Architectural Glass & Metal Technicians, also known as Glaziers, cut, fit and install various types of glass in metal and wooden frames for windows, skylights, store fronts and display cases, or on building fronts, interior walls, ceilings, tables and other similar surfaces, and sometimes work with glass substitutes such as plastic. Glaziers cut and install glass and aluminum systems for commercial, residential and automotive applications. 

 

They also lay out, fabricate, install frames, hardware, storefronts, wall facings, manual sliding doors, window sashes, manual door closers, automatic door operators and certain walls. Many will also install suspended glass fronts, stuck glass fronts, auto glass, art glass and other specialty products.

Operating hoists and cranes to position glass in place is a highly recommended skill to possess.

 

Glaziers work in a variety of environments and work outdoors at construction sites, sometimes on scaffolds and swing-stages along with platforms suspended from the top of high rise buildings. Others may work in factories installing glass in wooden or metal frames, or in shops replacing glass in vehicles or furniture.

 

Industry Changes

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Employment for Glaziers is expected to increase. Turnover in this field is high, so many openings occur each year. Demand should also be high for those who stay informed about new developments in this field.

 

Over the next ten years, the employment outlook is considered to be excellent. The lack of trained and qualified Glaziers and the expected increased retirement rate in these trades over the next decade highlight the excellent opportunities within the industry for good potential jobs.

 

Glaziers are employed by construction companies, architects, interior design firms and glazier shops. The steady demand for repair work somewhat offsets economic slowdowns in the construction industry, but conditions in the construction industry do affect employment prospects, and employment may be seasonal.

 

Experienced glaziers may advance to supervisory positions such as foreman or contract manager, or set up their own shops doing work for private homes and small businesses.

 

Safety

 

Safe working practices and accident prevention are the primary importance to the health and safety of all person(s) at any or all work place environments. All person(s) including employee, employer and government, share this responsibility in order to keep everyone free of any dangers or accidents that may cause an individual(s) serious bodily harm or death.

 

Glaziers are trained to work safely and wear special equipment such as safety harnesses to protect themselves from falls and other injuries. There is some risk of injury from sharp edges and broken glass.

The Occupational Health and Safety Acts and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Regulations, should be consistently reviewed and enforced in every work place environment. Educating and understanding these regulations is everyone’s responsibility in order to keep a safe work place environment.

 

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) has contributed to a safer work place environment. Health and safety has become a high priority in the workplace due to increased awareness of dangers and the identifications of hazardous materials.

 

Practicing health and safety is a tremendous contribution to a safe and accident free work place environment.

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Job Tasks

• Assemble parts of pre-fabricated glass units on revolving doors, display cases, plate glass, shower doors, store fronts, automatic doors, sky lights, sloped glazing, curtain walls, solariums and other support structures

• Drilling

• Estimating Required materials and costs

• Framing

• Install, fit, fabricate and attach architectural metals or related substitute products in commercial and residential buildings

• Install and maintain pre-fabricated glass, mirrors or glass products on walls, ceilings, fronts of buildings, handrails and walkways

• Installing scaffolding to provide safe access to roofs

• Maintain doors, windows, furniture and other items

• Maintain building interiors and exteriors

• Measure openings for size and shape, mark and cut glass panes to fit and secure the panes in place

• Monitor and replace weather stripping

• Read and interpret drawings and specifications to determine the materials required and fram location.

• Replace safety glass, windows, windshields and glass in furniture

• Scaffolding

• Sheet metal

• Trim work

• Weatherproof joints, assemble and install aluminum window parts

• …and much more

 

Tools

• Air Compressor

• Adjustable wrench

• Allen Keys

• Ball peen hammer

• C-Clamps

• Caulk Gun

• Chalk Line

• Chisel

• Claw hammer

• Combination Square

• Countersinks

• Crow bar

• Curtain wall cap removal tool

• Dead Blow Hammer

• Drills

• Files

• Framing Square

• Glass Cutter

• Glass pliers

• Glazing bar

• Glazing shovel

• Glue

• Grinders

• Hack saw

• Hammer

• Ladders

• Laser Level

• Levels

• Measuring tape

• Mini pipe cutters

• Nail Broom

• Needle nose pliers

• Pencil

• Plumb bob

• Pry Bars

• Rubber Hammer

• Rulers

• Safety Harness

• Screw driver set

• Shapers

• Socket set

• Tin snips

• Tool belt

• Vice grips

• Vinyl glazing roller

• Wrenches

• Wire strippers

• …and much more

 

Skills

• Ability to work at heights

• Analytical Thinking

• Critical Thinking

• Co-ordination

• Creativity

• Decision Making

• Good eyesight to measure, cut and see flaws in glass

• Good colour vision

• Lifting and hoisting

• Mechanical aptitude

• Manual dexterity

• Numerical

• Oral Communication

• Patience

• Problem Solving

• Reading Blueprints and schematics

• Writing

• Use of hand signals

• Computer Knowledge

 

General Wages

• Average -   $25.70

• Minimum -  $16.00

• Maximum - $35.20

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Sample Q&A

 

1.  With relation to using concealed clips, which of the following must be performed when installing mirrors?

a. countersink the screw holes

b. cover the screws with masking tape

c. use mastic on the clips

d. use 3 or more clips per mirror

Ans. B

 

2. Which one of the following is the correct procedure to layout the offset pivot door frame members?

a. layout the bottom pivot allowing 1/4in clearance at jamb and layout the top pivot measuring from the bottom pivot layout

b. layout top pivot allowing 1/8in clearance at jamb and layout bottom pivot measuring from the top pivot layout

c. layout top pivot allowing 1/4in clearance at jamb and layout bottom pivot measuring from the top pivot layout

d. layout bottom pivot allowing 1/8in clearance at jamb and layout top pivot measuring from the bottom pivot layout

Ans. B

 

3. How can a problem be solved with relation to an aluminum door that rubs on the entire surface opposite the strap hinges?

a. Replace the retaining plate and the strap hinges.

b. Adjust the screw at the door head.

c. Readjust the door frame.

d. Level the door on the side.

Ans. A

 

4. Which of the following is accomplished to repair a revolving door leaf that has collapsed?

a. remove the door leaf and adjust the spring

b. replace the collapsing mechanism

c. force it back into place

d. replace the door leaf

Ans. C

 

5. What adjustments must be made if the door is binding at the side jamb on the top when installing a bi-fold door?

a. Bevel the edge of the door.

b. Shim the jamb and adjust door trim.

c. Adjust the bottom pivot.

d. Adjust the top pivot.

Ans. D

 

6. If the lock mechanism will not close fully or is too tight, what adjustment must be made when closing a casement window?

a. Moving the latch up.

b. Moving the latch down.

c. Moving the latch in.

d. Moving the locking arm in towards the window.

Ans. A

 

7. What is the first procedure when installing a steel door frame in a masonry wall?

a. Level the head jamb.

b. Plumb the jamb on the hinge side.

c. Insert the masonry anchors.

d. Fasten the jamb to the floor.

Ans. A