day with cold water) warm air from the defroster on inside layer and cold on outside layer,
or if internal or external stress occurs to the windshield.
Consumer tip
Windshield damage left unrepaired for two weeks will begin a weakening of the laminate (PVB)
between the two layers of glass due to the sun's UV rays.
Not good. Call us at 713-822-4429 for emergency service.
A lady called the other evening, she heard a hit on the way to work, checked and didn't see any
damage. She got off work, went to the car parked in a covered area, turned on the key and watched
the crack develop from the far side. It started 1/4" from the edge with the point of impact the size
of the tip of a pin. By the time she got home it had run 14".
Q: What is windshield repair?
A: Windshield repair is a process that utilizes modern technology to repair rather than replace a
damaged windshield. Repairing a damaged windshield makes sense for several reasons:
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It saves money by preventing the need for costly replacement
plus it halps save the environment.
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It's very convenient as we come to you at your home or business.
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It does not affect the integrity of the original factory seal since the glass is never removed.
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You keep your original quality glass and factory seal. This is very important!
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Windshield repair can avoid costly windshield replacement, when possible, at a fraction of the
replacement cost. The repair provides a strong bond that prevents further cracks and improves the
cosmetic appearance. Our repair process is explained fully a little later.
Q: What kind of damage can be repaired?
A: Stone damage or rock "chips" up to the size of a half dollar , as well as single long cracks up to a
length of 18 inches can be repaired on cars and light trucks. Certain safety conditionsmust be considered.
Motor Homes and large truck windshields are exceptions. We repair many chips and cracks which are longer on the much larger windshields. Best results are obtained if the repair is done before the damaged area is contaminated from washing or inclement weather. A rock chip is usually round or star shaped and may have lines radiating from the center. It has a black or silver color to it.
A: Basically, the process consists of removing or replacing the air (depending on equipment manufacturers designs and recommendations,) as well as moisture and road contaminates to have a clean surface for the resin to bond to,
injecting a specially formulated resin into a clean sub-surface damaged area. When the damaged area has been completely filled, it is exposed to an ultraviolet light which cures the resin.
This restores 100% of the structural integrity and in most cases, at least 85% to 98% of the optical clarity in the damaged area. Then the sub-surface repair is cured with the hight intensity UV curing light.
Next we apply pit filler to the surface damage and cure with the high intensity UV curing light.
Lastly, we scrape off excess pit filler to provide a smooth surface for the wiper blades to cross.
Q: Can a chip spread while it’s being fixed?
A: This is likely to happen when working on a car that’s sitting in the sun with the windows rolled
up on a hot day. The windshield would be over 120 degrees F and very sensitive.
Ideal glass temperature while repairing is 65 to 85 degrees.
Q: Where do I go to get my windshield repaired and what about mobile service?
A: Call Chips Away Windshield Repair at either
713-822-4429 or 713-822-1526
and we will set up a convenient time to come to you in at your home or office in Tomball, Spring,
Champions, Cypress, Conroe, Montgomery, Magnolia, The Woodlands, Waller, Willis, N/W. Harris
County and all area campgrounds.
Q: How long does it take?
A: Typically, a star or bullseye repair by a professional tech takes about half an hour.
10 minute repairs simply are not complete repairs.
For more than one chip add about fifteen minutes each.
There are exceptions as some legs running out are just plain stubborn.
We do not repair by a clock...the repair has to be complete no matter how long it takes us.
Q: How will the windshield look after repair?
A: When looking through the glass, vision should not be seriously impaired.
If vision is seriously impaired, the windshield should be replaced.
Your rock chip should become noticeably clearer when repaired.
However, clarity is dependent upon the size, age, amount of glass missing from the center and the
quantity of fragmented glass within the break.
Note: chemicals such as a repellant applied to the rock chip may prevent the windshield
repair resin from adhering to the glass.
Optical clarity varies from 85 to 100%.
Legs or small cracks running out will take on a thin gray hair appearance much of the time
depending upon how light strikes the resin.
Q: How much does a professional windshield rock chip repair cost at my home or business?
We will come to your home or business, spend the time to properly and completly repair one chip for $65.00 Each additional chip is $20.00.
We are happy to do your insurance for you. It takes just a few minutes after we arrive to call your insurance company to get our dispatch or authorization number and the insurance company will have the money in our checking account in a few days.
We offer active military, law enforcement and fire fighters a $15.00 discount
on cash repairs.
Our Mission
Our goal is to exceed your expectations . We do this by providing personal service before, during and after the repair. We take great pride in each step of every procedure necessary for a complete repair.
We use the best resins and equipment available for superior results.
Auto Glass in Houston
Chips Away Windshield Repair is the parent company and has registered DBAs
as
www.chipsawaywindshieldrepair.net
www.chipsawaymobilewindshieldrepair.com
www.springtexasmobilewindshieldrepair.com
www.thewoodlandstexaswindshieldrepair.com
Our favorite female singer of all time....check out
www.sarahgetto.com
Caution! only trust a professionally trained and certified technician to repair your rock chips!
Chips Away is always happy to help you find a qualified repair shop when you are traveling.
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