The Horizon Safety Standard: Materials, Technology & Your Protection
At Horizon Autoglass, LLC, we believe that an autoglass service is not just a cosmetic fix—it’s a critical safety procedure. The glass in your vehicle is an engineered safety component, and the quality of your Windshield Replacement or Autoglass Repair has a direct impact on your protection in an accident. That is why Daniel Sherrell established the “Horizon Safety Standard,” a rigorous commitment to using only the best materials, employing the most advanced technology, and adhering to the strictest installation protocols in the industry.
When you choose us, you are choosing a company that puts your family’s safety above all else. We want you to drive away with the absolute confidence that your new glass will perform exactly as the manufacturer intended.
The Glass We Use: Understanding OEM and OEE Quality
The single most important material in any Autoglass Replacement is the glass itself. Not all glass is created equal, and the difference can affect everything from fit and finish to safety performance.
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Glass: This is the highest grade available. It is produced by the same company that manufactured the original glass for your vehicle’s brand (e.g., Ford, Toyota, Honda). It is identical in every way—thickness, color, durability, shape, and size—to the glass installed at the factory.
- OEE (Original Equipment Equivalent) Glass: Also known as OE-quality, this glass is produced by a different manufacturer but is made to meet the exact same specifications and quality standards as OEM glass.
At Horizon Autoglass, we are committed to using only OEM or high-quality OEE glass. We avoid cheap, low-quality aftermarket glass that can have imperfections like optical distortions, improper sizing that leads to wind noise and leaks, and incorrectly placed brackets for ADAS cameras. Our commitment to quality glass ensures a perfect fit, superior clarity, and the structural integrity your vehicle requires.
The Unseen Protector: The Science of Urethane Adhesives
The adhesive that holds your windshield in place is the unsung hero of vehicle safety. This powerful urethane bond is what integrates the windshield into your car’s frame, allowing it to provide critical roof support in a rollover and act as a backstop for airbag deployment.
The Horizon Safety Standard dictates that we use only premium, fast-curing urethane adhesives that meet or exceed all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). We also educate our customers on the crucial concept of Safe Drive-Away Time (SDAT). This is the minimum amount of time required after installation for the adhesive to cure enough to safely withstand the forces of a collision. Our technicians will give you a specific, conservative SDAT, ensuring the bond is 100% ready before you get back on the road.
The Human Element: The Craft of a Certified Technician
The best materials in the world are only as good as the technician installing them. Our team is comprised of trained, certified professionals who understand that precision is paramount. We master the steps that amateurs often skip:
- Meticulous Pinch Weld Preparation: After removing the old windshield, we don’t just apply new glue over old. We painstakingly remove all but a small, thin layer of the original urethane, then clean and apply a special metal primer to the vehicle’s frame. This step is essential to create a permanent, rust-free bond.
- Contamination-Free Installation: Our technicians always wear nitrile gloves during installation. This prevents oils from their hands from contaminating the bonding surfaces of the glass or the frame, which could compromise the adhesive’s strength.
- Advanced Tools and Techniques: We use industry-approved tools designed to remove the old windshield without scratching your vehicle’s paint or damaging the dashboard, protecting the value and appearance of your car.
Commitment to Modern Safety: ADAS Recalibration
Our dedication to safety extends to the most modern vehicles. If your car is equipped with Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), a Windshield Replacement necessitates a recalibration of the forward-facing camera. The Horizon Safety Standard means we will not complete a job without ensuring this critical safety step is addressed. We perform precise ADAS recalibrations to ensure your life-saving features like lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking function exactly as they were designed.
When you need an autoglass service, don’t compromise on safety. Choose the Horizon Safety Standard for a job done right, every time.