Having a rock hit one’s windshield may seem like a minor convenience. Not all windshield cracks call for a replacement. One will learn when a windshield can be repaired and when it needs to be replaced. Most facilities can repair chips and cracks up to three inches long. Some facilities can repair cracks up to a foot long. Cracked windshields are a safety risk. The windshield is one of the major safety components in a vehicle. The windshield provides structural strength and helps the airbags deploy properly.
There are questions to ask when one is looking for a windshield replacement in Nampa ID. First, one should ask whether the sealant used to adhere to the windshield will hold during airbag deployment. Butyl tape and silicone products are not good for windshield replacements. One should ask how much drive-away time the urethane adhesive needs. This number is based on the temperature of the surrounding area and the humidity factors. To reassure oneself of non-contaminated glass, ask if the technician will wear nitrile gloves to reduce contamination from hand oils and dust. Of all the questions, this last one is the most important. One should ask whether the old urethane seal will be removed. If it is not removed, the replacement will not be as effective.
If there is only a small crack in the windshield, it may not need to be replaced. The major reason for replacing a windshield is when the crack limits or obscures visibility. Windshield replacement in Nampa ID is much the same as any other place. For example, Sir Auto Glass & Calibration uses the same procedure as most body shops. This company will remove the windshield and then clean and prepare the vehicle frame.
After cleaning, a bead of urethane will be applied to the frame to bond the new windshield to the vehicle. After that, one must wait a few hours to let the urethane bond. Most auto body shops recommend the windshield be replaced when the crack or chip becomes larger than three inches. The reason for this is that moisture can get through the layers of glass which can damage the vinyl and comprise the windshield’s safety. Contact Sir Auto Glass & Calibration for more information.
