The day I learned to respect the 'wiggle' on a big tempered glass install

Two years back, I was setting a 96 by 48 inch tempered panel for a storefront. I used to muscle them straight into the frame, no give. This one time, I heard a loud 'pop' like a gunshot from the corner. The glass was fine, but the sound scared me so bad I nearly dropped my suction cups! Now I always leave that tiny 1/8 inch gap for expansion, just like the old guys said. It's been smooth sailing ever since. Anyone else have a scary noise teach them a better way?

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3 Comments

lisa_murray6mo ago

Yeah, that pop is no joke. But honestly, that 1/8 inch gap you're leaving now? It's still way too tight for a piece that size. The rule is 1/8 inch per foot of glass, so for an 8-foot panel you really need a full inch of space on each side in the frame. That tiny gap is for smaller stuff. You got lucky that time.

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paul1996mo ago

Man, that's the same "close enough" thinking that wrecks so many DIY projects!

5

price.alice5mo ago

Rules are just guidelines anyway.

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