Merits and Drawbacks of do it yourself home glass repairs

We all know that broken glass is dangerous. And we all know that broken panes of glass are just as dangerous as they have the potential to crack and fall at any time.

And add to that personal safety concern the fact that a broken pane of glass compromises the security of your home then it becomes vital that any broken glass is replaced or repaired as soon as possible.

We all use glass widely in our homes, not just to glaze windows and door panels but also as table tops and fronts for cabinets.

Glass adds light to our homes, allowing us to have natural light stream into our rooms and letting the sun bring warmth with the light.

Used in furniture it adds glamour and elegance, giving an air of space and light that solid wood can’t provide.

And due to the amount of glass in most of our homes we have to be prepared for accidents that lead to broken glass. A ball striking a window, a dropped toy on a glass table top, a bird hitting a glass door; all accidents that happen every day and leave the home owner with the dilemma of how to repair the broken glass safely and in a timely manner. Even the extreme cold of winter or heat of summer can lead to a pane cracking due to contraction and expansion.

As soon as a pane or piece of glass is broken there are some immediate safety steps you should take:

1. Restrict activity around the broken glass so that no one gets cut or injured in any way
2. Safely remove any glass that is lying on the floor, putting it into a solid container. Do not put broken glass into a bag as it will just slice the bag and could easily cause injury to anyone carrying the bag.

There are occasions when you might decide to repair the broken pane yourself so here are our ‘Top Tips’ to help you decide if it is a job you can undertake yourself or one you need to call a professional in for.

Firstly, you need to consider whether you are confident in your own abilities to safely and securely replace or repair the damage. If you are confident of your abilities then there are merits.

Ask yourself:

1. Can I ensure a weatherproof seal that will save energy costs?
2. What is my level of expertise in replacing/repairing damaged glass?
3. Will I be able to maintain the safety and security of my home through my repair?

If you answered yes to these questions then you could consider ‘doing it yourself’.

The Merits of ‘Doing It Yourself’:

1. Cheaper, no labour costs.
2. Immediate action effectively stopping further damage or injury.
3. You don’t have to wait around for a professional glazier to come to your home.
4. You gain more experience and skill at replacing and repairing glass.

The Merits of a using a Professional Glazier:

1. 100% guarantee on all jobs.
2. Certified and accredited Specialists who have undergone stringent training and testing.
3. Up to date knowledge on all glazing technology.
4. Ability to safe and securely install and repair broken windows, doors, tabletops and much more.
5. A professional repair will be better than that of even an experienced amateur.
6. Expert advice on the best type of glass for your particular need.

Whether you choose to ‘do it yourself’ or call in a professional there is one thing to remember. Certified and fully trained professionals can always be relied on to do a guaranteed job. Most times it is best to call in the professionals and let them ensure that your home is safe and secure.