Glass corrosion is the deterioration of a glass surface through prolonged exposure to water or moisture. Although glass appears very durable, it can be attacked chemically under the influence of moisture: the water leaches alkaline constituents out of the glass, leaving the surface dull, stained or etched.
Application
Glass corrosion occurs where glass stays wet for a long time or where condensation cannot dry away. Think of stacked panes stored damp, glass that has lain against itself for a long time, and external glazing where rainwater remains standing. The phenomenon is recognisable by a white haze, rainbow-like rings or a rough-feeling surface.
Knowledge of glass corrosion is important above all in the storage and transport of glass and in the maintenance of historic glazing and leaded windows.
Characteristics
In an early stage the attack sits only as a thin film on the surface and can sometimes still be cleaned off. At a later stage the glass itself is etched and the damage is permanent: the surface becomes irretrievably dull. Prevention is therefore most important: store glass dry, stack with interleaving (paper or cork) and ensure good water drainage in glazing. Glaze layers can also be attacked, which makes glass corrosion related to the weathering of glazed building materials.
Related terms
- glass
- glazing
- leaded glass
- condensation
- corrosion
- maintenance
Learn more about building terms in our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.