You might think that all glass is the same, but that’s not true. There are different types of glass for different purposes, and windscreen glass is specially designed to protect you and your passengers from harm.

Windscreen glass is typically made of laminated glass. This means that it has two layers of glass with a thin layer of plastic sandwiched in between. This plastic layer is called polyvinyl butyral or PVB for short. This layer strengthens the glass preventing it from shattering into sharp pieces. Instead of shattering it’s designed to crack into a spider web pattern and stay in place. The PVB layer acts as an adhesive and a cushion, absorbing the impact of a collision or a flying object. The glass sheets are heated and pressed together in an autoclave, creating a strong and durable bond. The thickness and number of layers of laminate windscreen glass can vary depending on the application and the desired level of safety.

Laminated glass is used for windscreens because it can withstand impacts without breaking apart. Of course the obvious is it that it protects us from wind, rain, dust, and insects, but also UV rays as well, and it also helps reduce car and road noise.

The advantages laminated glass offers over other type of glass include:

• more resistant to cracking, chipping, or penetration, which means it can withstand higher levels of stress and impact.
• it maintains its integrity even after breaking, keeping the windshield intact and providing visibility for the driver.
• can be repaired more easily than other types of glass, as small cracks or chips can be filled with resin without affecting the optical quality of the glass.
• offers better protection from UV rays, noise, and temperature changes

Side windows and rear windows on the other hand are typically made from tempered glass. This type of glass is heated and cooled rapidly making it very hard and resistant to thermal stress. Tempered glass is also stronger than regular glass, but when it breaks, it shatters into small, rounded pieces that are less likely to cause injury.

Tempered glass is used for the other windows because it can be easily opened or closed without affecting the structure of the glass and heaven forbid, it also allows you to escape from your car in case of an emergency by breaking the glass.

So, the next time you cruise down the road, remember the silent hero guarding your journey. And if your windshield ever needs a helping hand, Fast Autoglass is just a call away! Our team of windshield wizards are ready to restore your car’s safety shield and keep you rolling with confidence.

Don’t wait for cracks to appear! Contact Fast Autoglass today and experience the magic of windshield wonder.