“Repair or Replace?

In general, most chips and cracks can be repaired, but it always depends upon four factors: the size, type, depth, and location of the damage. Results will vary based on age, amount of contamination, location & the severity of the damage.

Size and Depth

Pretty much any shop should be able to repair chips of about one-inch diameter and cracks about three inches long. Traditionally, any crack larger than a dollar bill could not be repaired, so size was a very important factor in making the determination.

Type

There are many different types of cracks, some can be repaired easier than others. For example, Star Break (short radial cracks coming off of the impact point), Bulls-Eye (circular damaged caused by circular object) or Partial Bulls-Eye (aka Half Moon, also caused by circular object, damage is not completely circular), Crack Chip (single crack size of a quarter), Ding (same as Crack Chip), or Pit (small piece of glass missing) can be easily repaired.

In general, chips and cracks that can be covered with a quarter can usually be repaired because glass shops center equipment over the break.”

Read about more factors here.

Obviously, you don’t want to replace your windshield unless absolutely necessary. Repair is less costly and a much quicker job to perform than replacement. If the chip or crack is minor you should still have it repaired by a professional. Don’t be fooled by these so called do-it-yourself kits as they differ greatly from the equipment used by professionals.

Whether you need a windshield repair or replacement, IAS Auto Glass has you covered. Call us at 952-797-4374 to schedule an appointment for honest and affordable auto glass repair service.

“Debby Clish credits divine intervention for saving her life after a large tree branch crashed through her windshield and totaled her car Wednesday afternoon.

The East Bridgewater resident was driving on Pearl Street in Brockton, Massachusetts, as storms rolled through the area around 4 o’clock.

She said she didn’t see the limb fall, but knew to move out of the way.

“All of a sudden, God’s voice spoke to me. He said, ‘Debby! Duck!’” Clish recalled.

She escaped without any injuries, noting that her insurance company called her “The Miracle Lady.””

Check out the story here.

Call it a sixth sense, gut-feeling, or ESP but if what this woman says is indeed true then miracle is the appropriate word to define her ordeal. Looking at the photos, given the size of the branch it’s incredible that she walked away with only a minor cut. Her primary concern after the accident? Being allowed to smoke in the ambulance!

At IAS Auto Glass we’ve seen our fair share of damaged windshields. Understandly, most drivers are still very shaken even days after their accident when they comes to us for a replacement. Because of this, we strive to do everything possible to make your windshield replacement or repair as smooth as possible. Call us at 952-797-4374 to schedule an appointment or visit our auto glass service page for more information.