Handy Tips for Windshield Chips

Having your windshield repaired instead of replaced can save you both time and money. Windshield repair costs significantly less than replacement, and in many cases, insurance companies are happy to foot the repair bill to avoid a more costly replacement. Having your windshield repaired can also save time. If the chip occurs while you're traveling, it may be difficult to find glass shops that stock RV glass.

It often takes several days for new glass to come in, and another day or two for the installation and curing before you can be underway again. In addition to saving time and money, you're also saving valuable space in America's landfills. Laminate glass cannot yet be recycled.

Windshields in automobiles are designed to provide support to the roof in the event of a rollover accident. Windshields with stone chip damage have lost as much as 50% of their structural integrity. Repairing the damage restores that integrity-yet another good reason to get your windshield replaced.

If you get a windshield chip, immediately cover the chipped area with clear tape. While this won't keep the chip from spreading, it will keep moisture and contaminants out of the chip, allowing for a cleaner and clearer repair. Be careful not to touch the chip, and don't attempt to repair it yourself. That could cause contamination of the area as well, and may make it impossible to repair. Get the damage repaired as soon as possible.

Extreme temperatures-either heat or cold-can cause that small chip to spread. Avoid washing your RV, as soap and water can contaminate the affected area. The jarring effect of slamming your door can cause the chip to spread. The heat from your defroster, vibrations from traveling, and the freezing of moisture trapped in the break can also cause that small chip to become a large break that cannot be repaired.

Windshield repairs will be somewhat visible. Visibility depends on the type of break, severity of the damage, and if contamination has occurred. You should expect to receive a money-back guarantee with your repair. Saving the windshield is the primary goal since saving the original seal can prevent possible leakage.

Occasionally, however, a repair will fail, since glass is fragile when a windshield is damaged. Should a repair fail, notify your insurance company if they are responsible for the repair costs. They, in turn, will contact the windshield repair company. If you personally covered the costs of the repair, you should contact the repair company directly.