| Why Windshields Break? |
Have you ever looked at a stone chip and wondered why the cracks formed the way they did?
To understand how a windshield breaks, you must start at the beginning.
A windshield starts out as two pieces of flat plate glass bonded together with a plastic film (Poly Vinyl butate or PVB Layer) between them.
During the manufacturing process, the glass is baked onto the PVB with a pressure of about 800 atmospheres. (About 800 times the force
Earth's atmosphere is exerting on you while you read this article). Through a series of pressurized heating and cooling cycles, the curves are
shaped into the glass creating the windshields that we all know and love. Taking into consideration the amount of abuse and stress exerted
during the manufacturing process, windshield glass would indeed be as rock-resistant as granite if it were not for invisible flaws and micro
fractures caused by the forming process.
You may have noticed that different brands of glass perform better than others when exposed to flying debris. The main reason for this is due
to the amount a time spent to make the glass. Time is money: that is why different brands will vary in price. Cheaper glass is rushed through
the forming process; leaving it full of fractures and imperfections - otherwise very brittle. When gravel impacts the windshield, it often finds a
weak spot in the glass, leaving behind a pitted, round indentation. Flaws such as this are the seeds from which cracks germinate.
Water vapors in the air, even in tiny amounts, are often the fuel that keeps cracks running across the windshield. Water molecules act like
scissors with edges no thicker than an atom, traveling to the tip of a crack and snipping glass apart.
Temperature differences can also cause cracks to grow. If a windshield's inner surface is 70 degrees on a 20 degree day, a war is being waged
within the glass. The cold outside surface of the glass contracts as the hot surface expands. At the interface, cracks expand. Both the water
vapor and temperature scenarios can and will use another element to lengthen lines on a damaged windshield. Bumpy motion, which pulls the
glass apart. Rough roads will cause the vehicle body to flex applying just the right amount of force on the glass.
The next time you wonder how a rock created the wonderful artwork on your windshield; just remember that the break may have
always been there. It just took a rock to wake it up.
To understand how a windshield breaks, you must start at the beginning.
A windshield starts out as two pieces of flat plate glass bonded together with a plastic film (Poly Vinyl butate or PVB Layer) between them.
During the manufacturing process, the glass is baked onto the PVB with a pressure of about 800 atmospheres. (About 800 times the force
Earth's atmosphere is exerting on you while you read this article). Through a series of pressurized heating and cooling cycles, the curves are
shaped into the glass creating the windshields that we all know and love. Taking into consideration the amount of abuse and stress exerted
during the manufacturing process, windshield glass would indeed be as rock-resistant as granite if it were not for invisible flaws and micro
fractures caused by the forming process.
You may have noticed that different brands of glass perform better than others when exposed to flying debris. The main reason for this is due
to the amount a time spent to make the glass. Time is money: that is why different brands will vary in price. Cheaper glass is rushed through
the forming process; leaving it full of fractures and imperfections - otherwise very brittle. When gravel impacts the windshield, it often finds a
weak spot in the glass, leaving behind a pitted, round indentation. Flaws such as this are the seeds from which cracks germinate.
Water vapors in the air, even in tiny amounts, are often the fuel that keeps cracks running across the windshield. Water molecules act like
scissors with edges no thicker than an atom, traveling to the tip of a crack and snipping glass apart.
Temperature differences can also cause cracks to grow. If a windshield's inner surface is 70 degrees on a 20 degree day, a war is being waged
within the glass. The cold outside surface of the glass contracts as the hot surface expands. At the interface, cracks expand. Both the water
vapor and temperature scenarios can and will use another element to lengthen lines on a damaged windshield. Bumpy motion, which pulls the
glass apart. Rough roads will cause the vehicle body to flex applying just the right amount of force on the glass.
The next time you wonder how a rock created the wonderful artwork on your windshield; just remember that the break may have
always been there. It just took a rock to wake it up.
| What Is Windshield Repair? |
It is the process of using today's technology to repair chips and cracks caused by stones or rocks hitting your car's windshield. It Is Not
Replacement! The work is done to your existing windshield without removing it and in as little as forty five minutes.
Replacement! The work is done to your existing windshield without removing it and in as little as forty five minutes.
| What Kind Of Damage Can Be Repaired? |
| Star |
| Bulls-Eye |
| Combination |
| Halfmoon |
In addition to the types of damage
pictured above, cracks of any length can
also be repaired, if there's an impact
point.
pictured above, cracks of any length can
also be repaired, if there's an impact
point.
| How Is The Windshield Repaired? |
Supreme Windshield Repair applies a unique process to the damaged glass that bonds the broken area and improves the safe driving vision
through the broken area. Using vacuum and pressure, a polymer resin is injected into the break where it cures and bonds the separated glass.
The resins are harden with a bond as strong as the original glass. It's fast - 45 minutes or less. There's no waiting hours for an adhesive to cure.
Once your repair is completed, your car is ready to drive. It's convenient. We come to you, at your home or office. With your full coverage
insurance, it's probably free. All major insurance companies may waive your deductible when you choose windshield repair, so there's no out
of pocket cost to you. It's a permanent fix and the damage won't spread further. In fact, the repair is guaranteed for as long as you own the
car. It restores the structural integrity of your windshield. It's practically invisible. You may be surprised how completely your windshield is
returned to a like-new appearance. It's guaranteed. The windshield repair process is designed to prevent the spread of damage from the initial
point of impact. We guarantee the visual appearance of every windshield repair and is committed to your 100% satisfaction. Save time, money
and your windshield with a Supreme Windshield Repair. We eliminate the need for expensive replacements by preserving the integrity of
the windshield with patented repair techniques.
through the broken area. Using vacuum and pressure, a polymer resin is injected into the break where it cures and bonds the separated glass.
The resins are harden with a bond as strong as the original glass. It's fast - 45 minutes or less. There's no waiting hours for an adhesive to cure.
Once your repair is completed, your car is ready to drive. It's convenient. We come to you, at your home or office. With your full coverage
insurance, it's probably free. All major insurance companies may waive your deductible when you choose windshield repair, so there's no out
of pocket cost to you. It's a permanent fix and the damage won't spread further. In fact, the repair is guaranteed for as long as you own the
car. It restores the structural integrity of your windshield. It's practically invisible. You may be surprised how completely your windshield is
returned to a like-new appearance. It's guaranteed. The windshield repair process is designed to prevent the spread of damage from the initial
point of impact. We guarantee the visual appearance of every windshield repair and is committed to your 100% satisfaction. Save time, money
and your windshield with a Supreme Windshield Repair. We eliminate the need for expensive replacements by preserving the integrity of
the windshield with patented repair techniques.
| What Will My Windshield Look Like After The Repair? |
Here's some examples (results will vary)
| Why Should I Repair My Windshield Instead Of Replacing It? |
1) Safety - Your windshield was installed with an ultra tight bond that can never be duplicated. A newly installed windshield can pop out
2) 90% Of All Breaks Can Be Repaired - Any length crack can be repaired!
3) No Water Leaks - Because the watertight factory seal has to be broken when a new windshield is installed, water may leak past the new
seal and damage your cars interior.
4) 100% Lifetime Guarantee - For as long as you own the car, we will guarantee our repair will never spread.
5) Environment - Because windshield glass can't be recycled, millions of windshields are piling up our landfills.
6) Mobile Service - We'll come right to your home or office. No more wasting time sitting in customer lounges reading 6 month old
magazines.
7) It's Free - If you have full coverage, your insurance company may waive the deductible if you repair the windshield. This could save you
$400.00 or more.
2) 90% Of All Breaks Can Be Repaired - Any length crack can be repaired!
3) No Water Leaks - Because the watertight factory seal has to be broken when a new windshield is installed, water may leak past the new
seal and damage your cars interior.
4) 100% Lifetime Guarantee - For as long as you own the car, we will guarantee our repair will never spread.
5) Environment - Because windshield glass can't be recycled, millions of windshields are piling up our landfills.
6) Mobile Service - We'll come right to your home or office. No more wasting time sitting in customer lounges reading 6 month old
magazines.
7) It's Free - If you have full coverage, your insurance company may waive the deductible if you repair the windshield. This could save you
$400.00 or more.
| How Important Is The Original Factory Seal? |
It Is Extremely Important. Your windshield was installed at the factory in a controlled environment. So that the adhesives that bond the
windshield to your vehicle can cure properly. This process can never be duplicated outside the factory.
windshield to your vehicle can cure properly. This process can never be duplicated outside the factory.
| How Does My Windshield Help Ensure My Safety In An Accident? |
The windshield provides a significant amount of strength to the structural support in the cabin of the vehicle. For instance, in a front end
collision the windshield provides up to 45% of the structural integrity of the cabin of the vehicle and in a rollover, up to 60%.
The windshield is an integral part of the safety restraint system in your car. It keeps the roof from crushing in on you in a rollover, it allows the
airbags to deploy in the correct position to cushion passengers, and prevents you and your family from being ejected in a serious collision. It's
important to your family's safety that the auto glass in your vehicle be installed properly.
Think about that for just a moment. How would you like for over half of the force of a collision to be absorbed by You because your
windshield flew out in an accident? It happens more times than most of us are aware.
collision the windshield provides up to 45% of the structural integrity of the cabin of the vehicle and in a rollover, up to 60%.
The windshield is an integral part of the safety restraint system in your car. It keeps the roof from crushing in on you in a rollover, it allows the
airbags to deploy in the correct position to cushion passengers, and prevents you and your family from being ejected in a serious collision. It's
important to your family's safety that the auto glass in your vehicle be installed properly.
Think about that for just a moment. How would you like for over half of the force of a collision to be absorbed by You because your
windshield flew out in an accident? It happens more times than most of us are aware.
| How Much Does It Cost? |
A typical windshield repair costs around $60.00 while the average windshield replacement can exceed $400. Because of the financial benefit to
Insurance Companies of repair vs replacement. If you have full coverage insurance, most insurance companies may waive your deductible -
that means no out of pocket cost to you! In fact, we can do the paperwork for all major insurance companies.
Click here for current list of them
Insurance Companies of repair vs replacement. If you have full coverage insurance, most insurance companies may waive your deductible -
that means no out of pocket cost to you! In fact, we can do the paperwork for all major insurance companies.
Click here for current list of them
| What About Using Super Glue or the As Seen On TV? |
This is probably the most important question. First, lets start with super glue. Glue of any kind was not design for windshields. It does
not try clear, and it will leave you with an irritating blur. Second, both items will permanently seal the damage area, trapping the air, moisture,
and small pieces of broken glass inside the damaged area. When the air or moisture expands due to temperature changes, your windshield is
completely ruined.
not try clear, and it will leave you with an irritating blur. Second, both items will permanently seal the damage area, trapping the air, moisture,
and small pieces of broken glass inside the damaged area. When the air or moisture expands due to temperature changes, your windshield is
completely ruined.
| My Car Has Laminated Side Windows, Can It Be Repaired? |
Sure it can! Any glass that is laminated can be repaired. The process is very similar to the windshield repair.
| My Ins. Agent Says "I Have To Use Their Repair Shop", Is This True? |
Absolutely Not True! In Illinois, You have the right to use any repair facility you like. Supreme Windshield Repair is an
Authorized Repair Facility for all the major Insurance Companies.
Authorized Repair Facility for all the major Insurance Companies.
(215 ILCS 5/143.30) (from Ch. 73, par. 755.30) Sec. 143.30. Selection of glass replacement or glass repair companies.
With reference to every policy of automobile insurance as defined in Section 143.13(a):
(a) An automobile insurer (Your Ins. Agent) authorized to do business in this State shall not unreasonably restrict access to
automobile glass repair or replacement facilities by its policyholders.
(b) An automobile insurer (You) may enter into an agreement or agreements with automobile glass repair (Supreme Windshield
Repair) or replacement facilities for the purpose of containing the cost of automobile glass repair or replacement claims.
(c) An insurer, or a producer acting on its behalf, shall disclose to an insured, either orally or in writing, that the insured may
freely choose an automobile glass repair or replacement facility.
(d) No such insurance company, producer, or adjuster may engage in any act or practice of intimidation, coercion, or threat against
any insured person to use a particular facility to provide such services.
(e) If a policyholder selects an automobile glass repair or replacement facility, the insurer shall provide payment to the facility
based on competitive price, as established by that insurer through competitive bids or market surveys to determine a fair and
reasonable market price for similar services. Reasonable deviation from this market price is allowed based on the facts in each
case.
(Source: P.A. 87-1110.) Click Here For Illinois Laws
With reference to every policy of automobile insurance as defined in Section 143.13(a):
(a) An automobile insurer (Your Ins. Agent) authorized to do business in this State shall not unreasonably restrict access to
automobile glass repair or replacement facilities by its policyholders.
(b) An automobile insurer (You) may enter into an agreement or agreements with automobile glass repair (Supreme Windshield
Repair) or replacement facilities for the purpose of containing the cost of automobile glass repair or replacement claims.
(c) An insurer, or a producer acting on its behalf, shall disclose to an insured, either orally or in writing, that the insured may
freely choose an automobile glass repair or replacement facility.
(d) No such insurance company, producer, or adjuster may engage in any act or practice of intimidation, coercion, or threat against
any insured person to use a particular facility to provide such services.
(e) If a policyholder selects an automobile glass repair or replacement facility, the insurer shall provide payment to the facility
based on competitive price, as established by that insurer through competitive bids or market surveys to determine a fair and
reasonable market price for similar services. Reasonable deviation from this market price is allowed based on the facts in each
case.
(Source: P.A. 87-1110.) Click Here For Illinois Laws
| Where Can I Have My Windshield Repaired? |
Call Supreme Windshield Repair 708- 369-9370 or Questions@SupremeWindshieldRepair.com
STATE FARM SAYS:
“Would you throw away a good suit because of a small tear, or a wooden table because of a small scratch? Most likely you'd have
it repaired if possible. Now, the same kind of common sense approach applies when your auto windshield is damaged. Safe
repairs can be made of most small breaks, and it makes sense to do so since a new windshield may cost $300 to $1000 and
sometimes more.”
“Would you throw away a good suit because of a small tear, or a wooden table because of a small scratch? Most likely you'd have
it repaired if possible. Now, the same kind of common sense approach applies when your auto windshield is damaged. Safe
repairs can be made of most small breaks, and it makes sense to do so since a new windshield may cost $300 to $1000 and
sometimes more.”
CONSUMER TIP:
Windshield repair and replacement falls under the comprehensive portion of your insurance rather than the collision portion. A
cracked windshield does not reflect your driving ability and has no bearing on your level of risk to the insurance company.
Therefore the repair of your windshield will not influence your insurance premiums.
Windshield repair and replacement falls under the comprehensive portion of your insurance rather than the collision portion. A
cracked windshield does not reflect your driving ability and has no bearing on your level of risk to the insurance company.
Therefore the repair of your windshield will not influence your insurance premiums.
| Here Is One Ding & A Few Don'ts |
DING - Call Supreme Windshield Repair @ 708- 369-9370 (Or Click Here) as soon as the damage occurs. You are causing
more damage the longer you wait.
DON'T - Wash Your Windshield
DON'T - Expose The Windshield To Extreme Temperature Change (direct sunlight, snow, air conditioner, heater, etc.)
DON'T - Touch The Damaged Area ( The slightest touch, and even the oils from your fingers can cause more damage.
DON'T - Drive On Rough Roads
LAST, BUT NOT LEAST
DON'T - Never, I Mean NEVER Try To Fix The Damage Yourself.( The do it yourself kits, super glue, clear nail polish, and any
other home remedy Will Not Work. They are irreversible and will ruin your windshield by trapping air, broken glass, and
moisture inside the damaged area, destroying the Safety, Visibility & Strength of your windshield, making replacement the only
alternative.)
more damage the longer you wait.
DON'T - Wash Your Windshield
DON'T - Expose The Windshield To Extreme Temperature Change (direct sunlight, snow, air conditioner, heater, etc.)
DON'T - Touch The Damaged Area ( The slightest touch, and even the oils from your fingers can cause more damage.
DON'T - Drive On Rough Roads
LAST, BUT NOT LEAST
DON'T - Never, I Mean NEVER Try To Fix The Damage Yourself.( The do it yourself kits, super glue, clear nail polish, and any
other home remedy Will Not Work. They are irreversible and will ruin your windshield by trapping air, broken glass, and
moisture inside the damaged area, destroying the Safety, Visibility & Strength of your windshield, making replacement the only
alternative.)
| Windshield Repair Terminology |
Short Crack: A crack on the windshield of 6 inches (15.24 cm) or less
Long Crack: A crack on the windshield of more than 6 inches (15.24 cm)
Edge Crack: Any crack on the windshield that extends to an edge
Floating Crack: Any crack on the windshield that does not extend to an edge
Stress Crack: Any crack extending from an edge without an impact point
Ding: A term often used by the public to refer to a stone damage.
Half Moon: A damage also known as a partial bullseye.
Impact Point: The actual location on the outside layer of glass, which was struck by an object (usually a stone).
Legs: Short cracks that emanate from the break.
Pit: The actual impact point from which a small piece of glass is typically missing
Refraction: The bending of light rays in passing from one medium to another.
Star Break: A damage that exhibits a series of short radial cracks or legs.
Stone Break: A break on the outer layer of a laminated windshield.
Long Crack: A crack on the windshield of more than 6 inches (15.24 cm)
Edge Crack: Any crack on the windshield that extends to an edge
Floating Crack: Any crack on the windshield that does not extend to an edge
Stress Crack: Any crack extending from an edge without an impact point
Ding: A term often used by the public to refer to a stone damage.
Half Moon: A damage also known as a partial bullseye.
Impact Point: The actual location on the outside layer of glass, which was struck by an object (usually a stone).
Legs: Short cracks that emanate from the break.
Pit: The actual impact point from which a small piece of glass is typically missing
Refraction: The bending of light rays in passing from one medium to another.
Star Break: A damage that exhibits a series of short radial cracks or legs.
Stone Break: A break on the outer layer of a laminated windshield.
HEADLINE NEWS SAYS:
“And the safety of automobile occupants would be increased because it is safer to keep the original windshield with its factory
seal in place than to install a replacement windshield.”
“And the safety of automobile occupants would be increased because it is safer to keep the original windshield with its factory
seal in place than to install a replacement windshield.”
To Post a Question Go To Questions@SupremeWindshieldRepair.com
| SERVICE AREA |
9-11-01
| Serving The Chicago Area & Western Suburbs (708)369-9370 info@SupremeWindshieldRepair.com |
Copyright © 2009, Supreme Windshield Repair All Rights Reserved.
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