Whether you realize it or not, glass has positively impacted your life. From the car windshield that protects you from roadway debris to the shower enclosure that allows you to see if Norman Bates is approaching, glass is to thank. While there’s no denying the benefits of glass in our daily lives, glass isn’t perfect. Here are 11 glass safety tips you should keep in mind.
Auto Glass Safety Tips
1. Be a clean freak.
Keep your car’s windshield and windows clean. Especially the windshield. In fact, consider giving them a good wipe down whenever you stop for gas. (Obviously, clean your windshield and windows in-between fill-ups as needed.) Cleaning your windshield (and windows) will improve visibility, cut down on glare, and give you ample opportunity to spot any chips, scratches, and cracks that may need further attention.
2. Don’t step on a crack… or let them linger.
If your windshield has a crack or chip in it, have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible. Doing so will enable the problem to be corrected before it gets worse. For example, what was once a simple repair job may fester into a whole windshield replacement. Worse yet, a small crack or chip could expand and become a real safety hazard.
3. Be an inspector (of windshield wipers).
When cleaning your windshield, be sure to take a moment to inspect the condition of your windshield wipers. It is important that these accessories be in top condition. Worn wipers will not only hamper your visibility during adverse weather but could actually damage your windshield. Old wipers that need replacing can scratch a windshield.
4. Freeze! Or not.
If you do have a cracked or chipped windshield, avoid extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, until you can have the windshield repaired or replaced. For example, in the winter, moisture can accumulate in even the smallest fissure, freeze, and expand causing the crack or chip to grow. Furthermore, in the winter, the cold air on the outside of the windshield and the hot air on the inside (ex. when trying to defrost your car) can make matters worse.
5. DIY isn’t for everyone.
When you do have a cracked or chipped windshield, a DIY repair kit can be pretty tempting. After all, it allows you to save money and tackle the problem at your convenience; however, DIY windshield repair has its own set of problems. For example, when using a DIY kit, if the damaged area is not filled completely, a chip may quickly turn into a crack that spreads across the whole windshield vastly reducing the strength of your windshield. To learn more about DIY glass repair, read DIY Windshield Repair: Is It Safe?
Shower Glass Safety Tips
6. All secure?
Shower glass doors are built to be tough; however, they do have an Achilles heel: Their edges. Glass doors typically shatter when their edges and/or corners come into unexpected contact with something. For example, if your shower door is of the sliding variety and the door were to slip off the track and hit the ground, even though it isn’t a very far drop, it could break apart. Therefore it is important to ensure all aspects of your shower door are secure. Inspect the fasteners, hardware, and the moving panels to make sure they seem well attached and “strong”. When in doubt, contact a professional like those at Jack’s Glass.
7. Flag on the play: Illegal contact.
As mentioned above, the edges of a glass shower door are typically the weakest points. In addition to making sure the door is securely held in place, you’ll want to make sure that it is not coming into direct contact with the wall or any metal. Check that the shower door is properly aligned and that all bumpers, linings, or seals are in good condition.
Door & Window Glass Safety Tips
8. Unbreakable wasn’t just a movie.
If you have a business or ground floor windows that may be susceptible to break-ins, you can make them shatterproof using protective security films. Typically, these films are polyester adhesive that is applied directly to the window glass. The shatterproof films provide extra strength so that the window itself is harder to, you guessed it, shatter.
Another option to help prevent break-ins would be to opt for thermal pane windows. These types of windows use multiple panes of high-performance glass making them harder to break. You can read more about thermal pane windows here.
9. Keep your distance.
When it comes to glass, like windows, teach children to, for lack of a better phrase, keep their distance. Kids should not climb up on windowsills, bounce and tumble on furniture near glass objects like coffee tables or windows, or play games, such as baseball, around windows.
10. Play dress up.
For large expanses of glass, such as a large sliding glass door, you may want to put decals on the glass so that it is easy to decipher whether or not the door or window is open or closed. Using decals can prevent nasty accidents, especially for children and the elderly who may not be as aware of their surroundings or as steady on their feet. Luckily, decals come in a HUGE variety of styles and designs so you can certainly find one that fits your chosen color palette. In addition, you don’t have to go with a large and obtrusive decal. Even something small can help prevent accidents.
11. Don’t forget your furry friends.
Okay, this is more of a screen safety tip than a glass safety tip but its still an important safety tip! Regular old screens just weren’t meant to stand up to pets. For instance, a cats claws will slice through standard window and door screens like a hot knife through butter. This can cause your furry friend to escape the house or even fall out of a window and become injured. Instead of relying on standard screens to keep you and your pets safe, consider installing pet screens. Pet screens are specifically designed to stand up to pets; in fact, cats can even climb them without causing lasting damage. To learn more about pet screens, contact the pros at Jack’s Glass today!
Need help with the glass in you life? From new windows to windshield repair to updated shower glass enclosures, the pros at Jack’s Glass can help. Contact us today!
