Adhesive: The chemical bonding agent used in windshield and other auto glass installation. Normally this refers to a polyurethane substance that cures over time and will meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for windshield retention at varying times and atmospheric conditions.
AGRSS: This is the registered logo for the Automotive Glass Replacement Safet Standards Council, Inc. This is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the safe replacement of auto glass. It is an accredited American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-standards development organization and has developed the only auto glass replacement standard in North America.
Back Glass: The glass in a vehicle that stretches across the back of the body of the car from the driver’s side to the passenger’s side.
Bent Glass: Glass that is shaped in a curved fashion. This is used in china cabinets, curios, and other decorative cabinets.
Beveled Glass: Glass that has been created with a specific type of polished or shaped edge work. Used in tabletops, desktops, shelving, and custom built furniture.
Closers: The mechanism that is attached to the door and the door jam to automatically close an entrance door.
Dealer Items: Items that are purchased through an automobile dealership. These products will usually have the manufacturers name on the part.
Door Glass: This term usually describes the glass that is positioned in a vehicle door whether it is in the front door or a rear door.
Door Jamb: The metal or wood frame that an entrance door swings.
(Safe) Drive Away Time: The amount of time that is necessary for the adhesive system to attain minimum drive-away strength after an adhesive bonded glass part is installed in a vehicle to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Encapsulated Parts: Glass parts that have been bonded with moldings or other glass parts.
Glazier: An individual who installs commercial or residential glass.
Glazing: The process and techniques of installing residential and commercial glass.
High Performance Glass: A color-coated glass that is used in commercial glazing applications.
Insulated Glass (thermal panes): Two pieces of glass that have been sealed together with a vacuum created in the center for insulation purposes. This glass rejects heat and doesn’t affect the viewing quality of the window.
Lexan: Brand name of a polycarbonate sheet that is clear and high impact resistant. It comes with a 3-year warranty against breakage. It is used in commercial and residential glazing for its safety, security, and energy savings.
Laminated Glass: A safety glass that is made by taking two pieces of glass and sandwiching a piece of vinyl between the two layers.
Low E Glass: Glass that is treated with an energy-efficient coating to block the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.
NGA: The registered logo for the National Glass Association, which is the largest glass trade association representing the architectural and automotive glass industry. With nearly 5,000 member companies, this association provides education and training for certification in auto glass replacement, auto glass repair, and glass installation.
Obsolete Glass: Automotive glass that is no longer manufactured by the usual methods.
OEM: The initials that describe Original Equipment Manufacturer products. This is glass that is used on vehicles from the factory. The Aftermarket OEM glass meets the same engineering specifications as the original glass.
Plexiglass: Brand name for plastic sheets of various thickness used in residential and commercial glazing. It can be molded and is used in a variety of ways from display cases to windowpane installation.
Quarter Glass: This is the glass that sits to the rear of the rear door glass on some vehicles.
Spandrel Glass: Brand name of glass that is made by printing inorganic coloring ink on float glass and by heating to fuse the coloring into the glass surface.
Threshold: The metal plate that a door centers over when the door is closed. It helps seal the entrance against water and air infiltration.
Vehicle Make: This refers to the manufacturer of the vehicle, such as Ford, Chevrolet, or Dodge.
Vehicle Model: This refers to the type of vehicle such as Mustang, Sebring or Camry.
Vehicle Style: This refers to the vehicle’s body design such as 2-door, 4-door, convertible, or SUV.
Vintage Automotive Glass: See Obsolete Glass.
Windshield: The glass in a vehicle that stretches across front of the body of the car from the driver’s side to the passenger’s side.
Windshield Repair: A process that can be used to repair a rock chip in a windshield. It is not a complete fix because it will usually leave a slight infraction in the glass. However, it does keep the break from spreading from that impact point.