May June 2009
ROLAGS – Update
-Rory Most-
The NWRA has posted in its April newsletter that the newly created ROLAGS standard may be changing.The NWRA/ NGA ROLAGS committee has spent over 3 years developing a standard by which the windshield repair industry could benefit and generate credibility.The standard outlines windshield terminology, damage types, repair limitations, repair procedures [processes to follow by the repair technician], performance requirements, chip and long crack repair, etc.The standard suggests that any chip repair has limitations based on the type of damage (meaning bullseye, combination, or star break); reference the ROLAGS standard for detail information on these parameters.One of these parameters references that long cracks can be repaired up to 14 inches in length.
As part of the ROLAGS board it was Glass Technology’s intention to bring forth guidelines that would create a standard to help the overall windshield repair industry develop uniformity and increase the awareness and the legitimacy of our industry.Our intentions were to help the windshield repair business thrive during a time of continued consolidation in an insurance controlled market.
Since the implementation of this standard my perceptions have changed regarding the legitimacy of the ROLAGS standard.I also have my doubts as to the future of the NWRA and the true motivations of the governing board.I am finding conflict with the reasoning behind the recent decision to separate the existing long crack repair from the existing ROLAGS standard limiting it to 6 inches instead of 14 inches.As Glass Technology is part of the existing board, we were 1 of 4 companies opposed to the proposition that voted against it.My first questions to this proposed amendment was why?Mr. Mike Boyle, president of the NWRA and also part of the ROLAGS board states the ultimate benefit for the change was based on “several conversations in the industry, which included independent operators, small and large shops, insurance contacts and auto manufacturers, I [Mr. Boyle] came to the conclusion that long crack language in ROLAGS was causing concern that could make ROLAGS irrelevant”.In support of our industry I am not sure what small group of individuals has so heavily influenced the NWRA’s opinion on this change.I know that the all independent windshield repair companies that I have personally spoken with are neither satisfied with the action of the NWRA and ROLAGS and nor is Glass Technology.When I look at this change, all I see it benefiting is the sole interest of the auto glass replacement industry.Furthermore, a proposed second standard was spoke of by Mr. Boyle, designating a separate ANSI standard for long crack repair.If the existing ROLAGS standard gets changed to remove 14 inch cracks to 6 inch cracks, I would be hard pressed to see any real initiative from the ROLAGS to develop another ANSI committee for this separate standard.Since the majority of the board is made up of organization that have major interests in the auto glass replacement industry. Even if it did take place, history tells use this process could take up to 3 years.In 3 years a lot can happen.
I strongly urge all companies that are members of the NWRA to express their thoughts regarding this potential change.Please email me or contact ROLAGS directly.We have spent a lot of time and effort in developing a standard for our industry and it shouldn’t be changed so quickly by the opinions that may not have your best interest in mind.
To Contact Glass Technology:
Rory Most
Glass Technology
434 Turner Drive
Durango CO, 81303
Phone (800)-441-4527
To Contact ROLAGS:
ROLAGS
2989 Coral Strip Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL 32563
Phone (850) 932-1405
Fax (850) 932-1145
Star
breaks and LV resin
Star
breaks can be some of the most challenging windshield fractures to repair. They
are often very delicate and difficult to completely fill with windshield repair
resin, especially in cold weather. For those who aren’t as familiar with what a
star break is, it’s a fracture in the windshield caused by the impact of a
small or pointed object causing several short cracks to burst outward from the
point of impact. They get their name from the fact they look very much like a
star. Though the damage from the initial impact is usually small, they are like
ticking time bombs that can explode or quickly spread due to temperature
changes of the glass or vibrations created while driving the vehicle; often
resulting in unrepairable damage to the windshield. The greater potential for
star breaks to spread or cause further damage is why it is so important to
repair them quickly and properly.
As
mentioned before, star breaks can be delicate. This means that it is important to
approach repairing them with a soft touch. Glass Technology’s bridge and
injector design allows you to do this quite well. Using a little extra suction
cup lube on the bridge suction cup, the bridge can be attached to the
windshield a short distance away from the fractured area and then slid into
proper position. This will avoid any unnecessary pressure or stress to the area
of the star break. The injector can then be lowered and adjusted to obtain a
light seal over the impact point in the glass. Over tightening the injector can
cause the short cracks of the star break to pinch closed restricting the flow
of resin, or worse, cause the cracks to further fracture in length and possibly
rupture through to the surface of the windshield. This would cause the repair to
then be approached as a long crack repair. The short cracks stemming outward
from the impact point of star breaks are usually very thin or narrow in nature
presenting a problem for repair resins which are too thick. Low viscosity resin
or LV is just the remedy for these types of fractures because it is designed to
travel easily through narrow channels. This means that LV resin can be quickly
dispersed to completely fill the voids in the glass, minimizing distortions that
reduce visibility and ultimately, provide maximum adhesion of the broken
fragments of glass.
So
next time you have a star break to repair, incorporate these tips and remember
to use Glass Technology’s LV resin for better results. Also try LV resin to
repair other types of windshield chips during cold weather conditions to keep
the repair process running smoothly.
Joe Frazee
Technical Advisor
Glass Technology
LIVE WEB FEED VIDEO: GLASS INDUSTRY TRAINING AND SUPPORT
Starting in June, Glass Technology will be offering free, customized live web video sessions for windshield repair, headlight restoration, and glass scratch removal training and technical advice. Glass Technology has been using pre-recorded internet video technology for demonstrative purposes in the windshield repair industry for years; however, it will now be more convenient, tailored, and useful for both existing customers and those considering entry into windshield repair to gain valuable knowledge through the use of this revolutionary service. These sessions will be scheduled at the customers’ convenience, and will be individualized to suit technicians with all experience levels. Rory Most, General Manager of Glass Technology quotes: “This transcends the standard by which training and technical support will be offered to Glass Technology clients and the glass restoration industry on an international and domestic level.” In this innovative effort to benefit the industry of glass repair, Glass Technology will provide advice and tips on unique situations to long-experienced technicians as well as introductory training to beginners in the field.
When asked about the benefits of live video sessions for use in the windshield repair and glass restoration industry, Glass Technology Sales Associate Adam Duthie stated: “In my previous careers in education, ranging from snowboard instruction in Telluride, CO to English language instruction in Korea, it became blatantly apparent that learners grasp ideas, techniques, and information much more quickly with multiple inputs. Interactive video instruction is an exciting technology, for it allows the learner not only to watch a pre-recorded lesson, but to also participate in that lesson while receiving visual and audible instruction catered to their specific questions and needs.”Another benefit of the live video session is that it allows learners whose first language is not English to gain a more comprehensive understanding of glass repair equipment and technology. It is Glass Technology’s hope that this will provide a unique, valuable service to glass professionals worldwide.
This program is being implemented as an add-on to Glass Technology’s current web-based phone, video, and chat services for customer and technical support communication services. Some of these newly available services in June will include: scheduled technical tip video casts, live one-on-one demonstrations, specific glass repair troubleshooting, structured training courses, as well as product showcases and announcements. Furthermore, this will open the possibilities for online factory certification with online written test and performance evaluations, as long as the technician has the ability to broadcast video feed to demonstrate their skills. The usefulness of this program will only be limited by the technology available to the prospective “student.”
Glass Technology has always given high priority to training with free hands-on instruction in Durango, CO. With the addition of live and personalized video broadcast technology, Glass Technology’s comprehensive glass industry training will continually grow to suit the ever-evolving needs of technicians across the globe. Perhaps the most beneficial aspect of these free services is that they will allow those in the glass industry that are unable to travel for classes, seminars, or hands on training to grow, develop, and hone their abilities—and therefore, their business.