Laminated Window Glass (fact, opinion and lore)

[BButturff]

I searched for an answer but didn't really find one in any of the prior discussions about window glass. First, I do know and understand the difference and benefits between tempered and laminated window glass including the price difference.


My question is about laminated window glass longevity. I've been told that environmental factors (sunlight, heat, cold etc.) can affect the life span. But, all things considered, about how long does it generally take before it begins to de-laminate?


As always, your input is much appreciated.


Bruce

 

[ronn]

truly does depend on the environment. temps and is the vehicle garaged, heated etc.


that is a tough guess.

 

[Sunny the Model A]

i just replaced a broken side window in my truck [i did the booboo] the broken window that came out has been the truck for at least 20 years and is laminated, and I 've seen laminated glass last over 70 years in ideal circumstances with no hazing. In short, as long as you don't break it or leave it in the sun all day for a decade, it should last you the rest of your life.

 

[gdmn852]

Hello, I can’t exactly answer your question, but the earlier safety glass,prewar and early post war did delaminate . I recall in late 1960,s a 1938 Chevrolet and a 37 Studebaker were waiting to be scrapped due to glass being all milky and could not pass Pennsylvania inspection. There were charts showing the amount of delaminated glass that could be passed .

 

[oldspert]

I bought my first Model A (A 29 coupe) in 1959. Both side windows had de-lamination around the bottom where the glass was imbedded in the carrier. The car was only 30 years old at that time. Not enough to be unsafe but easy to see.
ed

 

[BButturff]

Hello, I can’t exactly answer your question, but the earlier safety glass,prewar and early post war did delaminate . I recall in late 1960,s a 1938 Chevrolet and a 37 Studebaker were waiting to be scrapped due to glass being all milky and could not pass Pennsylvania inspection. There were charts showing the amount of delaminated glass that could be passed .

That's interesting. What prompted my question is my Model A has a 15-year old (approximate) restoration that included new laminated glass all around. The driver's door window has started to de-laminate so I talked to a glass supplier who told me, yes, the laminated glass he was trying to sell me would de-laminate eventually. But he couldn't (or wouldn't) give me a guess as to approximately how long that would take. The cost of the one piece of clear laminated glass was $77.50 USD delivered. Another glass supplier quoted me $92.50 USD delivered for clear tempered glass. It seems to me that for only $15 more the tempered glass is the way to go.

 

[Sunny the Model A]

one thing to be careful of is tempered glass explodes unlike laminated glass. the laminated plastic prevents the glass shards from flying into your face like a shotgun blast. Tempered glass however, is essentially like hardened steel, it is stronger than normal glass yes, but tempered has the flaw of exploding into fragments when broken.