Auto Glass Repair or Replacement
Chipped, nicked, cracked, or shattered – bring your windshield to Bannister All-Makes Collision and Glass, and we will ensure it is repaired or replaced properly. Our trained technicians use only the best adhesives, activators and primers to ensure your replacement windshield meets all manufacturers’ requirements, and we stand behind all our work for as long as you own your vehicle.
What do you do when you see a crack on your windshield? Repair or replace? The answer depends on three factors: location, size, and severity of the damage.
Where Is The Crack Located?
Cracks located at the edge of the windshield tend to spread quickly and weaken the structural integrity of the glass. If the crack hasn’t spread yet, repair is possible. Otherwise, replacement is recommended. The worst location for a crack is directly in the driver’s line of sight. In such cases, immediate replacement is necessary since repairing can cause glass distortion and distortion in any degree is dangerous. See that picture? The glare is from the light reflecting off the crack in the photographer’s windshield.
How Big Is The Crack?
Many windshield repair shops can repair cracks up to 3 inches long, and rock chips that are no bigger than the size of a quarter. If it’s bigger than that, the recommendation will be replacement. Unless it’s one of those few facilities which have advanced equipment and make use of special techniques, then it will be possible to repair wider chips and cracks. Most rock chips, such as the one in the picture, can be repaired. Keep in mind that rock chip repair is strictly cosmetic and won’t reinforce the window.
How Severe Is The Damage?
If your windshield has more than three cracks or a very deep crack, replace. If your vehicle was involved in a major collision, or was hit by a large object, replacement is recommended because a major impact will most often result in weakening of your windshield’s glass and supporting frame. As such, another impact, no matter how minor, might result in your entire windshield cracking and breaking.
Replacement of Side or Rear Windows
Auto glass damage is not limited to your windshield. A broken window puts you at the mercy of the weather and exposes your vehicle to theft. Your valuables are not protected when using a temporary fix or patch on your broken window. Our highly skilled technicians at Bannister All Makes Collision & Glass Center will repair or replace your window in the most efficient way to get your car or truck back on the road quicker.
ICBC Glass Express
As an accredited ICBC Glass Express Shop, you can come to us with all your glass repair needs without ever having to contact ICBC. Bannister All-Makes Collision & Glass has achieved the highest standing with ICBC and private insurers in car accident repair and glass replacement allowing us to handle your claims process from start to finish, on most claims, without needing an appointment to visit a claim centre. As a member of the DuPont Performance Alliance, you can also be assured that we have met or exceeded very strict guidelines for training, shop processes, equipment requirements and customer satisfaction.
Auto Glass FAQ'S
What is a Windshield Repair?
A windshield repair is a process that, with clear adhesive resin, repairs a damaged area on glass. Once the resin is cured, the damaged area’s strength is restored as is most of the clarity.
Why Repair a chip or crack instead of leaving it?
A small chip or crack that is ignored can spread across the entire windshield if not repaired promptly, thus resulting in a windshield replacement.
How soon can I wash my vehicle after a windshield replacement?
You should wait at least 24 hours before washing your vehicle in a high-pressure car wash, but waiting a few days is better. The higher pressure of the water spraying your vehicle can wreck the auto glass seal and outer mouldings if they have not completely cured yet. If you are set on giving your vehicle a scrub you can hand wash it, as long you are careful and don’t use a high-pressure hose on the auto glass that was recently replaced. Rain or water isn’t an issue on newly replaced auto glass, in fact, a bit of moisture can help the adhesive cure faster.
How will I know if my windshield replacement was done properly?
Unfortunately, you can’t know if the replacement was done properly or not unless the glass is removed and inspected since the glass is inserted into its moulding. Your best bet to ensuring that your windshield has been installed properly is to go with a company that has a good reputation, and certified technicians. At Bannister All Makes Collision & Glass Center, we are so confident in our work, we always include lifetime warranties with our services. If you have any concerns with your replacement, we will be happy to take a second look.
What’s involved with fixing or replacing a windshield?
A crack or chip repair takes about 30 to 40 minutes and is performed by injecting a clear resin into it. When it hardens, the resin helps restore the integrity and smooth look of the glass. The resin is then polished and cured by UV light. If done properly, the chip or crack won’t be able to spread any further. Replacing glass is a bit more of an involved process. After prepping the body of the car to prevent any damage, technicians will remove the windshield from the car. The seals and adhesives are also removed, and a primer is used on the bare frame, so a new glue and sealant can be applied for the replacement glass. The new windshield is then fitted and bonded to the car. After the glass is fitted, most auto shops encourage a 60-minute wait time so that the windshield is properly attached.
How long does a windshield replacement take?
This will depend on how skilled or experienced the technician doing the windshield replacement is. The technicians at Bannister All Makes Collision & Glass Center are all certified and well trained with the equipment, so your replacement will be finished the same day that you bring your car into the shop.
How soon can I drive my vehicle after my windshield has been replaced?
This depends on the type of adhesive used to seal the auto glass into its moulding. The adhesive needs time to completely dry, which will depend on the temperature and humidity around it. Most will only take an hour at most to completely dry, but some take up to 24 hours. At Bannister All Makes Collision & Glass Center, you will be able to drive your vehicle again the same day you bring it in.
