Windshields are designed to keep things inside your vehicle safe in the event of a collision. They do this by stopping debris from coming through and harming passengers, as well as by protecting drivers from being hit with shards of glass if their windshield is broken.
But what type of material should you get for your new windshield? You’ve got two options: laminated and tempered glass. Which one should you choose? Here are five differences between these materials that will help you decide which is best for your needs.
1) Laminated Glass vs. Tempered Glass
Many drivers are unaware of the difference between laminated and tempered glass. Laminated glass is a type of safety glass that is made up of two or more layers of glass with a plastic interlayer in between them. If the glass is broken, the interlayer will hold the pieces together, preventing them from shattering and causing injury.
Tempered glass, on the other hand, is a type of safety glass that has been treated with heat or chemicals to make it stronger than regular glass. If tempered glass is broken, it will shatter into small pieces that are less likely to cause injury.
2) Cost
Laminated windshields tend to be more expensive than tempered windshields, but this varies depending on the make and model of the car. Most automakers only offer tempered glass as an option for windshields, but there are plenty of auto repair shops that offer laminated glass as an option and keep the materials in stock.
3) Strength
Laminated glass is much stronger than tempered glass. Laminated windshields are nearly impossible to break, and even if they are, the pieces will not shatter. Tempered glass, on the other hand, is much more likely to break, and if it does, the shards will be sharp and could cause injury.
4) Safety
Laminated windshields are considered to be safer than tempered windshields. This is because tempered glass is more likely to shatter into sharp pieces when it breaks, while laminated glass will stay together in one piece. This makes laminated glass a safer option for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
5) Installation
Laminated windshields must be installed by a professional. Tempered windshields can be installed by a professional or a driver if they have an adequate level of experience. If you are considering installing your own windshield, tempered glass is the better option.
So, which type of windshield is right for you? Laminated glass is more expensive than tempered glass, but it is much stronger and safer. If you are looking for a safe and durable windshield, laminated glass is the way to go. However, tempered glass can also be a safe and affordable option if you are looking to save money on your auto glass repairs.
The Main Difference Between Repairs and Replacement
When it comes to repairs, there is not much difference between laminated and tempered glass. Both types of windshields can be repaired using the same methods and materials. However, there are some differences that you should be aware of before you have your windshield repaired.
Laminated glass is made up of two layers of glass with a plastic interlayer in between them. If the outer layer of glass is cracked or chipped, the damage will not spread to the inner layer. This means that laminated glass can be repaired using a method called “inject and patch,” where a special resin is injected into the crack or chip and then cured with UV light.
Tempered glass, on the other hand, cannot be repaired using this method. Once tempered glass is damaged, it must be replaced. This is because the process of tempering the glass makes it very fragile and susceptible to shattering.
When it comes to replacement, laminated glass and tempered glass can both be replaced by a professional. However, laminated glass is much more expensive than tempered glass. Laminated windshields are made to order and must be shipped from the manufacturer. Tempered windshields, on the other hand, are made in large batches and can be easily sourced from auto glass repair shops.
Be Sure to Schedule Prompt Repairs
If you are driving a car with a laminated windshield, it is important to schedule prompt repairs if the windshield is damaged. A small crack or chip in a laminated windshield can quickly turn into a large crack, making the windshield unsafe to drive. If your car has a tempered windshield, it is not as urgent to have the windshield repaired, but it is still important to have it fixed as soon as possible.
Hiring a Professional
Auto glass repairs should always be performed by a professional. This is because auto glass is very delicate and can be easily damaged if not handled properly. Attempting to repair or replace your own windshield can be dangerous and is not recommended.
If you need your windshield repaired or replaced, contact a professional auto glass repair shop. Most auto glass repair shops offer both laminated and tempered glass repairs. Be sure to ask about the different types of glass before you have your windshield repaired or replaced.
Important Questions to Ask Before Repairs
1. What type of glass do I have?
2. What is the difference between laminated and tempered glass?
3. How much will it cost to repair my windshield?
4. How long will the repairs take?
5. Should I hire a professional for auto glass repairs?
If you are unsure about any of these questions, be sure to ask a professional before having your windshield repaired or replaced. Doing so will ensure that you get the best possible results for your auto glass repairs.
Windshields are an important part of your car and should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible if they are damaged. Laminated windshields are more expensive but stronger and safer than tempered glass windshields. If you have a laminated windshield, it is important to schedule prompt repairs if the windshield is damaged.
Tempered glass can also be a safe and affordable option if you are looking to save money on your auto glass repairs. When it comes to replacement, both types of windshields can be replaced by a professional. However, laminated glass is much more expensive than tempered glass. Always hire a professional for auto glass repairs to ensure that the job is done properly.