How Long Does Windshield Chip Repair Take?

Windshield chip repair takes 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish for a single chip. The process includes a 2- to 3-minute inspection, 3 to 5 minutes of cleaning, 8 to 12 minutes of vacuum and resin injection, 5 to 8 minutes of UV curing, and 3 to 5 minutes of polishing. Each additional chip adds about 10 to 15 minutes. You can drive immediately after the repair -- unlike a full replacement which requires 1 to 2 hours of cure time. Denver drivers who use mobile chip repair save even more time because the technician comes to your home or office, eliminating the drive to a shop entirely.

One of the most common questions Denver drivers ask is how long the actual repair process takes. The short answer is 20 to 30 minutes for a single chip. But there is more to the timeline than just the repair itself. Here is a complete breakdown so you can plan your day.

The Complete Repair Timeline

From the moment the technician starts working on your windshield to the moment you can safely drive, the process follows a predictable sequence. Each step serves a specific purpose in ensuring a strong, lasting repair.

Step 1: Inspection and Assessment (2 to 3 Minutes)

The technician examines your chip to confirm it is repairable. They check the size, depth, location, and type of damage. This is the step where they determine whether you need a repair or a full windshield replacement. They also look for any secondary fracture lines that may not be immediately visible.

Step 2: Cleaning and Prep (3 to 5 Minutes)

The damaged area is cleaned thoroughly. Any loose glass fragments are removed with a probe tool, and the chip is dried. In Denver, this step can take slightly longer during winter because moisture from snow and ice needs to be completely removed. Moisture left inside the chip will cause clouding and weaken the repair bond. The technician also places the repair bridge (a suction-cup-mounted device) directly over the chip.

Step 3: Vacuum and Resin Injection (8 to 12 Minutes)

This is the core of the repair. The bridge creates a vacuum seal over the chip, extracting trapped air and moisture from every fracture line. Once the vacuum cycle is complete, optically clear repair resin is injected under controlled pressure. The resin flows into every crack and crevice extending from the impact point. The technician cycles between vacuum and pressure multiple times to ensure complete penetration. This step takes the longest but is the most critical for a strong repair.

Step 4: UV Curing (5 to 8 Minutes)

After the resin is fully injected, a UV curing lamp is placed over the repair. The ultraviolet light triggers a chemical reaction that hardens the resin, bonding it permanently to the surrounding glass. In Denver, natural sunlight at 5,280 feet of elevation actually provides stronger UV exposure than at sea level, which can speed up the curing process on sunny days. However, technicians always use a controlled UV lamp to ensure consistent results regardless of weather.

Step 5: Polishing and Final Inspection (3 to 5 Minutes)

Once the resin is cured, excess material is scraped flush with the windshield surface using a razor blade, then polished smooth. The technician inspects the repair for completeness, checking that all fracture lines are filled and that the repair is optically clear. You can typically see the difference immediately -- what was a bright, reflective chip is now a barely visible smooth spot.

Timeline Summary

What About Multiple Chips?

If you have more than one chip, each additional chip adds about 10 to 15 minutes to the total repair time. Two chips usually take 30 to 40 minutes, and three chips can be done in under an hour. If you have four or more chips, it may be more practical to consider a full replacement.

How Soon Can You Drive After Repair?

You can drive immediately after the repair is complete. Unlike a full windshield replacement (which requires 1 to 2 hours for the adhesive to cure), chip repair resin is fully hardened by the UV curing step. There is no waiting period. This is one of the major advantages of catching damage early and getting it repaired rather than replaced.

Mobile Repair Saves Even More Time

Denver drivers who use mobile chip repair save the most time overall. Instead of driving to a shop, waiting for your turn, and driving back, a mobile technician comes to your home or office. The entire experience, from arrival to completion, is about 30 minutes. You can get your windshield fixed during a lunch break without leaving your parking lot at work in the Denver Tech Center, Cherry Creek, or anywhere across the metro area.