It has always been a dream of mine to have a greenhouse that I could use to grow my own produce during the winter. I love garden fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, cantaloupes and a variety of other produce and it made me sad when I had to quit gardening for the season. I decided that it was time for me to invest in having a greenhouse built in my backyard so that I could continue to grow throughout the entire year. Learn all about the selection of the glass and how it needs to be cared for right here on my blog.
building a personal greenhouse
Can Your Windshield Be Repaired, or Does It Need to Be Replaced?
Lee Moerman
Have you ever heard someone say that a cracked windshield needs to be fixed before the crack is too big only to wonder how big "too big" is? If so, you aren't alone. Whether a cracked windshield can be fixed depends on the crack's size and location. Check out these tips to learn whether the crack in your windshield can be fixed or whether your windshield will need to be replaced.
Crack or Chip Size
If the crack or chip in your windshield is too large for the glass shop to repair safely, your windshield will need to be replaced. Typically, a windshield repair shop can repair windshield chips as long as they are smaller than a quarter and can repair cracks smaller than three inches long. Some windshield-repair shops do use more advanced techniques to repair cracks that are up to 12 inches long, but if a crack is longer than three inches long, it needs to be professionally evaluated because there are other things, such as the depth of the crack, that need to be taken into consideration. Remember, your windshield is your first line of defense in an accident. It's important that the windshield is repaired or replaced correctly for your safety.
Damage Location
Cracks and chips in windshields that are directly within the driver's line of vision aren't often possible to repair. In many cases, glass repairs leave the glass a little foggy or discolored. Because of this, windshield replacement is often recommended to ensure your vision isn't impaired. Additionally, cracks and chips along the edge of the windshield can't typically be repaired because it would damage the bond between the car's windshield and frame. Cracks and chips on the inside of the vehicle also can't typically be repaired, and the same goes for any chips or cracks that sit over the car's rain sensor or internal radio antenna.
Damage Type
Small cracks and chips in your windshield typically aren't difficult to repair as long as they aren't located in a spot that prevents repair. However, that isn't the case for more complex cracks. If your windshield is cracked, and the crack goes off in several directions, there's a good chance you will need a new windshield.
The fact is, there are times when your windshield can be repaired instead of replaced, but you won't know for sure until you have a professional auto-glass technician inspect the damage. So if you notice a crack or chip in your windshield, take your vehicle to a local automobile-glass replacement company such as Martin Glass Co. as soon as possible to determine whether your windshield can be fixed.
Share