Windshield and Sealant Materials
Windshields are most often made of safety glass that will not easily crumble or fragment into loose pieces on impact--to protect the vehicle's occupants from further damage. Modern windshields are frequently made with two layers of curved glass on either side of a plastic laminate layer. The entire piece is then bound to the car using polyurethane. When windshields are repaired, they are filled (via drilling and injection) with a resin that mimics glass. The resin has an index of refraction that nearly matches that of glass; therefore, when light shines through the glass, the repaired area almost disappears. Most repairs do leave a small 'scar', however, and major cracks or damage that interferes with the driver's sight should be discussed with a professional. It may be necessary to replace the windshield in these cases.
Tool for removing windshield sealant
A hand held tool for removing excess urethane sealant from the outer edges of an automotive windshield to facilitate simple replacement of the windshield. The tool generally has a handle, an elongated member with a longitudinal bore partially extending there through, and a removable and replaceable blade. The cutting portion of the blade is substantially U-shaped in cross-section with the exposed edges tapered and sharpened. The shape of the blade and its sharpened edges facilitate the cutting and removal of a channel within the urethane sealant in order to allow placement of a strip of plastic moulding which retains the windshield in place.
TYPES OF WINDSHIELD SEALANTS
Windshield Glazing Polyurethane Sealant
This is a one - part room temperature curing polyurethane adhesive with good adhesion property. It reacts with moisture in the air to form a kind of elastomer with high strength, vibration, aging, low and Corrosive resistance properties.
Aircraft windshield and canopy sealants
It has a service temperature range from -65°F (-54°C) to 250°F (121°C), with intermittent excursions up to 275°F (135°C). This material is designed for fillet sealing of properly prepared glass, polycarbonate, acrylic and other aircraft sealing applications. This product is specifically formulated not to craze substrates. The cured sealant exhibits excellent resistance to UV and weather exposure.
1. Lube the window frame with soapy water, and have someone outside the vehicle press the new glass and seal up against the frame with the bits of rope hanging on the inside of the bus.
2. Inspect your work. Once the last of the rope is out and the window is in, make sure the seal is in place all the way around. Fix any areas that might have folded under with the putty knife by running it between the frame and the rubber.
3. Clean the glass and seal. Maybe even treat it with rubber preservative so you won't have to do this again too soon.
4. Buy your helper dinner. They earned it, and saved you a bunch of cash. A lot of glass places will charge upwards of $100 just for the labor (that's with you supplying the glass and seal).