Windshield Chip & Crack Repair in Fort Collins
A rock chip is cheapest to deal with the week it happens. We come to you anywhere in Fort Collins, inject and cure a resin repair in about 30 minutes, and you drive away with the glass restored and the crack stopped.
Why repair quickly
A chip is a void in the outer layer of the windshield. Every temperature swing, every pothole, and every slammed door flexes the glass around that void. Along the Front Range the daily swing between a sunny afternoon and a clear night can be 40 degrees, and that is what turns a chip into a crack. Most of the cracked windshields we replace in Fort Collins started as a chip that could have been repaired for a fraction of the cost.
How the repair works
- The chip is cleaned and any loose glass is removed.
- A bridge tool is mounted over the chip and air is drawn out of the void under vacuum.
- Clear resin is injected under pressure until it fills every leg of the chip.
- The resin is cured with UV light, then scraped flush and polished.
Total time is usually 20 to 30 minutes. You can drive immediately.
What can and cannot be repaired
- Repairable: bullseyes, star breaks, and combination chips smaller than a quarter; cracks shorter than about six inches; damage away from the edge and outside the driver's primary view.
- Not repairable: cracks that reach the edge, damage through both layers of glass, chips in front of a driver-assist camera, or heavily contaminated old chips. Those need replacement.
Before the technician arrives
Put a piece of clear tape over the chip to keep out dirt and water, skip the car wash, and keep the defroster on low. A clean, dry chip repairs far better than one that has been through rain and road grime.
Windshield Chip Repair questions
Will the chip disappear completely?
A good repair removes most of the visible damage and restores the strength of the glass. A faint mark often remains where the chip was, which is why repairs are not recommended directly in front of the driver. The point of the repair is to stop the chip from spreading.
How big is too big to repair?
Chips up to about the size of a quarter and cracks shorter than roughly six inches are usually repairable, as long as they are at least two inches from the edge and only the outer layer is damaged.
Is chip repair really free with insurance?
Many insurers waive the comprehensive deductible for a repair because it costs them far less than a replacement later. We check your coverage and tell you before we start.
Can I repair it myself with a kit?
Kits work on very small, fresh chips if you follow the steps exactly. The common failure is trapped air or moisture, which leaves a cloudy spot and prevents a proper repair later. If the chip matters to you, a professional repair costs little and usually nothing with insurance.
Need auto glass work in Fort Collins?
Send the form or call. You will get a firm quote for your vehicle, usually within the hour during business hours.