Its important to note that the automobile windshield chip repair exterior trim and moldings that we can see on the outside of the glass are for looks only. The actual water seal comes from the "urethane" adhesive which is used to create the bond. Its in this urethane that the water leak is originating.
Good question. Windshield crack repair equipment varies widely among companies. High quality resins, injections and air removal methods vary from company to company and can affect the finished repair. Quality injection units and high quality resins are as important as the technicians performing the crack repairs. The quality resins create stronger bonds and resist yellowing better than inexpensive resins. Quality injection equipment will remove more air and the injection capabilities provide a higher quality crack repair.
A lot of people are confused between repair and replacement. There are those that opt for ready home kits to repair their windshields only to find out that they could not fix the problem. In essence, simple damage such as chips or cracks that is less than 3 inches can be repaired. However, when it becomes severe, you need to have it replaced. Also, damage within the critical vision area cannot be repaired so no matter how small it is, windshield repair is the only solution.
When I first got into windshield repair I struggled with getting customers. I was barely making it. As much as I hate door-to-door selling, I did it in the beginning just to make a little money. I would pick an area and go into every business on the block. But I knew that to succeed long term, I needed marketing strategies that had customers searching me out instead of the other way around.
Carefully read and understand the instruction manual that comes with your newly purchased windshield repair kit before performing the repair. Now, here's how to fix the cracks on your windshield. First, use an auto glass cleaner to remove dirt from the crack and the area around it. Then dry the crack using a clean rag or towel. Use a safety pin to take out any remaining debris on the crack. Next place the suction cup onto the windshield using the adhesive included in the kit. Then mount the injector on the suction cup. Next, inject the resin; this will remove the air between the windshield and the suction cup.
Windshield chips and cracks can usually be patched for under $90. You're going to pay hundreds to replace the whole thing. In this case, your best bet is to keep hunting for auto insurance quotes and pay the repairs out of pocket.