How do you handle mobile auto glass jobs in the rain?

Hey folks! This is Patrick from Chip Happens Auto Glass.

Welcome to another Q&A session where I answer questions from y'all on the internet.

Today's question is:

"How do you handle mobile auto glass jobs in the rain?"

Summary:

Patrick explains that handling mobile jobs in the rain depends entirely on the type of work. For chip repairs, his team can keep the small work area dry with towels, so rain isn't a major obstacle. For replacements involving glued-in glass like windshields, however, a dry environment is essential. Humidity can cause the adhesive to cure prematurely, leading to a poor seal that causes leaks or, in the worst case, glass that isn't properly bonded and could fall out. On wet days, he prefers a dry space or a shop, and will reschedule for better weather if needed. Door glass is different, since it's a bolt-in part where weather matters mainly for installer comfort, though the vehicle interior will be exposed while the glass is out.

Answer:

It depends on the job. If it's a chip repair, we can typically keep that space dry while we work on it using towels or whatnot, so rain isn't a dealbreaker. But for an autoglass replacement -- a windshield or any glued-in piece -- you definitely want a dry atmosphere. The humidity in the air can cause the glue to cure over prematurely, and that can lead to a non-seal, which causes leaks or other issues. Worst case, the glass could fall out if it's not bonded correctly. So on rainy days, it's always best to seek out a dry space or bring the vehicle into a shop, and otherwise we'll reschedule for a sunnier day. Now, if it's a door glass, where it's just a bolt-in part, the weather doesn't have as much to do with it -- it's more about comfort for the installer. Your vehicle will get rained on regardless, since there's an open hole there while we take the old part out and put the new glass in.