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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.

Prior to the middle part of the 1900s, glass manufacturers used a technique that involved blowing glass into cylinder shapes that were then flattened out to create sheets used for windows and doors. This technique often left behind ripples and inconsistencies in the glass.

Generally, large bathroom mirrors that have been secured to the wall with glue require a multistep removal process. By taping the mirror with masking tape or duct tape, you can potentially prevent dangerous shards from falling as you loosen the mirror. A heat gun or other heat source may be needed to loosen up the glue before it can be freed using a wire saw. With glued-down mirrors being the most dangerous to remove, it's wise to hire a professional instead of handling glass on your own.

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.