1871 North Stevens Street   Rhinelander, WI 54501 715-365-5914 Monday-Friday: 8-5 Saturdays: By Appointment Closed Sundays

Repair or Replace - Windshield Repair Explained
 

What is Windshield Repair?
     Essentially, windshield repair is accomplished by injecting a specially-formulated dual-cure resin into the area of damage, allowing the resin time to cure (harden), and then employing a series of polishing and buffing steps to restore visual clarity to the damaged area. This system of steps for repair was pioneered by NOVUS more than 25 years ago and has been used in the repair of over 6,000,000 windshields since then.

Why Repair?
     Windshield repair performs several important functions - repair prevents the damage from spreading to the point of having no option but entire replacement, repair helps to restore structural integrity to the windshield, and the visual clarity of the damaged area is improved.
     If left unfixed, even the smallest chip or ding will continue to increase in size until the entire windshield is compromised and replacement becomes the only option. What could have been repaired in under an hour with minimal cost now will take hundreds of dollars to replace - what a waste.
      By repairing the damaged area, the glass that is displaced from the chip or ding will be replaced with a specially-formulated resin that will duplicate the hardness and strength of glass. This will help to restore the windshield's structural rigidity which is vital for the windshield to provide the level of protection it was intended for.
      When a rock or flying debris strikes your windshield, a certain amount of glass is displaced and air works its way into the damaged area. Because air and glass have different densities, your eye registers the difference between the two and, hence, you have a blurred or distorted view through the damaged area. NOVUS uses an optically-matched resin that will duplicate the visual clarity of glass thereby reclaiming the damaged area. Windshield repair will remove the annoying and dangerous visual impairment that chips, dings, and cracks create. This is obviously important for continued safe driving.

After The Repair
     Many people are concerned about the safety of repaired glass and the effects of repairing a damaged area - a common question that we are asked is "Will I be able to see the damaged area after the repair is performed?". Unfortunately, it is impossible to give a definitive "yes" or "no" answer to the question as no two repair jobs are ever the same. Additionally, there are variables that will affect the overall success of the repair. Generally speaking, the repaired area will be very close to invisible and will most certainly be less noticeable than if left unrepaired.
     It is good to know that NOVUS technicians receive the most comprehensive and thorough training in the industry, use state-of-the-art specialty tools and resins (many designed and built by NOVUS), and have the experience of the pioneer in the windshield repair industry behind them. These are all important factors in achieving a quality repair as the technicians training, skill, and experience will make the difference between a good repair and great repair. Likewise, that training and skill will allow your NOVUS technician to advise you before the repair on what to expect.
     Another variable that can affect the outcome of a repair is the amount of time from the original damage to the time of repair - the longer you wait, the greater the chances of unavoidable contamination to the damaged area. After a crack or ding is started, dirt, dust, and other debris can work their way into the damaged area and be virtually impossible to remove. If that occurs, tiny specks of dirt or dust may be visible inside the repaired area - again, this is unavoidable after the fact. The absolute best way to ensure a clean and clear repair is to contact NOVUS as soon as you notice the damage. The sooner it's repaired, the better the chances of a clean and clear repair.
     As for the safety of repaired glass, it is important to know that many people will choose to drive with a cracked or chipped windshield rather than to take the time to have it repaired properly. In those instances, repaired glass is obviously far more safe than driving with broken auto glass. When comparing repairing to replacing, aside from a difference in cost, there is virtually no difference between quality-repaired glass and replacement glass. An additional point is that NOVUS repairs your windshield right on the vehicle without breaking the original factory seal around the windshield. This is important as it can be very difficult to regain a seal as tight and leak-free as the original when you replace the entire windshield. Not only can a poor replacement seal result in air and water leaks, it can compromise the ability of the windshield to help contain passengers in the event of an accident.

NOVUS Has The Answers
     NOVUS is the leader in an industry that we pioneered over 25 years ago - we have the most comprehensive technician training in the industry, we design and manufacture much of our own state-of-the-art specialty equipment, our ongoing Research and Development leads the industry with innovative techniques and services, and we are relied upon by more insurance companies to complete quality affordable repairs than any other glass-repair company.
     You can be assured of receiving solid, honest information from your NOVUS technician - information that will help you make the smart choice when it comes to repairing your damaged windshield. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation to find out your options regarding chipped, cracked, and dinged auto glass. Call today and put the experience of over 6 million repaired windshields to work on your car or truck. You'll be glad you made the NOVUS choice!

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