Glass throughout the typical auto or small truck varies from area to area. Take the windshield for instance. It is usually made of laminated glass. This is two sheets of glass with a synthetic transparent interlayer between two glass layers. This prevents shattering. In fact, armored vehicles tend to use this glass throughout all glass panels. Laminated glass has the following characteristics.
• Good sound insulation
• High safety performance
• Ultraviolet radiation prevention
• Water pressure resistance.

Tempered & Other Glass to Prevent Shattering

The synthetic plastic that holds laminates together is there to prevent shattering. The interlayer is typically polyvinyl butyral or PVB or ethylene-vinyl acetate or EVA. Because the interlayer laminate glass tends to be more quiet than monolithic glasses. It is this interlayer of PVB or EVA the blocks most of the UV rays. Bullet resistant glass is made up of multiple layers of polycarbonate, thermoplastic, thermoset EVA and layers of laminated glass. Tempered glass is used on the side and year windows. It is designed to break in chunks eliminating small glass slivers that can affect vision or cut the body. Tempered glass puts the outer surfaces in compression and the interior into tension. Such stresses cause the glass when broken, to crumble into small granular chunks instead of splintering into jagged shards. Granular chunks are less likely to cause injury. Tempered glass is physically and thermally stronger than normal glass. The stresses in tempered glass are the order of 100 megapascals, that translated in about 15,000 psi. The downside of tempered glass is that it must be cut to size be tempering.

Windshield Tint

Ever notice the tint of the windshield in the top 6 inches or so of the windshield. This tint is designed to reduce glare from the sun. It also offers UV protection. Ultraviolet light can cause eye problems, the tint helps filter UV to the interior of the vehicle. The laminated glass of the windshield will block up to 95% of damaging UV light providing the same protect for 50+ SPF sunscreen. Glass ranges from a little of an 1/8th of an inch to a bit over 3/16th of an inch thick side and rear windows. Windshields are a bit less than a ¼ of an inch. What’s so dangerous about UV light? It can damage skin, the eyelid, cornea, lens and other parts of the eye. UV exposure contributed to certain kinds of cataracts, growths on the eye and possible macular degeneration. Between your windshield and glasses, you should have near 100% protection.

Windshield Repair, Replacement & More in Arlington, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Flower Mound & Greater Fort Worth, Texas

Auto glass is a marvel of contemporary engineering. But there is more. Auto glass can be repaired. Acrylics or other clear polymers that match the glass for its refraction index can be used to repair nicks like those caused by gravel chipping the windshield. This will save the cost of replacement. Most auto glass services will respond to your location to replace a windshield or other glass. Mobile repair and replacement of auto glass is becoming the standard for many who do this kind of work. Precision Mobile Auto Glass not only specializes in windshield repair and replacement, for your convenience; we come to you. Call us today!