Can You Repair a Chipped Windscreen at Home or Should You Hire a Professional?
Many drivers have suffered from a cracked windshield. Often, the result of a little rock or a piece of road junk, it might not seem like a big deal at first. But even the faintest chip will grow into a full-on crack if left to its own devices. Not only is this potentially hazardous, but it is also an expensive mission to replace your entire windscreen.
Well, what about if you did find a chip in your windscreen? Is it something you can repair yourself, or do you need to have a professional come in?
That’s where Stealth Windshield Repair breaks down the good and bad in each to help you choose what’s best for you.
What Causes Windscreen Chips?
Chips in your windscreen can form in many ways:
- Rocks churned up by other cars
- Temperature changes (such as warm to cold or cold to warm) occurring suddenly
- Abrupt changes of temperature (e.g., hot to cold or cold to hot)
- Hailstorms or falling tree branches
A chip, no matter how tiny, is a weakened glass. Vibrations from driving or shifts in weather can, over time, make the damage worse.
Can You Fix a Windscreen Chip at Home?
Yes, under certain simple conditions and if the chip is small. A general DIY windscreen repair may be the answer if:
- The chip is less than the size of a coin (about 2.5 cm)
- It has no long cracks extending from it.
- It’s not in the driver’s direct line of sight.
- It’s located away from the edges of the windscreen.
If your windscreen chip fits these rules, a home repair kit might do the job.
What You’ll Need for DIY Repair
Most DIY windscreen repair kits include:
- A special resin that fills the chip
- An injector or applicator to apply the resin
- A curing strip or film
- A UV light or instructions to cure resin in sunlight
- A blade or tool to scrape off any extra resin
How to Do It Yourself
- Clean the area: Wipe around the chip with a dry, lint-free cloth. Avoid water.
- Inject the resin: Use the applicator to fill the chip with resin. Make sure the resin reaches deep inside.
- Seal and cure: After the chip is applied with the curing film, it is irradiated by sunlight or a UV lamp.
- Let it set: Allow the resin to harden for about 15 to 30 minutes.
- Finish up: Take off the film and scrape off the excess resin for a clean finish.
If done correctly, this will seal the chip, and it will be less visible.
Limitations of DIY Repairs
Although DIY kits can solve some basic chips, there are some risks associated with them:
- The resin might not fill the chip
- If dirt or moisture is trapped inside, the repair may not hold
- Uneven curing can make the damage worse.
- Poor repairs may still crack later.
- A botched DIY job could result in requiring complete replacement.
It’s also why so many drivers leave it to the pros for peace of mind.
When Should You Call a Professional?
Some chips are too complex or risky to fix on your own. You should contact a professional if:
- The chip is large or deep
- Cracks are spreading out from it.
- The damage is in your line of sight while driving.
- It’s located toward the edge of the windshield.
- You attempted a DIY fix, and it failed.
The pros come equipped with more high-tech tools, stronger resin, and they vacuum seal the repair for a more durable, longer-lasting repair.
Why Choose a Professional?
Professional windscreen repair services offer several benefits:
- A cleaner, nearly invisible finish
- Stronger bonding and long-term protection
- Faster results—usually under 30 minutes
- No risk of making the damage worse
- Mobile service—many pros come to your home or office.
Also, insurance often covers chip repair without any excess, so there may be no cost to you.
Why Choose Us
At Stealth Windshield Repair, we make chip repair fast, easy, and reliable.
Here’s what makes us different:
- Experienced technicians: We’ve handled all types of windscreen chips on all types of vehicles.
- Mobile convenience: We come to your location—no waiting, no driving with a damaged screen.
- Honest advice: If your chip can be safely repaired, we’ll do it. If not, we’ll explain why.
- Safe and clean: Industry-approved tools and resins do not leave any mess.
- No upselling: We don’t push full replacements unless it’s necessary.
We put your safety first. We fix your glass carefully one time to avoid having to return for a second repair.
How Much Does It Cost?
- DIY repair kits: $20 to $40
- Professional chip repair: Usually $80 to $150
A DIY fix may seem less expensive, but it can cause larger issues if not done right. The trouble is that it comes back to bite the driver when that D.I.Y. repair job fails, and what began as a small chip morphs into a big ol’ crack — at which point the entire windshield must be replaced, at a far higher cost.
What Happens If You Ignore a Chip?
Delaying a chip repair is risky. Even a tiny chip can:
- Turn into a large crack from road bumps or temperature shifts
- Weaken the structural integrity of your windscreen.
- Cause your car to fail safety inspections.
- This leads to a full windscreen replacement.
Repairing the chip early can help avoid all of those pitfalls — and save you money.
Read More: Why Are There So Many Cracked Windshields in Calgary?
Final Thoughts
Some chips can be fixed at home if the damage is small and straightforward. But many windscreen chips need a professional repair to be done right.
Stealth Windshield Repair is here to help you make the smart choice. We offer fast, mobile, and affordable chip repair using advanced tools and techniques. You don’t need to risk your safety with a DIY kit or wait until the problem gets worse.
At the first sign of a chip, don’t wait. Have it checked — and fixed — before it turns into a bigger problem.