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To tell if a window is single or double-pane, focus on the edge. Double-pane windows have two glass layers separated by a spacer, which you can usually see around the edges. For single-pane windows, it’s just one sheet of glass. Another easy trick: shine a light at the window—single-pane glass reflects once, while double-pane glass reflects twice. Lastly, if you feel both sides of the glass on a cold day, double-paned windows will feel warmer because of the insulating gap between the panes.

Broken glass cannot usually be recycled. Most recycling programs state that glass must be intact in the form of bottles or jars in order to be recycled. You may be able to recycle broken glass at a drop-off recycling facility—contact the facility to see if they accept broken glass.

Glass has one of the longest lifespans of any fencing materials, lasting anywhere from 10 to 30 years on average. Just how long your glass fence lasts depends on several factors, including how well you maintain your fence, the climate, and the type of glass you use. 

If you live somewhere with severe weather like hail, tornadoes, or hurricanes, expect your glass to have a shorter lifespan. Pool glass is one of the thickest tempered glass materials and may last longer than other options—especially compared to laminated glass.

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.