You’ll likely come into contact with a glazier at some point. Often, it is not for good reason but rather needing them to come out and fix broken or damaged glass. A glazier is a tradesperson that specialises in glass for both residential and commercial settings. In this post, we’ll share everything you need to know about glaziers and what they do in case you are interested.
What can a glazier help with?
Glaziers are highly skilled professionals that have a wide scope of knowledge when it comes to glass products. Their skills are vast, and their role includes but is not limited to selecting glass types, measuring, fitting, water sealing, cutting, repairing, replacing, and even fabricating. There is no room for error with glass, and glaziers are known for their eye for detail. The smallest discrepancy can be unsafe, affect a home’s efficiency and look unsatisfactory. It is a physically demanding job that often requires them to work at a height while handling heavy yet delicate materials. Here are some glass applications that your local glazier can assist with:
- Windows
- Mirrors
- Glass pool fencing
- Skylights
- Shower screens
- Glass doors
- Splashbacks
- Tables
- Display cases
- Glass shelves
- Apply designs and films to glass
- Signage
- Shop facades/frontages
- Staircases and balustrades
- Partitions
- Glass cabinetry
- Pet door installations
- 24/7 emergency glass repairs
Glaziers can also repair and replace all the above.
Responsibilities of a glazier
Glaziers have many responsibilities; they are working with a dangerous product, and this not only impacts their safety but also those around them when conducting their work. Here are some examples of their responsibilities:
- Communicate well with fellow team members and clients.
- Work on both residential and commercial construction sites.
- Maintain high safety standards, including removing old glass from the site and keeping the working environment safe.
- Service glass contraptions such as windows, doors, storefronts etc.
- Ensure the glass and installation processes meet Australian Safety Standards.
- See to repairs that are under warranty
- Educate customers on potential safety hazards and benefits of using better quality glass.
- Confirm measurements, blueprints, dimensions etc.
- Recycle materials where possible.
- Handle, transport, and store glass safely.
- Use the correct PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, hand gloves, and steel cap boots with a non-slip sole when handling or working with glass.
- Ensure the correct glass is used for the job.
- Make and install aluminium frameworks for windows.
- Use a CNC machine safely and effectively.
What kind of training does a glazier need to complete?
Not just anyone can trade as a glazier, you need to complete a qualification first. This involves obtaining a Certificate lll in Glass and Glazing as well as completing an apprenticeship through a glass company. Two years of on-the-job training is also required when completing the apprenticeship. Here in Queensland, glaziers also need to have a scope of work licence from The Building and Construction Commission (QBCC). This acknowledges the skills and knowledge needed to work in the glass industry and enables them to work using various glass applications.
Different types of glazier licences
The following can apply for this licence:
- Contractor
- Site Supervisor
- Nominee Supervisor
Glaziers can also further their training and specialise in:
- Glass Etching
- Glass Silvering
- Glass Bevelling
- Glass Embossing
Glazing companies can offer a singular service such as emergency only glass or automotive glass, or they may offer a breadth of services and cover almost anything to do with glass. When hiring a glazier, it’s a good idea to make sure they specialise in the area that you require services for. This will ensure you get the best result each and every time.
How do I know if the glazier is qualified or not?
The easiest way to determine if a glazier is reputable or not is by checking their licence status via the QBCC website.
Most common jobs for a glazier
The most common jobs a glazier will do depends on the type of work they carry out however, in most cases, a glazier primarily attends to residential glazing. This can include replacing broken windows, installing shower screens, doors, updating outdated glass, and fitting mirrors. Second to residential is commercial glazing and this type of work commonly includes glass security doors, shopfronts, panelling and dividers.
What types of glass does a glazier work with?
They work with many glass products, here are some of the most common ones:
- Insulated or double-glazed glass
- Float glass
- Laminated glass
- Toughened glass
- Textured glass
- Safety glass
- Decorative glass
- Screen printed glass
- Coated glass
- Screen printed glass
- Frosted glass
- Mirrored glass
- Self-cleaning glass
Only use a professional glazier for glass work around your home or business
We hope this post has given you an insight into what a glazier is and what they do. Remember, you should only ever hire a professional glazier to handle the glass around your home or business. It is a highly dangerous material, and if installed or handled incorrectly, it can have devastating consequences. Not only that, if glass has been installed improperly, it may let in drafts and affect the comfortability and safety of your premises. Quality glass and proper installation are key. If you’re looking for a highly skilled glazier to complete some work around your home or business, contact our expert team here at True Blue Glass. We specialise in residential and commercial applications and have decades of experience and knowledge behind us. Get in touch today.
