posted on November 21, 2000 10:55:42 AM new
It has been really cold here and I am packing a lot of glass items. Is glass more susceptible to breakage in the cold weather? If so, are there any packing tips?
posted on November 21, 2000 10:57:34 AM new
Yes, use lots of insulation, and double box. Glass that is cold is much more susceptible to cracking if it takes a hard hit at the PO.
posted on November 21, 2000 11:57:22 AM new
If you're sending the glass to a cold climate, you might warn your buyer to let the box come to room temperature before unpacking. Cold glass exposed to a warm room can crack, as well.
posted on November 21, 2000 01:29:09 PM new
Ys, yes and yes. About three weeks ago I started including a para in my emails that instruct my customers to wait until their package gets to room temperature to open it. I learned the hard way last year. A 100 yr old piece of glass broke into a gazillion pieces.
posted on November 21, 2000 03:17:26 PM new
Yes, they are susceptible to either cold or hot temperatures. Last winter I came home in freezing weather to find a package on my porch. I took it into the heated house and immediately heard a "ping" from inside the package. My glass rooster now has a stress crack in the base.
For protection against temerature extremes, wrap several layers of newspaper around the packed item (or something similar). Then suggest to the buyer that they put it into the garage for awhile, then move into a cooler area of the house and let it warm up gradually before opening the package.
Violetta
(Not known by this nickname anywhere but here.)
posted on November 21, 2000 04:23:18 PM new
All good suggestions that have been given. Also do not clean the glass piece until it has been in the room for about 24 hrs and then it is best to use warm water only.
posted on November 21, 2000 04:26:06 PM new
Glass is a liquid. It becomes more brittle at lower temperatures, and expands as it warms up. Either scenario can lead to a crack.
posted on November 21, 2000 06:25:11 PM new
You think glass is affected by cold? Wait till you see what cold does to china, porcelain, etc.! Hairlines that were not there before!
Seriously, I have dealt with depression era glass for over 30 years. NO problem with the cold and one snowy winter, I made 30 trips from my unheated garage to my heated basement to bring in my stock. NO problems whatsoever! The problems occur when you unwrap glass and leave them on a shelf! Could I tell you stories! Of course, I do not deal with 100 year old glass.
