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This GGF A5 12 page booklet contains a code of practice that all GGF Members are required to comply with when dealing with consumers including; core principles, the sale, survey, products, the installation and the guarantee. This is a publication that the GGF recommends all consumer-facing GGF Members should give to underline to homeowners why they should use a GGF members company. All GGF Members wishing to order over 1000 copies of this publication should email the GGF Marketing Department at marketing@ggf.org.uk for special bulk discounts.
On 6 March 2021, the glass industry and the GGF sadly lost a popular and respected character. Stephen Byers passed away peacefully from pneumonia aged 79, with wife and business partner Karen Byers by his side.
Stephen, with Karen, will forever be known as the pioneers of the ‘non-stick’, easy clean glass industry. The inseparable couple had to fight hard and challenge the industry and transform perceptions and attitudes towards the protection and maintenance of glass surfaces. Stephen was a visionary with their high quality ClearShield glass surface technology that over the years many have attempted to imitate, or even pass off.
Born in Texas in 1941, Stephen graduated from Missouri University with an MBA and degree in Chemistry. He then worked for multinational chemical companies and in 1977 moved to the UK for a two year assignment. In that time, Stephen met Karen and decided to remain in England. They married in 1981 in Denmark, Karen’s home country.
In that same year, Stephen investigated the concept of ‘non-stick’, easy-clean glass and subsequently acquired rights to new potential technology for the protection of various surfaces. Extensive research and improvements followed, and the new technology was branded ‘ClearShield’.
ClearShield was initially tested extensively on glass in the marine environment to prove it was easier to clean and keep clean. Stephen remarked, “If ClearShield works on glass in the harsh marine environment, it’s going to work in any environment!”. After successful small scale marine trials, ClearShield was ready to be launched commercially.
However, selling the concept to the glass industry would be a mammoth task; they displayed staunch determination and unwavering dedication to raising awareness on the corrosion of glass, and most importantly how it may be avoided or corrected. And their efforts paid off.
Consequently, Stephen and Karen single-handedly created a new and global industry for the protection of glass surfaces, now firmly accepted by the whole of the glass and construction industry. ClearShield led the couple to develop a unique, fully-integrated system to renovate, protect and maintain glass: the ClearShield System® (later rebranded the ClearShield Eco-System®).
In 1985, they treated their first cruise ship, the QE2. This was a prestigious project indeed, and would pave the way for treatment to other cruises liners: to date, ClearShield has been applied to over 60 cruise liners.
In 1986, Stephen and Karen helped a certain Richard Branson break the world record for the fastest transatlantic surface crossing. Richard’s powerboat, Virgin Atlantic Challenger II, had her exterior glass treated with ClearShield, making it resistant to the harsh sea spray and optimise visibility. This saved the crew precious time from having to stop and clean the glass.
With awareness of ClearShield increasing, Stephen and Karen formed Ritec International Limited in 1987. That same year, ClearShield won the Prince of Wales Industry Award for Industrial Innovation & Production. Those of you of a certain age may recall HRH Prince Charles throw a bucket of mud against a large piece of glass half-treated with ClearShield on the BBC’s Tomorrow’s World programme, the mud effortlessly running off the protected side. Even at trade shows, visitors will spy Ritec’s ‘mud dome’ demonstration units and say they remember seeing the technology demonstrated on said programme; certainly ClearShield has made a lasting impression to some!
Ritec were – and continue to be – members of the GGF (Glass & Glazing Federation). Over the last 30 years, Stephen worked relentlessly with the GGF to begin development of some industry standards, and to make health & safety and ethics driving factors in the growth of this new industry. He held various positions, including Chairman of the London Region from 2006-10 as well as being a founder Chairman of the GGF Modified Glass Group in 2013. For 10 years, Stephen also served on the GGF Marketing and Communications Committee and was on the GGF Glazing Executive for 7 years.
Stephen and Karen’s achievements were recognised in 2019 by the GGF when they received an award for Outstanding Contribution to the Industry, a fantastic honour.
From humble beginnings, Stephen and Karen’s technology is today used in more than 70 countries on commercial and residential buildings as well as on ships and other transport vehicles, and in many other applications. ClearShield has also won several international awards on the way. However, what is less known is that they introduced crucial innovations such as a ground-breaking system for the protection of glass and ceramic electrical insulators with their VoltShield System™, as used by the National Grid.
But it is not just his business achievements Stephen will be remembered for. His determination, positivity, kindness and graciousness will never be forgotten. Stephen Byers, you will be sorely missed.
The GGF Technical Department in conjunction with the GGF Standards Committee has issued a status report relating to the revision of the Harmonized European Standards (hens) to comply with the Construction Products Regulation (CPR).
With the publication of the CPR the European Commission has requested that the CEN Technical Committees examine their hENs to ensure that they are compliant with the new legislation.
The major work revolves around converting the Annex ZA’s. New Annex ZA’s needed to cover the following:
- Replace “Declaration of Conformity”(DoC) with the “Declaration of Performance” (DoP)
- Change “System of Attestation of Conformity” to the new “Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance” (AVCP)
- With the DoP there is nothing to cover “durability”. Therefore there was a need to define another “Essential Characteristic/Works Characteristic’ that could then be included in the DoP
At the same time, the Commission asked that there be changes in the manner that the hEN’s are drafted. Also, they altered the system of consultants. This system is under the control of Ernest and Young. The new Harmonised Standards (HAS) consultants have been employed to operate this new system. When a draft harmonized standard is ready for assessment it is referred to Ernest and Young who pass it onto one of the consultants. There are only FOUR consultants covering all of the standards under the CPR.
{none of the four CPR consultants has a background in glass}
WHERE WE ARE
Published standards awaiting Citation in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU)
The following “product standards” have been published and sent for official citation:
- hEN 1096 – 4: Glass in building – Coated glass – Part 4: Product standard
- hEN 1279 – 4: Glass in building – Insulating glass units – Part 5: Product standard
According to CEN our two standards were part of a package of seven to be cited.
The initial expectation within CEN and the technical committee (CEN TC129) was they would go through the citation process during Autumn 2018 that then became the end of 2018. The latest information is the end of the first quarter of 2019. However, there is nothing yet to confirm this timescale.
Standards going through HAS
All of these standards have failed assessment prior to the citation:
- EN 12150 – 2 Glass in building – Thermally toughened soda lime silicate safety glass – Part 2: Product standard
- EN 13024 – 2 Glass in building – Thermally toughened borosilicate safety glass – Part 2: Product standard
- EN 14179 – 2 Glass in building – Heat soaked thermally toughened soda lime silicate safety glass – Part 2: Product standard
- EN -16477 – 2 Glass in building – Painted glass for internal use – Part 2: Product standard
These standards have failed an assessment at ‘enquiry stage’
- prEN 17257 – 2 Glass in building – Acid etched glass – Part 2: Product standard
- prEN 17258 – 2 Glass in building – Sandblasted glass – Part 2: Product standard
The problem with the new consultants is their lack of knowledge on glass products and their insistence that what we stated in our “answer to the mandate” is cast in concrete.
{They are expecting the standard to use exactly the words proposed within the “answer to the mandate” whilst there was nothing stated by the Commission on this topic}
{As far as the specification writers are concerned the “Title and Scope” of the standard are only finally decided when the content is finalized.}
Problems
Our main difficulties are as follows:
- The time delay between publication of the “Part 1” and the associated product standard, i.e. the “Part 2”. This is, at present, for EN 14179 a delay of three years.
For example:
{EN 14179 – 1: 2016 Glass in building – Heat soaked thermally toughened soda lime silicate safety glass – Part 1: Definition and description include a revised “heat soaking process”. This cannot be used until EN 14179 – 2: Glass in building – Heat soaked thermally toughened soda lime silicate safety glass – Part 2: Product standard has been cited.}
{The EN 14179 – Part 1 referenced within the existing Part 2, 2005 is as a dated reference, i.e. 2005, and this is the version that MUST be followed.}
- The commission has also decided to change the layout of the hEN’s. These changes have been informed to the consultants but not to the technical specification/standards writers.
These are some examples:
- All normative references are to be dated references
- Certain clause titles, for example, Requirements, are no longer permitted
- The Annex ZA needs to be modified. The version that the consultant’s reference is not the one that the specification writers are aware of.
- Add a definition of “Durability” and then add it to the list of essential characteristics. Develop a methodology for all product groups that are sufficiently robust to ensure acceptance by the European Commission.
WHAT NEXT?
HAS Assessments
In order to move the harmonized European standards, that have received ‘negative assessments’, forward the management working group of CEN TC129 has agreed the following:
- Arrange meeting(s) with the HAS consultant(s) to educate them on glass and subsequently agree on how to modify the existing text.
- Undertake the development of an updated answer to the mandate. This will cover all of the product groups and will be based on the 2016/17 version that has recently received commission acceptance.
- Completely redraft the standard and then send it to the CEN process. Hopefully, this will only require a new formal vote.
With respect to the two standards that were assessed at the enquiry stage the following has been agreed:
- CEN will contact the consultant who did the assessment and request that he checks his findings against the recently accepted 2016/17 answer to mandate.
- The applicable working group will when considering the comments from the public enquiry also incorporate into the draft, for a formal vote, the assessment suggestions.
Timing
Develop, an agreement, with CEN and the Commission that will ensure that the Part 1’s and 2’s, i.e. part dealing with the technical detail related to the product and the harmonized product standard part, are published together.
This article will hopefully inform the industry about the present situation.
The future work of CEN TC129: Glass in building will continue to produce new and also revise existing standards that are covered by the official Commission Mandate (M135) Glass in building.
Future work will also include modifications to the appropriate standards that will be necessary to cover the environmental topic “release of dangerous substances to indoor air”.
For more information please contact: technical@ggf.org.uk
Q1. Where must fire-resistant glass be used?
Fire-resistant glass is normally used to prevent fire spread and to provide a safe escape route and safe access for fire-fighters. The national documents providing guidance on how to meet Building Regulations (e.g. Approved Document B for England and Wales) show where fire-resistant barriers are required. If an alternative approach has been taken to demonstrate compliance with Building Regulations, such as a fire safety engineering design study, then the applications for fire-resistant glass must be specified in the appropriate design report.
Q2. When must the glass be integrity-only and when must it have insulation performance?
The areas of application for integrity-only or integrity and insulation performance are given in the appropriate guidance to the Regulations, or in the appropriate design report if the building is subject to a fire safety engineering study.
Q3. How can it be ensured that the specified system is appropriate for the application?
The specified glazed system must have appropriate evidence of performance based on appropriate test information. This evidence may be provided either in a test report, or in an assessment report or by third party certification. The test evidence that is provided must be appropriate to both the application and the specific glazed system that is to be installed.
Q4. Is it possible to obtain a fire certificate for installed fire-resistant glass products?
Fire certificates are provided by the Fire Service to approve certain premises and are not applicable to individual products, systems, assemblies or installations. Under new Regulations, fire certificates are to be phased out during 2006 and replaced by making the Responsible Person, i.e. the building or business owner, responsible for ensuring that appropriate fire precautions and safety measures are in place. Product certificates may be referred to in the context of third-party certification schemes, but these are voluntary and not obligatory. The appropriate evidence of performance for a fire-resistant glazed system is normally a test or an assessment report, which must be provided by the supplier on request.
Q5. Why can’t toughened glass be used for fire-resistant applications?
Standard toughened glass is not able to withstand the thermal shock generatedduring a fire and it must not be used where fire-resistant barriers are required. There are a number of specially modified toughened soda-lime glass types available for fire-resistant applications in very specific framing systems, or special glass compositions such as toughened borosilicates that can be used, but both types are strictly subject to manufacturers’ specific guidance on their use.
Q6. Can it be assumed that a fire-resistant glass successfully tested in single glazing will give the same performance in an IGU?
Never make assumptions. In all cases appropriate proof of performance must beavailable related to appropriate test evidence.
Q7. What is the biggest pane size that can be used?
The pane size will vary according to the glass and framing system, always subject tothe availability of appropriate test evidence. In every case, contact the glass manufacturer or supplier for the maximum glass sizes tested and the associated framing system details
Q8. What edge cover should I use when glazing fire-resistant glass?
Different glass types will require different amounts of edge cover according to theirindividual requirements. Manufacturers/suppliers will provide appropriate guidance, which must be followed. Modified toughened soda-lime glasses are particularly sensitive to edge cover which is generally a maximum of 10mm cover. If the edge cover is too great for this type of glass then premature failure is far more likely.
Q9. When glazing must I allow for expansion of the fire-resistant glass?
Normal glazing codes of practice must be followed. Glass in any application mustnever be glazed tightly. Expansion allowances can be especially critical for modified toughened soda-lime glass types. The glass manufacturer/supplier will define expansion allowance required.
Q10. Can PVB laminated glass be used for fire-resistant applications, as it is a safety glass?
PVB laminated safety glass does not have any fire-resistant properties and it must not be used in fire-resistant applications. Safety glass types with fire-resistant properties are available, based upon special inter-layers.
Q11. Can the maximum pane size be increased beyond what was tested?
Only limited increases in tested pane sizes are allowed, according to assessment. The evidence provided by the glass manufacturer/supplier will provide the maximum pane size allowed for each particular system.
Q12. Can the pane height be increased while reducing the width, keeping the same area?
This is only possible if there is test evidence that the modified dimension meets thefire-resistance performance. Details will be made available by the glass manufacturer/supplier.
Q13. What size and shape of glazing bead can be used?
This information can only be identified by reference to the approved glazing systems, and the size of bead will vary according to the glass and system chosen.
Q14. Can the tested gasket or seal be exchanged for an alternative?
This may be possible but only if the alternative has documented evidence showing that it can be used with the glass and framing system. If this evidence is not available, contact the gasket or seal supplier for confirmation of acceptability.
Q15. What glazing seals must be used?
The glazing seal has to be appropriate for the chosen system based on test evidence. Standard glazing seals must not be used for fire-resistant glazing.
Q16. How big a piece of glass can be installed into a timber fire door leaf?
This depends on the door leaf being used, as each door manufacturer will have tested different sizes of glass with their door leaf types. Maximum glass size can also depend on the glazing system being used in the door. The test or assessment information for the specific door leaf and glazed system will dictate the allowable maximum glass size and glass aspect ratio. It should be noted, that great care needs to be taken when cutting apertures into door leaves because this can adversely affect the fire-resistance performance of the door and this must only be done according to the door manufacturer’s guidance and instruction. Impact safety may also limit maximum glass size: if the glass has a class C impact safety rating then glazed door panels are limited to a maximum of 900mm.
Q17. What shapes of vision panel can be used in a timber door leaf?
Various shapes are possible but the types and sizes will depend upon the evidence available for the door leaf and the glazing system. If the evidence is unavailable for the required shape, then the shape must not be used. It should be noted that great care needs to be taken when cutting apertures into door leaves because this can adversely affect the fire-resistance performance of the door.
Q18. What happens if a different species of timber is used?
Different timbers have different burning characteristics and can influence the performance of the door or framing system. An alternative timber should not be used unless there is appropriate fire test evidence.
Q19. What is the minimum frame section that may be used in a timber glazed system?
The minimum section will be the size that can be demonstrated to work with the chosen fire-resistant glass. This can be identified by reference to fire test report. Contact the glass manufacturer/supplier for the appropriate information.
Q20. Can square timber beads be used for fire-resistant glazing?
Yes, in certain cases. For insulation glass types, in particular, square beads present few problems but integrity-only glass types require more detailed consideration as transferred heat can lead to bead ignition on the protected face. Partial insulation glass types may also allow the use of square beads, subject to appropriate evidence of performance based on tests.
Q21. Can fire-resistant glass be installed into metal frames?
Steel and aluminium framing systems may be used but only if the frame is specifically designed as part of an approved fire-resistant glazed system. Standard steel or aluminium framing systems are not suitable for fire-resistant applications.
Q22. Can fire-resistant glass be installed into frameless systems?
Yes, by using specialist glass and glazing systems that have the appropriate fire test evidence. Contact the glass manufacturer/supplier for the appropriate information.
Q23. Is it possible to have glass supplied for installers to fit within their own frames?
All glass types are available on a supply-only basis but it must always be fitted into a frame that has the appropriate test evidence, using the glazing seals and bead types that are approved for that particular glazed system. Competent persons who have the relevant specialist knowledge must always carry out the installation of the glazed system, according to the construction and components given in the accompanying evidence of performance. Fire-resistant glass must only be used as part of an appropriately approved glazed system.
Q24. The glass in an existing aperture must be replaced, can a suitable glass be supplied?
All fire resistant glass types may be used in refurbishment glazing but the glass and seals must be replaced on a like-for –like basis in the existing frame according to the original evidence of performance provided for the particular glazed as installed. When carrying out any replacement glazing, the frame must be checked to ensure that it is in a suitable condition for re-glazing to be carried out. In all cases, the replacement must be and approved fire-resistant glazed system with appropriate evidence of performance, and the performance rating of that system must be appropriate to the latest guidelines, for example as given in the latest version of Approved Document B (England and Wales). If there is any uncertainty about any of the components that have to be replaced, or uncertainty about the performance rating that is required, then expert guidance must be sought from a member of the GGF’s Fire Resistant Glazing Group.
When homeowners use a GGF Member company to carry out windows, doors or conservatory work, they are investing in professional workmanship and service of the very highest standard. Companies requiring flat glass or glazing products from a GGF Member can also be assured they are dealing with the best companies in the industry. So if you are wanting to improve your home or property, or simply need a glass and glazing product or service, why not browse our directory and contact a GGF Member Company in your area.
Our comprehensive list of member services
The GGF was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Stephen Byers, co-developer of the ClearShield System® and co-founder and managing director of Ritec International Limited. Stephen passed away peacefully on 6 March 2021 aged 79, as a result of pneumonia.
Stephen and his wife and business partner Karen are well-known figures in the glass industry both in the UK and internationally and Ritec has been in the GGF Membership since 1987.
Over the last 30 years, Stephen was very involved in the GGF and held various positions including Chairman of the London Region from 2006-2010 as well as being a founder Chairman of the GGF Modified Glass Group in 2013. Stephen also served for 10 years on the GGF Marketing and Communications Committee and was on the GGF Glazing Executive for 7 years.
Stephen and Karen’s achievements were deservedly recognised, when they received the GGF award for “Outstanding Contribution to the Industry” at GGF Members’ Day 2019 at Hilton Kensington Olympia.
Stephen’s relentless work with the GGF began with his input into the development of several industry standards, and to make health & safety and ethics driving factors in the growth of his emerging sector. Though a tenacious businessman, Stephen was also an extremely sociable person, attending many GGF and industry events in the UK and abroad.
On hearing the sad news, John Agnew, GGF Managing Director commented, “I have shared many meetings and enjoyable social events with Stephen and Karen over many years. It is a very sad loss for the industry and the GGF. My heartfelt sympathies go to Karen and the immediate family at this time.”
Peter Stuttard, GGF Head of Membership said, “Stephen was a true gentleman and stalwart of the GGF Membership. He was a popular and productive Chairman of the GGF London Region. He will be sorely missed and my sincere condolences to Karen and her family and friends.”
James Lee, GGF Director of External Affairs worked with Stephen on the GGF Marketing and Communications Committee and also at exhibitions and events. On receiving the news, James said, “I was very sad to hear of Stephen’s passing. We worked together on numerous marketing and PR projects and I will fondly remember the many social occasions when I enjoyed his and Karen’s company. Stephen was a unique and popular personality in our industry who will be sadly missed. My thoughts are with Karen and her family at this difficult time.”
Pioneering the Industry
Stephen and Karen were an inseparable team for over 40 years ago and they challenged the glass industry to transform perceptions and attitudes towards the protection and maintenance of glass surfaces. They displayed staunch determination and admirable dedication to raising awareness on the corrosion of glass, and most importantly how it may be avoided or corrected. And their efforts paid off.
Stephen and Karen single-handedly created a new and global industry for the protection of glass surfaces now firmly and permanently accepted by the whole of the glass and construction industry. Their award-winning ClearShield System® (later rebranded the ClearShield Eco-System®) for the renovation, protection and maintenance of glass, pioneered and still continues to be a leader in ‘non-stick’, easy-clean glass surface technology.
Today their technology is used in more than 70 countries on commercial and residential buildings as well as on ships and other transport vehicles, and in many other applications. But also lesser known, Stephen and Karen introduced crucial innovations such as a ground-breaking system for the protection of glass and ceramic electrical insulators with their VoltShield System™.
Karen Byers commented, “I feel privileged to have enjoyed such a wonderful life with Stephen and to have shared the excitements and challenges of creating amazing innovations with him. I am determined more than ever to keep Ritec International running smoothly, feeling great strength to ensure its prosperity so that Stephen’s legacy may live on for many years to come”.
Karen and the rest of the Ritec team would like to provide reassurance that the company’s activities will carry on uninterrupted in honour of Stephen.
For those who wish to send a message of condolence, please email condolences@ritec.co.uk.
The GGF Technical team offers the support you need to help your business. Whether it’s a call for information and advice from a GGF Technical Officer, an update on a technical group or it’s a technical issue you feel the GGF should be raising to standards committees or at Government level, then feel free to contact the GGF Technical Team.
David Borland – Senior Technical Officer
With over 40 years of experience in the industry, David is well placed to provide both practical and technical advice to members. Starting as an Apprentice Glazier in his early years, David moved into IGU production. A passion for product development seen him expand into other areas of glass production such as toughening, pre-processing, decorative glass and laminated glass. He was the Project Director for the planning, purchasing and commissioning of the World’s first Jumbo PVB Laminating line based in Glasgow.
A turn in direction seen David moving into fabrication and installation of aluminium windows and doors, both commercial and domestic. The addition of uPVC windows and Doors was a natural progression.
Latterly, his experience and knowledge offered opportunities to move to and work in the Middle East, India and Malaysia.
Since joining the GGF, David has proven to be an asset to the team, culminating in his recent promotion to Senior Technical Officer heading the Home Improvement section of the GGF.
Secretary & Technical Support for:
Home Improvement Executive
Insulated Glass Manufacturers Group
Glazing Components Group
Standards Committee
Technical Support for:
Scottish Region
Heritage Window Group
Regional Manager for:
Northern Ireland
Republic of Ireland
GGF Representative for:
BSI Working Group B/538
BSI Working Group B/208
BSI Working Group B/209
CEN Technical Committee 33
Glass for Europe
Ben Wallace – Senior Technical Officer & Consultancy Manager
After leaving the military, Ben worked for a UPVC Manufacturer as a technical advisor to the trade. Upon joining the GGF in 2012 as a trainee Technical Officer, he carried out a two-year training programme to become a full Technical Officer after shadowing some of the industry’s leading experts. Since then Ben has been involved in all elements of the glazing industry and worked on some extremely high profile glazing projects internationally.
In 2015 Ben took over the Consultancy Department and has turned this into a valuable asset for the federation. To assist with this, in 2018 Ben undertook an Expert Witness course through Bond Solon Law School and Cardiff University. In regards to Consultancy, Ben will undertake site inspections in most commercial glazing installations and is the only GGF Calibration Officer specialising in Heat Soak Oven Calibration in accordance with EN 14179 and Impact Rig calibrations in accordance with EN12600.
More recently Ben has been promoted to a Senior Technical Officer heading up the Glazing Executive side of the Federation.
Secretary & Technical Officer for: –
Glazing Executive
Safety & Security Group
Tougheners Group
Laminators Group
Mirror Group
Technical support for: –
London
Wessex
Kent, Surrey & Sussex
GGF Representative for: –
BSI Working Group B/520
CEN TC129 Working Group 2
CEN TC129 Working Group 4
CEN TC129 Working Group 13
Steve Chappell – Technical Officer
With over 20 years’ experience in the glass industry in technical and commercial roles Steve started out as a Technical Advisor for a major UK glass company providing design advice and technical support on all aspects of glass and glazing. Delivering a technical consultancy service in-house to branches and their customers nationwide, to design professionals, the industry and the general public. From answering the question ‘What glass specification do I need here?’ to keeping the designer, specifier, processor and installer abreast of the latest technical developments, installation procedures, changing legislation and national standards.
More latterly, prior to joining the GGF, Steve was in a technical-commercial role involved in the design, specification and supply of architectural and structural glass projects, specialising in point fixed glazing systems from design inception through to specification with supporting calculations utilising finite element software packages.
Along with his general duties Steve deals with most Structural Calculations for members and the architectural sector using MEPLA software.
Secretary & Technical Officer for: –
Curved Glass Group
Fire Resistant Glass Group
Window Film Group
Curved Glass Group
Modified Glass Group
Technical Officer for: –
Midlands Region
West of England Region
GGF Representative for: –
Construction Products Association
Fire Sector Federation
Kevin Jones – Technical Officer
Kevin has nearly 20 years’ experience within the fenestration industry covering many aspects of PVC u windows and doors including estimating, fabrication, installation and extrusion.
His most recent role was as the Standards, Accreditation and Quality manager for one of the largest PVC u window system houses in the UK. Working closely with the system house design team Kevin was a key part of the new product launch team, where his passion for new products and technologies was valued by the wider team.
The role also allowed Kevin to gain significant experience of product standards and testing which developed skills that he hopes will be of value to GGF members.
Kevin has worked closely with industry certification schemes such as Secured By Design, BBA and the British Standards Kitemarks and is well placed to assist with any product certification queries our members might have. He has worked with category 1 national house builders and the NHBC and has a good knowledge of new build specifications, British Standards and Building Regulations.
Secretary & Technical Officer for: –
Windows & Doors Group
Conservatory Association
Systems House
HI Technical
Hardware Group
Technical Officer for: –
North West & North Wales Region
North East & Yorkshire Region
GGF Representative for: –
Centre for Window & Cladding Technology
British Plastics Federation
Fenestration Relevant Authority
Door & Hardware Federation
John Mannell – Technical Officer
The Technical Department are pleased to welcome their latest recruit John Mannell. With 15 years’ experience in the industry John has had both hands-on experience in glazing and fenestration, studied with City and Guilds College in Architectural Stained Glass and Kiln Forming, through to completion of GQA’s Level 7 in Construction Senior Management.
Whilst having a practical background in installation of prefabricated systems and extrusions John has prided himself in working with designers, architects and engineers to meet bespoke designs for both domestic and commercials applications.
Secretary & Technical Officer for: Emergency Glazing & Glass Repair Decorative Glass & Glass Structures
Technical Officer for: –
London Region
Kent, Surrey & Sussex Region Wessex Region
Petra Akinsiku – Conciliation Officer
Svetlana Stsepak – Technical Administrator
General email technical@ggf.org.uk
Click here to see our GGF Technical Team organisational chart outlining the technical areas of expertise and responsibility for each member of the technical team.
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