Why Did That Windshield Break!!!!
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desertstars
Hey, good one Brian.
You bet that working a repair on a shoddy replacement can make a difference as to whether that crack has a tendency to take off like a bat out of hell compared to a factory or proper replacement installation of a quality windshield.
70 to 80% of cracks occur from an impact within two inches of the edge of the windshield and there are a number of reasons for that.
Those two inches around the perimeter already have a manufacturing defect known as "residual stress" due to the annealing process itself. Add to that, the black frit area results in temperature variances that put tremendous internal stress on that frit area of the w/s.
Additionally, cheap windshields move through the forming process with less quality control resulting in increased imperfections and fractures although they might look the same through the naked eye.
Compound that already existing and intrinsic problem by a shoddy installation of a cheap windshield and it is a wonder that we can repair cracks on those in the first place.
The next time any crack but particularly an edge crack travels while you are working on it and you have done everything properly before attempting to repair, make a note of a few things.
Is it a factory installed w/s?
If not, is is a properly installed OEM?
If neither, and we use proper approach and repair procedures, none of us have anything to be ashamed of if the crack spreads.
In fact, we all deserve a pat on the back for even trying to save it in the first place.
You bet that working a repair on a shoddy replacement can make a difference as to whether that crack has a tendency to take off like a bat out of hell compared to a factory or proper replacement installation of a quality windshield.
70 to 80% of cracks occur from an impact within two inches of the edge of the windshield and there are a number of reasons for that.
Those two inches around the perimeter already have a manufacturing defect known as "residual stress" due to the annealing process itself. Add to that, the black frit area results in temperature variances that put tremendous internal stress on that frit area of the w/s.
Additionally, cheap windshields move through the forming process with less quality control resulting in increased imperfections and fractures although they might look the same through the naked eye.
Compound that already existing and intrinsic problem by a shoddy installation of a cheap windshield and it is a wonder that we can repair cracks on those in the first place.
The next time any crack but particularly an edge crack travels while you are working on it and you have done everything properly before attempting to repair, make a note of a few things.
Is it a factory installed w/s?
If not, is is a properly installed OEM?
If neither, and we use proper approach and repair procedures, none of us have anything to be ashamed of if the crack spreads.
In fact, we all deserve a pat on the back for even trying to save it in the first place.
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mepoozer
Hello- On the subject of a crack running, I got a call and the lady said it was running while she was driving to work and when I got there i just barely touched the windshield to see how hot it was being as it was in the sun and off and on cloudy. As soon as I touched it - it ran more. I got it stopped but it is an example of how wierd glass can be. I have done stained glass, seen replacements, repairs and have decided glass really does have a mind of it's own.....Just my input for what it's worth. Have a good day and happy repairing. Me
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glassdoctor
- Senior Member
- Posts: 733
- Joined: November 13th, 2003, 9:24 am
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