Being a glazier is an art, and it takes years of practice and experience to be able to effectively cut and install glass. Being a glazier is not easy work as glazier jobs require extreme caution given that they are regularly exposed to safety hazards – sharp and broken glass as well as sharp cutting tools.
Glazier jobs can also be rewarding. Becoming a glazier means enrolling and learning through an apprenticeship program supported by union and trade associations. You can start out as an apprentice and then supplement your on-the-job training with classes. The skill required to be a glazier takes finesse and precision. You need to know how to measure and even interpret blueprints if you are performing commercial work on buildings.
Types of Glaziers
Glaziers in any environment have common skill requirements and may need to use a variety of bonding glazing compounds, putty, bolts, rubber gaskets, metal clips, or metal or wood moldings. They work with other materials which support glass including plastics, granite, and marble. They also use laminates to reinforce glass durability. Glaziers may need to mount steel and aluminum frames, and attach locks and hinges to glass doors.
However, skill and experience are two different things. Experienced commercial glazers must typically deal with far larger projects and their environments can be far more demanding than residential glaziers based on scope, height requirements and the size of glass elements that need to be installed.
Residential glazier jobs satisfy the lifestyle glass needs of households or multilevel apartment or condominium buildings. Common tasks for residential glaziers include window replacements, installation of glass mirrors, shower door and bathtub enclosures. Furniture which integrates glass such as display cases or tabletops may also need the fine hand of a glazier to cut and attach the glass.
Commercial glazier jobs require greater responsibilities. Commercial glaziers may need to work on top of tall buildings replacing skylights or glass windows. Or they might be inside a workspace installing or fixing glass divisions or office walls, as more companies use glass to harvest sunlight and save on increasing energy costs. Commercial glass is often prefabricated, then mounted by contractors and delivered to the job site where glaziers install them. This is where the heavy lifting is done. Glass pieces can be large and heavy, even requiring a crane to lift them into position. Securing the glass safely and properly and installing it is where the technical skills of glaziers are really apparent. Glaziers may even need to cut on site too and need to have those specialty tools to be precise.
Glazier Career Outlook
Glaziers typically work 40-hour weeks and keep busy year-round with both indoor and outdoor jobs as broken glass always requires repair. Demand is high for glazier jobs as they support the construction industry ecosystem that is looking at growth and a skilled trade shortage. Design trends both in the residential and commercial sector favour glass walls which is more visually appealing while also providing energy savings.
Glazier Jobs and the Union
By starting a career as a glazier, you will not only acquire knowledge, but you will also develop highly specialized skills and support an economy that is in dire need of skilled tradespeople. By joining a trade union, you’ll get the opportunity to train, earn while you learn, earn competitive wages, and gain job security. Find out more about glazier jobs by contacting us today.
