Interior layer damage.

[splitpit]

Any of you guys ever repair damage that is on the inside of the windshield?

[Daveycrewcut]

Yes, on my wife's car. There was a big combination on the outside in the center about 2" from the bottom. I heard the rock hit & it even made me duck but I didn;t discover the break until I stopped for gas and cleaned the windshield. When I got home, I repaired the combination but discovered that it had cracked all the way to the bottom and then back up on the inside for about 3-4". Since it was clean and fresh, I put some thin resin on a curing tab and let capillary action do the job.

We should note that ROLAGS recommends that windshields damaged on the inside layer be replaced.

[sydfloyd44]

We recommend any inside damage be replaced.

NWRA recommends the same.

[maxryde]

I too have done repairs when both layers have been compromised via rock damage, it is a very gray area though, the theory is that structural integrity is compromised, I have to disagree. If that were true than repair of any damaged laminate would also compromise the shields integrity. We weld glass, and as with any weld the repair is stronger than the surrounding area. That being said we deal with laminated glass, being that it has multiple components is different than say a weld on steel etc...While ROLAGS has a viewpoint it also need said that while they are doing their best this industry is still in it's infancy in the big scope of things and that being said, there will be allot of revelation to come.

Oh, and Dave, your opinion hs appreciated here!!

[splitpit]

That being said....I have to disagree. When both layers of glass are damaged the structural integrity of the windhsield is much more compromised than when it is just outer layer damage. It is foolish to think it's not and in my opinion it's foolish to try to repair interior damage. If you are doing it on your own vehicle that is one thing but if you are doing it for a paying customer I think it's wrong. A steel weld bonds steel to steel with steel. A windshield repair is far from being an equal comparison. I also don't think you will see much "revaltion" in the future of windshield repair. Equipment, resins and tecniques can't improve much more than they already have so I don't see much change in the future. Windshield repair techs. have to use common sense when it comes to what type of damages they are willing to try to fix.

[SGT]

It is my position as well not to repair damage that has comprimised both laminates.I also do not repair damage that is only on the interior laminate which is inline with NWRA but thats not why. I do not want the struggle or hassel but do not see why single laminate interior damage, if repairable, could not be repaired.

As far as WSR technology not having much room to advance, I disagree and think that each and everyone of us could probablly think of one improvement to the system your using or a tool. I also would not be surprised if there will be a revolutionary process completely different that what we know being developed right now. Especially if windshields change from glass to another compound. Technology is always evolving.

[mrchip]

Brians right..... there is always room for improvement and new technology..even the simplest of changes can make our business better..as far as inside repair???how often does that come up ??1 in 2000 cars??its not worth the time to even think about it..

[splitpit]

I don't see it as an issue of whether interior damage could or could not be repaired. I'm sure that in some instances it could be.

I see it as an issue of whether or not is SHOULD be. In my opinion, it shouldn't be. My opinion is not based on NWRA standards.

I don't think you will see a revolutionary change in the windshield repair process on today's laminated glass windshields. I think it has already reached it's technological threshold.

And if the auto makers ever go to some type of unbreakable polycarbonate windshield, windshield repair will become a thing of the past!

[SGT]

I don't see it as an issue of whether interior damage could or could not be repaired. I'm sure that in some instances it could be.

I see it as an issue of whether or not is SHOULD be. In my opinion, it shouldn't be. My opinion is not based on NWRA standards.

I don't think you will see a revolutionary change in the windshield repair process on today's laminated glass windshields. I think it has already reached it's technological threshold.

And if the auto makers ever go to some type of unbreakable polycarbonate windshield, windshield repair will become a thing of the past!

That is the beauty of this forum. You are always entitled to your opinion. Right, Wrong, Indifferent or perhaps [FONT=Arial]Naive.[/FONT]

[maxryde]

That being said....I have to disagree. When both layers of glass are damaged the structural integrity of the windhsield is much more compromised than when it is just outer layer damage. It is foolish to think it's not and in my opinion it's foolish to try to repair interior damage. If you are doing it on your own vehicle that is one thing but if you are doing it for a paying customer I think it's wrong. A steel weld bonds steel to steel with steel. A windshield repair is far from being an equal comparison. I also don't think you will see much "revaltion" in the future of windshield repair. Equipment, resins and tecniques can't improve much more than they already have so I don't see much change in the future. Windshield repair techs. have to use common sense when it comes to what type of damages they are willing to try to fix.

I beg to differ with you split, in testing it has been found that a correctly applied repair is stronger than the surrounding glass which is very similar to a steel weld, actually a steel weld is more prone to failure close to the weld than the "glass repair". That being said (and tested) I did these repairs following suggesting replacement to my customer's. Customer #1 is an international carrier that has vertical glass only, so regardless where you place your bridge the repair is the same. The only issue is the force of a hit or other is applied from the outside normally. Customer #2 had a nasty star and is a friend who also has vertical glass on a package type van. I recommended replacement after I had begun repair only to find that I had done a poor job of sizing up the damage. When one leg didn't begin to fill I found the inner lami damage. I spoke to the customer about the replacement idea and he said he really wanted me to repair if possible. I went on to find that none of the damage was in line with any other so I figured it was a moot point as far as the "lack of structural integrity" was concerned.

Now I'll probably get allot of heat for this statement but the WSR field is less than 40 yeas in the making, soon WE will remove the binky from it's mouth!
Infancy is a very appropriate term here, the folks at the rolags committee are doing as they can, without a huge influx of monies and time they will continue to err on the side of conservancy, and rightly so. They, nor you, nor I, are the end all be all on this, or any other matter when it comes to the Windshield Repair Industry. I am certain that if Walt Gorman was present he would have a great smile at this discussion, I would bet he would abstain from comment until he or others had results on the table to share. I also believe he would be at the workbench doing his own testing at the time.
To say we have reached a pinnacle is far from what the real world teaches us, it compares with "the world is flat" in my opinion. While that was a very acceptable opinion to have in it's time, it was also very short sighted. I am not trying to pick a bone with you, but I think a broader prospective would be a benefit to you though. Thx for your time, and your repies, Scott