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Archives : windshield damage

No More Guessing about which Windshield Resin to use and Hoping for the Best

It’s a good thing that the windshield repair industry has become smarter over time by looking for improvements to their processes and products. The trial-and-error use of windshield resin offers a perfect example.

 

 

In the early days, all kinds of resins were used to fill cracks and damage without really knowing the science behind whether or not it would perform; whether it would discolor or withstand the normal flexing and temperature changes that windshields are exposed to.

Now thanks to research, GlasWeld technicians know the answers to these questions. Those who are using our windshield repair kits and resins can be confident that it will perform—and they know it will last because our resins have been designed to support the following principals:

 

 

1. Resins must be cured correctly: For resins to cure and harden, they need a specific UV wavelength specification and exposure duration.
2. Resins must offer a certain tensile strength: The right resin tensile strength is needed to restore the integrity of a windshield long-term. For instance, resins work by having both cohesive and adhesive strength. Cohesive strength gives resin the ability to hold together, whereas, adhesive strength ensures it adheres to the glass.
3. Resin must match the type of damage and color of windshield: Choosing resins from a viscosity and tint standpoint makes the difference between success and failure. Thicker viscosities work better for repairing a bull’s-eye and thinner viscosities are more conducive to smaller and tighter star breaks. While tinted resins are chosen based on types of damage and location.

Don’t repeat history. Learn from it by purchasing only GlasWeld resin for your windshield repair kit.

How to Survive the Cold Winter Weather in Your Windshield Repair Business

With winter on its way, colder weather is a fact of life for many of us. You may find yourself having difficulty with your windshield repair business. There seems to be less work available, your resin won’t flow as well, you’re noticing bubbles showing up in the Pit Filler, and your feet are cold. Here are some suggestions that might make this part of the year more bearable.

If most of your work is done outdoors, keep your windshield repair resin in a warm place (that includes Pit Filler). Air bubbles that have formed in the bottle can be eliminated easier if the resin is warmer. It is also a good idea to keep your windshield repair kit (including the ProVac) warm, as extreme cold can cause the seals to malfunction. Whenever possible, pre-warm the windshield to get the glass over 60° F. The vehicle’s heater is the best way to warm the glass but other types of heaters can be used as well. Just be careful not to heat the glass too quickly, too hot, or on too small an area as windshield damage is much more likely to spread under these circumstances.

Being miserable on the job will do more to ruin your day than anything else. You lose more body heat through your head than any other body part, so keeping your head covered and dry is most important in staying warm. And cold feet are just bad news. Wool socks in waterproof boots are best. Cotton socks hold perspiration and that means wet feet. Wool is also a good idea for trousers and shirts. Layering your clothes so you can peel some off in case it warms up can be helpful in maintaining your comfort, and it’s always a good idea to pack rain gear.

With dark, overcast skies, it may be more difficult to see the damage you’re working on. Sometimes a white piece of paper held against the inside of the windshield will give you a better view than the mirror. A flashlight is also helpful. Don’t forget to look at the break from all angles to make sure all areas are filled.

Why do we say business is slower in the winter? Is it really slower, or is it because we reduce our prospecting efforts? Sure, the day is shorter, leaving just enough time for our regular windshield repairs and leaving little or no time to search for new accounts, so why not try to get more business from your existing accounts. Maybe you can offer other services while you’re there. Stop to think about how many services can be performed on a vehicle and you might be surprised. Have you looked into glass scratch removal? How about glass treatment with Gshield glass coating? There are many things you can do while the ProVac is working. It’s conceivable that you could give yourself a big raise by doing just a little bit more for your customer. Contact GlasWeld for ideas on add-on services. If you add just a few dollars to each invoice, at the end of the day your extra earnings could be substantial. Business may be slower in the winter, so why not take advantage of it. Consider becoming a Certified Windshield Repair Technician or attend a business course at your local college. You’ll learn how to sharpen your selling techniques as well as your repair techniques.

Professions like windshield repair demand self discipline. Take charge of your time and turn that time into more money.