4 cm crack in front window - can it be repaired?

brissle
brissle Forum Participant Posts: 46
edited October 2017 in Caravans #1

We have acquired a 4 cm crack in the centre front window of our Coachman VIP caravan.

It looks like a stone has kicked up because there's a small dent in the centre of the crack.

I realise this is not the same material as a car windscreen, but can it be repaired or does the whole window have to be replaced?

I imagine replacement would cost a lot - therefore an insurance job and £100 excess for me....

Maybe I just look for some clear waterproof tape and cover it over?

I would appreciate any thoughts / advice.

Thanks

Comments

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,149 ✭✭✭
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    edited October 2017 #2

    Taping it over isn't repairing it and will leave a weak point leading to the crack spreading or the window shattering.

    You need a new window and even a second hand one is likely to cost as much as, or more than, your excess.

    It's what you have insurance for and, in your shoes, I'd use it.

     

     

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
    1000 Comments
    edited October 2017 #3

    Much my thoughts, £100 is a cheap solution

  • Nuggy
    Nuggy Forum Participant Posts: 512
    edited October 2017 #4

    Creeping Crack Cure might glue the two sides of the crack together. It would need to be applied on a warm sunny day, or at the very least on a dry day and afterwards dried with gentle warming with a hair dryer.

    You must be aware that the internal air pressure inside the window is constantly rising and falling according to the ambient temperature. On a hot day the pressure rises considerably inside the window. On a cold wet day the internal pressure will fall as the air contracts and water on the outer surface could be sucked into the window void if the crack is not sealed. The same as happens when a window de-laminates around  the edge where the two sheets are bonded together and the bonding fails. You might want to give CCC a try before getting a new window.

    The crack would still be visible and might look unsightly. It might annoy you as your photo shows it is in a prominent position.

  • brissle
    brissle Forum Participant Posts: 46
    edited October 2017 #5

    Thank you everyone.

    I think I was just trying to save money and I take the point about risks of doing a repair.

    The creeping crack cure sounds useful in certain circumstances, but maybe not right in the middle of the main front window.

    Of well - I'll call C&MH Club insurance and see what they say.

    I'm grateful for the advice.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,149 ✭✭✭
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    edited October 2017 #6

    Good move, Brissle.  smile

  • Heethers
    Heethers Forum Participant Posts: 641
    500 Comments
    edited October 2017 #7

    To me the crack even though you stopped it growing would annoy me something rotten, every time l looked through the window would do my head in. So take the pain of the 100 access and hope fully that's all you will need to shell out.

    Good luck