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What does a Glazier do?

Everyone knows that glass is extremely fragile. This fragility means that glass - whether it be a window on your home or a panel of your garage door - often needs to be repaired or replaced. Glaziers are professionals who are responsible for the removal of broken glass, replacement of damaged glass, and the selection, cutting and installation of new glass. In addition to the obvious window building and repair, glaziers work with mirrors, shower doors, table tops and display cabinets. Glaziers learn the trade by completing educational courses and gain hands-on experience by becoming an apprentice to experienced glaziers.

Glaziers perform the following tasks:

• Glaze and re-glaze doors and windows

• Supply glass to customers 

• Install glass in windows, doors, and furniture

• Replace glass in windows, doors and furniture 

• Install windows, door frames and hardware associated with it

• Measure and cut glass to fit in the required area

• Fit the glass and secure it 

• Assemble pre-made units including shower screens and stands 

• Waterproof joints in windows and doors 

• Follow the blueprints or requirements for glass form, colour, shape and thickness to be used

• Cut glass to specification 

Glass has numerous modern-day applications. For eg, insulated and specially treated glass holds the sound and controls condensation in warm or cold air.Tempered and laminated glazing makes doors and windows cleaner. The imaginative use of wide windows, glass doors, skylights and additions of sunrooms makes buildings vibrant, airy and welcoming. 

Glaziers are specialised in the installation of certain specific glass items. A few glaziers work with metals, stone, marble and other materials that are used as replacements for glass. Some work with films or laminates which improve glass durability or protection.

Types of Glass

Glaziers work with many different types of glass. The most common types of glass that are used in both the home and commercial settings include flat glass (also referred to as sheet glass), safety glass, float glass, annealed glass, laminated glass, coated glass, mirrored glass and extra-clear glass. Each type of glass has its own specific purpose. For example, laminated glass, which features at least two layers of glass with other materials between layers, is designed to be used where shatter-resistance is key. Laminated glass is the type of glass most often found in car windows.

Here are the different types of glass that glaziers work with:

Laminated Glass 

Laminated glass is made of translucent float-glass laminate. It is really strong and if the glass is shattered the laminate would keep the pieces of glass together.

Float Glass

Float glass has no distortion and is very close to sheet glass, making it very popular with home windows. One can cut float glass with a regular glass cutter.

Sheet Glass 

This is the most widely used glass in traditional windows and might have a faint green tinge. Sheet glass is common glass and is found in many regular windows. However, due to the production process it can appear slightly distorted.

Wired Glass

Wired glass usually contains a wire plate embedded into the glass to add additional breakage protection. For garages and outside areas it is a good option but not very attractive.

Patterned Glass

Patterned glass is used mostly in interior decoration. It will have some privacy and can let some light in as well.

Energy Efficient Glass

This glass is float glass with a special coating on one side which allows the energy of the sun to move through while reducing the amount of heat coming from the other side of the glass. The coating gives a faint grey tinge to the glass and does not hold up well to severe weather conditions.

Safety Glass

It is a type of float glass with a special coating added to be a protective glass.Safety glass crumbles if broken and has no sharp edges.

Glass Bricks 

Glass bricks are an aesthetically appealing and distinctive architectural feature that can be used indoors or outdoors for decorative or functional use. Their ability to provide privacy while not limiting light penetration is a major selling point, they are also installed in bathrooms.

Toughened Glass

This glass, otherwise known as tempered glass, is manufactured to produce a component that is four to five times stronger than normal glass, and it does not crack when shattered. Typically it is used for splashbacks in the kitchen where heat and durability are important.

Double Glazing Glass

Double glazing glass is also referred to as insulating glass, it consists of two glass panes with a gap or space between them offering a amount of noise proofing and insulation.

Splashbacks

They are usually made from safety glass and come in a wide array of finishes and colours. Splash backs can be found in almost any part of the house but are most widely seen in kitchens and bathrooms. They build a modern look and they are incredibly easy to clean.

Picture Frame Glass

Picture Frame Glass is a low reflective glass or plastic built to allow light in but not reflect.

Mirrors 

Mirrors are made of float safety glass, and one side has a silver coating to produce the reflection. Older mirrors, though, are not generally constructed from safety glass so they should be kept in their cases.

Shower and Bath Screens 

These screens are made of temperature tolerant safety glass, meaning that when struck by hot or cold water they do not crack. Screens can be framed or frameless and are available in crystal clear or frosted varieties.

Choosing a Glazier

It is important that you select a glazier with experience in the type of work that you need done. Search the Internet to find local glaziers. Contact each one by phone and ask about their education, experience and their work specialties. Ask for reference information and take the time to contact their references. Before hiring a glazier, review the written contract carefully.

How much does it cost to hire a glazier?

Glaziers normally charge by the hour at a cost of $60 to $80 per hour for regular working hours. Add in the cost of the glass and you have a complete figure of the costs involved. Keep in mind the final cost may vary depending on the difficulty and scale of the work. 

They are likely to charge a minimum fee to get to your home and do a small job. On average, it would cost $100-$150 for repairs to a single panel of window glass (standard float). 

*prices are approximations based on various quotes

Finding the right glazier for the job 

Firstly, you would never trust an unqualified individual to perform heart surgery without having received their university qualification. It's imperative you employ a fully qualified Glazier for your home or business' newest project.

Not only does a qualification look good on paper, but it verifies the individual holds the skill and knowledge to undertake their expected duties with ease. 

This ensures the tradesperson is fully insured and has demonstrated an understanding of local health and safety requirements. 

Service.com.au provides thousands of users with various businesses from interior design to construction and plumbing. Simply search for tradesmen in your area and select the business that best suits your needs. 

If you're needing help finding a glazier for your latest project, click the link below to receive multiple quotes from professional glaziers.