Laminated glass, a discovery developed by a polymathic French scientist named Edouard Benedictus, became a remarkable innovation in the world of automotive safety. But why is it that laminated glass has become the standard material for windshields in modern vehicles out of all glass types? For us to answer that question, we will explore further the reasons behind the benefits of laminated glass for windshields.
Exploring the Importance of Laminated Glass in Windshields
To understand why laminated glass is extensively used for windshields, it’s best to know how this glass is made. Laminated glass consists of bonding two or more layers of glass together using an interlayer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or a similar material. This construction prevents the glass from shattering into sharp, dangerous pieces upon impact. This is the reason why, in the event of a collision, the glass may crack, but it remains largely intact due to the interlayer, significantly reducing the risk of injuries from glass fragments. Because of this design, the overall structure of the glass is maintained no matter how much damage it sustains from an accident such as, let’s say, a car rollover. This is one of the main reasons why a windshield must be manufactured out of laminated glass, as it plays a significant role in supporting the vehicle’s roof during a rollover accident and protecting the occupants inside.
Enhancing Safety with Benefits: Laminated Glass for Windshields
Laminated Glass is a Shielding Serenity
Windshield safety with laminated glass is more than just about durability; it must also come with benefits that keep the passengers safe and give attention to the occupants’ well-being. Its excellent sound insulation is one quality that improves the driving experience. This is because of the PVB interlayer, which dampens sound vibrations, reducing external noise, which then results in a quieter and more peaceful environment inside the car. This feature proves beneficial for passengers, as noise pollution from busy streets while driving can have adverse effects on health, including stress-induced diseases, high blood pressure, hearing difficulties, sleep disruption, and reduced productivity.
A Glass that Defies the Sun
Another characteristic of laminated glass that maintains the well-being of the passengers is its ability to shield them against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays which is made possible by the interlayer (polyvinyl butyral film). This is vital since sun exposure during prolonged drives is risky in a way that it could cause the skin to develop more wrinkles or worse, cause skin cancer.
Redefines Optical Excellence on the Road
Moving on, and this is an obvious one, is the laminated glass’s improved optical clarity. With the extraordinarily clear and unobstructed view that it provides to the drivers, it enables safer travel no matter what the weather condition is, which was made possible by the PVB interlayer film. The said film also minimizes distortions and reflections on the road, also known as highway mirage, which is an optical phenomenon that naturally occurs while driving, a phenomenon brought about by light’s bending as it travels through various air densities.
Breaking the Norm, Not the Glass
Moreover, its shatter-resistant nature is one of the main benefits of laminated glass for windshields that this glass is mostly known for, which is not only meant for safety alone as it also adds a layer of security, making it harder for thieves to gain access to the vehicle by breaking the windshield, and discourages theft while improving the safety of the occupants or when their belongings are left inside.
With all the things that are mentioned, it is clear that laminated glass isn’t merely a glass used as a windshield—it’s a promise of safety, a safeguard for health, and an innovation of clarity. From the beginning of its discovery by French scientist, Edouard Benedictus, to its implementation in the field of automotive, echoes a commitment to evolving and prioritizing the safety and well-being of those on the road.
So, if your windshield has cracks and chips, remember that windshield safety is to elevate your driving experience with newly replaced laminated glass! Choose Comglasco Aguila Glass, where safety and clarity meet flawlessly. Explore their range of laminated windshields designed to redefine your journeys on the road. For inquiries, contact Comglasco for more details, or check out their official website to learn more about their services and products. With 49 branches nationwide and plans for further development in the future, there’s no doubt a Comglasco shop is ready to provide a windshield replacement near you.