Windshield chip repair vs replacement: When can damage be fixed?

A rock just hit your windshield on I-285. Now you’re staring at the damage wondering: can this be repaired, or do I need a whole new windshield?

The difference matters—repairs cost $50-100 and take 20 minutes. Replacements cost $200-600+ and take 2-3 hours. But not all damage can be repaired, and sometimes what looks minor actually requires replacement.

Here’s how to know which option you need, straight from Atlanta’s auto glass experts.

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⚡ Quick decision guide

Likely REPAIRABLE ✅

• Chip smaller than a quarter (1” diameter)
• Crack shorter than 6 inches
• Damage NOT in driver’s direct line of sight
• Damage NOT at the windshield edge
• Single point of impact
• No contamination (dirt, water) in the damage

Likely needs REPLACEMENT ❌

• Chip larger than a quarter
• Crack longer than 6 inches
• Damage in driver’s line of sight
• Damage at or near the edge
• Multiple cracks or chips
• Damage extends through both glass layers
• Contaminated or old damage (2+ weeks)
• ADAS camera zone affected

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🔍 Types of windshield damage

Chips (impact damage)

Type	Appearance	Repairable?
Bullseye	Circular with dark center	Yes, usually
Half-moon	Semi-circular shape	Yes, usually
Star break	Short cracks radiating from center	Yes, if small
Combination	Star with bullseye center	Depends on size
Pit	Small surface nick	Yes, but may leave mark
Floater chip	Chip in the glass field, away from edge	Yes, usually

Cracks (linear damage)

Type	Appearance	Repairable?
Short crack	Under 6” line from impact	Sometimes
Long crack	Over 6”	Usually no
Edge crack	Starts within 2” of edge	Rarely
Stress crack	No impact point, often edge-to-edge	No
Floater crack	Starts away from edge	Depends on length

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📏 Size matters: The measurement guide

Chips

Size comparison	Diameter	Repair likely?
Pencil eraser	1/4”	Yes
Dime	3/4”	Yes
Quarter	1”	Yes (limit)
Golf ball	1.5”+	Usually no

Cracks

Length	Repair possible?	Notes
Under 3”	Yes	Best repair outcomes
3-6”	Sometimes	Depends on location and type
6-12”	Rarely	Most shops won’t attempt
Over 12”	No	Replacement required

Industry standard: Most insurers and shops use 6” as the maximum repairable crack length.

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📍 Location, location, location

Where the damage is matters as much as how big it is.

Driver’s critical vision area

The area directly in front of the steering wheel (about 12” wide) has the strictest standards:

• Even small repairs can leave slight distortion
• Visual clarity is critical for safe driving
• Many shops refuse to repair damage here
• Insurance may require replacement instead

Our policy: We’ll assess driver’s view damage honestly. If repair would affect your vision, we recommend replacement.

Edge zone (within 2” of edge)

Edge damage is problematic because:

• Structural stress concentrates at edges
• Cracks spread rapidly from edge damage
• Repair strength is reduced near edges
• Seal integrity can be compromised

Our policy: Edge chips under 1” may be repairable. Cracks touching the edge usually require replacement.

ADAS camera zone

If your vehicle has a forward-facing camera behind the windshield:

• Optical clarity must be perfect for camera function
• Any distortion can affect safety system accuracy
• Repairs leave minor marks that may interfere
• Calibration is required after any work in this area

Our policy: Damage in the camera zone typically requires replacement with full ADAS calibration.

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🔬 How windshield repair works

Understanding the process helps you understand its limitations.

The repair process

1. Clean the damage — Remove loose glass and debris
2. Create a vacuum — Extract air from the break
3. Inject resin — Fill the void with clear acrylic resin
4. Cure with UV light — Harden the resin
5. Polish the surface — Level and finish the repair

What repair accomplishes

• ✅ Prevents spreading — Stabilizes the damage
• ✅ Restores strength — Up to 95% of original strength
• ✅ Improves appearance — Damage becomes less visible
• ✅ Preserves factory seal — Original installation remains intact

What repair cannot do

• ❌ Make damage invisible — Some trace will remain
• ❌ Work on contaminated breaks — Dirt/water prevents resin bonding
• ❌ Fix plastic layer damage — Only outer glass is repairable
• ❌ Stop edge cracks — These will likely spread regardless
• ❌ Restore 100% clarity — Slight distortion may remain

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💰 Cost comparison

Repair costs

Damage type	Typical cost	Time
Single chip	$50-75	15-20 min
Multiple chips (2-3)	$75-100	25-30 min
Short crack (< 6”)	$60-100	20-30 min

Replacement costs

Vehicle type	Typical cost	Time
Economy car	$200-300	1.5-2 hrs
Standard sedan/SUV	$250-400	2-2.5 hrs
Luxury vehicle	$400-600+	2-3 hrs
ADAS calibration	Add $100-300	Add 30-60 min

The math: Repairing a $50 chip today prevents a $300+ replacement tomorrow.

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🕐 Time matters: Don’t wait

Why immediate repair is important

Time elapsed	What happens
0-24 hours	Best repair outcomes, no contamination
1-7 days	Moisture and dirt may enter, still repairable
1-2 weeks	Contamination likely, repair success decreases
2+ weeks	Repair may not bond properly, may need replacement
Temperature swing	Crack may spread at any time

The spreading risk

Every day you wait, the damage can spread due to:

• Temperature changes
• Road vibration
• Pressure from door closes
• Stress from driving
• Moisture expansion

A $50 repair on Monday can become a $300 replacement by Friday.

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✅ Why repair when possible

Benefits of repair

1. Cost savings — 70-80% less than replacement
2. Time savings — 20 minutes vs. 2+ hours
3. Preserves factory seal — Original installation remains
4. No cure time — Drive immediately after repair
5. Environmental — No glass waste
6. Often free — Many insurance policies have $0 deductible for repairs

When we recommend repair

• Damage meets size and location criteria
• Damage is relatively fresh
• No contamination present
• Customer understands minor visibility of repair
• Structural integrity will be restored

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❌ Why replacement when necessary

When replacement is the right choice

1. Safety — Compromised structural integrity
2. Visibility — Damage affects driver’s view
3. ADAS function — Camera zone cannot have distortion
4. Spreading risk — Edge damage will likely grow
5. Appearance — Large repairs leave visible marks
6. Previous repairs — Multiple repairs weaken the glass

Benefits of replacement

• Perfect clarity — No marks or distortion
• Full strength — Brand new structural integrity
• Modern glass — May include features your original lacked
• Peace of mind — No worry about spreading or failure

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🛡️ Insurance considerations

Repair coverage

Most comprehensive policies:

• Cover chip and crack repair
• Waive the deductible entirely
• Don’t count against your claims history
• Process quickly with minimal paperwork

Translation: Repairs are usually 100% free if you have comprehensive coverage.

Replacement coverage

Comprehensive policies typically:

• Cover full replacement
• Apply standard deductible ($100-500)
• May count as a claim (usually doesn’t affect rates)
• Include ADAS calibration if needed

Glass Inc handles insurance

We work directly with all major insurers. We’ll:

1. Verify your coverage
2. Determine if repair or replacement is appropriate
3. File the claim for you
4. Bill insurance directly
5. Collect only your deductible (if any)

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🔧 Glass Inc’s honest assessment

We’ll always give you our straight recommendation:

We’ll say “repair” when:

• Damage is repairable by industry standards
• Repair will restore safety and function
• It’s genuinely the better option for you

We’ll say “replace” when:

• Damage exceeds repair limits
• Safety or visibility is compromised
• Repair would be a waste of money (damage will spread)
• ADAS function requires perfect clarity

We’ll never:

• Push replacement when repair is appropriate
• Attempt repairs that won’t hold
• Skip ADAS calibration to save time/money
• Compromise on safety for any reason

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❓ Frequently asked questions

Can you fix a crack that goes across the whole windshield?

No. Long cracks cannot be repaired. If a crack spans a significant portion of the windshield, replacement is required.

Will the repair be invisible?

Not completely. Repairs restore strength and prevent spreading, but some trace of the damage typically remains visible—usually as a slight shadow or mark. Most people find it acceptable and far better than the original damage.

What if my repair fails and the crack spreads?

Reputable shops warranty their repairs. At Glass Inc, if a repair fails and spreads, we’ll credit the repair cost toward your replacement.

Should I repair a chip even if it’s not bothering me?

Yes. Chips spread unpredictably. A chip that’s fine today can become a crack tomorrow. The repair is quick, often free with insurance, and prevents expensive replacement.

Can I do a repair myself with a kit from the auto parts store?

DIY kits exist but produce inferior results. The resin is lower quality, the vacuum seal isn’t as strong, and the repair is more likely to fail or remain visible. Professional repair costs $50-75 and produces far better results.

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📞 Not sure if yours is repairable? Let us look.

Bring your damaged windshield to Glass Inc or send us a photo. We’ll give you an honest assessment:

• ✅ Free evaluation — No cost to look and advise
• ✅ Honest recommendation — Repair, replace, or wait
• ✅ Same-day service — Repairs and most replacements done today
• ✅ Mobile service — We come to you throughout Metro Atlanta
• ✅ Insurance assistance — We handle the paperwork

Don’t guess. Don’t wait. Get expert advice and get it fixed.

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📞 Get your windshield assessed today

Call now → 404-873-6991

Glass Inc — Honest repair vs. replacement advice since 1956

We’ve seen every type of windshield damage over 68+ years. We know what can be saved and what needs replacement. One call for straight answers and quality service—whether that’s a 20-minute repair or a full replacement.