A molding or moulding is a black rubber, plastic, pvc or vinyl gasket that wraps around the outside of your windshield and helps protect around the outside of the windshield glass and also hold the windshield in place.  A Molding can also be referred to as “Trim, Extruded Windshield Moldings,Windshield Trim, Weatherstrip or Windshield Weatherstripping”.

Universal Channel Moldings without Butyl

Universal Channel Moldings without Butyl

When replacing a windshield there is a noticeable gap between the replacement windshield and the body of the vehicle.  Most Moldings resistant to ozone, oxidants and severe weather conditions.  Moldings also channel water down the sides of the windshield to small drains on the sides of the firewall.

Windshield Channel Molding

Windshield Channel Molding

Moldings are applied to the glass prior to installation and when installed properly should lay flush against the vehicle.  Since many vehicles are designed with glass edges and pinchwelds being exposed there is a definite need to protect these areas.  Moldings should fit snug around the corners of the glass and will protect the exposed glass and pinchweld from outside elements like water, dirt and debris.  Some cheap moldings can crack, fade, shrink, discolor or crimp around corners causing air and water leaks or damage to your vehicle.

Universal Push-In Trim Moldings

Universal Push-In Trim Moldings

Moldings on certain vehicles can be removed and reinstalled however other vehicles will require a complete replacement molding no matter what because they can and will crack, rip or tear when trying to remove them.  Mercedes, BMW’s, Audi’s are some vehicle makes that require an OEM molding replacement when replacing the windshield on these vehicles.

Chrysler Mini Vans Windshield Push-In Molding

Chrysler Mini Vans Windshield Push-In Molding

Push-In Trim Moldings
Some vehicles like Chrysler Min Vans and Buick Riveras require a Push-In Molding

Aftermarket Moldings can sometimes also have pre applied Butyl applied to them to allow the molding to more effectively adhere to the windshield glass and stay affixed during the replacement process.  An experienced tech will utilize an Underside Molding Installation tool to perfectly align the molding with the glass ensuring a consistent distance from the outside edge.

Universal Underside Molding With Adhesive

Universal Underside Molding With Adhesive

Gold Glass Group manufacturers a wide variety of aftermarket moldings or also known as Universal Moldings.  Universal Moldings are substantially less costly then an OEM Replacement Molding and eliminate the need for auto glass installers to carry a large inventory of specialized moldings.  Some Universal Moldings will not fit properly therefore the only option is to opt for an OEM Molding which will likely be a lot more expensive.
Another Aftermarket Molding Manufacturer is C.R. Laurence

When replacing quarter panels and back glass there is sometimes tight radius corners underside foam moldings can be used.  These types of moldings have pre-applied adhesive that holds the molding in place.

Foam Underside Molding for Auto Glass Replacement

Foam Underside Molding for Auto Glass Replacement

Flexi Trim Universal Reveal Moldings
Universal Moldings equipped with Briteflex to ensure moldings won’t crack, fade, discolor, shrink while still maintaining flexibility.  FlexiTrim Universal Moldings incorporate an anti-noise technology that actually actually eliminates noise created by the windshield molding system.  Comprised of 100% virgin PVC meeting OEM specifications.

Stainless Steel Beaded Belt Moldings. These Moldings add extra flare to enhance the look and also provide cushion and protection for quiet and safe operation when closing the vehicles door.

CR Laurence CRL Underside Molding Installation Tool

CR Laurence CRL Underside Molding Installation Tool

When getting a quote for a replacement windshield you should make sure that the price being quoted includes the cost of a replacement molding.  Some companies will add that on after the replacement is done and surprise you with an additional fee for the replacement molding.  Some vehicles will have just a top molding, while other vehicles may have hard plastic side moldings.

Universal Channel Moldings without Butyl

Universal Channel Moldings without Butyl

Gold Glass Universal Chrome Trim Molding

Gold Glass Universal Chrome Trim Molding

Common Failures are:
Shrinking up the A-Pillars, Rolling in the Corners, Trim pulling away from the windshield causing a gap allowing water, air or dirt to penetrate the vehicle.