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Crystal Clear: A Blog About The Wonderful World Of Glass

I first fell in love with glass when I was ten years old. My mother took me to see a wonderful recital where the pianist was playing a glass piano. I was mesmerised by the way the piano shone and sparkled as it reflected the stage lights. I could never have imagined such a glamorous object. Ever since then, i have been fascinated by different types of glass. From stained glass panels to one-way mirrors, my eyes will always notice the glass fixtures in a room first. Recently, I ate at a restaurant in Japan where the entire floor was made of patterned glass. Needless to say, I was too excited to eat! This blog is for those who are looking for glass items and glass lovers like myself. I hope it gives you a peek into the wonderful world of glass and the options out there. Please tread carefully.

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Crystal Clear: A Blog About The Wonderful World Of Glass

Rookie's Guide to Windscreen Repair

by Ellen Jokinen

Aside from allowing for visibility, a windscreen is a weather barrier that protects vehicle occupants from outside elements. While performing these important functions, windscreen damage becomes almost unavoidable. It is important for all car owners to know about windscreen repairs as they will probably need to have them performed at some point. Here is a useful primer on windscreen repairs for novice car owners.

Why repair a damaged windscreen?

Windscreen damage can occur abruptly. At any time you are on the road, a stone or bird might hit a windscreen and leave behind small chips in the glass. These chips, if left unattended, can develop into large cracks. The presence of cracks is a sure, telltale sign that a windscreen needs immediate repair. Windscreens are primarily repaired so as to prevent the damage from spreading any further and calling for a windscreen replacement. After repair, a windscreen's structural strength and refractive qualities will be restored. What is more, a windscreen repair will save money and it will require less time to complete than a replacement.

Windscreen repair process

Before embarking on a windscreen repair, an auto glass specialist will inspect the glass to decide on whether or not a windscreen repair can be done or if the windscreen will need to be replaced. If the expert determines that the windscreen is repairable, they will begin the process of repair. During the process of a windscreen repair, glass chips and any debris are cleaned off from the break. Next, a vacuum is formed in the section where there is no glass. A bonding agent, usually a clear liquid resin, is used to fill the void, thus sealing the vinyl laminate. When the resin has cured, any unnecessary resin is removed from the surface of the windscreen.

Are windscreen repairs always possible?

A windscreen repair cannot help solve all sorts of damaged windscreen issues. Be it a chip or a crack, the success of repair will depend on the size, depth and position of the damage.

Tips for windscreen maintenance

Here are a couple of easy-to-follow tips that can help keep windscreens in top shape:

  • Regularly inspect your windscreen for any damage to ensure it is repaired before it is very late.
  • When driving on a newly tarmacked road, drive slower than the set speed limit to prevent small stones and other debris from striking your windscreen hard and causing damage.
  • Also, you should keep a safe distance away when driving behind a vehicle that is exposing your car to flying debris.  

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