The windshield repair industry sometimes gets a bad rap from consumers, as a result of the growing number of fly-by-night companies and “windshield bullies.” But the majority of companies are stand-up, honest companies that want to do the right thing. As part of this, it’s crucial that we always repair only the breaks that can and should be repaired—and that we do so thoroughly, too.
The Necessary Repairs
How do we know what types of damage can be repaired? Thankfully, a group of industry experts have created the Repair of Laminated Auto Glass Standard™ (ROLAGS) that tells us exactly what types of damage can and should be repaired.
According to ROLAGS, the following types and sizes of damage on laminated glass can be repaired:
- Bullseye: With a diameter no larger than one inch (25 mm);
- Combination break: Diameter of body (excluding legs) not to exceed 2 inches (50 mm);
- Crack: No longer than 14 inches (350 mm);
- Half-moon (partial bullseye): With a diameter no larger than 1 inch (25 mm);
- Star break: Diameter of the break not to exceed 3 inches (75 mm); and
- Surface pit: Damage with a diameter of not less than 1/8 inch (3 mm).
Additionally, ROLAGS notes that the following types of damage should NOT be repaired:
- Damage that penetrates both the inside and outside layer of a laminated glass;
- Damage with three or more long cracks emanating from a single impact point;
- Damage on the inside lite (layer) of laminated glass;
- Damage contaminated with visible impurities that cannot be removed through cleaning;
- Damage or discoloration to the plastic interlayer;
- Damage in an area of the windshield where value-added features may be negatively affected by the damage and/or the repair process;
- Repair technicians should consult and follow any vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations before performing a repair on any value-added feature (see 5.10);
- Damage with a pit size greater than 3/8 inch;
- Edge crack(s) that intersect more than one edge;
- Stress cracks;
- In the Driver’s Primary Viewing Area (DPVA) if the diameter of the damage is larger than one inch (25 mm), if the finished pit will be greater than 3/16 inch (5 mm), if the repair will be within 4 inches (100 mm) of another repair, or, if, in the technician’s judgment, the repair will affect the proper operation of the vehicle.
If you follow the ROLAGS Standard, it should be a cinch figuring out whether a break is repairable or not.
Doing Quality Repairs
Not only does ROLAGS tell us what types of windshield damage can be repaired, but it also tells us the necessary steps that technicians should take to ensure the best possible repair.
According to ROLAGS, technicians should:
- Inspect the damage from both inside and outside the glass to determine if the damage is repairable;
- Remove moisture, dirt, foreign matter, loose glass, and contamination from the damaged area;
- Cool or warm the glass accordingly if the temperature of the glass is outside the recommended range;
- Access the damage through probing or drilling;
- Protect the resin from premature curing;
- Remove the air from the break, either by vacuum or displacement, and fill the void with resin;
- Properly perform pit filling and resin curing;
- Finish the repair to be flush with the glass; and
- Inspect the finished repair.
By taking these steps you can be assured you are doing everything you can to ensure the best possible repair—which is great for your business, your customer and the industry at large.
The Right Repair Every Time
By assessing whether the damage that your company has been asked to repair prior to repair is repairable, and by ensuring that all of your repairs are of the utmost quality, you are helping all parties involved. Your customer ends up with a great repair from a company they can trust—and likely will share with friends or online reviews about their experience with your company. In turn, your company’s business will grow. And finally, it helps to advance the industry’s reputation.
Please visit www.rolags.com today to learn more about what the Standard says when it comes to what types of damage can be repaired and how best to do the job.
Troy Mason is president of the National Windshield Repair Association as well as CEO of Techna Glass Inc. in South Jordan, Utah.
