Not all the glass in your vehicle is created equally. There are different types of glass with specific functions, which is why it is never wise to DIY an auto glass repair! Always take your damaged auto glass to an ICBC-approved glass repair facility such as First Response Glass.
The windshield of your vehicle is made of LAMINATED SAFETY GLASS. As the name implies, the glass is designed and constructed to provide optimum safety in the event of a crash. Laminated safety glass is made up of two sheets of glass, with a thin layer of vinyl sandwiched between them. All three pieces are laminated together by applying heat and pressure in a special oven called an autoclave.
When a small object strikes a piece of laminated safety glass, often, only the outer layer of glass is affected. This is what makes windshield rock chip repair possible. In a more severe impact, the glass may shatter but it does not fly apart – the broken pieces of glass adhere to the vinyl inner lining, preventing shards of glass from flying into the passenger area.
The windshield not only prevents the driver and passengers from being ejected during an accident, it also supports the roof of the vehicle. If an accident results in a roll over, the windshield is designed to prevent the roof from crushing in. It is important to replace a cracked windshield with a properly installed replacement, so that it has integrity to function accordingly.
Your side and rear windows are made of TEMPERED GLASS. Here, the glass is constructed through a special process where it is heated, then rapidly cooled. This makes the glass many times stronger than untempered glass of the same thickness. Tempered glass does not shatter on impact. Instead, it disintegrates into tiny little pieces. There are no large, jagged pieces of auto glass to cause injury.
At First Response Glass Ltd, our technicians are government certified and have years of experience in the auto glass industry. Call 25-383-9300 to speak to one of our knowledgeable staff or to arrange an obligation-free quote for all your glass needs.