Glass experts urge Brits to be careful with garden furniture ahead of heatwave

Brits are being warned to check any garden furniture that could pose a fire risk as temperatures rise.

The glass experts at MeandMyGlass.co.uk are urging Britons to be careful with any mirrored or glass features in their gardens ahead of the expected heatwave.

Garden mirrors are a great addition to any outdoor space, they create a focal point and are perfect for creating the illusion of a wider space.

Glass is also a common feature when it comes to garden furniture especially garden tables.

However, as temperatures increase mirrors and glass tables can become a fire hazard and smash if they are placed incorrectly.

John Cutts, founder of MeandMyGlass said: “Glass and mirrored features in the garden are perfectly safe when they’re positioned and made correctly.

“When temperatures rise, your mirrors can reflect and magnify the heat from the sun and if it’s facing something flammable like fences it could be a fire risk.

“Ideally your mirror should be put somewhere it’s partially covered and under some shade. Even in a shaded spot the mirror will open up your garden and add an extra element to your outdoor space without creating a fire hazard.

“When it comes to glass tables or glass covers that sit on top of garden tables, they should be built for hot weather. That being said, poorly manufactured versions could shatter under extreme temperatures so it’s best to keep them out of direct sunlight altogether.

“Outdoor glass should be thick, and made of tempered or safety glass.”

How to position garden mirrors and glass furniture:

1. Make sure mirrors aren’t reflecting flammable objects

Avoid placing your mirror opposite flammable objects like fences, sheds and wooden decking. In extreme heat the sun could reflect against the glass and pose a fire risk.

2. Don’t hang mirrors in direct sunlight

Before hanging your garden mirror, take a look at which area of your garden receives direct sunlight. Avoid placing the mirror in these areas to prevent a fire hazard. Instead opt for covered areas with partial shade that reflect the rest of your garden.

3. Grow some greenery in front of them

Growing greenery in front of your mirror means it will reflect the bright coloured plants and give the illusion that the garden continues beyond the mirror. Perfect for opening up your outdoor space.

4. Place mirrors low behind flowers

Placing a mirror against a wall low on the ground will show off any flowers from all angles. It also gives the illusion that the plants are fuller looking than  they may actually be.

5. Cover glass tables

If possible, consider covering your glass table with a furniture cover in the heat. This will act as a protective layer and prevent your glass from shattering.

6. Remove glass covers

If your garden table has a removable glass layer, consider removing it while temperatures remain high. Keep it in a safe space until the temperatures lower.

7. Considered tinted options

Tinted glass can absorb more heat and can reduce the glare given from the sun. This may be a safer option.

For more on glass product please visit MeandMyGlass.co.uk