How Long Does A Windscreen Repair Take?

When you encounter that dreaded thwack against your windscreen and that little starburst or crack suddenly appears, you can be forgiven for feeling a burst of frustration combined with a little knot of worry in your stomach. This is a common experience for drivers across New Zealand, from the busy city streets of Auckland to the scenic highways of the South Island.

While sometimes windscreen repairs can be costly, the biggest concern is usually around the fact that they are just time-consuming. Once that initial shock of the windscreen crack or chip subsides, one of the first questions that pops into your head is likely going to be "How long is this repair going to take?".

Windscreen Repair - What To Expect

Understanding the windscreen repair process and the typical timeframe involved helps with managing your expectations and minimising disruption to your day. So, let's dive in to the specific details of windscreen repair, breaking down the process and outlining exactly what's involved and how long it will take.

Initial Assessment

A quick inspection and most windscreen repair professionals will be able to assess the damage if you take the vehicle to their workshop. However, if you are contacting a windscreen repair company via phone call or through their website, the first step will always be a quick assessment of the damage via some common questions.

You will typically be asked questions like:

• What Type Of Damage Is It? Chip, crack, starburst, bullseye, etc.
• What Is The Approximate Size Of The Damage? You can either roughly measure the crack or use common items such as a coin as a useful reference point.
• Where Is The Damage Located On The Windscreen? Is it on the edge, centre, or within the driver's line of sight?

All of these questions are relevant to whether or not a repair or full windscreen replacement is necessary, as governed by NZ transport law here in NZ – more on this below.

Sometimes, a clear description over the phone or through an online form is sufficient for an estimate to be provided and an appointment scheduled. However, in some cases, especially for more complex damage or if you’re unsure about the type or size, you might be asked to take a photo or visit the workshop in person for an inspection.

• ‍Expected Timeframe - This initial assessment usually takes just a few minutes – whether it’s a brief phone call or a quick visual check.

The Windscreen Repair Process

Once your vehicle is available for repair, either at a workshop or via mobile windscreen repair services at your location, the actual repair process can begin. While the specific steps will vary slightly depending on the type and severity of the damage and the vehicle itself, the general procedure typically involves the following.

1. Cleaning The Damaged Area. The first and most important step in the repair process is to clean the damaged area of the windscreen thoroughly. This removes any dirt, debris, moisture, and loose fragments of glass that could interfere with the bonding process of the repair resin. Windscreen repair specialists use specialised cleaning solutions and tools to ensure this process is completed to the appropriate standard.
   • Expected Timeframe: The cleaning process usually takes around 10 minutes.
2. Preparing The Damage For Resin Injection. Depending on the type of damage, a specialised tool might be needed to create a clear pathway for the repair resin to penetrate all the cracks and voids within the damaged area. This usually involves carefully applying slight pressure or using a fine drill bit to create a small access point. Rest assured, this is a precise process carried out by experienced technicians to ensure a strong and invisible repair. ‍
   • Expected Timeframe: This preparation stage typically takes another 10 minutes.
3. Injecting The Repair Resin. The very heart of the repair process, using a specialised injection tool, your windscreen repair technicians will carefully introduce a high-quality, optically matched resin into the prepared damage. The resin is designed to bond with the existing glass, filling the cracks and restoring the structural integrity and clarity of the windscreen. We ensure the resin permeates every part of the damage to achieve the best possible result. ‍
   • Expected Timeframe: The resin injection process usually takes around 15 minutes, depending on the complexity and size of the damage.
4. Curing The Resin. Once the resin has been injected, it needs to be cured or hardened. This is typically done using an ultraviolet (UV) light source which initiates a chemical reaction in the resin, causing it to solidify and bond permanently with the glass. The duration of the curing process depends on the type of resin used and the intensity of the UV light.
   • Expected Timeframe: The UV curing process usually takes between 10-15 minutes.
5. Finishing And Polishing. After the resin has fully cured, the final step involves removing any excess resin from the surface of the windscreen and carefully polishing the repaired area to leave a smooth finish. Your windscreen repairers will pay particular attention to detail to minimise the visibility of the repair.
   • Expected Timeframe: The finishing and polishing stage typically takes around 10 minutes.

Total Time For Windscreen Repair: Considering all the above steps involved, a typical windscreen chip or small crack repair in New Zealand usually takes between 45 minutes to an hour from start to finish.

6 Factors That Can Affect Repair Times

While the above timeframes serve as a good general guideline, there are a number of factors that can influence the actual duration of your windscreen repair, these include:

1. Size Of The Damage. Larger or more intricate cracks and chips will naturally take longer to repair properly.
2. Complexity Of The Damage. Multiple cracks or a combination of different types of damage will also extend the repair time. These types of more complex repairs will naturally require a little extra time and assistance to ensure a high-quality and lasting result.
3. Location Of The Damage. Damage located right at the edge of the windscreen can sometimes be more challenging to repair and might require extra care and time. As will damage within the driver's critical vision area as this requires meticulous attention to ensure optimal clarity.
4. Weather Conditions. Somewhat surprisingly, windscreen repairs can be affected by the weather conditions. High temperatures, overly humid conditions and damp weather can all affect curing and drying times, potentially adding to the overall time it takes to complete the job.
5. The Type Of Resin Used. Different types of repair resins have varying curing times. Windscreen repair technicians will always choose the most appropriate high-quality resin for your specific damage.
6. Experience. Skilled and experienced technicians will always be efficient and thorough, but different levels of experience may mean people work at different speeds.

Mobile Windscreen Repair

If you really don’t have the time to head on over to your local windscreen repair workshop, mobile windscreen repair services can be the ultimate in convenience without compromise.

Most good windscreen repairers will come to you, whether you’re at home or work, if specifically requested. The only issue is that this is a specialist service (requires the appropriate mobile van and tools) to be available, so there may be some additional wait times associated with this service.

The actual windscreen repair timeframe for a mobile repair is generally very similar to a workshop repair, typically ranging from 45 minutes to an hour once the technician arrives at your location. Keep in mind that a covered area will be required if it is raining or particularly hot or cold on the day.

Windscreen Repairs What You Need To Know

While most windscreen repairs are relatively quick and efficient, it’s important to have realistic expectations around the end result.

• The Repair Might Still Be Slightly Visible. While the goal is to make the repair as inconspicuous as possible, it is important to understand that the windscreen has been damaged; it is not going to be perfect anymore. A completely invisible repair is simply not achievable, especially with larger or more complex damage. It is likely you will still see a faint outline or blur in the glass where the damage was, however, what's important is that the structural integrity and safety of your windscreen has been restored.
• Don't Delay The Repair. You may not realise but small chips and cracks can quickly spread, especially with temperature fluctuations and the sometimes less-than-perfect conditions we experience when driving on New Zealand roads. Addressing the damage promptly can prevent the need for a full (and more time-consuming and costly) windscreen replacement.
• Trust The Professionals. While repairing your windscreen might seem like a simple job, using windscreen repair experts will better guarantee the appropriate level of strength, clarity, and longevity for your windscreen, ensuring a high-quality repair that meets New Zealand safety standards.
• Allow Sufficient Curing Time. While the resin is typically cured with UV light, it can take a little longer to fully harden. Your technician will advise you on how long to avoid driving and any other activities that could put stress on the repaired area, such as high-pressure car washes.
• Windscreen damage, while often unexpected, doesn't have to become a disruption to your day.

At Novus we strive to provide efficient, reliable, and high-quality windscreen repair services that get you back on the road safely and quickly. So, the next time you hear that unfortunate thwack, remember that a swift and professional windscreen repair is just a phone call away. Contact Novus today!

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