The Best Way to Apply Windshield Glass Sealant
Do you have a leaky windshield? Silicone sealant can be a great quick fix for minor cracks around the edge of a windshield and gasket. Here’s how to apply windshield glass windshield glass sealant like a pro.
What is Windshield Glass Sealant?
On the automotive repair market, a couple of different brands have windshield and glass sealant products. Check the information on the packaging, but generally, they are all waterproof and designed to stand up to tough weather, vibrations, most chemicals and extreme temperatures.
These silicone gels are made to flow into places, like the space between the windshield and the gasket, that are difficult to reach in order to create a durable seal. Because the silicone is quite fluid, when it is applied at the top of a window, it runs down and into all of the little holes and cracks that might allow water to leak through.
After it has dried, the sealant is completely clear. If it was applied correctly, the sealant should be bonded to the glass and fill the cracks and crevices in the surface. In addition to windshields, this type of silicone sealant for car glass can also be used on side windows, sunroofs and RV windows.
Types of Problems Windshield Glass Sealant Can Address
Windshield Glass Sealant can be used to fix small cracks around a windshield that may cause it to leak.
Some car models have a larger gap between the frame of the car body and the windshield. Water can enter this gap and freeze; over time, this causes the gasket and adhesive inside to get brittle and crack. This is how leaks develop around the edge of the windshield.
Condensation on the glass or water inside the car during or after a trip to the carwash or particularly heavy rains are signs of a leaky windshield. Rust on older cars can also be a sign that water is able to enter between the car frame and the rubber seal around the windshield which helps keep the glass in place. If you have noticed these problems, windshield glass sealant may be the right solution.
How to Apply Windshield Glass Sealant
- First, if you aren’t sure where water is entering, you will want to identify the leak. Use a garden hose to go around the edge of the windshield and gasket, testing small areas and looking for signs of water.
- Then use a thick roll of masking tape or painter’s tape to protect the windshield and car’s paint as you work. Apply the tape around the edge of the glass and the car frame. Take your time on this step. Be careful to line up the tape precisely, covering the glass and frame, but not the gap or gasket.
- If there are any visible signs of corrosion or rust around the leak, you will want to treat that area. To temporarily fix the rust problem, it should be sanded and cleaned. Then a small area paint repair kit could be used to neutralize the rust and touch up the paint. Follow the instructions and apply as many coats of rust spray and paint as necessary. This should be followed by the application of a clear coat and allowed to dry overnight. Remember that this type of DIY car painting is not recommended if you’re seeking a long-term solution or concerned about maintaining the value of your vehicle. In this case, you should always trust an auto body specialist.
- Cut the tip of the windshield and glass sealant tube at an angle to allow only a small flow of silicone gel.
- Insert the now open tip into the gap where the windshield has been leaking. Gently squeeze the tube and apply enough sealant to fill the gap until the gel is level with the windshield glass and frame. Make a smooth line that covers the entire problem area.
- Use your finger to run along the gap and smooth out the gel that you have applied. The gel will continue to flow into the crack as it settles and dries.
- Allow the windshield glass sealant to dry for 10-15 minutes. Then, remove the tape from around the glass and windshield frame. It’s important to pull all of the tape off before the silicone dries completely.
- Clean off any windshield glass sealant from the car using rubbing alcohol and a clean rag. If some excess has dried on the windshield glass, it can be carefully scraped away using a razor blade.
- It’s best to let the sealant dry overnight before exposing it to rainy or hot weather conditions.
Professional Car Glass Repair
The best long-term solution for this type of leak is to work with trusted auto body and car glass repair specialists to address the underlying issue that is allowing water to enter the car. Any type of DIY repair is a temporary solution and may result in reduced visibility through the windshield. Plus, home repair kits are not guaranteed to stop a chip or crack from spreading or getting worse over time.
We think do-it-yourself projects are great, but sometimes you need a professional to get the job done right. The car glass experts at Anthony Volk would be happy to take a look at your leaking windshield and recommend the best course of action to repair it.
Anthony Volk provides a lifetime guarantee on all repair work and windshield replacement. Call Anthony Volk Glass at (610) 436-9727 or fill out our online quote request.
Tags: auto glass, auto glass care, auto glass cracks, classic car auto glass, windshield care, windshield damage, windshield maintenance, windshield repairs
