The Importance of Having Your Windshield Installed by NGA Certified Technicians at a Reputable Windshield Replacement Shop

Windshield installation is a complicated job that requires skill and training in the proper use and handling of primers, adhesives and the windshield itself. The vehicle itself must be properly prepared before installation as well.

The safety of you and your passengers depends on the use of proper windshield replacement materials and procedures. To assure you receive a proper and safe windshield replacement, we recommend you verify the following in writing with your windshield replacement supplier before authorizing them to replace your windshield. Failure to properly carry out any of these steps could result in an improper and unsafe installation!

1. The individual(s) (two are preferred) carrying out the installation is certified by an industry organization such as the National Glass Association. Certification should be in the name of the installer(s), not the shop for which they work.

2. The glass that will be installed on your vehicle meets or exceeds the specifications established by your vehicle's manufacturer -- thus allowing you to retain your warranty, and maintain the structural integrity of your vehicle. 

3. The urethane adhesive that will be used to bond your new windshield to your vehicle's frame meets or exceeds the specifications established by your vehicle's manufacturer and is specifically designed and labeled for windshield replacements under the environmental (i.e. temperature) conditions in which your windshield will be replaced -- thus allowing you to retain your warranty, and maintain the structural integrity of your vehicle.  Important note: Make sure they tell you the recommended "Safe Drive Away Time" (i.e. how long you'll need to wait before the windshield is securely bonded to the vehicle and it's safe to operate) for the urethane adhesive used and show you how they arrived at this time. Depending on the temperature and type of urethane adhesive used, cure times can range from 1 (for 2-part urethanes) to 24 hours (for 1-part urethanes). DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE BEFORE THIS PERIOD OF TIME HAS ELAPSED!

4. The procedures that will be used to install your new windshield are approved by your vehicle's manufacturer -- thus allowing you to retain your warranty, and maintain the structural integrity of your vehicle. 

5. The lower windshield cowl panel will be removed to assure an appropriate amount of adhesive will be used to safely bond the lower portion of the windshield to the frame of the vehicle.

6. As the urethane used to adhere the original windshield is removed, no more than 1/16" of this material will be left behind.

7. Prior to installation, appropriate primers specifically designed and labeled for windshield replacements will be used to prepare both the new windshield and vehicle frame -- thereby allowing for a strong, long lasting, bond between the new windshield, the urethane adhesive and the vehicle's frame.

8. All moldings damaged during the installation process will be replaced.

9. Along with the paperwork you receive, ask for documentation that includes:
   • Date of installation
   • Name(s) of the individuals who installed your windshields and a copy of their certification status
   • The source of the glass
   • Lot numbers of the urethane and primers used.
   • Air temperature during installation and storage prior to the "Safe Drive Away Time" elapsing
   • Safe Drive Away Time
   • Sign-off by the certified installation technician(s) that the installation was done properly and successfully.

For more information, read the compelling articles published by ABC News, Fox News, The Detroit News, and the Canadian Broadcasting Co.

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