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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.

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.

Yes, replacing only the glass in a double-pane window is possible, but you’ll need to hire a window repair professional to tackle this task. Your window repair technician will cut the seal around the existing glass, remove it, install new glass, and create a vacuum between the new panes to fill with insulative gas. This process will restore the energy efficiency of your window while keeping your costs as low as possible. It’s almost always more affordable to undergo this window repair process rather than replace the entire frame along with the glass.

There are a few reasons your mirrors might have smears on them after cleaning, but the two most likely are remaining cleaning product and minerals from hard water. If you used a commercial glass cleaner, consider spraying down the mirror with a 1-to-1 ratio of white vinegar and water after cleaning and then wiping it dry with a cotton cloth. If you suspect hard water is the issue, use a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol to spot-clean the streaks, and then let the mirror air-dry.