From the ancient Roman Empire to the Art Nouveau movement, and from the functional to the decorative, the glass window has left its mark on the way people used to see the outside world, literally. The glass window evolved to replace and improve the simple hole in the wall covered by animal skin or pieces of wood. Its properties made glass the preferred solution for constructors and decorators worldwide. But, as with almost all inventions, with the widespread use of glass windows, came the need for window glass replacement. Brakes and scratches, either from acts if nature or manmade, are the most common situations that require emergency glass replacement, thus companies specialized in these types of operations emerged. And so, the humble glass window, meant to protect from the elements but still offer a glimpse of the wide world beyond it, started an industrial movement that still flourishes to this day.

The origins of glass

Natural glass can be found on sea shores, usually after lightning storms, or in volcanic areas where it is found as obsidian. This is because glass is a mixture of silica-sand and quartz exposed to a very high temperature. The liquid mixture has to cool before it can be handled, but scientists have discovered Stone Age civilizations used naturally occurring glass as currency or jewelry.

The process of making glass has evolved over time, and its origins are not agreed upon by scholars. Some say that the first glass objects that men made were just a by-product of other industries such as metal working or ceramics. Others claim that the first glass objects were made in the ancient empires of Rome, Egypt or Mesopotamia.

Glass in the Anglo-Saxon world has been used for anything from funerary purposes to making the more functional and familiar windows we know today. Although a far cry from the techniques and properties of today, glass windows in those times dealt with similar problems as they do today, and sometimes they had to be replaced.

Replacing window glass

 Window glass replacement  is not an easy job and should not be done by unqualified persons. Handling glass can be dangerous and could lead to serious injuries. Not to mention the fact that, if not done properly, it can result in financial lose. This is why specialized companies exist and offer their services from clients varying from small households to towering office building.

Replacing window glass takes special skills and specialized equipment. Although a job like this can seem straight forward to most people, it usually isn’t. Firstly, the damage to the glass window has to be assessed in order to choose the best course of action. Small scratches, although unaesthetic, can sometimes be covered up or repaired on the spot without the need of window glass replacement. But large cracks or even fragmentation require emergency glass replacement.

The second thing that has to be taken into consideration is the placement of the glass itself. If it is in an area that is heavily exposed to the elements or to other stress factors such as human or other kinds of traffic, the best thing to do is to replace it as it presents a risk both for owner and for other people.

The right people for the job

 Emergency glass replacement  shouldn’t be done in a rush and most certainly shouldn’t be done with the cheapest workers and/ or materials. Choosing to save a few bucks now could result in further problems or even injuries. Although many companies out there may offer “emergency” services, the best thing to do is to do some research before choosing the company you want.

Basically, when confronted with the need for specialized services regarding glass replacement there are a few simple steps anyone can follow in order to handle the situation:

1. Assess the problem. You shouldn’t rush to conclusions before knowing what you are up against. This does not mean ignoring the problem if indeed there is one.

2. Don’t take matters into own hands. No matter how many video tutorials are out there, you never know what can happen if you handle a problem like this by yourself.

3. Always work with professional companies and use professional materials. There is no need to be a penny pincher when dealing with a matter that can potentially injure you or others.

4. Try avoiding, if possible, the events that lead to the problem.

Although a very useful material in many situations, and a versatile solution for any kind of space, glass can be tricky to handle. But thanks to companies with skilled laborers, that have years and years of experience, you don’t have to handle it by your own. All you need to do is pick the right one and just let them do the rest.

Window glass replacement, or any kind of emergency glass replacement shouldn’t be done without taking the right precautionary measures first.