Corrosion or rust around windscreen edges is a common problem.
Some glass companies use it as a bit of a trap, allowing them to issue a nil warranty against the work should the customer decide not to fix.
Rust or corrosion around a windscreen edge (aperture) is a problem because modern cars have the windscreens glued to this very edge. Of course, like all adhesives the windscreen glue (urethane) is only as good as what it is stuck to. If rust is present on this surface, then the windscreen may not stick properly and cause leaks.
WINDSCREEN SAFETY:
A leaking windscreen sounds like a big problem, but the bigger worry is safety, and vehicle structural integrity.
Vehicles that have direct glazed windscreens (Glued to the edge) require the windscreen to be properly adhered to the body to ensure that the full manufacturers structural safety is achieved.
A direct glazed windscreen can contribute up to 40% of the roof structural integrity of the vehicle. That is a huge number, and a good reason to choose a decent windscreen repairer.
In a vehicle roll-over situation, a poorly installed windscreen simply won’t support the roof.
We use only certified adhesives, made especially for the automotive industry and safety is always our primary concern.
The Whistle-Blower – a little known Windscreen fact
It needs to be stressed the following is our opinion based on observation only, and in no way refers to ANY particular glass company….
If you look carefully at the pictures in the post, you’ll notice they all have something similar.
The rust has formed mainly in places where the windscreen has actually glued to the body, but other areas seem to be untouched.
The rust has formed so quickly that even the original paint colour has disappeared. The rust is bubbly, where as other areas still have original paint and remain smooth with out evidence of corrosion.
What causes this specific type of rust to form?
This last picture is a great example of rust in a highly specific area, and other paint surfaces are clean & tidy.
The answer to the question:
This type of rust is caused by poor prior windscreen installation, and does not happen in the factory.
When a windscreen is removed from a car, some of the adhesive (called urethane, which looks like rubber) is still attached to the body of the vehicle.
It is the removal process of this urethane that if not done correctly, can cause corrosion.
We’ve witnessed glaziers from other companies using all sorts of terrible processes to remove this stuff. The most common form is a scraper or chisel. Great for removing urethane, but they can also remove paint from the aperture.
Any scratches through the paint that are not painted or primed over quickly become surface rust.
Palmerston North Windscreens technicians understand how to do a job properly, and they DON’T cut corners.
We’ll give you the best possible workmanship and service on your next windscreen for the best possible price.
NEW ONLINE QUOTE SYSTEM – Click here to get a written quote emailed to you.
Windscreen Replacements & Rust – Whistle-blower!
Source: Palmerston North Windscreens