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There is no blanket number when it comes to glass thickness for soundproofing. Thicker glass does help reduce noise, but it’s only part of the solution. Most single-pane windows use glass that’s ⅛” to ¼” thick. While increasing the thickness can cut down on sound, the real noise-blocking power comes from stacking layers. Double—and triple-pane windows are far more effective for soundproofing. The combination of mass and separation breaks up sound waves better than thick glass could on its own.

You should dust your mirrors once every one to two weeks as a part of your normal cleaning routine, and you should plan on cleaning with a glass cleaner or DIY cleaning solution once a month or so. This will help reduce the buildup of hygiene products like hair spray on the mirror, as well as oils and dirt from fingers. You can always spot-clean between regular cleanings if you notice your mirror getting dirty or smudged.

Storm door panels are typically made from tempered or laminated glass, and each type has its benefits. Tempered glass goes through a special heating and cooling process, increasing its strength and durability. It’s known for its safety features—when it breaks, it shatters into small, relatively harmless pieces rather than sharp shards. Laminated glass is made by sandwiching a layer of plastic between two layers of glass. This interlayer holds the glass pieces together even when shattered, preventing them from scattering. 

While finding your mirror cracked can be spooky, there are actually many logical and common reasons why this happens. First, the mirror may have been mounted unevenly in the first place. Over time, poor mounting leads to stress points that will eventually cause a mirror to crack. Other common causes of a mirror spontaneously cracking include dramatic temperature shifts, strong thunder or a loud crash somewhere in the distance, exposure to heat and sunlight, and an uneven wall in your home. It's also possible that your mirror had a manufacturing defect or microscopic cracks that occurred during glass cutting or handling that eventually caused it to shatter.