When it comes to transporting large items, people usually try to break them into smaller pieces, if possible. This is why you usually have to assemble furniture after it arrives. This is especially important for fragile items, to ensure that everything is padded and protected. However, most modern windows are very big single sheets. This makes moving windows without breaking them tricky.
Here is what you need to know about how people transport windows without breaking them. It’s best to leave moving windows to the professionals for a variety of reasons that we’ll get into below.
Windows Must Be Transported Upright
Many people who consider trying to transport windows themselves in order to save on delivery fees assume that you can simply lay windows down flat in the back of a pickup truck or trailer. They presume that you can just stack windows on top of each other and that the window frames will keep the glass separated and in good condition.
While it makes sense to think this, you never want to transport windows horizontally. The larger the window, the more important it is for it to be transported vertically. There are a few reasons for this.
- Avoid stress on the glass. When windows are laid down flat, this puts a great deal of stress on the glass during transport. Even if one dries perfectly on the smoothest road, the vibrations and tension placed on the glass can lead to damage.
It helps to remember that glass is very thin. When laid flat, it’s much more fragile as there is a larger surface area. When stored upright, the stress on the glass is lessened and it is easier to transport windows without breaking them. The bigger the window, the more important it is for it to be transported vertically, as it has a greater gravitational pull.
- Window frames aren’t cushion enough. Your window frames may stack nicely, but the glass between them is suspended. This can cause stress on the windows and lead to damage like cracks or seal failure. This is why even when you transport windows upright, they need to have some sort of support between each window.
- There is a lot of movement during transport. This can lead to window damage, of course. It can also affect stacking. If you were to stack your windows horizontally, they can very easily move around and get unstacked during transport. It’s easier for them to move around and be damaged this way.
This is why window transportation vehicles have special racks on them. These racks have a slight tilt to them with cushioning, like rubber or carpet. Without a stand to strap the windows too, it would be difficult to keep them upright or to prevent them from breaking during transportation.
Windows Must Be Protected
Have you seen a window transportation vehicle and wondered how they can drive the windows around without breaking them? There are a few measures people can take in order to protect windows during the transportation process.
People often wrap windows in stretch foil prior to loading them up. Stretch foil is a very stretchy plastic film that keeps things tightly bound. It improves stability, makes the glass safer to handle, and also provides some protection from dust and moisture and the like. This makes the windows less likely to break during transport.
People also usually place something between each window, like sponging. Any edges have extra protection. There should also be measures to keep the windows from moving around, like anti-slip flooring and rubber on the frames.
The more support that windows have in transport, the easier it will be to move them without breaking them.
Should You Transport Windows Yourself?
Unless you are a professional with the appropriate materials? Definitely not.
If you buy new windows, it is best to have them delivered to you, rather than trying to pick them up yourself. Professionals will know how to safely transport windows without breaking them. This can save you stress in trying to sort out a solution, as well as money in not having to build a rack or anything like that.
Plus, if the windows were to break while you transport them, more likely than not, you will have to buy new windows. However, if the windows were to break while professionals transport them, more likely than not, they will replace them for you.
In order to save yourself time, money, and stress, leave window transportation to the pros.
Do You Need New Windows?
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