Most PA drivers are familiar with the toll potholes take on their tires, but only some are aware of the toll they take on their auto glass. Add on Northeast Pennsylvania’s rocky terrain and wild temperature shifts, and it’s no wonder that windshield cracks are so common in the state. 

Unfortunately, windshield repair is just one of those purchases that every driver will have to make at one point in their lives. 

While most drivers would prefer to repair broken windshield glass instead of replacing it, deciding between windshield repair and replacement depends mainly on the type of damage. 

We’ll discuss what situations require windshield replacement and which ones you can get away with just a repair so you are prepared when your windshield inevitably cracks. 

How Auto Glass Works

First, it’s important to point out that your car’s front windshield uses a different type of glass than other windows on your vehicle. 

Car windshields are composed of laminated glass, created by wedging polyvinyl butyral (PVB) between two pieces of glass. The PVB holds the glass together using a hydrogen bond, which prevents your windshield from shattering. Therefore, whenever a rock or object strikes your windshield, the glass may shatter internally but will hold its shape. 

Other types of glass, including your door windows and rear windshield, are composed of tempered glass, which will shatter upon impact. 

However, just because your windshield can resist breaking off into pieces doesn’t mean that cracks can be ignored. Cracks that form on your windshield can quickly spread, obstructing the driver’s vision. Before we discuss what to do with a cracked windshield, it’s essential to identify the most common types of auto glass damage in Pennsylvania. 

Common Types of Windshield Damage in Pennsylvania

Windshield damage can come from many culprits, including debris, wipers, and rapid temperature swings.

However, the type of damage is more critical than what caused it when repairing vs. replacing a windshield. 

The most common forms of windshield damage in Pennsylvania include: 

  • Chips: A small piece of the windshield is missing. Anything smaller than a quarter can be repaired.  
  • Cracks: Cracks usually require repair or replacement to prevent further damage. Examples of windshield cracks include: 
  • Stress Crack: Random cracks that occur without any impact, often due to temperature changes.
  • Edge Crack: Cracks that start within two inches of the edge of the windshield. This is the most common type of crack. 
  • Floater Crack: Cracks that start in the middle of the windshield and can spread in any direction. This is one of the most dangerous types of cracks. 

Other common patterns of windshield damage include star cracks, bullseye, and half-moons, which merely denote the cause of the damage, whether it was from a rock or blunt object. 

Now that we know the different types of windshield damage, we can determine what situations require replacement and which ones need repair. 

Situations You Can Repair Windshield Glass

Windshield glass repair is a viable option in many situations if:

  • The damage is discovered early enough. 
  • The crack is smaller than 12 inches in length, or the chip (i.e., bullseye or star) is less than one inch in diameter. 
  • Only the outer layer of glass is damaged.
  • Repairing the damage will not compromise the safety of the driver. 
  • The damage is not at the edge of the windshield. 

Most windshield chips can be safely repaired using a resin fill that will patch the crack and make the patch virtually unnoticeable. 

Situations You Must Replace Windshield Glass

If your windshield damage does not check the boxes above, windshield replacement will be recommended. Some of the most common signs that tell us a windshield needs to be replaced include:

  • Cracks that run longer than a foot in length or chips longer than an inch in diameter. 
  • Cracks that run in a spiderweb pattern. 
  • Cracks or chips that impair the driver’s vision.
  • Auto glass damage that cannot be safely repaired without compromising the driver’s safety.
  • Cracked auto glass that is tempered–a cracked rear windshield almost always requires replacement. 
  • Cracks near the edge of the glass–this can weaken the seal.

Thankfully, if windshield replacement is required, mobile windshield replacement services will come to you for your safety and convenience. 

Risks of Forgoing Windshield Repair

While we’ve discussed situations that warrant windshield repair vs. replacement, it’s important to discuss the reasons to repair your windshield in the first place. If windshields are designed to stay intact, what’s the problem? 

First, windshields absorb up to 60% of a head-on collision, so your roof doesn’t collapse in an accident. 

A cracked windshield doesn’t just impact vision, but also integrity. Over time, you are causing further damage to your windshield integrity by allowing moisture to seep between the glass. On cold nights, this rapid expansion and contraction can greatly weaken your windshield’s integrity, preventing it from supporting your roof in the event of a head-on collision. In extreme cases, a damaged windshield can collapse on the driver. 

Likewise, cracks near the edges of your windshield can impact the seal, leading to these same issues. 

Secondly, cracks that are left alone will spread across your windshield and eventually obstruct your vision. Not only will your car never pass inspection, but you could be at extra risk for an accident. 

Instead, take the thirty minutes it takes to repair or replace your windshield in Northeast Pennsylvania by calling Northeast Auto Glass. Our in-house and mobile repair teams can get your windshield back to new in as little as a half hour for a very small cost. We even work with insurance companies to help you save money! 

Windshield Repair FAQs

How long does a windshield repair take?

Windshield repair takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the severity of the damage.

How is a windshield repair performed?

The repair involves cleaning the damaged area, injecting a special resin into the cracks or chips, curing the resin with ultraviolet light, and then polishing the area to restore clarity and smoothness.

How much does windshield repair cost?

The cost varies depending on the location, the extent of the damage, and the service provider. Generally, repairs are much cheaper than replacements, often ranging from $50 to $250.