replacement windshield leaking and cracked in frit

[Reneenae23]

I have a question for any glass experts that might be willing to help me out. Three weeks ago I had the windshield replaced in my 1999 Dodge Caravan. The brand of glass is Crinamex, and after the first big rain we had after the replacement, I noticed water dripping on me. I looked up and saw a big wet spot on the interior roof, so I started to look all around the edges of the glass for other wet spots, and noticed a crack in the frit area of the glass. I called the installing glass shop, and they told me to bring the van in to examine the glass, which I did today. They told me they'd replace the glass if it was a stress related crack, which they determined it's not. So my question is this.. is it possible that the water seeping beneath the seal and frit/high-stress point of the glass could cause the crack? They said stress cracks only appear from the bottom up, and in a single line crack. I understand that the crack does appear to be from something striking the glass, but looking at the area with a magnifying glass, you can not see a single dot that would signal something hitting the windshield, nor can you feel an indention.. it's smooth as glass! It appears that the defect is between the layers of glass. I read on a site earlier that in the high stress area of an after market glass, something as small as a grain of sand can cause a crack.. but wouldn't this be a stress related crack? They pretty much tried to dismiss me, without even addressing the leaking problem... and after re-mentioning it, they very quickly and sloppily applied the black glue to the inside of the windshield, and sent me on my way. Do I have a reason to feel the glass should be replaced, or am I a case of misfortune? Thanks in advance to anyone willing to elaborate on this.

[AGSS]

Hello, from the brand of glass used i probably know what large company installed the glass.

I owned a replacement shop for over 10 years. I will tell you this, if you cannot see a impact point, it is a stress crack!! bottom line. I dont care if it came from the bottom, top or side!

as far as the leak, it is common to re-seal fom the inside of the vehicle around the edge of the windshield however, that being said, there should not be a mess when the tech is finished. In most cases you should not even see the urethane ( the black goo that holds the glass in).

[Dave M]

You did not mention in your post if you paid cash or put in a claim with your insurance company. If you went through your ins. co., give them a call and inform them you were not satisfied with the replacement. See if they have any pull (in your favor) with that infamous glass company!
It sounds like it was a stress break. Has it been cold where you live? If water was seeping under the glass, than freezing this could have cracked the windshield.

[pitt]

I replace glass everyday and what it sounds like to me when slaped the glass to set it in the "black glue" that slaped it to hard or maybe with a ring on a finger. I would have them replace it because that is just poor work!!!!

[Reneenae23]

Thanks for the replies! The glass company I went through was a small independent company in Grandview, Missouri. I paid cash for the windshield and didn't go through my insurance company, and it wasn't freezing outside. It's just so frustrating! Supposedly the company is attempting to contact the glass manufacturer to see about a replacement, but I think they may have just said that to get my dad off their back. At this point, I don't really want another of their crappy windshields.

[GlasWeldTech]

I am with AGSS n this one. Stress cracks can come from any direction. CRINAMEX-Hecho (Made) in Mexico. The cheapest windshield out there!!!!! Most are NOT cut true. Example just like yours. Installed, doesn't fit well (to tight in your case) Cracked due to body movements.Our company does NOT install Crinamex. The new bodies Tahoes and 1500 series trucks have all got these now. Maybe Quality has changed some for GM to give them the contract as I am sure they were the lowest bidder. Just my 2 cents worth.

[Glasseye]

The weakest part of a laminated windscreen is the edge. If there is no impact point on the crack ( and this may only be the size of a pinhead) then there is a fault with either the glass or the handling and fitting of the windscreen and you are entitled to have the screen replaced. It may help to get a second opinion from another replacement company.

[Reneenae23]

Thanks for all the info! The glass shop caved, and changed their mind about replacing my windshield.. woohooo!

[GlasWeldTech]

Glad we were able to help you out.

[cazador]

Whenever anyone travels into Mexico and need a windshield replacement , according to my knowledge , they will install a NON LAMINATED windshield . Their law is not as stringed as here in the States and allows single glass windshiels being installed.
In the above case , are we talking about a ,, Mexican ,, windshield ??