News

July 7, 2020

Safe Glazing Improvements for Outside Your Home

Safe Glazing Improvements for Outside Your Home

Making glazing home improvements outside the home is clearly safer than inside during this pandemic, but it is still worth ensuring that the company you employ operate safely and are following the Government guidance.

The UK is enjoying (so far) a summer of fine weather and after months of restriction and now with the easing of the lockdown it’s tempting to spend more time outdoors, with conservatories, bi-folding doors, balconies, porches and garden rooms you can enjoy the best of both the indoor and outdoor lifestyle.

A new conservatory, orangery or garden room can also give you the essential additional space you might need if working from home or if you want to create good recreational or entertainments space.

No matter what home improvement you make outdoors, please ensure you use the simple Stay Safe checklist (below) provided by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) the glazing industry’s main trade body.

The GGF/MyGlazing Stay Safe Checklist

NOTE:

  1. You can check the company you are using is following GGF and Government Safe Guidance by referring to the GGF Safe Guide for Homeowners.
  2. Also ensure you ask the company you are using, to show you their Risk Assessment for the work they are proposing to do in or around your home. See an example of a Risk Assessment Form here

According to MyGlazing.com’s online research, there appears to be a significant increase this year with 28% more homeowners searching online for conservatories, orangeries and garden (summer) houses. 

If you are considering a new conservatory or similar, it is worth checking out the new Consumer Guide to Conservatories produced by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF). It’s free to download and includes expert independent advice on practical issues such as the best use of living space, foundations, materials selection and types of structures. In addition, there is also a list of general designs and styles of conservatories and orangeries and roof types.

It’s a good time to improve your home by maximising the use of your outdoor space and also adding more to the value of your property.

If you are planning a home improvement such as a conservatory or orangery use the MyGlazing.com quick and easy guide:

Safety: Check out the GGF Safe Guide for Homeowners and also the Stay Safe Checklist(as above)

Ideas: View MyGlazing.com’s “Be Inspired” section for Conservatories here or for Orangeries here  

Information: Check the GGF Consumer Guide for Conservatories and Orangeries here

Companies: To find a company for a quote and more product ranges, use the MyGlazing.com directory which is at the top of every MyGlazing.com page.

MyGlazing.com recommends to always use a company that is a Member of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) – the main trade organisation for glazing home improvement companies.

When you use a GGF Member you are guaranteed to be using a reputable company that:

  • Has financial stability and has been trading for a minimum of 3 years – there are no phoenix companies in the GGF
  • Has been vetted by the GGF and has premises, products and employees fit for purpose
  • Employs trained and qualified professionals that work to the highest technical standards as outlined by the GGF Glazing Manual written by the industry’s leading experts
  • Follows the GGF Consumer Code of Good Practice, the most comprehensive Consumer Code in the UK glazing sector

For more advice on employing the right glazing company please see our Top Tips when making a glazing home improvement.

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