1- How do I know if auto glass damage can be repaired?
At SIR Glass, we will inspect your cracked, chipped, or shattered windshield to determine if a screen repair is possible. We will analyze the size, location, and timespan of the damage and will only repair a windscreen when specific criteria are met.
For instance, the only cracks that can be repaired are ones measuring less than three inches in length. Cracks must be less than 3/8 of an inch.
If the crack occurs inside the glass or is longer than three inches, the windshield will have to be replaced.
2- How does the car glass repair process work?
Small chips and cracks can be repaired by calling SIR Glass through a simple process. First, our technicians will prepare your vehicle by covering the hood and seats to keep them protected during the repair. The chip or crack will then be cleaned using a high-quality primer. We then use a special tool called the RAS 123 to vacuum air from the broken glass. A resin is then applied, which seeps into the damaged screen to fill any micro cracks that may exist. The resin is cured with a UV lamp before the windshield is polished and cleaned.
3- Can you guarantee that the chip or crack will be invisible after the windshield repair has been completed?
Unfortunately, no. By repairing your windshield, we are protecting the screen from further damage while restoring the structural integrity of your vehicle. However, it still might be possible to see a slight blemish or imperfection where the damage occurred.
4- Can you guarantee that a chip or crack in my windshield that can be repaired will not become larger during the repair process?
No. At SIR Glass, we make every effort to repair your windshield when we can. Unfortunately, in some cases, and through no fault of our repair technicians, the repair attempt can result in the chip or crack becoming larger.
On the other hand, if we can successfully repair the chip or crack, we can guarantee that the chip or crack will stop growing from that point forward.
5- How long does it take for a new auto windshield to cure?
After replacing your windshield, the industrial-strength adhesive needs time to dry completely. While most windscreens are dry after an hour, some require several hours before vehicle is drivable. You will be advised about how long your windshield replacement will take at the time of service.
6- What is auto glass repair?
Auto glass repair refers to the process of using specialized tools and resins to fill in tiny chips and cracks. The resin seeps down into the cracks and any micro cracks that may exist to stop the chip or crack from spreading.
7- How long does it take to repair a windshield?
We use Sika Urethane products that cure quickly. In most cases, our expert windshield repair technicians can fix your windshield in as little as one hour.
8- Can you repair windshield scratches?
Yes. In order to repair a scratched windscreen, we first need to determine how deep the scratch is. If the scratch is superficial, we can usually polish or buff the scratch out so that it becomes invisible. If the scratch is deep, we can fill the scratch with a specialized resin to prevent further damage.
9- How much does it cost to repair a scratch on a windshield?
You can expect to pay between $60 and $100 for windshield scratch repair. Your fees may vary.
10- Can you still see a windshield chip after repair?
In most cases, after a windshield repair, you may notice a slight imperfection where the damage occurred.
11- what glass problems do you fix?
SIR Glass is your one-stop-shop for all types of auto glass repair and replacement. We can fix cracks, chips, scratches, seal leaks, obscured vision, pitting, wiper burn, and glass hazing. If your windshield cannot be repaired, we can replace your windshield the very same day.
12- In what ways do chips or cracks compromise the safety of my car’s windshield, and how do you address these issues?
While small chips or cracks may not seem like a big deal, they will get larger over time. This happens faster if the weather is freezing. The bigger a crack gets, the more it compromises the integrity of your windshield, and the more costly and difficult repair will be. We will repair your windshield, replacing it if need be. Take advantage of our mobile services so you don’t have to drive with a damaged windshield.
13- Why is it more convenient and cost-effective to repair a windshield rather than replacing it with a new one?
Repairing a windshield does not take nearly as much time as replacing it. The materials and labor involved will help contribute to the lower cost, as well.
1- How soon can I drive my car after the windshield is replaced?
We use a powerful adhesive to repair your windshield, which will require some time to dry. In most cases, the adhesive dries within an hour. However, we guarantee that you will be able to drive your vehicle away the same day.
2- How long do you have to keep the tape on a new windshield?
We recommend that you keep the tape on your new windshield for at least 24 hours following replacement.
3- Can my new windshield get wet?
You can get your new windshield wet immediately. In fact, rain can help with the replacement process. The light pressure caused by the rain helps the new windscreen stick better. However, we recommend that you wait at least 24 hours before washing your vehicle.
4- How long will the replacement take?
We strive to replace all auto glass within one hour. This includes the windshield, side glass and rear glass.
5- How much does it cost to fix a crack in your windshield?
Windshield repair for a small crack can cost as little as $60 and as much as $150, depending on the size of the crack, the location, and how long it has existed. Get a free estimate to determine how much your windshield repair will cost.
6- How can you make the glass replacement process simple and easy for me who have experienced a break-in, vandalism, or glass damage due to accidents?
We offer mobile services and can come right to you if you have experienced any of these unfortunate circumstances. We will be there as fast as we can.
1- How do I know if my windshield is installed properly?
A new windshield should be securely placed to cut down on road noise while protecting you from the elements. There are six signs to look for when getting a new screen that can let you know if your windshield is loose or otherwise incorrectly installed.
- Water leaks when it rains or when going through the car wash
- You hear whistling noises when your car accelerates
- You see a wavy appearance when looking at your screen in direct sunlight
- Your windshield isn’t flush with the vehicle frame
- You hear rattling noises when going over bumps
- You notice old adhesive that wasn’t removed before the new screen was installed
At SIR Glass, we guarantee that your windshield will be replaced the right way the first time around, which is how auto glass replacement should be.
2- How much does it cost to install a windshield?
A new windshield installation can cost as little as $190 and as much $1016, depending on the year, make, and model of your automobile. The average cost of windshield replacement in Portland, Oregon is $265.
1- Will a windshield shatter if cracked?
Yes. Some people drive around with a crack in their windshield, thinking it’s no big deal. However, even windshield glass can shatter, but not in the way you might think.
Windshield glass is multilayered and laminated. There are two layers of glass with a thin plastic film between each layer. This method of auto glass construction prevents the glass from breaking into dangerous shards and instead causes it to break into very tiny pieces.
As the glass contracts and expands due to temperature changes, even the tiniest of cracks can spread. When that happens, all it takes is pressure, an object striking the glass, or dirt to be introduced into the crack for the entire windshield to shatter.
Even if the glass breaks into tiny pieces, it should remain in place due to the strong urethane adhesives that are used to prevent leaks, movement, and noise. Plus, the glass is laminated, which should keep the glass in the frame.
That doesn’t imply that driving with a cracked windshield is safe. Even a tiny crack can lead to big problems, like safety hazards and police citations.
Our qualified glass technicians may be able to repair the windshield if the crack is small enough, or we can replace the auto glass entirely for better driving visibility and safety.
2- Will the crack in the windshield spread?
Any windshield crack can spread under certain conditions. When a rock is thrown up from a vehicle, it typically starts as a tiny break that looks like a star at the impact location. As the temperature outside fluctuates, the windshield glass can expand and contract, which can cause the crack to spread.
There are ways you can prevent the crack from spreading too far. The key is to prevent stressors from entering the crack. Common windshield crack stressors include water and dirt. Clear tape or a windshield repair kit can provide minor and temporary assistance, but a single thunderstorm or pass under the car wash brushes can lead to an even longer crack. Only complete windshield replacement can help when the windshield crack gets too big to fix.
3- How dangerous is a crack in the windshield?
A cracked windshield poses more of a threat to driver and passenger safety than you might suspect. Even the tiniest crack can lead to a loss of structural integrity in the chance of a front-end collision, for example. An intact windshield helps to transfer the force of the impact down into the vehicle chassis. A cracked windshield can shatter during a crash, putting you and any occupants at a higher risk of injury.
You are also at a higher risk of injury in the case of a roll-over accident, and you risk being ejected from the vehicle entirely if your seatbelt is not fastened during a wreck.
Finally, in many automobiles, the windshield is essential for the proper deployment of the passenger side airbag. The force of an airbag inflating can shatter a cracked or chipped windshield. If that happens, the airbag could inflate out through the opening. If that occurs during an accident, the passenger won’t have the protection of the bag or the intact windshield, leading to a higher risk of serious injury.
4- Is it illegal to drive with a cracked windshield?
Yes. There are several reasons why it is against the law to drive with a cracked or shattered windshield. The primary reason you may get a ticket for a broken windscreen is that your vision may be impaired. Even if the screen is on the passenger side, the sun may hit the crack just right, causing a distraction. The crack may also cause a distortion, which can hide small children and other road obstacles, leading to dangerous and deadly conditions.
Also, modern windshields are manufactured with two or more layers of glass made and fortified with special chemicals and engineering to protect you from the elements while adding structural integrity to your automobile. Even a tiny crack can affect the rigidity of the screen, which could lead to serious injury if you are ever in a head-on collision or roll-over crash.
Your vehicle is considered unroadworthy if:
- The windshield is cracked through more than one layer of glass
- Your screen has a hairline crack up to 30mm long
- Cracks from the edge of the screen measure up to 75mm long
- Your screen has bullseye cracks (chips) up to 16mm in diameter
- There are abrasions like stone chips or sand damage that impact your vision
While there are no specific laws in Oregon for broken windshields, police use their discretion whether to issue you a ticket or deem the vehicle undrivable, depending on how extensive the windshield damage happens to be.
5- How much does a new back windshield cost?
A rear window replacement can cost as little as $192 and as much as $803, depending on your vehicle make and model. The average cost of replacing rear auto glass is $348 in Portland, Oregon.
6- Can you repair any type of auto glass damage?
We can repair auto glass damage up to a certain point, after which we will need to replace the glass instead.
1- Does insurance cover cracked windshields?
If you have comprehensive insurance coverage, your policy should cover auto glass repair and even windshield replacement, if the crack occurred according to your policy’s coverage terms.
2- Does car insurance cover windshield replacement?
A comprehensive insurance policy should cover the replacement of your windshield. While you may feel that your deductible is too high, you might want to check. We have had some customers hold off the replacement of their windscreen because they feared their deductibles were too high only to find out they had a $0 deductible all along.
3- Are windshield scratches covered by insurance?
All levels of windshield repair can be covered by comprehensive insurance coverage. Contact your insurance company for details about your specific policy terms.
4- Is my rear window covered by insurance?
If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance policy should cover rear window repair and replacement. Contact your insurance provider for details.
5- Should I contact my insurance before I take auto glass services?
You can contact your insurance company, but it is not necessary. We will work with your insurance provider to repair or replace your auto glass with the most affordable and convenient service found in the greater Portland area.
6- Which insurance companies do you work with?
We work with all insurance companies, as long as you have comprehensive coverage. Every company, except for State Farm, will waive your deductible and pay SIR Glass directly for your windshield repair. If you have State Farm insurance, your policy will only cover windshield repairs with a $0 deductible.
1- Where are you located? Do you offer auto glass service in my area?
As auto glass professionals, we look forward to providing you with exceptional service if you live in the areas of Portland, Beaverton, Lake Oswego, Oregon City, Gresham, Tualatin, and Wilsonville.
We are continually working on expanding our service area. Keep checking back to see if we offer quality auto glass repair and replacement service in a town near you.
2- Do you offer mobile auto glass service?
SIR Glass is a Mobile Service Only business, which means that we can come to your home, work, or anywhere else you happen to be at no extra charge.
3- How long have you been in business?
SIR Glass was established in 2013 and has since become one of Portland’s finest auto glass companies.
4- Are your technicians certified?
Yes! Each of our technicians is certified and fully qualified to take care of all your auto glass repair and replacement needs.
5- Are your services guaranteed?
Absolutely! Not only do we offer a lifetime No Leak W
6- Could you explain the specifics of the Lifetime Warranty you offer?
Our Lifetime Warranty has three main components, which cover parts, LDWS calibration, and labor. The parts warranty protects your glass from defects, cracking, and leaking. The LDWS calibration, which applies only to your windshield, protects against improper operation of the ADAS system and calibration. The labor warranty covers any issues that may have arisen due to our work while installing or repairing your windshield.
