If you’ve ever thought about fixing glass yourself, you’re definitely not alone. But as a licensed glazier, I can tell you that glass behaves very differently from most materials. Hiring someone trained and licensed ensures the repair is safe, compliant and long-lasting — something do-it-yourself fixes often struggle to achieve.
Hiring a licensed glazier means safer, compliant and longer-lasting glass repairs — without the risks and hidden costs that come with doing it yourself.
Quick Overview:
• Safety glass compliance
• Insurance protection
• Proper tools & training
• Correct glass selection
• Long-term durability
• Fast, safe emergency response
• Avoiding costly DIY mistakes
Why Choosing a Licensed Glazier Matters
Whenever someone calls me about a broken window or a cracked shower panel, one of the first things they often say is, “I thought about trying to fix it myself.” And honestly, I understand why. For many household repairs, doing it yourself is completely reasonable.
Glass, however, is a very different story.
It doesn’t give you a warning before it fails. A panel that looks stable can be sitting under tension. A tiny chip can spread across the sheet with one wrong movement. And certain areas of your home — bathrooms, doors, low windows — legally require safety glass under Australian standards.
Over the years, I’ve repaired a lot of situations that started with the best intentions but became more complicated because of a small mistake early on. A few millimetres off, the wrong type of glass, or a damaged frame can turn a simple job into something far more involved.
My goal here isn’t to discourage you from being hands-on around the house — it’s simply to explain why glass repairs need a different level of care and why bringing in a licensed professional often saves time, money and stress.
For a full breakdown of glazing responsibilities, see what a glazier does.
Why Glass Repairs Aren’t Ideal as a Do-It-Yourself Project
Glass looks simple — flat, clear, solid — so it’s easy to underestimate what’s happening beneath the surface. But once it’s cracked or damaged, it becomes unpredictable.
Removing an old pane requires knowing where the tension points are. Cutting new glass needs precision and the right tools. Installing it safely means understanding how the glass should be supported, how frames behave and how sealants react over time.
I’ve seen panels collapse while someone was simply trying to loosen a bead of old silicone. I’ve also seen cuts on hands and arms from attempting to carry a sheet of glass that looked lighter than it was. Even something like prying a window frame open a little too far can bend a track permanently.
It’s not that people can’t be careful — it’s that glass doesn’t behave like most materials you’re used to working with.
If you’d like a deeper comparison, I’ve written about this in our post about DIY and professional glazier.
Safety Glass Compliance
In Australia, all glazing work must follow AS1288, which outlines the exact type of glass required in certain areas of a home. It also dictates thickness, edge clearance, load requirements and installation methods.
It’s not unusual for me to replace glass that was installed years earlier by someone who didn’t realise the area required safety glass — or didn’t know the correct thickness. Even if the repair looked fine at the time, it wasn’t compliant.
And once something isn’t compliant, it creates problems beyond safety — especially when insurance is involved.
If you want to understand how these rules affect urgent situations, I explain it in emergency glazier response times.
Insurance, Warranty and Peace of Mind
One thing many homeowners aren’t aware of is that insurance companies often require glass to be installed by a licensed glazier. If something goes wrong with a do-it-yourself installation — even months later — insurers can decline a claim.
When I complete a job, you get a compliant installation backed by workmanship warranty, and your insurance remains protected.
That peace of mind is one of the biggest reasons people choose a licensed professional.
If you’re unsure what to look for when hiring someone, I explain this in how to choose a reliable glazier.
Why Tools and Techniques Make Such a Difference
People are sometimes surprised when I arrive with equipment they’ve never seen before. Suction lifters, specialised cutters, exact alignment tools, safety wedges and commercial-grade sealants all play a major role in making sure the glass sits correctly and safely.
These aren’t things most people have at home — and using the wrong tools often leads to minor frame damage, poor seals, drafts or water leaks. Over time, those issues turn into bigger repairs.
If you’re curious about who actually does the work when you book with me, you can learn more on my Meet Glazier Paul page.
Top 10 Reasons to Hire a Licensed Glazier
Below are the most common reasons I’m called out — and why people usually tell me afterwards that they’re glad they didn’t attempt the repair themselves.
1. Safety Comes First
Cracked or stressed glass can fail suddenly. Knowing how to stabilise, remove and reinstall it safely makes all the difference.
2. The Right Glass for the Right Area
Bathrooms, doors, stairwells and low windows all require different types of safety glass. Using the wrong one can be dangerous.
3. Accurate Measurements Matter
Glass needs millimetre-perfect measurements. Even the slightest miscalculation can cause pressure points or gaps.
4. Protecting Your Frames
Timber and aluminium frames get damaged easily during removal. Once bent or split, they’re costly to fix.
5. Proper Sealing and Weatherproofing
The right seal prevents leaks, mould and drafts — especially important in Brisbane’s humidity.
6. Insurance Compliance
Licensed installation keeps your home properly covered.
7. Spotting Hidden Damage
Small cracks or weaknesses aren’t always visible until you know where to look.
8. Meeting Legal Requirements
A professional installation ensures your home meets AS1288 safety standards.
9. Long-Term Value
A correct installation lasts longer and reduces future repair costs.
10. Reducing the Risk of Injury
Glass is surprisingly heavy and dangerous to handle without training.
If you want to understand the benefits of hiring someone local, I’ve written about this in a local Glazier in Brisbane Southside.
Situations Where a Licensed Glazier Is Essential
In these situations, a professional isn’t optional — a licensed glazier is essential.
Emergency situations
Storm-damaged windows, shattered doors, and unsafe panels require urgent make-safe work through emergency 24/7 glass repair.
Dangerous or hanging shards
Loose or unstable glass can collapse without warning.
Shower screen damage
A chipped shower panel must be replaced with compliant toughened glass. For more details, check the shower glass panels.
Sliding door issues
Misaligned doors are heavy and under tension — DIY is unsafe. More details, check the glass door repair.
Shopfront breakages
Commercial panels are large, laminated and dangerous to remove. See our page about shopfront glass repairs.
House window cracks
Cracks spread quickly and often require immediate replacement. Check about house window repair.
Book Your Glazier Now
If your glass is cracked, shattered or unsafe, I’m here to help. Hiring a licensed glazier ensures your home stays safe, compliant and protected — without the risks and hidden costs of DIY.
Contact us now and request a quote anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do licensed glaziers cost more?
Sometimes, but the safety, durability and compliance benefits far outweigh DIY costs.
Why is licensing important?
It ensures correct installation, AS1288 compliance and legal protection for your home and insurance.
Can a handyman replace glass?
No. Handymen are not licensed or qualified to install safety glass.
Is DIY ever okay?
Only for basic clean-up — never for removal, cutting or installation.
How do I know if a glazier is licensed?
Ask directly and request confirmation before booking.
