What Does a Glazier Do?

From conference room windows to shower doors, from decorative glass room dividers to security window panes, the work of glaziers can be seen throughout buildings and commercial properties. Glaziers are skilled tradespeople who cut, install and repair glass fixtures. They are also responsible for ensuring the safety of these glass components. This job is a hands-on position, and requires physical strength, hand-eye coordination, stamina and the ability to read blueprints and technical diagrams.

These professionals often collaborate with architects, contractors and other tradespeople to ensure that glass installations are in line with the project design and vision. They also provide ongoing maintenance and service for these glass components, including cleaning and adjusting hardware. They may also offer advice and recommendations to clients or building occupants on the care and maintenance of these fixtures.

In addition to the traditional tools of the trade, these professionals use a wide variety of other materials and equipment. These include glass cutters, circle and diamond grinders, drills, saws, heat guns, hammers, breaking blocks, scrapers, knives, heat irons, soldering irons and a variety of power and hand tools. They also work with a variety of other materials, including aluminum and steel, granite, marble and plastics.

While most glaziers complete a high school diploma, the bulk of their training comes on the job through an apprenticeship program that typically lasts four years and includes 144 hours of formal technical education and 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. Many programs also incorporate safety, first aid and basic math into their curriculum.

Whether working on a residential or commercial project, these skilled tradespeople must be able to read and understand blueprints in order to properly and safely install glass fixtures. This can involve following precise measurements, identifying the correct type of glass required and determining how it will be installed. During the installation process, they must also be able to handle the heavy weight of the glass while navigating ladders and scaffolding.

Once the glass has been cut, glazed and fastened to the frame of the fixture, glaziers must seal or caulk the seams to prevent leakage. They may also add weather stripping to the edges of the glass to protect against air and water infiltration. If a client or building occupant has concerns about the performance of a new glass fixture, glaziers will often conduct an inspection to determine if the problem is caused by the installation or the material.

Some glaziers choose to focus their career on special projects, such as the restoration of churches or listed buildings. These specialists are able to offer expertise in these areas and may be able to attract higher salary rates. Others may choose to move into estimating, site management or glass product design. These positions require additional qualifications and specialized knowledge, but they can lead to more rewarding careers for those willing to invest the time and effort.

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