Glass Repairs for Your Vehicle and Home
Dealing with broken auto glass (windshields) or window glass is never ideal. While you can take necessary precautions to avoid these potential issues, unfortunately, accidents can happen while on the road or at home. Here at Budget Glass, our team of professionals offers high-quality auto glass and window glass repairs for when those accidents happen.
What Causes Auto Glass Chips and Cracks?
Did you know that your windshield accounts for approximately 30% of your vehicle’s integrity? In fact, your airbags and windshield work in tandem to protect you and your family. So, a damaged windshield could ultimately lead to airbag failure.
Your windshield is exposed to risk factors every day such as flying debris, motion-related vibrations, temperature variations, road conditions, heat, and cold. That is why it’s so important to repair the slightest chip from becoming bigger.
Most cracks start off as a small chip, and by getting it fixed sooner rather than later, you’ll increase the chances of maintaining your windshield’s integrity.
Auto Glass Repair or Replacement?
How can you tell if your windshield can be repaired, or if it’s in need of replacement? Typically, most rock chips can be repaired but cracks cannot.
If the damage is smaller than the size of a toonie, the auto glass can most likely be repaired properly without having to replace the windshield. If it’s a cracked windshield, however, you’re going to need to replace the entire windshield.
There are several terms for windshield cracks and breaks, and they look exactly how their names describe: bull’s eye, bee’s wing, star, half-moon, and cloverleaf.
Whatever the size of chip or crack you have in your windshield can impair your visibility and is therefore a safety hazard.
What Type of Glass Damage Requires Immediate Windshield Replacement?
Damage that you can feel from the inside of your vehicle cannot be repaired and needs replacing. Cracks that run all the way to the edge of your windshield will most likely need replacing as well.
Ultimately, the longer you leave chips or cracks unrepaired, the more likely dirt will accumulate inside the chip, which can make it difficult to successfully repair the damaged windshield.
How is Auto Glass Repaired? How Much Does It Cost?
- Our expert glaziers prepare the chipped area by clearing the space of debris
- Using a special tool that attaches to the surface of the glass, they inject specialized repair resin
- They then allow the resin to dry and cure
- To finish, they’ll buff and polish the repaired chip, restoring the windshield’s integrity
Budget Glass is proud to be an ARA certified industry leader and an ICBC Express location making it even simpler to have chips and cracks in your windshield taken care of quickly and efficiently.
What Should I Do with Broken Window Glass?
Dealing with broken things at home is never fun. But it’s important to know how to deal with broken window glass to make sure you and your family are properly protected.
- Before you start to clean up the glass, determine the cause of the broken window. Was it the result of a break-in? Was it an accident or an act of nature?
- Clean up the broken glass. Use heavy-duty work gloves to pick up the large pieces and use a broom or shop vacuum for the small shards. If there are any glass pieces left in the window frame, the easiest way to pull these remaining shards is by using a pair of pliers.
- Finally, secure the window. Cover the opening using plywood, plastic sheeting, or cardboard. These materials can be the most effective options for temporary protection against the elements.
Reasons to Replace Your Window Glass
A broken window is more than just an unsightly annoyance, it can also be a security risk.
A broken window can allow rain and humidity to enter during the summer, or cold to enter during the winter. If a window isn’t performing efficiently, your heating and cooling costs can literally fly out of the window.
Another reason to replace your windows entirely could be the existence of lead paint in any pre-1978 homes. Perhaps there are defects present like improper locking or closing, drafts or leaks, cracks, chips, discolouration or excessive condensation. Or maybe they’ve simply aged and the windows are out-of-date and do not fit your current home’s architecture.
It should be noted that not all broken windows have to be replaced. If you only need window replacement because a few panes are damaged, it might be possible to repair them and avoid the cost of replacing them. Or you could choose to replace only the broken panes.
Should I Repair Auto Glass and Window Glass Myself?
Unless you have extensive knowledge and high-quality specialized glass tools to complete the job, it’s best to contact the professionals about repairing your auto glass or window glass.
Without the necessary tools and skills, or with an awkward DIY glass repair kit, it can be difficult to complete the job successfully. Just remember that the longer you wait, the worse the chip or crack can get. This is why we recommend you rely on your home or auto insurance for professional servicing.
Whether you need to fix a small pane of glass, or an unsightly chip on your windshield, our team of professionals at Budget Glass has got you covered. As a full service residential, commercial and automotive glass shop since 1983, we can help with everything from custom mirrors for your ensuite to commercial glass products such as doors and storefronts. Phone or email us today for a no-obligation quote about our services.