More than just car windshields, they can make the rain go away!

Glass Services has been handling customers in northwest Louisiana’s glass needs since 2002. The company offers auto, residential and commercial glass services. Services offered include windshield repair and replacement, door glass and back glass replacement for vehicles, state inspections, shower enclosures, mirrors, tabletops, window glass, insulated glass units, storefronts and commercial door repair.

Owner Charlie Pippin began his career more than 23 years ago in outside sales at Acme Glass and Mirror in Monroe, La. He moved to Shreveport in 2006 and took ownership of Glass Services. There are locations currently in Bossier City, Shreveport and Mansfield.

“We’ve enjoyed being here and getting involved in the community and growing the business,” said Elizabeth Pippin, who is married to Charlie and works at the business.

Charlie oversees all operations and manages the commercial area of the business.

“Our commercial area does ... anything from servicing commercial doors to installing storefronts,” said Elizabeth.

Glass Services offers 24-hour emergency service. Elizabeth says most customers who take advantage of this option are commercial customers. “A lot of times [businesses] get broken into, cars run into buildings, glass gets broken,” she said.

Elizabeth says the residential side of the company supplies glass products for new construction and remodels – shower doors, mirrors and replacing damaged glass. Many homes now have insulated glass window panels that have double panes. “After a period of time, [the windows] in our area fog up mainly because of the heat,” said Elizabeth. She said the seal breaks and moisture can build up between the panes. Replacing the glass is a simple and less costly option that replacing the window.

Glass Services also works with real estate agents who need repairs on their listings. “When houses are sold, a lot of times repairs have to be done,” said Elizabeth. The company also works on special projects and can create tabletop glass.

The bulk of the work in the auto area is windshields – replacing broken ones or repairing chips made by rocks. While most work is completed in the shop, the company does offer mobile service and will perform the repair at the client’s location. “We also do any type of back glass, door glass, sunroofs, side mirrors ... any type of glass in your vehicle, we work on,” said Elizabeth.

Glass Services starting doing calibrations last June. “After the windshield is changed out, if you have the lane departure warning or collision alerts, the camera system has to be recalibrated,” said Elizabeth. The ability to perform calibrations requires specialized training and equipment.

“We try to stay on top of what’s going on in the industry through education and going to glass shows – staying abreast of what’s going on as far as the technology and the products available,” she said. “That is an ever-changing thing. As cars come out every year, things are changed. We have to stay on top of that.”