Steklo Serviseglass at home: a guide to windows, mirrors and their care

An independent reference about glass and mirrors at home. It is not a workshop or a shop and does not take orders; it is not connected with the former site on this domain.

Planning

Planning: replacing glass and double-glazed units

A cracked window, a chipped glass door or moisture between the panes of a double-glazed unit is a nuisance that calls for a calm plan. Replacing glass or a sealed unit is a job for a professional only. Your part is to keep the household safe, describe the damage accurately and ask the right questions before work begins.

Cracked glass does not become more dangerous while you wait for a professional; what makes it more dangerous is trying to repair the crack yourself.

— Editor's note

How this section works: we describe what to do before the professional arrives and while the work is under way, without instructions for removing, cutting or fitting glass. The type of glass needed and how to replace it are for the professional to decide after an inspection.

If glass or a double-glazed unit needs replacing

  1. Assess the damage

    Without touching the glass, look at it in good light. Note where the crack or chip is, whether the crack is spreading and whether the unit is misting up inside, between the panes. Photograph the damage from a safe distance.

  2. Make the area safe

    Move children and pets away, shift furniture back from the damaged glass and, if you can, leave the window or door closed. If pieces are already on the floor, pick them up wearing thick gloves and put them in a box.

  3. Call a professional

    Tell the professional what happened and show them your photos. Do not try to tape over the crack, take the glass out of the frame or fit a new pane yourself.

  4. Discuss the type of glass

    Ask which glass suits this spot: ordinary, toughened or laminated. For doors, partitions and places where children run about, the professional may suggest a safer option.

  5. Agree on timing

    Ask how long it will take to make and fit the new glass, and what to do with the damaged pane until then. Sometimes the opening can be covered temporarily.

  6. Check the result

    When the work is done, inspect the new glass together with the professional: check for chipped edges, that it sits straight, that the seals fit snugly and that the window opens easily.

What to ask the professional

  • Which type of glass do you suggest, and why that one?
  • Can just the glass be replaced, or does the whole double-glazed unit need replacing?
  • How long will the glass take to make, and how long will fitting take?
  • What should I do with the damaged glass until it is replaced?
  • How will the old glass and broken pieces be taken away?
  • How should I look after the new glass in the first few days?
  • Materials

    Window glass, toughened and laminated glass, frosted glass, mirrors and glass blocks, plus our article catalogue.

  • Care

    Looking after glass through the seasons, after building work and when moving, plus the safety essentials.

  • FAQ

    Answers about this guide, about windows and mirrors and about staying safe around glass.

Sources

  • General reference material on types of architectural glass
  • 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.