Search Results for: double glazing

ASHI Group Ltd

| 18.09.17

With 50 years experience in the Home Improvement market, manufacturing your tailor made products in our UK factory, you can rest assured that you are transforming your home with a reliable brand. We are a National Company providing a local service with over 100 local showrooms. With over 1 million happy customers all over the country, Anglian Home Improvements is the market leader in double glazing and triple glazing, front and back doors, conservatories, orangeries, roof products and more .

National company- local service
Home Improvements – Windows, Doors, Conservatories, Orangeries, Extensions, Rooftrim & Garage Doors
Robust & solid Guarantees on all our products
Over 1 million customers, we are highly recommended
Bespoke products-Made in Britain

Crystal Home Improvements (Head Office)

| 18.09.17

ABOUT CRYSTAL

Crystal Home Improvements covers London, the Home Counties and the South East of England yet despite this we are the 17th largest window fabricator and installer in the UK (source: Insight Data).

Established in 1995 Crystal is a family-oriented business and enjoys an unblemished trading history of 22 years.

Putting customers first is at the heart of the Crystal philosophy, hence our emphasis on training and our “Treating Customers Fairly” policy. “The Crystal Way” ensures world-class customer service in fulfilment of orders, as well as prompt after-sales service and providing total peace of mind through our comprehensive “no quibble” 10 year guarantee.

We can maintain our high standards because we control every stage of the process ourselves. Crystal windows and doors are manufactured at our own premises in Romford. Our own personnel carry out each stage of the process from the manufacture of our products, installation and after-sales service.

We are a responsible and ethical company which believes in providing the very best products and service, as shown by our current 96.4% recommendation rate on the Review Centre website and 9.1 out of 10 Trust Score rating.

We are members of TrustMark, the Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme, FENSA and the Glass & Glazing Federation. This gives our customers complete peace of mind and protection.

We have also created a range of finance packages to help our customers, including low-rate finance and a “Buy Now, Pay Later” package enabling buyers to defer payment for 12 months.

OUR PRODUCTS

Our main products are:

• High energy rated double glazed windows (A + for standard casements)
• A huge range of composite and panelled external doors
• Bi-fold doors
• Porches
• Garage doors
• Rooftec insulated conservatory roof replacement panels
• Roofline products including fascias, soffits, bargeboards and guttering

Whatever your window requirement, Casement, Tilt & Turn, Sliding Sash or Bay, Crystal is able to satisfy you. Our priority is to ensure we always deliver in 3 objectives; great aesthetic looks to enhance your home coupled with great energy efficiency and high security too. Crystal is one of the leading providers of PVCu doors in the UK. Our doors come in a range of shapes and sizes made to measure the requirements of your household. Using the latest production techniques, our innovative range of PVCu doors ensure your security with a locking system that is second-to-none, offering a 6-point system incorporating anti-bump, anti-stick, anti-snap and anti-drill lock cylinders. Crystal always use the highest quality materials including only using Pilkington glass.

Our very popular and current PVCu patio and bi-fold doors are slim-line, smart and very durable, they let in light and give a room a clear view to the space outside.

A new product we are particularly excited about is our Rooftec insulated conservatory roof replacement panels which are an innovative solution to the classic Too Hot, Too Cold problem many conservatory owners will recognise. No other solution is as effective, affordable, quick and flexible as Rooftec from Crystal. Every Rooftec roof is tailor-made to fit each conservatory and can be fitted in a single day. The roof panels have fantastic insulation properties turning the conservatory into a comfortable room useable 365 days a year, come snow or heat wave.

ASHI Group Ltd

| 18.09.17

National company- Local service
Home Improvements – Windows, Doors, Conservatories, Orangeries, Extensions, Rooftrim & Garage Doors
Robust & solid Guarantees on all our products
Over 1 million customers, we are highly recommended
Bespoke products-Made in Britain

Cyril Isaacs & Co Ltd

| 18.09.17

Well established family run business trading for over 50 years.
We specialise in all types of glazing in the commercial sector right through to domestic applications. Fire glass installation, secondary glazing and mirror installation are our specialty.

Glazing Contractors
Fire Glass Installation
Secondary Glazing
Mirror Installation
Double Glazing Installation

ASHI Group Ltd

| 18.09.17

National company- Local service
Home Improvements – Windows, Doors, Conservatories, Orangeries, Extensions, Rooftrim & Garage Doors
Robust & solid Guarantees on all our products
Over 1 million customers, we are highly recommended
Bespoke products-Made in Britain

ASHI Group Ltd

| 18.09.17

National company- Local service
Home Improvements – Windows, Doors, Conservatories, Orangeries, Extensions, Rooftrim & Garage Doors
Robust & solid Guarantees on all our products
Over 1 million customers, we are highly recommended
Bespoke products-Made in Britain

East Grinstead Glass Works Ltd

| 18.09.17

East Grinstead Glass pride ourselves on listening to our customers and endeavouring to meet their needs.
Small Family Run Business
Established 36 Years
Double Glazing & Conservatory Specialists

PVC-U Windows & Doors
Aluminium Windows & Doors
Conservatories
All Types of Glass Cut To Size
Leaded Light Repairs

Hazlemere Window Company Limited Seeking More Experienced Staff Due To Expansion

Members News | 29.08.17

Hazlemere are currently seeking to employ people in a wide range of positions. See below:
WINDOW & DOOR FITTERS
At Hazlemere, it is important to us that we deliver an exceptional service to our customers, so to achieve this it is vital that we have a team of talented and experienced window & door fitters. HWC is looking for both experienced commercial and experienced domestic window and door fitters. To be considered for the role you must have:

Previous quality fitting experience
A passion for delivering excellent customer service
Be a good communicator
Be self-motivated with the ability to work on your own initiative.
UK driving licence
MTC Card

PROJECT MANAGER
Purpose of the Role: Reporting to the Commercial Operations Director, the purpose of the role of Project Manager is to manage the commercial window and door installation process and installers to ensure that the companies numerous double glazing commercial projects are completed to an excellent level of customer services. To control customer debts and keep debtors list to an acceptable minimum. Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

1. To manage all installers to undertake installations within the KPIs set and agreed with the Line Manager.

2. Manage a number of Installation teams and any other resources required for the effective and efficient running of the department. Manage and maintain all HR responsibilities and employee and self-employed contractual obligations and enforce and monitor KPI’s for all staff within the installation system.

3. Provide accurate, regular and timely management information on customer records, completed installations and customer debtors.

4. Set communicate targets with the Installers and other members of the Commercial department.

5. Communicate and keep update all customers at point of Installation until completion and maintain excellent customer services.

6. Carry out any other duties that may be deemed necessary for the completion of the works by the company and/or the line manager.

7. Ensure that all customer contractual obligations are met.

8. Enforce and monitor all Health and Safety aspects on site and within the team, ensure all relevant training is up to date for all Installation staff

9. Deal with and resolve or delegate any on site issue as they arise.

10. Monitor and arrange as applicable relevant training to enable installer to carry out installations works

11. Raise, monitor, action and report on Non-conformances as necessary.

Personal Specification:

• Health & Safety Training to Management level

• CSCS card holder

• SMSTS Qualified

• Contractual and Health and Safety knowledge

WINDOW & DOOR SURVEYOR
The role of Window & Door Surveyor is part field and part office based. In essence, the role is to take a contract from the point of sale to the point where it is ready for order processing prior to installation. Duties include:

Making appointments with customers to carry out the survey.
Meeting with customer at their premises and reviewing the contract sold.
Discussing and confirming with client all choices regarding design.
Carrying out a comprehensive survey to determine manufacturing sizes.
Identifying any discrepancies between the contract sold and the final work to be carried out.
Liaising with Contracts Manager regarding any alterations to contract.
Drawing up survey to enable order processing and producing paperwork required for installation.
Qualities required include:

Previous surveying experience.
Good knowledge of current Building Regulations.
A methodical and accurate work ethic.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
Good working knowledge of the window/conservatory/building industry.
Computer literate.
MTC card or equivalent.
UK driving licence.

CONSERVATORY INSTALLERS
At Hazlemere, it is important to us that we deliver an exceptional service to our customers, so to achieve this it is vital that we have teams of talented and experienced conservatory installers. To be considered for the role you must have:

Previous conservatory fitting experience
A passion for delivering excellent customer service
Be a good communicator
Be self-motivated with the ability to work on your own initiative.
UK driving licence
MTC Card

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Hazlemere Commercial, part of the Hazlemere Group are looking to recruit a new senior team member to join our busy Department working within the commercial sector: The Company has three decades of fenestration experience – offering both replacement and new build Windows, Doors and curtain wall facades. High Wycombe based. Duties to include:

New Business Development
Client Retention
Business Development Planning
General Management Responsibilities
Key Requirements:

Fenestration Industry experience essential
Previous leadership and motivational skills
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
A good deal of common sense, etiquette and ability to think on one’s feet
Ability to work without supervision and to work as part of a team
Advanced experience and knowledge of Microsoft office
This is a senior full-time position and carries a competitive salary, commensurate with previous experience and 22 days holiday, plus statutory holidays.

COMMERCIAL TRAINEE ESTIMATOR
Hazlemere Commercial is currently looking for a full time Commercial Trainee Estimator to join this busy Division of Hazlemere Window Company Ltd, working within the commercial window, door and curtain walling sector. Excellent attention to detail is required along with GCSE or equivalent Maths. Must be able to work within a team environment.

This position carries 22 days annual holiday plus bank holidays and various preferential employee benefits. Hours are 40 per week Monday to Friday based at the High Wycombe Head Office.

COMMERCIAL DRAUGHTSMAN
The role of Commercial Draughtsman is Head Office based. In essence, the main function of this job role is to produce detailed drawings utilising AutoCAD. Information for producing these drawings shall be extracted from either the Surveyors site details and measurements or architects drawings. In addition there will also be a requirement to process windows, doors and curtain walling through Sapa Logic and AluK Logikal software packages. As and when required the Commercial Estimating Department will require drawings to be produced to help the Commercial Division secure new work. This role also involves the requisitioning of items and materials i.e. aluminium pressings, brackets, Teleflex, folding openers, trickle vents, balances for sliding sashes etc. Duties include:

Assisting the Estimating Team in the submission of commercial tenders.
Discussing and confirming with the Estimating Team and Surveyors all client choices regarding design.
Requisitioning of items and materials for pilot windows, projects and commercial contracts.
Processing of windows, doors and curtain walling using software supplied by each systems house.
Producing comprehensive detailed AutoCAD drawings to manufacturing sizes.
Identifying any discrepancies between the contract sold and the final work to be carried out.
Liaising with each Surveyor, Project Manager and Operations Director regarding any alterations to contract.
Drawing up survey to enable order processing and producing paperwork required for installation.
Qualities required include:

Previous AutoCAD experience.
A methodical and accurate work ethic.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
Ideally a reasonable working knowledge of the window/building/glazing industry.
Computer literate.

To apply email your CV and current salary to recruitment@hazlemere.co.uk Alternatively, please call Maha Urbanski on 01494 417731 to request an application pack and/or discuss any role.

Installing modern windows while keeping a vintage look

| 13.04.17

The owners of this home needed council approval to replace its windows. Find out how GGF Member companies helped them get it and how they now enjoy the benefits of modern energy efficient glazing.

For homeowners that live in buildings of architectural importance replacing windows is a challenge – how to enjoy all the benefits of modern energy efficient glazing while respecting the aesthetic requirements of their properties.

That was the case with Mokoia House, which overlooks the 17th green at Royal Troon Golf Club in South Ayrshire. The owners of a flat inside the building wished to upgrade their windows though needed to seek council approval to do so.

As with so many councils, South Ayrshire does not favour PVC-U in buildings of architectural importance, but as the prestigious golf club had recently had Vintage Collection sash windows approved and installed, installer Scotia Double Glazing and manufacturer Masterframe sought a meeting to see if a third floor flat, part of the existing building in Crosbie Road, Troon, could also have PVCu sash windows fitted.

As each building is decided upon on its own merits, it was far from a forgone conclusion. The local planner noted that this property was “very distinctive and has been listed for its local importance”.

New sash windows to match existing windows

Happily for all concerned, Scotia Double Glazing demonstrated to the council the rigorous levels of quality and detailing that go into the Vintage Traditional window including authentic detailing such as mechanical butt jointed construction, astragal bars, exclusive cam catches, and internal ovolo beading.

The product, in a colour scheme to match the existing windows, along with Scotia’s sympathetic installation technique and internal finishing, would be enough to convince the Councillors to approve the installation.

Happy customers enjoy the benefits of new windows

The homeowners are delighted by both the standard of the installation provided by Scotia Double Glazing and the quality of the windows manufactured by Masterframe, which they found to be a vast improvement on the previous models, in terms of thermal performance, weatherproofing, security, noise reduction and most importantly appearance.

Need advice on replacing windows in your home? Find a local GGF Member company today.

More:
A guide to window styles
Advice on ventilation when replacing windows
Energy efficient glazing: A useful guide
When to repair or replace your windows

The GGF Glossary

Uncategorized | 23.01.17

The Glass and Glazing Industry has thousands of products and components as well as companies. Due to its size and diverse nature, it’s also full of jargon and terminology that quite often varies from region to region, country to country, sector to sector and even in some companies from colleague to colleague.

The GGF Glossary is here to help anyone who needs help in understanding it all. It is by no means exhaustive and the GGF is aiming to update this page regularly. If you have and addition or feel something is missing then please contact the GGF and we’ll include it in the GGF Glossary.

Term	Definition
Acoustic Glass :	Glass that has been treated to improve it’s soundproofing qualities
Annealed Glass :	Annealing is a process of slowly cooling hot glass after it’s been formed, to relieve residual internal stresses that could cause breakage during manufacture. Annealing glass improves it’s durability
Approved Documents :	The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government publishes guidance called ‘Approved Documents’ on ways to meet building regulations. These contain: – general guidance on the performance expected of materials and building work in order to comply with the building regulations – practical examples and solutions on how to achieve compliance for some of the more common building situations
Argon gas :	Double and triple glazed windows, commonly have argon gas between the panes to improve insulation and soundproofing. Argon gas is put into the glazing units because it is denser than air and therefore has greater insulating values than air.
Astrigal bars :	These are thin wooden moudlings placed on glass to create a period look. They are often used to create the traditional Georgian window look.
Awning windows :	These are casement windows that are hinged at the top of the frame.
Building Regulations :	Building regulations in the United Kingdom are statutory instruments or statutory regulations that seek to ensure that the policies set out in the relevant legislation are carried out. Building regulations approval is required for most building work in the UK. Building regulations that apply across England and Wales are set out in the Building Act 1984 while those that apply across Scotland are set out in the Building (Scotland) Act 2003.
British Standards :	British Standards are the standards produced by the BSI Group which is incorporated under a royal charter (and which is formally designated as the national standards body (NSB) for the UK). The BSI Group produces British Standards under the authority of the charter with the key objective being to set up national standards of quality for goods and services.
Casement window :	A casement is a window that is attached to its frame by one or more hinges at the side. They are used singly or in pairs within a common frame, in which case they are hinged on the outside. Casement windows are often held open using a casement stay. Windows hinged at the top are referred to as awning windows, and ones hinged at the bottom are called hoppers.
Construction Products Regulation :	Often abbreviated to CPR, the Construction Products Regulation was started in 2013 under the EU but was fully integrated into UK legislation in 2019. This guidance is about placing construction products on the GB market. The GB market refers to England, Wales and Scotland. There is a separate Construction Products Regulation for Northern Ireland. Also in the Republic of Ireland, the CPR is under the EU. The CPR is the legislation that underpins CE Marking and UKCA marking of constrcution products.
Composite doors :	Composite doors are made of a selection of materials often including core products such as timber and uPVC. Each material is chosen for its specific properties with the aim being that when combined they will make doors stronger and more durable.
Curtain wall :	A curtain wall system is an outer covering of a building in which the outer walls are non-structural, it’s purpose being to keep the weather out and the occupants in. Since the curtain wall is non-structural, it can be made of lightweight materials, thereby reducing construction costs. Glass is commonly used as the curtain wall this offers the advantage of increased natural light. In some cases glass curtain walling can also be used to describe full floor to ceiling glass panels installed in an building’s interior. This is common in office spaces and commercial buildings.
Double glazing :	Windows which have two layers of glass with a space between them, designed to reduce loss of heat and exclude noise.
Double hung :	Often used to describe a sash window that has two vertical sliding sashes within the larger window frame. Each sliding sash closes/opens a different part of the opening and usually has counterweight on each side.
Emergency glazing :	This is a common description when a window or door has been broken or damaged and requires an emergency glazing company to make safe, either by replacement or boarding up until a replacement can be installed. The GGF criteria for emergency glazing companies is that they operate at all times (24/7, every day of the year).
Emissivity :	The emissivity of a glass surface is its effectiveness in emitting energy as thermal radiation. Many glass manufacturers reduce emissivity by coating glass, allowing heat to remain inside the house and also to prevent solar heat coming into a property and causing overheating.
Energy ratings :	These are used to assess the total energy performance of products such as windows and doors in the same way that household goods like fridges are energy rated using the rainbow label system. A window or door energy rating will not only measure the total energy loss, as a U-value does, but also the energy gain and the air leakage through the window or door. In the UK British Fenstration Rating Council are the leading company when it comes to window and door energy ratings.
Fabrication :	Fabrication is the manufacturing process of cutting and assembling the window profiles (frames) together and adding hardware (handles, hinges, locks) along with weatherseals and gaskets to make a finished window (or door)
Fan lights :	A fan light is a glazed opening above a doorframe or above the lintel in a doorframe. It is usually designed to allow natural light into a hallway or darker area of a building.
Fenestration :	This is the process of positioning, installing and fixing a window, door or skylight in an opening in any type of building.
Fire-resistant glazing :	Fire Rated Glass (also known as Fire Resistant Glass) is specialist glass that has been proven to provide a period protection against fire during a Fire Resistance Test. Fire resistant glass is used in Fire Resistant Glazing systems (with special fire resistant seals and components). Fire resistant glazing systems will only work to maximum performance if installed correctly. Certain types of fire rated glass will also provide a degree of protection (insulation) against the heat of a fire.
Float glass	Float glass is a sheet of glass made by floating molten glass on a bed of molten metal, typically tin, although lead and other various low-melting-point alloys have been used in this process. This method gives the sheet uniform thickness and very flat surfaces. Float glass is the most commonly used glass in modern glazing (windows/doors/conservatories and curtain walling)
Glazier :	A tradesman responsible for cutting, installing, and removing glass. They also refer to blueprints to figure out the size, shape, and location of the glass in the building. Glaziers may work with glass in various surfaces and settings, such as cutting and installing windows, doors, shower doors, skylights, storefronts, display cases, mirrors, facades, interior walls, ceilings, and tabletops.
Heat soaking :	Heat soaking. The process involves placing the tempered glass inside a chamber and raising the temperature to approximately 290ºC to accelerate nickel sulfide expansion. The process reduces the risk of spontaneous breakage.
Heritage windows :	A heritage window is a type of window that has been manufactured specifically to be installed in a heritage building or building within a conservation area. These type of windows are made with modern materials and used as replica or close to replica replacements for the original windows in historic (usually 100 years or older) buildings
Insulating Glass Unit (IGU) :	An insulating glass unit (IGU) consists of two or more glass panes separated by a vacuum or gas-filled space to reduce heat transfer in and out of a building. A window with insulating glass is commonly known as double glazing or a double-paned window, triple glazing or a triple-paned window, or even quadruple glazing or a quadruple-paned window, depending upon how many panes of glass are used in its construction. IGUs are often referred to as “sealed units”.
Krypton gas :	An inert gas commonly used to fill small air spaces (cavities) between glass panes, resulting in improved year-round thermal performance. Krypton gas is sometimes mixed with Argon gas to fill the vacuum between glass panes in the production of insulated glass units.
Laminated Glass :	This type of safety glass holds together when shattered. In the event of breaking, it is held in place by an interlayer, typically of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), or Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), between its two or more layers of glass. The interlayer keeps the layers of glass bonded even when broken, and its high strength prevents the glass from breaking up into large sharp pieces. This produces a characteristic “spider web” cracking pattern when the impact is not enough to completely pierce the glass.
Lantern (roof lantern) :	Architectural lanterns are part of a larger roof and provide natural light into the space or room below. In relation to glass and glazing these are products that have a similar affect as skylights (roof windows)
Lightwell :	a lightwell, sky-well, or air shaft is an unroofed external space provided within a large building to allow light and air to reach what would otherwise be a dark or unventilated area. Lightwells may be lined with glazed bricks to increase the reflection of sunlight within the space
Low E Glass :	Low E stands for Low Emissivity. This is where glass has been treated to reduced energy being emitted from a building or into a building through panes of glass.
Mullion	A mullion is a vertical element that forms a division between units of a window or screen, or is used decoratively. When dividing adjacent window units its primary purpose is a rigid support to the glazing of the window. Its secondary purpose is to provide structural support to an arch or lintel above the window opening. Horizontal elements separating the head of a door from a window above are both a head jamb and horizontal mullion and are called transoms.
Processors (Glass)	Companies that buy flat glass and then put it through a process to make it perform differently. For example, to make it toughened glass through thermally heating.)
Profiles	These are the lengths of framing created by systems houses and framing manufacturers and are supplied to fabricators to trim and develop into window frames.
R-value :	the R-value is the term used for thermal resistance in a material. It is a measure of how well a two-dimensional barrier, such as a layer of insulation, a window or a complete wall or ceiling, resists the conductive flow of heat. R-value is the temperature difference per unit of heat flux needed to sustain one unit heat flux between the warmer surface and colder surface of a barrier under steady-state conditions.
Rooflight :	A window built into a roof and sometimes referred to as a sky light. These are usually installed to increase natural light into an area (such as a loft) where there may not be much natural daylight.
Roofline :	This is a generic description for the products that are installed at the edges of roofs and include fascia boards, soffits, bargeboards, antefixes and cladding that forms the frontage immediately below the roof and the eaves of many homes and building.
Sash windows :	A sash window or hung sash window is made of one or more movable panels, or “sashes”. The individual sashes are traditionally paned windows but can now contain an individual insulated glass unit to create a double glazed sash window.
Security glass :	This is a specialist type of glass that prevents easy breakage and makes it difficult for burglars or intruders to enter a property. Security glass can be toughened glass (sometimes known as tempered glass), laminated glass or wire mesh glass (glass with wire mesh inside sometimes known as Georgian wire glass – not so common today).
Secondary glazing :	This is a glazing system that is installed inside a property when there are restrictions to replace the exterior windows. Secondary glazing often installed in historic buildings and is fixed to the sill inside the building. It
Self-cleaning glass :	Self-cleaning glass is a specific type of glass with a coated external surface that keeps itself free of dirt and grime. The field of self-cleaning coatings on glass is divided into two categories: hydrophobic and hydrophyllic. These two types of coating both clean themselves through the action of water, the former by rolling droplets and the latter by sheeting water that carries away dirt. Hydrophilic coatings based on titania (titanium dioxide), however, have an additional property: they can chemically break down absorbed dirt in sunlight. This is often an option for hard to access windows.
Sight line :	The perimeter of a window opening that admits daylight into living and work areas.
Single glazing :	A window that has one pane of glass. This type of glazing is usually found in older windows and is the least energy efficient glazing option.
Skylights :	A description often used for roof windows or rooflights
Solar gain :	Solar gain (also known as solar heat gain or passive solar gain) is the increase in thermal energy in a building as the glass (in a window) absorbs solar radiation via sunlight. This can cause overheating in a building.
Spacer bar :	A spacer bar is the thin hollow aluminium frame that separates the two glass panes in a double glazed window. The spacer bar is bonded to the glass panes via a primary and secondary seal, creating an airtight cavity enabling it to be filled with air or gas to reduce heat and sound transfer.
Tilt and turn :	Tilt and turn windows can be opened fully like a casement window (inwards) or they can be tilted from the bottom so that the top of the window is angled into the room, giving a smaller opening for ventilation. The tilted opening also has the added benefit of increased security and safety as no one can fit through the gap.
Trickle ventilator :	A trickle ventilator (sometimes called trickle vent) is a very small opening in a window that allows small amounts of ventilation in spaces intended to be naturally ventilated when major elements of the design – windows, doors, etc., are otherwise closed. Trickle vents are used extensively in the UK and Europe and are integrated into window frames to provide minimum ventilation requirements for naturally ventilated spaces.
Toughened glass :	Tempered or toughened glass is a type of safety glass processed by controlled thermal or chemical treatments to increase its strength compared with normal glass.
Triple glazing :	A insulated glass unit or window that has three panes of glass with two spaces (vacuums) separating the panes. The vacuums are usually filled with argon gas to reduce heat loss. Triple glazing can offer great security and can be more effective for thermal performance.
UPVC :	UPVC is an abbreviation or Unplasticized PolyVinyl Chloride and is a rigid, chemically resistant form of PVC used for pipework, window frames, and other structures. UPVC is sometimes referred to as PVC-U or plastic or PVC when describing double glazing.
U-Value :	U-values measure how effective a material is an insulator. The lower the U-value is, the better the material is as a heat insulator. U-values are generally used to describe the thermal performance glazing/windows.
Vertical sliders :	Another name for a double hung sash window
Warm edge :	A warm edge spacer is a type of spacer bar used in insulated glazing. It separates the panes of glass in double or triple glazing, or curtain walling and seals off the air cavity between each. Recent warm edge spacers are generally made from plastics, although stainless steel can meet the definition.
WER (Window Energy Rating) :	A rating systems led by the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC), that reviews the whole energy performance of a window, including all of its components. Ratings can go from highest triple A to lowest F and is presented in the rainbow labelling style often seen in white goods such as refrigerators
Window Film :	Window film is a thin laminate film that can be installed to the interior or exterior of glass surfaces in the interior or exterior in homes and buildings. It’s often used to increase privacy, solar control, safety and security or to block out strong sunlight. Window film should be installed by professional service companies to ensure best performance.

GGF Consumer Code protects vulnerable consumers

| 07.11.16

A recent news story has provided an important reminder to glazing installation companies that vulnerable consumers must be treated sensitively and with extra care when assessing their product requirements.

It was reported in the media that a salesperson representing a double glazing company (who was not a Member of the Glass and Glazing Federation) is alleged to have “preyed on the elderly” by selling a vulnerable pensioner two new doors for nearly £6,000 when all she actually needed was for a handle to be repaired – a job that would have cost approximately £50.

The story came to light after the pensioner’s son confronted the salesperson the next day while filming the encounter, and later posted the footage on social media.

MyGlazing.com’s consumer rights expert, Brian Smith, Director of Home Improvement at the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), commented:

“While the company in question is not a GGF Member, the incident is very disappointing for the glazing industry as a whole and you have to question in this case what prompted the salesperson to sell two new doors to the lady. No doubt the company involved will be urgently reviewing their policy and processes on how they deal with vulnerable consumers as a result.”

Vulnerable consumers are those whose circumstances put them at risk of making an incorrect or inappropriate decision, or who are at risk of receiving inferior goods or services.

Brian Smith added: “This incident underlines the importance of the GGF Consumer Code of Practice, which gained approval this year under the Chartered Trading Standards Institute’s Consumer Code Approval Scheme (CCAS). In our Code of Practice, which all consumer-facing GGF Members have to follow, we have an entire section on protecting vulnerable homeowners. A more detailed Guide is also issued to our Members.”

How the GGF protects vulnerable consumers

All GGF Members that deal directly with consumers are required to comply with the GGF Consumer Code of Practice, including the following with respect to vulnerable consumers:

Members are advised to take the necessary time and effort to ensure vulnerable consumers are provided with the best possible service, and extra care and support when required.
Vulnerable consumers must fully understand all aspects of signing a contract for goods and services, including the financial implications.
Where appropriate, GGF Members must suggest the involvement of a trusted friend or relative to assist the potential customer before a contract is signed and ensure no undue pressure is being exerted.
All GGF Members give consumers a minimum of 7 days after the signing of the contract to cancel without penalty.

The GGF considers it reasonable to ask for a maximum of 50% initial deposit for made to measure products such as windows and doors, although many ask for much less.

Read more: GGF Consumer Code of Practice

Brian Smith summarised: “For the best consumer protection in the industry, I would advise all homeowners to use a GGF Member company. Not only is the standard of work at the highest professional level, but our Members are following an approved Consumer Code of Practice and offer the GGF’s free deposit indemnity scheme and free conciliation scheme. Our consumer support aims to give homeowners peace of mind when using GGF Member companies.”

Need a glazing professional? Find a GGF Member company near you

GGF Proposed Response to Government Consultation on PRS MEES

Members News, News, Politics | 25.04.25

1. Do you agree with government’s preferred position of using new alternative Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) metrics following EPC reform as the basis for higher Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for privately rented homes?

We agree with this approach as it would be consistent with the proposed EPC reforms.

2. Government would welcome views on options for setting future MEES against a combination of new EPC metrics. Do you agree with government’s preferred approach of having a requirement to meet a primary standard set against the fabric performance metric and then a secondary standard set against either the smart readiness metric or heating system metric, with landlord discretion on which secondary metric their property meets?

We agree with the preferred approach that landlords should be required to meet a standard set against the fabric performance metric as a primary standard.

It is important that a ‘fabric-first’ approach is undertaken as a primary measure, before considering any secondary measures such as changing the heating systems or the introduction of smart-readiness.

Windows and doors must be considered as a Fabric measure as this will be an opportunity to replace those that are an early generation and poorly performing. Older double-glazed windows allow three times as much heat loss compared to modern high-performance double or triple-glazed windows.

It is estimated by the Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) that there are over 80 million double-glazed windows in the UK housing stock that do not comply with current Building Regulation standards. It is imperative that these windows are upgraded to improve the fabric performance of homes and prevent energy being wasted through poor insulation.

Simple checks can be undertaken to determine the age of windows and doors and the corresponding thermal performance. The FENSA (Competent Persons Schemes) database holds information on over 16 million replacement window and door installations in England and Wales. In addition, the presence of energy efficient low-emissivity glass can be detected using low-cost hand-held ‘matchbox sized’ glass coating detectors. Both of these methods can easily be used by EPC Assessors without adding significant complexity or time.

Effective windows and doors are more important than ever as we transition to low carbon heating systems such as heat pumps to retain the heat from radiators working at a lower temperature compared to conventional heating systems. If windows and doors are not upgraded at the same time as the installation of a heat pump, then the running costs can become high compared to current conventional heating systems which will lead to tenant and homeowner dissatisfaction and resistance to change.

Fabric improvements including replacing windows and doors will benefit tenants by lowering energy costs and could maximise future rental opportunities for landlords as potential tenants increasingly search for more energy efficient properties.

We have a thriving UK based window and door industry the majority of which are based in North of England. Over 100,000 skilled jobs are supported in the industry, the supply chain is reliable and secure and is an important contributor to the UK economy.

3. What are your views on the alternative approaches of:

Alternative 1: A requirement to meet a standard set against dual metrics of equal weighting. The standard would be set against dual metrics including two of the following: fabric performance, heating system and smart readiness.

We do not agree that the proposed metrics for heating systems and smart readiness should have the same weighting as that of fabric performance.

If this were to the case it could lead to landlords making incorrect decisions such as replacing the heating system when the fabric is poor and would do little to address heat escaping from the property and the resulting increase in energy bills for occupants.

Occupants are very concerned about the cost-of-living, and the financial pressure of energy utility bills is especially concerning and urgent for many people living in rented accommodation; it is very important that measures are implemented wherever possible to alleviate this pressure for tenants.

Alternative 2: A requirement to meet an overarching standard set against all three metrics of fabric performance, heating system, and smart readiness, either through improvements across all standards or through landlords concentrating improvements against one or two standards.

We do not agree with this alternative because it is likely to result in landlords inadvertently addressing heat decarbonisation measures without any impact on fuel poverty alleviation.

4. Do you have any alternative suggestions for how government could utilise new EPC metrics as the basis for MEES, such as a single metric approach (e.g. fabric or cost based?) Please provide a rationale with your answer.

No.

5. Do you agree with government’s proposal to increase the maximum required investment for Private Rented Sector (PRS) MEES to £15,000 per property and for landlords to be able to register an exemption if expenditure would take them over this figure? If not, please set out whether you consider a cap should apply and how; and if so, what level you consider the cap should be set at and why (whether this is the 2020 proposal of £10,000 or another figure). Please explain your answer.

We agree with this proposal. A lower figure (e.g. the 2020 proposal of £10,000), would definitely limit a landlords ambition to improve the energy efficiency of their properties and stop them implementing several measures at the same time.

6. Should government extend the exemption period for the cost cap to ten years? If not, how long do you think the cost cap exemption should last? Please explain your answer.

No. We believe that ten years is too long to postpone further improvements to meet the minimum standards. We support the retention of the current exemption period of five years otherwise a huge opportunity to reduce carbon emissions associated with the property and energy bills for the tenants will be missed.

7. Do you agree with government’s preferred implementation timeline to require ‘new tenancies’ to meet the higher standard from 2028 and ‘all tenancies’ to meet the higher standard by 2030? If not, do you have alternative suggestions?

With reluctance, we recognise that the revised implementation timeline may be necessary to allow sufficient time for landlords to meet the new requirements. With the housing stock in the UK, widely recognised as being the worst in Western Europe we must seize the opportunity to introduce this key action to improve the energy performance of the existing housing stock.

8. Do you agree with government’s proposal that, as an EPC reform transition measure, landlords should be able to demonstrate their properties are compliant with the existing standard of EPC E using their past EPC?

We believe that it would make sense to upgrade old EPCs given the proposal to update the EPC assessment methodology to a more accurate system.

9. Do you agree properties that have an EPC rating of C against the EER on EPCs before 2026 should be recognised as compliant with the future standard until their EPC expires or is replaced?

We believe that it would make sense to upgrade old EPCs given the proposal to update the EPC assessment methodology to a more accurate system.

10. Do you agree with government’s proposal to require landlords to commission a new EPC before taking action to comply with higher MEES?

Yes

10.1. Should the cost of this new EPC be included within the cost cap?

Yes

10.2. Should landlords still be required to commission post-improvement EPCs? If yes, should the cost of the post-improvement EPC also be included within the cost cap?

Yes

11. Should government develop an affordability exemption? If yes, what eligibility criteria would be the most appropriate for an affordability exemption? Please indicate which, if any, of the proposed approaches you support or otherwise provide alternative suggestions.

We do not agree that exemptions should be necessary, provided that a sensible timeframe is proposed.

12. Should government apply the PRS MEES Regulations to short-term lets? Please explain your answer.

If because of the outcome of the consultation on ‘Reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings Regime’, short-term lets are required to have an EPC, then we agree that they should be included in the scope of the PRS Regulations. Short term lets should be subject to the same energy performance requirements as longer term rental properties to address the below par UK building stock.

13. What actions could government take, including changes to the law to encourage or require smart meters in properties undergoing efficiency upgrades, to increase the number of smart meters installed in the PRS? Please provide your rationale and evidence for any suggestions for actions you have.

No comment

14. Do you think the current MEES exemptions available to landlords are suitable? 14.1. Are there other circumstances, not covered by the current MEES exemptions regime, where you think government should consider making exemptions for?

By raising the cost cap to £15,000 more properties will be captured compared to the current requirements. Any exemptions should be last resort otherwise we will fail to address the serious challenge of improving the existing building stock.

15. Do you agree with government’s preferred position to keep a potential requirement on lettings agents and online property platforms under review whilst the PRS Database is being developed for properties in England?

Yes.

16. Do you have any new evidence to submit regarding the topics as summarised in Chapter 2 of this consultation? Please specify which topic you are providing new evidence for.

No comment

17. Is there any additional information or evidence you would like to provide on either the effectiveness of the existing PRS regulations 2015 and guidance, or interactions with other policies?

No comment

Low-E (Low Emissivity) Glass and Thermal Efficiency

| 22.12.23

Learn about Low-e glass and how it contributes to energy efficiency, as well as how it can perform under certain conditions.

What is Low-e glass?

Low emissivity glass is glass that has an invisible microscopic coating applied to it in order to improve its thermal efficiency.

How does Low-e glass improve thermal efficiency?

Low emissivity glass is an essential part of most energy-efficient windows and doors. It has a surface coating that operates as follows:

It allows short wavelength heat from the sun to enter your home through the glazing.

This solar energy works with your domestic heating system to warm up your room, which then gives off long-wavelength heat radiation.

A large proportion of that longwave heat would vanish back out through windows made of ordinary glass. However, the Low-e coating reflects that heat back into your room so the heating system does not have to work as hard to maintain comfortable room temperature.

Will Low-e glass meet the Building Regulations?

Better than merely meeting the Building Regulations, Low-e glass will enable you to both achieve and surpass the new targets for windows and doors.

What other characteristics should I be aware of?

Whilst there are significant advantages to selecting thermally efficient Low-e glass for your home, there can be some side effects under certain conditions.

Tint

Recent innovations in creating neutral Low-e coatings minimise the phenomenon of light coloured materials (such as net curtains) appearing slightly darker when viewed through the glass.

Haze

This phenomenon may occur at times of the day when the sun is at a particular angle or under some lighting conditions. It can also be influenced by the type of Low-e coating used.

External condensation

Thermally efficient windows are so good at keeping the heat in that the outer pane can get cold, as it is no longer being warmed by wasted heat.

Under some weather conditions and at certain times of the year, this can result in the formation of condensation on the outside surface of the glass. This is a positive indication of a thermally efficient window.

Hue

Depending on coating type, glass substrate and glass thickness, some slight colour or hue differences may be noticeable on Low-e glass.
This may be more evident when one double or triple glazed window unit is replaced in a home, as the Low-e coating will likely be slightly different (i.e. from a different batch) from those on the other window units.

Overheating

Certain Low-e glass is good at solar heat gain, harvesting free heat energy from the sun, helping to reduce heating demands. In some situations, this can cause overheating resulting in an uncomfortable environment.

It is recommended that a combination of Low-e and solar control glazing be considered for large glazed areas, particularly south-facing conservatories. Guidance should be sought from the manufacturer or supplier.

For more advice about energy efficient windows and other glazing home improvements, contact a GGF Member company near you.

Conservatories and energy efficiency

| 22.12.23

A well-designed conservatory can be incredibly energy efficient – improving the level of comfort in your home, helping you save on your monthly energy bill and offering environmental benefits all year round.

A buffer zone for your home

Adding a conservatory to your home can help reduce your overall energy use by creating a ‘buffer zone’ between indoor and outdoor living areas.

Any heat that escapes through your home’s walls into the conservatory will help create a warm space on colder days.

That’s not all, the captured heat can then re-heat the main building on cold days when the doors between your home and the conservatory are opened.

This buffer effect of storing naturally produced heat is an easy way to be environmentally responsible and save on your energy bill.

Improved thermal efficiency

A conservatory can be designed with varying degrees of thermal efficiency. When planning your conservatory, talk to your local GGF Member about the following:

– External quality double glazed doors between your home and the conservatory can provide added thermal performance and security

– Low-emissivity coatings on the inside face of double glazed windows can reduce heat loss from radiators inside the structure. This is strongly recommended for north-facing conservatories.

– Solar control layers can control glare and the amount of the sun’s energy that is transferred into the living space. This is specifically recommended for south-facing conservatories.

– Heating appliances with their own thermostatic controls will allow you to separately control the conservatory’s temperature.

– Designing in natural ventilation such as trickle ventilators, top opening windows or roof vents is far more economical (and environmentally friendly) than air conditioning.

Green credentials of a typical conservatory

The materials typically used to build a conservatory feature a large percentage of recycled material. In addition, the key materials used within your conservatory are all recyclable at the end of the conservatory’s life.

– Aluminium (this can be the conservatory itself or its structural elements) is recyclable with up to 95% being reused.

– PVC-U profiles used in the side frames are 100% recyclable and can be reused numerous times.

– Timber can be fully recycled, and must be responsibly sourced.

– Glass is 100% recyclable.

Twenty years ago, the IGU sector embraced an enormous change – now it’s time to do so again

Members News | 25.07.23

Edgetech Managing Director Chris Alderson explores the idea that a new wave of investment in innovation may be required to keep up with legislation.

In 2005, the UK glazing industry was on the brink of major change, driven by the need to dramatically improve the nation’s sustainability. The government’s introduction of Energy Performance Certificates and the emergence of Window Energy Ratings spurred IGU manufacturers to embrace cutting-edge tech and push the sector forward.

Today, it’s the Future Homes Standard which will lead the industry to another technological shift as companies adapt.

At Edgetech, we’re seeing many companies who invested in new machinery twenty years ago approach us about doing the same thing again. They’ve seen huge benefits from the Super Spacer® automation equipment they invested in, which has helped them improve quality, thermal efficiency, and given them two decades of reliable performance.

For all these reasons, they’re now looking to repeat that experience with the next generation of machinery that can help them meet today’s challenges.

Over twenty years, technology has progressed tremendously. Today’s fully automated Super Spacer® application lines can make products more quickly, efficiently, and to higher standards than ever before. Importantly, this applies to triple-glazed windows as well as double.

Currently, we don’t know exactly what shape the final Future Homes Standard will take. However, as performance requirements become even more stringent, the industry increasingly seems to be moving towards triple glazing as the most viable way of meeting stricter environmental requirements and consumer demand – and I believe this could be the spur for the next wave of large-scale innovation.

Meanwhile, Super Spacer® has stood the test of time. As performance requirements tighten significantly, Super Spacer® continues to provide the fantastic energy efficiency the market demands.

By using Super Spacer® technology, high-speed automated application, and triple-glazing, IGU solutions will be prepared for the net-zero age.

However, to be prepared and to remain competitive for the decade ahead, companies must act now. Lead times on next-generation spacer application machines can be as long as 12 months, and more companies are now looking to acquire them.

To stay ahead of the curve, and be ready for the Future Homes Standard, companies should invest in the future today.

For more information, please call 02476 639931 or visit www.edgetechig.co.uk

Edgetech customer IMC achieves Ireland’s first Super Spacer Heritage Part 3 pass

Members News | 30.01.23

An Edgetech customer has started to manufacture the only Super Spacer Heritage double-glazed units in Ireland which have passed BS EN 1279 Part 3.

Based in Banbridge, County Down, IMC Glass is a leading specialist in heritage glazing, supplying customers throughout Ireland and the UK, and its Slim-Glaze units are particularly renowned throughout the market.

The company’s high-performance Krypton-filled double-glazing units start at just 11mm thick (about the diameter of a biro) and can fit into frames that were only designed for single glazing. They also meet the glazing requirements of properties which have listed status.

Passing the Part 3 standard, notoriously difficult for slimline units, is the latest example of the company’s commitment to excellence, as Director Aaron McCreanor explains:

“Of the two parts of BS EN 1279, Part 2, which governs moisture penetration, is relatively straightforward to pass. Most manufacturers don’t have a problem with it.

“Part 3, which governs gas leakage, is much harder. It’s extremely difficult to produce a unit that’s slim enough for heritage use, yet manages the required standard.

“At IMC, we’ve got an extremely talented technical team, and after a lot of hard work, they managed to produce units that consistently pass the test.

“We’re really proud to be the only company in Ireland to achieve this feat.”

Edgetech Head of Sales Tony Palmer comments: “We’re delighted with IMC’s Part 3 success using Super Spacer Heritage.

“Their technical expertise and commitment to excellence mean they’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and seeking to improve the products they provide.

“We look forward to working with them for many years to come.”

More information on IMC Glass can be found at their website www.imcglass.com

For more information, please call 02476 639931 or visit www.edgetechig.co.uk

Thinking of Selling Your Home For a More Energy Efficient Alternative? You’re Not the Only One!

| 15.12.22

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact the nation, we conducted some new research which revealed some surprising insights into the property plans of UK homeowners. In fact, one in four (24%) said they’re planning to sell their home to buy a property which is more energy efficient*.

When looking for a new property, Brits say they would pay 15% more for a property which has an EPC rating of C or above. One in 20 (5%) surprisingly said they would spend an additional 50% or more. Two in five (40%) even admitted they wouldn’t buy or consider a character property because there is too much work to do to meet new green targets.

As part of the research, we also explored what the most important green features are for homeowners who are planning to buy a new property. Loft insulation, newly fitted double or triple glazed windows and a newly fitted boiler prove to be the most important.

10 most important green features homeowners are looking for when buying a new property:

Loft insulation (54%)
Newly fitted double/triple glazed windows (47%)
A newly fitted boiler (45%)
Cavity wall insulation (45%)
Newly fitted double/triple glazed doors (43%)
Draught proofing (40%)
Energy efficient light bulbs (39%)
Solar panels (35%)
A recently renewed EPC rating of C or above (33%)
Dual flush toilet (32%)

It goes without saying that the energy efficiency of a property is becoming increasingly important to homeowners and buyers alike. For homeowners, having a property which is energy efficient will ultimately help to keep energy bills down, while also increasing buyer appeal for those planning to sell. However, it’s surprising that so many homeowners are considering selling their property for one which is more energy efficient, rather than making home improvements.

Some energy efficient home improvements can be expensive but in the long term, they can help homeowners save hundreds, if not thousands of pounds on energy bills every single year. For example, up to 24% of the homes heat energy is lost through old, draughty glass and glazing. By upgrading windows and doors, homeowners can save, on average, £616 each year

When it comes to selling their current property, almost a quarter (24%) of homeowners are concerned that their property’s EPC rating will stop them from selling their property in the future. This means considering green home improvements rather than selling up could be an incredibly important decision.

Homeowners Prepare to Invest Over £16 Billion on Green Home Improvements

| 31.10.22

Amidst the energy crisis we’re facing nationwide, our newly conducted research has found homeowners are preparing to spend more than £16.3 billion on energy saving home improvements over the next 12 months. Almost three in four (72%) homeowners say they want to make their home more energy efficient, with two in five (40%) saying they’re planning to make energy saving improvements before the end of 2023*.

It goes without saying that we, in the UK, are facing considerable challenges when it comes to the cost of living. However, it’s promising to see that so many homeowners are planning to make energy efficient home improvements in the near future.

Even though the initial cost of some green improvements can be costly, the long-term benefit makes them a real investment. For example, up to 24% of heat energy can escape from old, draughty glazing so upgrading windows to be double or even triple glazed can really help to improve a property’s energy efficiency.

Our research revealed that, on average, homeowners are planning to spend £2,792 on energy efficient home improvements and renovations over the next 12 months. One in six (16%) plan to spend more than £5,000 and those in the baby boomer’s generation (aged 55 – 73) are set to spend the most, with the average spend among the age group being £3,401.

Of those planning to make home improvements in the future, whether that be within the next year or longer term, more than a quarter (28%) are planning to replace their boiler for a new energy efficient alternative, while 27% plan to install draught proofing and 25% are looking to upgrade doors to be double/triple glazed.

The 10 energy efficient home improvements Brits plan to make in the future:

Replace the boiler with a new energy efficient alternative (28%)
Draught proofing (27%)
Upgrading doors to be double/triple glazed (25%)
Upgrading windows to be double/triple glazed (24%)
Replacing all lightbulbs with energy efficient alternatives (23%)
Install solar panels (22%)
Lining my loft with insulation (21%)
Install a heat pump (20%)
Installing hot water tank insulation (19%)
Installing cavity wall insulation (18%)

On top of green home improvements having a positive impact on your energy bills, they can also result in a property increasing in value and buyer appeal. In fact, our new data also revealed homeowners would pay 15% more for a property which has an EPC rating of C or above. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that more than one in five (23%) are making energy efficient home improvements to increase the value of their property.

Ultimately, the importance of homes being energy efficient is only going to increase in the future, and our research shows buyers are willing to pay a considerable amount more for a property which has a lower carbon footprint. From reducing energy bills to increasing buyer appeal, green home improvements are an investment which homeowners shouldn’t overlook. Even if you’re not planning to sell you property in the near future, energy efficient home improvements will ultimately help you save money on your energy bills.

Klosen UK Limited

| 03.10.22

As professional installers with over 25 years’ experience, Klosen supplies quality bespoke aluminium doors and windows for both commercial and residential properties. Our installations are completed to the highest standard to bring your ambitious property designs to life.

Want elegant frames, more natural light, and exceptional levels of insulation? Aluminium doors and windows are a superb choice that are built to last.

We work closely with architects, builders, designers and homeowners to provide luxury aluminium windows and doors and transform both contemporary and traditional properties across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire.

Working with premium brands, including Cortizo and Senior Architectural Systems, our installations include aluminium bifolding doors, aluminium sliding doors, slimline aluminium doors and windows, curtain walling and roof lights. All our fittings can support your choice of double or triple glazing.

Simple and Easy Green Home Improvements

| 09.09.22

In the ever-developing world of eco-friendly and sustainable ideas and products, there’s never been a better time to start making green home improvements. A good way to start seeing gradual eco-friendly differences is to start small, and once you implement these simple and easy sustainable changes, they’ll start to make a significant difference to your bills and potentially even the comfort levels of your home.

Make These Easy Changes Today

Some of these changes may seem pretty obvious or self-explanatory, however, when they’re all done together, you’re sure to see differences in your annual bill.

Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms – the simplest one to start with, don’t waste money and energy lighting up empty rooms!
Closing your curtains when the sun goes down – when the sun goes down, it means the heating effect from solar radiation will stop. Closing your curtains will help keep heat inside and reduce draughts from your windows.
Close interior doors – another simple trick, but by closing your doors you can keep the heat in the rooms you’re occupying and it means you can avoid heating unoccupied rooms.
Start letting clothes dry without a tumble dryer – dry your clothes naturally on a clothes horse inside your home, or outside (weather permitting, of course). A typical tumble dryer can cost homeowners around £115 per year to run!
Ensure any taps aren’t left dripping – dripping taps could fill around two baths with wasted water over the span of just 1 year.
Energy Saving lightbulbs are your friend! – They last much longer than traditional lightbulbs, with a typical 20 watt CFL lasting around 12 years. In that time, you could save potentially £120 worth of electricity – and that’s just one bulb!
Turn all of your appliances off of standby – if you turned all your appliances that aren’t in use off of standby, you could hypothetically reduce your electricity bill.
And of course, make sure you have double or triple glazed windows and doors – this will help reduce draughts and increase the heat retention of your home. If you choose to have your windows or doors installed by a GGF Member, they are sure to give you the best priced windows with the best needs for your home. To find a responsible and sustainable GGF Member to work on your home, please click here. *link*

As you can see, there multiple ways to implement easy and accessible green home improvements within your home and they don’t have to cost you a lot of your hard-earned cash, or even any in some circumstances. If you can make as many of these simple changes as possible, you’ll start to see a difference to your bills.

The GGF are dedicated to helping homeowners save money on their bills, so to see what you could be saving, utilise the GGF Energy Savings Calculator.

You can now take time to focus on larger-scale changes that will make a difference, such as purchasing BFRC-rated products such as windows or doors, to contribute to reducing the impact of carbon emissions from your home, which will benefit not only you but the planet.

A new wave: Edgetech’s flexible spacers transform Swedish skyline

Members News | 25.07.22

In historic Gothenberg, Sweden, they’re embarking on a staggeringly ambitious project that will see the city centre almost double in size – and at its heart, you’ll find a spectacular project featuring Edgetech warm-edge spacer bars.

The vision of Scandinavia’s largest architectural practise, White Arkitekter, the new Masthuggskajen district sits on the banks of the Göta River.

It’s that river that the dazzling, BREEAM-certified Våghuset building is designed to emulate. The 12-storey structure has a gleaming glass façade, which, on its East-facing aspect, looks like ocean waves.

Achieving this effect was a major undertaking, drawing on expertise from all around Europe. The façade was made in Lithuania, the curved profile was manufactured in Denmark, while the glazing was produced in Poland and Germany.

Over 300 curved IGUs were supplied to the project, made of 2 x 5mm laminated float glass with SunGuard® SNX 60 solar control glazing, which lets in 60% of daylight but only 29% of heat, removing the need for solar shading.

Perimeter lighting has been integrated into the façade profiles, meaning the building’s outline is always visible.

Given the curved, cylindrically-shaped glass required in the façade, an outstanding flexible spacer like Edgetech’s Super Spacer® TriSeal™ was the only solution.

TriSeal’s flexible design meant it could be moulded into the distinctive wave-like shape, while offering exceptional performance.

What’s more, TriSeal offers world-class performance with its unique triple seal design, incorporating an inner acrylic adhesive seal for immediate unit handling, a polyisobutylene primary seal for enhanced gas retention and low moisture vapour transmission, and an outer silicone seal for structural strength and durability.

The flexible foam structure handles both curved profiles and rectangles with ease, while at the same time enabling outstanding thermal efficiency.

These attributes will prove especially important given the Swedish climate, where winter temperatures can drop as low as -15 degrees Celsius.

Charlotte Hawkes, Edgetech’s Head of Marketing, comments: “This is yet another example of the unparalleled freedom our fantastic flexible spacers give to architects.

“We’re absolutely delighted to be a part of this spectacular project, which I’m confident will go on to become a much-loved feature of the Gothenberg skyline for decades to come.”

For more information, please call 02476 639931 or visit www.edgetechig.co.uk

Striking steel door screen and matching window for Church renovation

Members News | 19.05.22

St Paul’s Church in Leeds has been transformed with the addition of a large, bespoke steel door screen and feature steel window. The screen incorporates a pair of double doors, providing light and airiness. Both the new steel window and door set are made from Clement EB24 steel sections which include double glazed, argon filled glass units.

Mark Harlow, the Vicar, said “St Paul’s Church embarked on a major refurbishment of their 60 year old building to make a warm and welcoming, adaptable space while keeping to the original architect’s ideas. A key part of the brief was to widen the entrance corridor and allow light into one end. This has all been more than achieved using Clement’s metal frame windows and doors. These have helped create an additional space for people to meet and mix. The narrow profile of the frames has allowed maximum light and visual access between the spaces, while the rhythm of the glazing bars both modernise and blend with the architecture of the main worship space.”

Architect Tom Robbins of Pearce Bottomley Architects commented: “We have worked with Clement on a number of projects and have been very pleased with the service we have received and the quality of their products. They supplied the steel framed glazed screen and feature window at St Paul’s Church, Ireland Wood, Leeds and we couldn’t have been happier with the result. We also specify Clement’s conservation rooflights whenever we can, as we are of the opinion that they are the best on the market.”

Landmark Window Systems Limited

| 03.09.21

With 30 years’ experience, our family-run company are experts in the installation of uPVC and aluminium glazing and add the personal touch to any project we work on. Whether you are looking for new uPVC or modern aluminium windows or want to add something new to brighten up your home such as bifold doors, Landmark are the company you can trust.

Certified by FENSA and with an insurance backed guarantee on all of our products you can trust us to get the job done efficiently, leaving you with a home you can be proud of. If you live within 25 miles of Plymouth, contact us to see how we can make your home improvement ideas come to life.

The homeowner’s guide to buying and installing bi-folding sliding doors

| 19.08.21

Bi-folding sliding doors seamlessly bring outdoor and indoor space together. In addition to increasing living space, bi-folding doors can increase natural light and ventilation, while aesthetically improving and increasing the value of your home, plus your lifestyle.

When it comes to planning which bi-folding doors are right for you, it’s important to do your research as they’re available in many different styles, finishes and materials. Important considerations when selecting your bi-folding doors include:

1. Selecting your bi-folding sliding door type

With top-hung style, the overhead operations are easier to conceal and it’s less likely to jam due to grit in the operating mechanism. However, this does require a strong lintel/beam to take the weight of the doors. While with bottom rolling design there’s less weight on the frames, but the sliding motion can be affected if grit gets into the tracks/rollers.

2. Types of framing materials

The types of framing materials include:

Aluminium is easy to maintain, it has a powder-coated finish with multiple colour options and no painting is required. It can be wider than timber (meaning fewer doors are required) and it’s lightweight

Timber is a classic option for a traditional/period home. However, some lower-end timber models may be prone to warping when exposed to heat and moisture, meaning it could get stuck in the tracking or not close. Timber also requires regular painting/varnishing to maintain its appearance

Composite doors consist of aluminium frames with timber internal facings, offering the best of both materials

UPVC is less expensive, low maintenance and has good thermal performance, while the frame finish can include multiple colour options. However, size ranges are limited

3. Glass types

Triple or double glazed is a must, as the right glass choice/configuration can improve thermal efficiency and also reduce unwanted noise. These also offer safety and security, as both toughened and laminated glass can offer you reassurance and protection.

4. Other tips

Plan a master door that will be used most often and think about thresholds. A low threshold provides a seamless look into the outside space with little or no step, whereas a rebated threshold offers increased weather-resistant performance.

5. Installation

Use a GGF member company and get peace of mind that you are getting a quality product and professional installation from a company supported by the main trade authority in the sector.

If you’re planning on installing bi-folding sliding doors, here are some more helpful tips.

« Previous Page

Your privacy is important to us!

Cookie Preferences

Necessary

Functional

Analytics

Advertisements

Other

Search Results for: double glazing

The owners of this home needed council approval to replace its windows. Find out how GGF Member companies helped them get it and how they now enjoy the benefits of modern energy efficient glazing.

A recent news story has provided an important reminder to glazing installation companies that vulnerable consumers must be treated sensitively and with extra care when assessing their product requirements.

How the GGF protects vulnerable consumers

Learn about Low-e glass and how it contributes to energy efficiency, as well as how it can perform under certain conditions.

What is Low-e glass?

How does Low-e glass improve thermal efficiency?

Will Low-e glass meet the Building Regulations?

What other characteristics should I be aware of?

Tint

Haze

External condensation

Hue

Overheating

For more advice about energy efficient windows and other glazing home improvements, contact a GGF Member company near you.

A buffer zone for your home

Improved thermal efficiency

Green credentials of a typical conservatory

1. Selecting your bi-folding sliding door type

2. Types of framing materials

3. Glass types

4. Other tips

5. Installation

About

Homeowners

Groups

GGF Members

GGF

FOR HOMEOWNERS

FOR TRADE