If you need to replace or repair a windshield, you will have several options. Some may be better than others, and it can be overwhelming deciding what to do. Leaving a cracked or chipped windshield untouched will end up causing more damage to the glass in the long run. It's best to have this fixed sooner rather than later. Here are some options to consider.
If you do decide that windshield replacement is your best bet, you have a few choices. First of all, make sure you check to see if your insurance covers it. In a lot of instances it does. The problem is that many policies have a deductible that is higher than the cost of the replacement or front window repair job. If that is the case, you will have to pay for it yourself.
Once the door panel is removed, the problem may be quite obvious, as it was in my case. Your door may have a vapor barrier or plastic sheet that is glued to the door. Carefully remove this. In most cases, you can reuse the adhesive for the barrier during re-assembly. Make sure the motor is connected. Look for burned wires or obvious damage. If everything is intact, you need to test the motor. The best way to do this is to run a jumper wire from the positive terminal of your battery to the positive side of the motor to see if it jumps to life. If not, the motor needs to be replaced.
Determining the ARV is a fairly simple process and definitely the most important. This is where you should spend most of your thinking time and efforts. One of the easiest ways to do this is to get a CMA or comparative market analysis or "comps" from your realtor. When a realtor gives you comps they show you notice I didn't say tell you what price other houses that are similar to the one you are looking at have fix auto glass sold for in the past months.
Check with your insurance, because it's likely your insurance will pay for some forms of windshield chip repair. They may even waive the deductible, since repairing your windshield is so much cheaper than replacing a windshield. Should you need total windshield replacement, you may have to pay a deductible with your insurance.
Bulls-eye or partial bulls-eye rock chips are some of the most common windshield rock chips that can be repaired. They contain damage that is marked by a separated cone in the outer layer of glass that results in a dark circle with an impact point. A "bulls-eye" rock chip can be repaired if the diameter is no larger than one inch.
Step 7 - Remove the finishing film after a 10 minute period and make sure the resin had dried completely. Scrape away any excess resin from the surface.