How to protect your glass furniture over winter

Brits are being given professional hacks on protecting their glass furniture from shattering over the colder months.

Experts at MeandMyGlass.co.uk have revealed seven ways to prevent glass tabletops and chairs from cracking and breaking during the winter.

Thermal stress can cause fragile furniture to break – temperature changes cause the glass to expand, putting the pane under pressure until it eventually shatters.

Winter weather conditions like ice, snow, rain, hail and wind can also cause the glass to crack and break.

Throughout the winter, homeowners should cover glass tables to protect them from the cold temperatures.

Consider packing away outdoor fragile furniture during the winter whilst not in use to prevent it from breaking.

Keeping glass out of the winter sun and choosing tempered or safety table tops can also help stop the surface from shattering.

John Cutts, founder of MeandMyGlass.co.uk said: “There is a risk that the winter weather will cause your glass tables and chairs to shatter.

“The temperature changes can cause thermal stress – putting glass under pressure until it breaks. Ice, snow, rain and wind can also cause cracks and breakages on your glass furniture.

“Anyone with fragile furniture should look after their tables and chairs by keeping it out of the winter sun or packing it away into storage to keep the glass safe.

“Other tips such as removing scratches with toothpaste and opting for tempered glass will help keep the glass in-tact over winter.”

How to protect your glass furniture from the winter weather:

1. Keep it out of the winter sun

Although more of an issue during the summer, direct winter sunlight can cause glass to explode. Keep any fragile outdoor furniture in a shaded, protected area in the garden or covered up.

2. Consider placing glass furniture in storage

As glass tables and chairs won’t be in use over the winter, consider packing them away into a garage, storage unit or shed to protect the furniture until the weather improves.

3. Remove scratches

Get rid of any scratches to the glass as soon as they appear to prevent any cracks expanding to shatter the whole surface. Common household items such as toothpaste, oil and banana peel help to conceal scratches.

4. Keep the glass covered up

To avoid extreme temperatures breaking the glass, use thick protective pads or a suitable furniture cover to prevent any shattering.

5. Opt for tempered or safety glass

When choosing tables or covers for any outdoor furniture, the glass needs to be thick to ensure it can withstand snow, icy and cold conditions during the winter.

6. Remove a parasol

If you have a parasol hanging over the glass table, remove it to prevent any storms and wind from causing the umbrella to crash and break into the furniture.

7. Apply a glass sealant

A glass sealant is an invisible protective shield to repel any rainfall over the winter to prevent furniture being damaged from the bad weather.