{"id":3791,"date":"2018-12-18T20:56:17","date_gmt":"2018-12-19T01:56:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/info.glass.com\/?p=3791"},"modified":"2024-04-03T21:22:14","modified_gmt":"2024-04-04T01:22:14","slug":"shattered-sunroofs-shed-light-on-types-of-glass","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.glass.com\/info\/shattered-sunroofs-shed-light-on-types-of-glass\/","title":{"rendered":"Shattered Sunroofs Shed Light on Different Types of Glass Used"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many vehicle owners enjoy driving in a newly purchased vehicle. There\u2019s something exciting about driving something new that\u2019s now yours \u2013 a feeling that some might say wears off too soon. But what happens when you\u2019re diving and you\u2019re suddenly covered in glass from your sunroof? That\u2019s been an unfortunate reality for a small number of vehicle owners who had sunroofs that randomly exploded.<\/p>\n

Before we get into the possibility of sunroofs exploding, it\u2019s important to first understand what they are, how they work, and what options are available to you.<\/p>\n

The Sunroof\u2019s Start<\/strong><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s fair to say that most people know what a sunroof<\/a> is, but do most people know its history. The first time vehicles offered sunroofs as an option was in 1937, thanks to Nash Motor Company. Consumers started to see the retractable roof panel\u2019s main benefits, which include an increased amount of sunlight and airflow inside of a vehicle. Throughout the years following not much has changed with the concept sunroofs until recently.<\/p>\n

In today\u2019s car models you\u2019ll see another option for vehicle light and airflow \u2013 the panoramic roof. This type of roof is sleeker than standard sunroofs that tilt open or slightly slide back, this is partly because the roof isn\u2019t clear, it\u2019s tinted and it has a black finish. Another upside to having this type of vehicle roof is the ease of cooling down in your vehicle. The panoramic sunroof feature allows a larger opening for sunlight and air, which makes your vehicle go from summer heat to summer breeze in just a few button taps or pushes in a vehicle\u2019s<\/a> settings.<\/p>\n

Glass options have come into question after car makers noticed an upward trend in the panoramic roof. Today there are two main options for the glass located in the standard sunroof, laminated and tempered.<\/p>\n

Sunroof Glass Options <\/strong><\/h2>\n

When it comes to sunroof glass, FMVSS No. 205, specifies performance requirements and test procedures for glazing installed in motor vehicles. The standard specifies performance tests that every vehicle must pass. There are two primary options and car manufacturers have their pick between them.<\/p>\n

First, let\u2019s go over using tempered auto glass<\/a>. Tempered glass is not the same as a typical standard glass, this is due to how the glass is made. Tempered glass is made when glass is heated and then cooled quickly. This process allows the glass to have a different structural integrity. What this means for you \u2013 it\u2019s stronger than regular annealed glass.<\/p>\n

If a standard piece of glass breaks its broken pieces are typically large and uneven, but when tempered glass breaks, it shatters into very small even pieces. Why is this important in vehicles? Using tempered glass makes any breaks safer for the person inside of the vehicle. Tempered glass is also typically used on vehicle\u2019s side and rear windows.<\/p>\n

Now let\u2019s go over using laminated auto glass. Many car manufacturers switched to using laminated glass for its sunroofs after several cases involving sunroof spontaneous breakage<\/a>. Laminated glass differs from tempered glass because there is a layer of clear plastic located inside of two thin layers of glass. By using this method breaks can form without completely shattering. Laminated glass isn\u2019t new, as it is also used in vehicle windshields.<\/p>\n

Tempered Sunroofs Seem Tempting<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re thinking you\u2019d want a vehicle that has a panoramic sunroof<\/a> with tempered glass, here are a few companies to keep on your radar:<\/p>\n