FAQ
Frequently asked questions
We have gathered the questions that come up most often for people living among windows, mirrors and glass doors: about the guide itself, about caring for glass and about safety. The answers are short and general; if your situation is more complicated, it is better to have the glass looked at by a professional.
Most questions about glass have a simple answer, and a question about a crack always has the same one: call a professional.
About this guide
Are you connected with the former site on this domain?
No. Other websites used this domain in the past. We do not reproduce their content and have no connection with them.
Can I order a glass replacement from you?
No. We are not a workshop or a shop; we take no orders and sell nothing. The guide helps you understand what is happening to your glass and prepare for a conversation with a professional.
Why don't you name brands or tradespeople?
We are independent and do not want our advice to read like a hidden recommendation. We describe things and methods in general terms, and the choice of who does the work is yours.
Where does your information come from?
From reference material on types of architectural glass and general manufacturers' care guidance. We retell it in plain language and do not invent details that the sources do not contain.
Windows and mirrors
Why does double glazing have more than one pane?
The sealed gap between the panes helps keep heat in the room and muffle noise from the street. That is why a double-glazed unit performs better than a single pane.
Why do droplets appear on windows in winter?
Warm, moist air in the room cools against the cold glass, and the moisture settles as droplets. Short, regular airing helps. If moisture collects between the panes of a sealed unit, though, call a professional.
Why have dark spots appeared around the edge of my mirror?
Most often, this is damp damaging the reflective layer on the back. The spots cannot be washed off, but you can stop them spreading: wipe the edge with an almost dry cloth and keep the bathroom well aired.
Can I clean glass with hot water?
Use warm water, not hot. In winter it is especially risky to pour hot water onto cold glass: a sudden change in temperature can crack it.
Safety
How do I clear up broken glass?
Move children and pets away, and put on shoes and thick gloves. Pick up the large pieces with gloved hands and the small ones with a damp paper towel, then go over the area with a vacuum cleaner. Put everything in a box and label it.
Why is toughened glass safer than ordinary glass?
When toughened glass breaks, it crumbles into many small pieces with blunt edges, whereas ordinary glass breaks into large, sharp pieces. That does not mean toughened glass cannot break, but it is harder to cut yourself on it.
How can I keep children safe around a glass door?
Mark a clear door with stickers or a bright strip at the eye level of both a child and an adult, do not leave it half open in a walkway, and explain to children that they must not bang on the glass or lean on it.
What should I do if someone is cut by glass?
For a serious injury, call 112 or your local emergency number straight away and follow the operator's instructions. We do not give medical advice: only professionals can tell you how to deal with a wound.
Related sections
- Home
Glass at home: an independent guide to windows, mirrors, glass doors and how to look after them gently.
- How-to
How to clean a window without streaks, how to care for a mirror and what never to do with glass.
- Care
Looking after glass through the seasons, after building work and when moving, plus the safety essentials.
Sources
- General reference material on types of architectural glass
- General manufacturer guidance on caring for glass and mirrors
- Editorial material from this guide
Information about glass and mirrors is given in general terms, based on reference material on types of architectural glass and manufacturers' care guidance. Only a professional who sees your glass in person can judge how badly it is damaged and whether it is still safe to use.