A glazier is a tradesperson responsible for cutting, installing, and removing glass (and materials used as substitutes for glass, such as some plastics). They also refer to blueprints to figure out the size, shape, and location of the glass in the building. They may have to consider the type and size of scaffolding they need to stand on to fit and install the glass. Glaziers may work with glass in various surfaces and settings, such as cutting and installing windows, doors, shower doors, skylights, storefronts, display cases, mirrors, facades, interior walls, ceilings, and tabletops.
Duties and tools
thumb|A set of glazier tools
The Occupational Outlook Handbook of the U.S. Department of Labor lists the following as typical tasks for a glazier:
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- Follow blueprints or specifications
- Remove any old or broken glass before installing replacement glass
- Cut glass to the specified size and shape
- Make or install sashes or moldings for glass installation
- Fasten glass into sashes or frames with clips, moldings, or other types of fasteners
- Add weather seal or putty around pane edges to seal joints.
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The National Occupational Analysis recognized by the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship separates the trade into 5 blocks of skills, each with a list of skills, and a list of tasks and subtasks a journeyman is expected to be able to accomplish:
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; Block A – Occupational Skills
; Block B – Commercial Window and Door Systems
; Block C – Residential Window and Door Systems
; Block D – Specialty Glass and Products
; Block E – Servicing
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Tools used by glaziers "include cutting boards, glass-cutting blades, straightedges, glazing knives, saws, drills, grinders, putty, scrapers, sandpaper, sanding blocks, 5 in 1's respirator/dust mask and glazing compounds."
In Ontario, Canada, apprenticeships are offered at the provincial level and certified through the Ontario College of Trades.
Occupational hazards
Occupational hazards encountered by glaziers include the risks of being cut by glass or tools and falling from scaffolds or ladders or lead exposure from old lead paint on antique windows.
In the United States
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, there are some 45,300 glaziers in the United States, with median pay of $38,410 per year in 2014. To ensure safety, quality, and structural integrity, glaziers operating in Australia must adhere to strict national building codes, primarily the Australian Standard AS1288 (Glass in buildings – Selection and installation). Homeowners and property managers commonly utilize specialized local trade networks and directories to locate certified and compliant glazing professionals for these projects.
See also
- Architectural glass
- Glazing in architecture
- Insulated glazing
- Stained glass
- Glass manufacturing
- Glassblowing