Ordering glass guide
Clear instructions for accurate glass measuring and ordering
Step-by-step guide to ordering glass
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1
Create a rough top view layout
Draw a simple top view of the building to show where doors and windows are located.
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2
Draw window & door diagrams
Sketch each window/door and note the panel sizes. Glass must be 5mm smaller per side (top, bottom, and both vertical sides) than the actual frame size — from inside of the frame to the opposiite inside of the frame called the tight measure principle.
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3
Glass Prep
Always ask to have the glass arrised (i.e. edges lightly sanded)
Allowing expansion and Nu-Glaze installation space.
Example:
• Tight measure width = 300mm → glass width = 290mm.
• Tight measure height = 238mm → glass height = 228mm.
Glass thickness guidelines
| Glass thickness | Reduction from tight measure | Resulting gap per Side |
|---|---|---|
| 3–4mm Glass | Minus 10mm total | 5mm per side (all sides) |
| 5–6.38mm safety glass (larger than 400mm × 600mm) |
Minus 7mm on height only | 3–4mm (top & bottom horizontals) |
Important: For 5–6.38mm safety glass larger than 400mm × 600mm, use tight measure minus 7mm on the height. Heavier panes can sit deeper in the bottom receiving groove, which may create a gap at the top. If that happens, insert a suitable spacer in the bottom groove to lift the pane back up into the top profile.
Visual Reference Guide
Click the image to open it in a new tab (full size).
Key measurement principles
Tight measure
The accurate frame size measured would be the exact size of the opening where the glass would seat.
Glass size
Always about 5mm per side smaller than tight measure to allow for easy fitting, heat expansion and movement.
Weight consideration
Heavier glass will bear down into the bottom groove, use the thicker-glass guideline to prevent gaps.
Common mistakes to avoid
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Ordering glass the same size as the frame
Glass must be smaller than the frame to allow proper installation, heat expansion and movement.
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Using one reduction for all thicknesses
Thicker/heavier glass requires different reductions than standard 3–4mm glass.
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No labelling/marking
Not labeling/marking which panes goes to which opening in which window.
Pro tip: Measure twice, calculate once, and only then place the glass order.