Glass is a composition of a number of oxides that fuse and react together from heating. These can be found in raw materials such as limestone, sand, and soda ash.
Did you know that your car’s windshield is the number-one safety restraint in your vehicle? The windshield provides a critical layer of protection that keeps you inside the car and things out of the car.
When it comes to windshield damage, a stress crack is a crack that occurs without anything actually hitting the windshield. These are usually due to a large variation in temperature and almost always start at the edge of the windshield.
At one point in the mid-1900s, all of the glass in cars was laminated glass, but the side and rear windows changed to tempered glass for safety reasons. Not only is it tougher, but in an accident, it can be shattered easier to get to passengers.
One factor that can cause a windshield chip to turn into a crack is the stress caused by driving or a speed bump, pothole, or other uneven terrain. The force radiates through the car, putting additional pressure on the edges of the chip, which can quickly lead to a crack.
Did you know that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) require auto glass adhesives to be six times stronger for cars with passenger airbags?
Sometime around 100 BC, the Phoenicians developed the earliest forms of glass blowing. A thousand years later, German glassblowers discovered how to make flat window panes out of blown glass, creating wavy sheets of glass with a characteristic greenish tint.
Laminated glass for windshields was invented in the early 1900s. The process was invented independently by a couple of European inventors: The French Edouard Benedictus and the English John C. Wood. Both of them took two pieces of glass and sandwiched a layer of cellulose in the middle.
In the float process, the raw materials for glass are combined and melted in a tank. These materials are mixed to remove carbon dioxide bubbles and ensure an even mixture.
While that little crack forming on your car’s windshield may not seem like much to worry about right now, cracks tend to spread given enough time. Since this can hinder your ability to see on the road, it’s smart to have cracks repaired as soon as you notice them.
Rear glass and windows are made from tempered glass, which if hit will shatter into tiny pieces to prevent damage to occupants. Rear glass will rarely chip since the glass is thinner.
If the glass in your vintage or classic car has a metal frame, it can affect the restoration process. Glass without the frame can be restored to the edge, but glass with it will have a narrow band that is unrestored.
Small chips and cracks can also impair the driver's line of vision, creating an additional safety hazard. Many states have laws in place that allow police officers to ticket vehicles with cracks in the windshield, no matter how minor.
In the early 1900s, people were at risk to lose their lives in accidents by going headfirst through their windshield. This event was called “wearing a glass necklace.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, was formed in the 60s as United States citizens became increasingly interested in automotive safety features.
By the time he died in 1941, American chemist Carleton Ellis had 753 patents to his name. In addition to inventing the first vegetable oil margarine, he invented a clear resin that made laminated auto glass possible.
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All auto glass installed in the United States must be able to pass National Highway Traffic Safety Administration baseline standards. That's why it's important to let a professional handle your windshield replacement.
Did you know that warm weather conditions can cause windshield chips to spread into vertical cracks? This is because the heat distorts the shape of the glass, leading to cracking—a condition made worse by the cooling effect of the air conditioning unit.
Most cars had curved windshields by 1957. Some cars also had curved side windows, which allowed automotive stylists to add more room to the interior and produce smoother car bodies.
Are you seeing flowers? As auto glass restoration and repair experts, we know nicks, chips, and cracks come in all sizes and shapes. If the damaged area is generally round, and the missing glass forms a petal-like pattern, then you have a flower chip.
If you are worried about another theft attempt after having a broken window replaced, we recommend having the windows tinted. Tinting involves laying a thin film of plastic on the window, making it difficult to break completely through the glass.
Windshields were first introduced in 1904, but had a long way to go. Early windshields were usually so low that rocks could ricochet off them into the driver. They were also made of plate glass, which shattered into dangerous shards. Fortunately, laminated glass started being used in 1919.
Did you know that there are three main kinds of dings common in windshields? These include star, bull’s eye, and combination dents.
Triplex Safety Glass, a type of windshield glass commonly used in the 1920s, had a 1928 ad that stated “The new Ford is equipped with a windshield of Triplex — the glass that will not shatter.”
The laminated windshields of the 1920s and 1930s would look odd to us today. Back then, most windshields were flat, without any curves to them. Curved windshields first showed up in 1934, but didn't take off until after World War II.
In 1938, Carleton Ellis invented the first crystal-clear synthetic resin, called PVB (polyvinyl butyral). Because it did not discolor, retained its clarity over time and helped block UV rays, it was the ideal material for laminated windshields.
Did you ever wonder why cars that have been in an accident often have shattered windshields where the glass has broken apart yet remains intact, casting an appearance much like a spider web? This is due to the plastic lining in the windshield glass, which the broken pieces adhere to.
While there are many DIY auto glass repair kits on the market, it’s wise to rely on a pro. Why? Dings and cracks that are inexpertly repaired may cause additional damage and are prone to failure over time.
Every state in the country has laws in place on the amount of visible light that must be able to pass through the front windshield, as well as driver's window. These laws vary somewhat significantly from state to state.
If your company has heavy construction equipment, do not overlook the windows and windshields. These items protect the workers from flying debris, and cracked or broken glass cannot protect workers properly.
If the rearview mirror of your vehicle is attached to the windshield, we will remove it and reinstall it on the new windshield. In addition, we will clean the dash area and any other areas that we sully.
As auto glass restoration and repair experts, we see combination breaks regularly. What are combination breaks? They’re damaged areas that contain more than one type of injury, such as a chip that extends into radiating cracks.
Your windshield is considered a “safety device” because it offers structural strength for your car’s body and helps keep passengers in the car if an accident occurs.
Your windshield does more than keep you safe. In the 1990s, a hybrid film was introduced that not only absorbed heat, but also contained metal to reflect sun rays. This has been used ever since to reduce the amount of heat and infrared rays coming through your windshield.
Did you know that every part of a new car comes from an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), including the windshield? The only two auto companies that make their own glass are Ford and Chrysler.
Fun fact: Windshields were made out of normal glass until laminated shatterproof glass began to be used in the 1920’s.
Did you know that rock chips in auto glass are easiest to repair right after the damage has just occurred? Over time, rain will wash dirt into the crack, making it much harder to seal. It’s recommended that clear tape be used to cover a crack until it can be fixed.
Injuries and accidents are typically caused by windshield replacements, not repairs. Consult a professional to determine the option that is best for your situation.
Under certain conditions, slamming a car door quickly when all of the windows are closed can cause any of the windows to shatter because of the built-up air pressure. When a window pops out, call our pros, and we will pop a new one back in.
It is a terrible feeling to come out and find one of your windows broken – regardless of the reason. Instead of riding around with plastic covering the missing window, bring your car into us for quick replacement.
One type of auto glass is aftermarket auto glass, which is made by companies that do not contract with any car manufacturers. In most cases, most dealers do not accept aftermarket glass if you return a leased vehicle with it.
Did you know? Many people think that it is faster and more cost effective to replace a cracked windshield than to repair it – that is probably not the case. Consult a professional before you make that decision.
Dealing with an emergency? Because auto glass can be damaged any time of the day or night, many auto glass installers offer round the clock repair and installation services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Tempered glass, also called toughened glass, is considered a safety glass that’s stronger than regular glass. It’s made stronger by controlled temperature and chemical treatments which compresses the outer surface and causes tension in the inner surfaces.
In 1910, French scientist Edouard Benedictus patented the process for inserting a thin sheet of celluloid between two sheets of glass to make the glass stronger and safer. Because of the three layers involved, he named his safety glass "Triplex."
Many vehicles have a rear window defroster, sensor or other technology installed. When repairing or reinstalling a rear window with these technologies, our expert staff can work around it and make sure that everything works once a repair or reinstall is complete.
While that crack in your windshield may have stayed the same size during the months where temperature changes were gradual, it won’t always be that way. Once the temperature swings grow more dramatic, that crack could start traveling into your field of vision.
It’s important to remember that a cracked windshield is more than just an obstruction in your field of vision while driving. Given the right circumstances, your windshield could shatter while you’re behind the wheel.
Did you know that the windshield is designed as the number-one safety restraint system in your vehicle? Your windshield actually provides up to 60 percent of the roof crush protection in a rollover accident.
“Windshield” is the common term used through the North America. However, throughout Australasia and the British Isles, windshields are known as “windscreens.”
Windshield glass is a laminate glass, which means a piece of vinyl laminate is placed between two pieces of glass. This prevents the windshield from shattering in the event of an accident.
In 1959, Sir Alastair Pilkington developed the float glass technique of glass making, making it possible to make large sheets of perfectly even glass. This fueled more windows and greater visibility in cars, and even today, about 25 percent of float glass goes into cars.
“Windshield” is the common term used through the North America. However, throughout Australasia and the British Isles, windshields are known as “windscreens.”
The Federation of Flat Glass Workers demanded a closed union shop and more pay in December 1936. These demands were not met, causing 13,000 people to go on strike and the manufacturing of plate glass to decrease considerably.
So how do auto glass rock chip repairs work? First, polymer is injected into the rock chip or crack. After the polymer cures, the entire area is smoothed over so that it doesn’t affect the travel of the windshield wipers.
Windshield glass is a laminate glass, which means a piece of vinyl laminate is placed between two pieces of glass. This prevents the windshield from shattering in the event of an accident.
In 1959, Sir Alastair Pilkington developed the float glass technique of glass making, making it possible to make large sheets of perfectly even glass. This fueled more windows and greater visibility in cars, and even today, about 25 percent of float glass goes into cars.
“Windshield” is the common term used through the North America. However, throughout Australasia and the British Isles, windshields are known as “windscreens.”
Not all windshield repair resins are created equally, and not all resins will work on all windshield damage. As auto glass restoration and repair experts, we can evaluate the extent of the damage and select the right resin for the job.
The Federation of Flat Glass Workers demanded a closed union shop and more pay in December 1936. These demands were not met, causing 13,000 people to go on strike and the manufacturing of plate glass to decrease considerably.
So how do auto glass rock chip repairs work? First, polymer is injected into the rock chip or crack. After the polymer cures, the entire area is smoothed over so that it doesn’t affect the travel of the windshield wipers.
Windshield glass is a laminate glass, which means a piece of vinyl laminate is placed between two pieces of glass. This prevents the windshield from shattering in the event of an accident.
In 1959, Sir Alastair Pilkington developed the float glass technique of glass making, making it possible to make large sheets of perfectly even glass. This fueled more windows and greater visibility in cars, and even today, about 25 percent of float glass goes into cars.
“Windshield” is the common term used through the North America. However, throughout Australasia and the British Isles, windshields are known as “windscreens.”
