That entirely depends on the technician installing the windshield. I can't say they are all good, but every windshield I have had done through Safelite has been excellent. No signs anything was ever done.

 

 

My windshield says soundscreen on the it. The first time they brought me a windshield it did not have that on it. I refused it and they came back with the correct windshield.

 

I had mine replaced by Safelite, they had two options, one with a blue glare strip at the top, the other had a green glare strip. Both had the SuperDuty printed on them. Great job, no leaks, looks just like the original

 

I wouldn't get a new one just because of a chip. I'm probably as bad as you or worse in that I hate seeing chips and cracks but I'm waiting until I get a few more before I change it out. The one crack behind my rear view mirror gets me every time I look at it. I'm staying strong!

 

Keep the OEM as long as possible! I say that with all the vehicles I've owned. Factory seal is the best.
My 2011 250s replacement was a nightmare. They broke the plastic trays below the wipers, screwed up the rubber pinch weld seal the one that is above the door seal, installed the outer windshield seal improperly so the headwind would get caught under it and got black sealant on the A-pillars. Oh and the drivers side a pillar now squeaks unless I shove a pen between it and the dash. Prior to all of this which was their second attempt at a repair they tried to reseal the factory plastic border on new glass. It was loose out of the box. Seems Ford has/did have a problem with it not adhering to the glass. That caused that lovely harmonic sound everyone here has heard about when the headwind gets under the seals. My 08 had the same problem so I already knew about that drill. They replaced everything they broke after two more attempts due to wrong parts ordered. GAH! What a nightmare. I'm sure I'm in the minority and was lucky enough to find a beginner tech 3x.
What was your question again..."should I keep the factory glass and live with the chip blem" Im goin with yes. Keep it until you absolutely have to replace it.

 

 

I've had my truck for 2 years now and I've seen and heard a few rocks bounce off the windshield. To my surprise no rock has chipped the factory glass. Aftermarket glass is not of the same quality. Be sure is says SUPER DUTY at the top, soundscreen on the lower drivers side and Carlite at the bottom center. In my opinion Carlite is the important part, they make quality glass.

I don't have an answer about the soundscreen, my theory is they add a special layer to the glass for sound dampening.

 

I have a small crack in the lower right. Safelite attempted to repair it but could not. I've been holding off replacement since the crack is so small.
I've heard ppl replacing glass and within a few weeks, another rock hits.

Auto insurance will only replace a few and then it's on you.

I called and wanted to get the OEM glass... Ford Super Duty OEM glass was quoted to me as $950.00 installed. STICKER SHOCK!!!

I haven't talk to insurance company (GEICO) yet concerning OEM replacement. Another place (Ford Dealer told me $600.00). Not sure why the discrepancy.

I really, only want the OEM glass but.... I've heard nightmare stories about after market glass.. Doesn't fit, holes, tint different color. They try to make one glass fits many...

After market glass have to meet US DOT code.. but the barely make it.. No sound insulation, no banner across the top, tint varies, thickness varies, etc etc..

 

I got quoted $285 for "factory glass" with the banner up top. INSTALLED.

Do they make aftermarket with the banner?

 

I bet they do.

Check out the dealer price for a factory windshield. $1000 windshield installed is way out of line.

https://parts.autonationfordwhitebea...wtdjgtZGllc2Vs

 

Holy hell. Almost $800 in "labor"?

 

That outrageous price came from Abra Auto Body Repair of America..

Nationwide Chain.

 

Soundscreen means it's acoustic glass for noise reduction.