5 Common Questions That Come Up About Auto Glass Repair.

At J. Royce Auto Glass, we pride ourselves on taking great care of our customers. Since we're always happy to answer any questions potential or current customers may have, we get into a lot of conversations about auto glass repair. A lot of the same questions come up time and time again in these conversations, which is why we want to help you out by answering five of them right now:

1. How Long Does a Windshield Repair Usually Take?

A common misconception is that repairing a windshield takes a lot of time. When done by a professional, a comprehensive repair can be completed in as little as 15 minutes. And what's even better is when you choose a mobile repair company like J. Royce Auto Glass, you don't have to spend time taking your car anywhere. Instead, a talented technician will come directly to wherever your car is parked.

2. When is the Right Time to Get a Windshield Repaired?

The best time to get a windshield repair is as soon as you notice any damage. The reason it's always better to take care of repairs sooner rather than later is this type of damage almost always get worse. So the sooner you call a professional auto glass repair company, the safer you'll be in the car and easier the entire process will be.

3. Do Insurance Companies Cover Auto Glass Repair?

Another common misconception about auto glass repair is it's something that has to be paid for out of pocket. The good news for anyone who's in need of a windshield repair is they can file a claim for this work through their insurance provider. We actually covered this topic in detail in our post about insurance and auto glass.

4. What Does Repairing a Car Windshield Entail?

The first step in the repair process is to clear out any broken glass. From there, air trapped within the damaged area is released. Once the air is out, the resin can flow into the cracks and completely seal them. The repair process is completed by capping the area with a second resin, curing it and then polishing.

5. How Does Windshield Repair Compare to Replacement?

Last but certainly not least is a question we're asked quite regularly. Potential customers often wonder whether they need their windshield repaired or replaced. A common element of this question is what exactly sets the two services apart. The main difference is a replacement involves taking out the current windshield and putting in a new one, while repairs take care of the damage to the existing windshield. As far as figuring out which one you need done, we recommend reading our post on saving money with windshield repairs.

If you have any additional questions or want to schedule a service appointment, you can easily reach us by calling 513-437-6923.  You can also find us at J. Royce Auto Glass.

Blake Evans
Owner
J. Royce Auto Glass
513-437-6923

Does Car Insurance Cover Repairing Auto Glass?

There are a number of different ways that windshield glass can get damaged. Maybe you're driving on the highway and debris from a construction vehicle that's ahead of you flies back into your windshield. Or maybe your windshield has a tiny crack that you don't notice at first, and over time, factors like sunlight and pressure changes cause the crack to significantly increase in size.

Regardless of exactly what causes it, dealing with a damaged car windshield isn't something most people look forward to. The reason this problem can create noticeable anxiety is people assume it's going to take quite a bit of time to fix and cost a lot of money. Fortunately, neither of those concerns have to be true.

As far as taking a lot of time to fix, anyone in the Cincinnati area can get their windshield repaired by J. Royce Auto Glass in as little as fifteen minutes. Best of all, you don't even have to schedule time away from work or your family to get the repair done. Instead, we are 100% mobile and will come to wherever you are around Cincinnati at no extra charge.

And in terms of costing a lot of money to repair a damaged windshield, there are two reasons this doesn't have to worry you. The first is we offer very competitive rates for windshield repair. Since many types of damage can be repaired and don't require a full replacement, it's a great way to save. You can read more about that in our post on saving money with windshield repairs. The other reason windshield repair doesn't need to be a significant expense is you can process a claim through your insurance provider.

Using Your Insurance for Auto Glass Repair

The sooner you can report a claim for windshield damage and get it repaired, the better. Even if the initial damage to your windshield seems quite small, there's a good chance that putting off taking care of it will result in the damage getting worse. One reason people are often hesitant to file a claim for windshield damage repair is they think it will make their rates go up.

In reality, unless you're filing over three claims a year, your rates won't go up. And since you're already paying a significant amount for your insurance, you should put it to work for you. Another important thing to know about using your car insurance for auto glass repair is you have the right to choose the company that does your work. So even if a call center employee tries to push you in the direction of their preferred vendor, all you need to do is let them know that you're going to use J. Royce Auto Glass.

We understand that even with the above information, the prospect of dealing with your insurance company can be intimidating. So if you would like help from someone who's very experienced with these interactions, just give us a call at 513-437-6923. We are also available at J. Royce Auto Glass.  We can walk you through the whole process in as little as ten minutes!

Blake Evans
Owner
J. Royce Auto Glass
513-437-6923

Rock Chip Repairs

So you have a little rock chip in your windshield, and you're probably thinking it's no big deal. 

Maybe. 

Maybe not.

During this time of year (Spring/Summer), we have wildly-fluctuating temperatures. Cold nights, warm days, and lots of rain. What does this mean for your chipped windshield? Quite a lot actually.

Your windshield is made up of 2 layers of glass, separated by a lamination. (You can see more info on the construction of windshields, as well as how we recycle them here.) When a rock hits and chips your windshield, you'll notice a white area at the center of impact, as well as a black area that surrounds the impact. You may also have lines coming off of the center of damage, commonly referred to as "spiderwebs."

The white area you see is broken glass that has been crushed into the impact point. The black area is actually air that has been trapped between the external layer of glass, and the internal lamination of the windshield. The spiderwebs are a residual effect of the stress and impact of the chip. Check out some images of common rock chips here.

So what does that all mean?

As the temperature fluctuates, the trapped air expands and contracts between the glass and lamination. When that air expands and contracts, it puts pressure on the glass. That pressure builds up and can cause those spiderwebs to expand-- sometimes rapidly. Ever have someone tell you "It was fine this morning, and I came out for lunch and it cracked all the way across!"? 

We spoke a few months ago about the windshield's function in safety and structural integrity (see Can I Wait?). There, we discuss the importance of replacing your auto glass when it cracks. This same information applies to small rock chips. Just because the damage is small does not mean it's less of a danger. Any damage to your windshield reduces its integrity, directly reducing its performance in protecting you and your family. 

But why can't I hold off for a few months?

You could. And you may not have any problems. On the other hand, maybe your glass cracks out completely and you're now paying 4 times as much for a full windshield replacement. The windshield repair process we use is designed to restore the structural integrity of the glass, and save you money. It keeps you safe and your wallet happy. Doesn't that sound better than risking the safety of yourself and the ones you love because of a small rock?

We will come out to your location and fix the damage, usually taking only 15 minutes. By removing the broken glass and releasing the trapped air, we make room for our 2-part resin system. This resin fills in the gaps left by the damage, and seals it off completely. This seal prevents any air and moisture from getting between the glass and lamination which, as we discussed, is what causes the glass to crack.  

But I cant afford it right now. 

You can. And we will help you.

Most insurance companies will pay for a repair at NO COST TO YOU. This will not raise your rates, and is a very easy process that we are happy to take you through. Read up on using your insurance here. If you don't have that option available, we will make sure you get the service you need at a cost you can afford. It is our duty, first and foremost, to keep our customers safe.  

The bottom line is, when your glass chips: fix it. Keep yourself and your family safe. Keep money in your pocket. Keep the headaches out of it. Most importantly, remember that J Royce Auto Glass is here to help. If you have questions or concerns, contact us. We will do everything in our power to take care of you quickly, efficiently, and professionally. 

Blake Evans
Owner
J Royce Auto Glass
513-437-6923