Glass Repair or Replacement

Auto Glass Repair or Replacement

Chipped, nicked, cracked, or shattered – no matter the damage, here Bannister Collision & Glass, we will ensure it is repaired or replaced the right way. Our trained technicians have only the best adhesives, activators and primers at their disposal, to make sure your windshield replacement meets all manufacturers’ requirements. What's more, we are proud to stand behind all our work for as long as you own your vehicle.

What should you do when you see a crack on your windshield? Repair or replace? The answer depends largely on three main factors: location, size, and severity of the damage.

Where Is The Crack Located?

Crack Located

Cracks located at the edge of the windshield are quick spreaders and tend to weaken the structural integrity of the glass. If the crack is contained and hasn’t spread out too much, repair is possible. Otherwise, we recommend replacement. The worst location for a crack is when it impairs the driver’s line of sight. In such cases, we strongly urge for immediate replacement. A repair in this sensitive spot can cause glass distortion and distortion in any degree is dangerous. See that picture? The glare is caused by light reflecting off the crack of the photographer’s windshield.

How Big Is The Crack?

windshield repair

Many windshield repair shops are capable of repairing cracks up to 3 inches long, and rock chips no bigger than quarter size. If the crack is bigger than that, we recommend replacing. Unless it’s one of the few facilities which have advanced equipment and make use of uncommon techniques, then it will be possible to repair wider chips and cracks. Most rock chips, such as the one pictured, can be repaired. Bear in mind that rock chip repair is strictly cosmetic and won’t reinforce the window.

How Severe Is The Damage?

cracks

If your windshield has more than three cracks or a very deep crack, you should replace straight away. If your vehicle was involved in a major collision, or was hit by a large object, replacement is strongly recommended. A major impact most often results in weakening of your windshield’s glass and its supporting frame. As such, another impact, no matter how seemingly minor, might result in your entire windshield cracking, breaking and in the worst case - hurting you, as well as your front seat passenger.

Replacement of Side or Rear Windows

Auto glass damage is not windshield exclusive. A broken window puts you at the mercy of the weather and exposes your vehicle to theft. A temporary fix or patch on your broken window does little to protect your valuables. Our highly skilled technicians at Bannister Collision & Glass will repair or replace your window in the most efficient way to get your car or truck back on the road as fast as possible.

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 Collision & Glass has achieved the highest standing with ICBC and private insurers in car accident repair and glass replacement. This allows 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 we recommend waiting a few days. 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 Collision & Glass, 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 Collision & Glass 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 Collision & Glass, you will be able to drive your vehicle again the same day you bring it in.