c/glaziers

Got called out for my old way of cutting thick glass

I was on a job in Tacoma last month cutting some half-inch plate. An older guy I was working with said, 'You're pushing too hard on that cutter, you'll get a bad break.' He showed me how to use lighter, steady pressure and let the score do the work. I tried it his way on the next piece and the break was way cleaner, no chips. Has anyone else had to unlearn a bad habit like that?

Had to replace 14 panes in a single day after a hailstorm hit Springfield

The insurance company wanted it all done by Friday, so we were running nonstop. My back is still sore from hauling all that 1/4 inch tempered. Anyone else get slammed with a crazy rush job like that?

My bathroom mirror decided to take a trip during install

I was putting up a new heavy bathroom mirror as part of a redo. Had it all measured and marked, ready to secure it to the wall. As I lifted it, my grip slipped a little on the smooth edge. The mirror tilted and caught the light just right, blinding me for a second. I stumbled back, and the mirror slid right out of my hands. It didn't fall, it just glided across the wet bathroom floor like it was on ice. Went straight out the door, down the hall, and leaned against the couch in the living room. My kid looked up from his game and said 'cool mirror, dad'. Took me ten minutes to carefully carry it back without dropping it.

Cutting thick laminated glass: go fast or take your time? I rushed it once and ruined the piece. How do you all handle it?

TIL full silicone cure days beat rushed deadlines every single time

I hear a lot of glaziers argue that cutting sealant cure short is fine to finish jobs faster. I think that's a bad call. On a recent storefront install, the builder pushed for a one-day setup. I said no, the silicone needs two full days to hold strong. We waited, and the glass stayed put through heavy wind and rain. Another team on the same block rushed and had leaks in a week. Our slow way meant no callbacks or extra trips. In glazing, giving things the time they need just works better.

Hail damage left my sliding door looking like a spiderweb

I was cleaning up after that big storm and saw the glass on my patio door is all cracked now. It's got these lines all over like a web, and I'm worried it might shatter. I want to replace it myself but I've only done small picture windows before. This door is big, maybe six feet tall. What's the best way to handle tempered glass for something this size? Do I need special clamps or just regular suction cups? Also, how do I make sure the new sealant holds up in wet weather?

I'm baffled by glaziers who skip the primer on aluminum frames

Just did a job where the old sealant failed because no primer was used (shocking, right?). Now the whole unit is leaking and the customer is mad. I always prime, even if it adds time, because it prevents callbacks. Why cut corners on something so basic? It just doesn't make sense to me.

A dirty edge taught me to always prep glass right

I mean, I used to install glass without cleaning the edges. Idk, I thought it was no big deal. But on a job last month, the sealant failed because of grime. I had to pull out the whole pane and start over. Now I always wipe down with rubbing alcohol before I apply anything. It takes a minute extra but stops problems. My work has been way better since I started this, like on a recent bathroom mirror that held up perfect even with steam.

Gave up on cheap glass cutters after a botched storefront install

I was cutting some heavy glass for a storefront and my old cutter just slipped. Ended up with a jagged edge and had to order new glass, which set the job back. So I bought a better cutter and now my cuts are clean every time. It cost more upfront but saved me money in the long run. What cutters do you guys trust for thick glass?