How Should Glass Be Stored?

Glass is a strong and versatile material, but it still needs to be handled and stored correctly to help prevent damage.

Poor storage conditions can increase the risk of chips, scratches, cracks and breakages, potentially turning perfectly good glass into an unnecessary replacement cost. Let’s take a look at some steps that can help reduce the risk of damage.

Store Glass Panels at an Angle

One of the most important considerations when storing glass is how it is positioned.

Glass should always be stored at an angle rather than laid flat. A suitable timber A-frame, glass rack or wooden slats can provide the support needed to keep glass safely positioned.

The support should be suitable for the size and weight of the glass being stored. It should also be stable enough to prevent the glass from moving or falling. Avoid storing glass directly on solid metal, concrete or stone surfaces. These hard surfaces can increase the risk of damage, particularly around the edges of the glass.

Timber supports are generally preferable because they provide a more suitable surface for the glass to rest against. However, the support itself should still be clean, dry and free from anything that could scratch or damage the glass.

When positioning glass on an A-frame or rack, make sure the units are supported evenly. Avoid putting excessive pressure on a small area of the glass, as this can increase the risk of damage.

Protect the Edges of the Glass

The edges of glass can be particularly vulnerable to damage during storage and handling.

Even a small chip or impact may appear insignificant at first. However, damage to the edge can potentially develop into a larger breakage later, especially when the glass is being moved or installed.

For this reason, it is important to take care when placing glass onto a storage rack or A-frame.

Glass should be kept separated using suitable packers. These help prevent individual units or panes from coming into direct contact with each other and reduce the chance of them rubbing, striking or putting pressure against one another.

It is also important to check the condition of the storage area before placing glass onto it. Remove any debris, loose materials or objects that could come into contact with the glass edges. Taking a few extra moments to protect the edges can help prevent avoidable damage and costly replacements further down the line.

Keep Glass Dry

Where glass is stored can be just as important as how it is stored.

Glass units should be kept in a clean and dry area, away from unnecessary exposure to water and moisture.

Moisture can become a concern when it is allowed to sit around the edges of glass units for extended periods. Keeping glass dry can help protect the units and support their longevity.

This is particularly important when storing glass for any length of time before installation. A damp or poorly ventilated storage environment can allow moisture to collect around the glass and its edges.

Where possible, store glass inside a suitable covered area that protects it from rain, standing water and other sources of moisture.

The storage area should also be kept clean. Dust, dirt and debris can accumulate on surfaces and potentially come into contact with the glass during handling. A clean and dry storage environment is a simple way to help keep your glass in good condition until it is ready to be installed.

Secure Glass in Glass Rack to Prevent Movement

Glass should always be stored securely.

Because glass is heavy and can be difficult to handle, unsecured units can present a serious safety risk. A sudden movement could cause the glass to shift, fall or become damaged.

Glass stored on an A-frame or rack should therefore be secured to help prevent accidental movement.

Depending on the storage system and the type of glass, suitable methods can include tying or wrapping the glass to keep it securely positioned. The aim is to prevent the panels from moving or falling while still allowing them to be safely accessed when required. Avoid placing other materials where they could knock into or fall against stored glass.

Avoid Overloading Glass Storage

The storage equipment you use should be suitable for the glass you are storing.

Glass can be extremely heavy, particularly when storing large double or triple glazed units. Overloading an A-frame or rack can affect its stability and increase the risk of movement or collapse.

The rack or A-frame should be positioned on a stable, level surface. Check it regularly for signs of damage, instability or wear.

Handle Glass Carefully During Storage

When moving glass into storage, take care to avoid impacts, particularly around the edges and corners. Even if the glass looks fine after an initial impact, damage may become more noticeable later.

Plan where each unit will be stored before moving it. This avoids unnecessary repositioning and helps keep the process organised.

Where appropriate, use suitable handling equipment and make sure anyone moving the glass understands the correct handling procedures.

Large or heavy units may require more than one person or suitable lifting equipment. Never attempt to move a glass unit if it cannot be handled safely.

Once the glass is in position, check that it is properly supported and secure before leaving it.

Looking for a Reliable Glass Supplier?

Proper storage is only one part of getting the most from your glass. Choosing the right glass supplier is equally important. At UKO Glass, we supply a range of glass solutions, helping businesses source the products they need for a variety of projects.

If you are looking for a reliable glass supplier for your next project, get in touch with us by emailing theteam@ukoglass.co.uk to discuss your requirements.

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