Scratch or surface mark on new-home glass? How to document it

Preserve the original condition first

A line on glass could be a surface mark, residue or a scratch. Photograph it before changing the surface and identify the window panel. Do not test it with a fingernail, blade or rough sponge. Inappropriate cleaning can introduce fresh damage and make the original evidence harder to interpret.

Use more than one safe viewing angle

Reflection and lighting change how visible a mark is in a photograph. Start with the full window, then take close-ups from safe positions inside. Include part of the frame as a fixed reference. Do not climb on furniture or lean outside to photograph external glass. A mark disappearing in one photo does not establish that it is absent.

Prepare a useful photo set

Include the frame so that the panel and location can be recognised. Focus on the mark rather than scenery outside, and add an overview under natural light. Preserve an unmarked original alongside any annotated copy. Point an arrow at the mark without covering it; avoid filters or sharpening that exaggerate its appearance.

Check supplier instructions before cleaning

If cleaning is arranged, preserve the pre-cleaning evidence and follow the glass supplier’s instructions. Coated glass may have specific requirements; one product’s care method is not a universal rule. Guardian’s guidance cautions against scrapers and abrasive materials. This inspection guide does not recommend removing construction residue yourself.

Example observation and follow-up

“Main bedroom window facing the corridor: a linear mark is visible near the lower frame on the right-hand glass panel, more apparent in side lighting. Overview and detail photos G01–G02 attached. Please confirm the surface condition and address it.” After cleaning, repeat the original viewpoint and record whether the line remains, without guessing its depth.

Connect the photo with its location in Wefect

Attach the evidence to the relevant room, description and floor-plan location. Wefect Plus can assist with wording visible photo details. Clear originals, the exact panel and the viewing conditions give the record its practical value; a close-up without location is easy to misinterpret.