Promoting the highest industry standards
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.
We provide high quality glass treatment products and services to solve most glass related problems.
From our base in Cardiff we operate on a local, regional and national level servicing a variety of clients in the private, public and residential sectors.
Our surveyors, installers and administrative staff are fully trained and experienced to provide the advice and service that would be expected from a professional company with over 30 years’ experience.
Window film is a base of clear polyester that is either dyed, extruded or metallised. It is applied to the internal or external surface of glass windows or doors, and has a range of benefits including reducing heat and glare from the sun, increasing comfort and security and minimising energy usage.
Although it is possible for a practical person to install standard window film, an experienced technician is recommended. Apart from ensuring an acceptable aesthetic finish, you can benefit from a full warranty, typically 10 years.
The use of a high-performance window film will dramatically reduce overheating, making the conservatory a much more comfortable environment.
Window films are not bulletproof, blast proof or burglar proof. However, they can provide a greater level of safety and security when used for these purposes. You should always ask for the appropriate certification when using window film for these reasons.
Window film should be cleaned in a similar way to glass, using a soapy water solution and squeegee. Abrasives of any type should be avoided as these will damage the film surface and affect visual quality.
No, planning permission is not normally required to apply window film.
Yes, window film will improve both the heat gain and heat loss properties of the glazing system.
2023 is a very special year for Barnsley based GGF Member Sureguard Window Films®, who have been supplying and installing top quality Window Films to the highest standards for 40 years, making them one of the longest established, nationwide suppliers and installers of Window Films in the industry.
Over the last four decades, Sureguard Window Films® have worked with a wide client base including commercial businesses, NHS Trusts, schools, colleges & universities.
Since a Management buyout in 2012, Sureguard Window Films® has been owned by Aimee and Emilie Holmes, who have been working at the company since 2000 and 2008 respectively.
Between the two, their huge wealth of experience and knowledge of the industry means they’re able to lead the company and maintain the reputation of quality products and service that Sureguard Window Films® have become known for.
“The founding principles the business began with, of wanting to protect people and property continues to be as relevant and important to us today.” said Emilie Holmes, director.
Sureguard Window Films® specialise in installing Window Films, which perform a range of solutions for windows of all shapes and sizes, such as reducing sun glare and heat, increasing privacy with one way or totally private Window Films, upgrading currently non-compliant glass in line with current HSE legislation, protecting against vandal attacks and explosion or reducing UV transmission by up to 99.9%, prolonging the lifespan of paintings, carpets, furniture.
BOMB BLAST
WINDOW FILM
Project by SOLARTEK
PROJECT LOCATION: London
CLIENT NAME: Lord’s Cricket Ground
SOLARSHIELD PRESTIGE
SOLAR WINDOW FILM
Project by SOLARSHIELD
PROJECT LOCATION:
UK
https://solarshield.co.uk/
CLIENT NAME:
The Seren Collection
The GGF Window Film Group is the first technical group in the Federation to have a new web section on the GGF website that aims to become the online go to place for companies in the Window Film sector.
The new section acts like a micro-site within the GGF website and with new user friendly navigation, it will enable visitors to access a wealth of information from technical and health and safety activity through to consumer information that will include Members’ case studies – highlighting the best of the GGF Members’ work.
On the launch of the new web section, Martin Townend of Solarshield and Chairman of the Window Film Group commented, “The Window Film Group met last year and one of our agreed objectives was to raise the profile and online presence of the Group, this new web section achieves the objectives superbly. It’s an exciting development for the Group and the sector.”
The new web section was launched to coincide with the most recent meeting of the Window Film Group where Members received a preview and opportunity to comment on the new information source.
In the last few months, the Group’s Members set up a working party to ensure the new microsite was accurate and fully up to date in terms of the language, content, look and feel. The result is a clean modern design and a comprehensive resource for companies within the sector with features and content that will prove
Martin Townend continues, “The good thing about this new online space is that it has the scope to really grow by adding more sub-sections, more articles, case studies and advice. The Window Film Group meets every quarter and we’ll ensure the content is always kept up to date, relevant and useful to all companies visiting the webpage. It’s a great improvement and my thanks to the Window Film Group Members who worked with the GGF technical and marketing departments to create this excellent new benefit for companies in the sector.”
James Lee, GGF Director of External Affairs added, “The GGF is working on revamping all the technical and regional group web pages. The Window Film Group web section is the first of many. With the new GGF Technical and Health, Safety and Environment online hubs and the GGF Digital Marketing Toolkit, the Federation is working relentlessly on its digital development strategy for the benefit of our Members and the entire industry.”
You can access the Window Film Group’s new web section here.
Solar Sentry offer a window film service for residential and commercial customers, from conservatories to whole office window film supply and fitting.
The GGF welcomes your cases studies and we are pleased to include this stunning piece of work by Solarshield in the Royal Academy of Arts.
Solarshield were proud to have completed a project in The Gabrielle Jungels-Winkler Galleries at the Royal Academy of Arts in London.
The multi-million-pound redevelopment included a new bridge linking its two buildings in Mayfair and Piccadilly and also redevelopment of the gallery spaces.
The new space showcases numerous exhibitions including that of famous architect Renzo Piano, providing an overview of his work and follows his career, from the influence of his Genoese heritage and his rise to acclaim alongside friend and collaborator Richard Rogers, to current projects still in the making.
As part of the design process, consideration needed to be given to the comfort of visitors and protection of the exhibits within the new space. One of the concerns Arups projects team highlighted was the potential problems associated with excess visible daylight, also UV transmitted through the large upper roof lights above the gallery space.
Solarshield were asked to install 3M daylight redirection window film to ensure visitors and exhibits were not affected by the direct sun light. This product is designed to help redirect and evenly distribute daylight within the roof lights and space of galleries 9 and 12.
Solarshield worked with the contractor on site to ensure this highly specialised installation was completed.
To read the full case open the PDF
To find out more about the GGF Window Film Group please contact technical@ggf.org.uk
We want your Case Studies:
GGF Members are renowned for being the very best of the glass and glazing industry. If you have done an outstanding job, don’t keep it to yourself, share it with GGF Members and the industry and get the exposure your work deserves. Simply send us your case studies, some good images and we’ll do the rest.
Please send all case studies or for more information contact marketing@ggf.org.uk
Started in 2002 as a family run business, MVM Window Films has grown with the increasing demand from its commercial and residential customers whilst retaining the core values of excellence, integrity, honesty, reliability and professionalism on which it was founded. Based in Fareham, Hampshire, we provide an installation service from Cornwall to Kent, Hertfordshire to Hampshire, London and everything in between.
We hold a number of accreditations including:
We aim to provide our customers with premium grade products and quality installation services.
Sureguard Window Films® supply and install a wide range of solutions:
We are based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire and cover the whole of the UK.
ADS Window Films Ltd. are a Devon based company covering the South West of England. Their window film range covers a variety of applications including Solar Control, Energy Control, Privacy, Architectural Enhancement, Manifestations, Safety and Security to improve the quality of your glazing and to ensure compliance with current building regulations.
When you choose a GGF Member company for your glazing home improvement work, you can rest assured that you’ll enjoy unmatched consumer protection as well as industry-leading products and service.
This commitment to put customers first has seen Chesham-based The Window Film Company awarded ‘Excellence in Customer Service’ at the annual Buckingshire Business Awards on June 16.
The Window Film Company specialise in the supply and installation of window film as well as the printing and fitting of full colour graphics and other decorative solutions. It came out on top of a Customer Service category packed with a record number of entrants.
For company founder and managing director Micky Calcott, this is testament to his company’s ability to consistently deliver high standards of customer service to an ever increasing range of clients.
“It’s our job to make sure that each customer gets the same level of service and attention, whether it is a residential customer looking for solar control in their conservatory or a world famous brand wanting graphics applied to an entire building,” said Mr Calcott.
The awards application process is in depth and successful entrants are visited by an independent judge who spends time talking to staff members from different departments, allowing them to gain a full understanding of how the company operates with regard to customer service.
The Window Film Company saw the awards experience as an excellent chance to review what it was doing well and identify things it could improve upon. Mr Calcott was proud of his colleagues and the recognition given to their hard work and commitment to quality customer service.
“We’ll take some time to enjoy the success, but work is already underway to make sure that we continue to improve and to deliver the best possible service to each and every one of our customers.”
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Although blinds could have been used to control the glare (they would have little effect on the heat or energy use) they were not practical and also spoilt the panoramic view enjoyed from this top floor office.
It was decided to install a high performance neutral coloured external solar control film that reduced the glare by 80% and the heat by 70%. This film also reduces air conditioning usage by up to 30% so would also pay for itself in around 3 years from reduced air conditioning usage. It is a little known fact that it takes 3 to 4 times more energy to reduce the temperature by 1 degree as it does to heat by 1 degree.
Following the non-disruptive installation the occupants (employees) immediately had their comfort improved with vastly reduced glare and a dramatic reduction in heat.
Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive said ‘We are very pleased with the instant effect on heat and glare of the non- disruptive window film installation. We are looking forward to saving money too!’
Steve Rice, GGF Director of Technical Affairs commented, “It is always pleasing to witness a first class example of how a window film installation can solve existing problems with glazing. This installation has vastly improved the working environment for the staff with a reduction in extreme glare coming through the windows from strong sunshine. Secondly applying window film has made the GGF Building more energy efficient, something that is always high on our agenda. The finished job looks superb and I am pleased a GGF Member company from the Window Film Group undertook the work.”
The corresponding energy analysis showed that more than 125 kWh of energy (£15) would be saved per square metre of glass which relates to the short payback time. With an expected lifetime well past 10 years this type of solution provides a high performance for many years to come.
To find out more about the GGF Window Film Group please visit https://www.ggf.org.uk/group/window-film-group
Damage to the surface of glass in windows, doors and conservatories can impair its visual quality, performance and appearance.
While in some cases it may be necessary to replace damaged glass, in many scenarios surface damage to glass around the home can be repaired by a glass repair specialist.
These can be caused by hard or sharp objects either accidentally or maliciously applied and may result in failure if left untreated.
This may be etched into the surface or applied using paint or indelible ink which, if removed incorrectly, could damage the glass surface.
Organic materials (such as bird droppings) and inorganic materials (such as road film), or a combination of the two, may have an abrasive effect on the glass surface causing a drop in visual quality.
This could occur as a result of building run-off or sealant leakage which has a subsequent effect on the glass surface.
The process of repair involves the removal of a minimal amount of the glass surface in order to rectify the defect, without impairing the visual quality.
In some cases the severity of the surface damage may make repair impractical – this would normally be advised during the initial survey.
In exceptional circumstances an unacceptable level of distortion may only become evident during or after treatment. In these instances replacement would be advised.
In many cases, replacing the damaged glass in a window, door or conservatory may be the most economical option.
However, there will be situations where a replacement would be far more expensive than repair, e.g. a large landing window. In these cases, having the surface damage repaired can be a time saving and cost effective solution.
If you are unsure whether to repair glass or replace it, talk to a glass repair specialist who will survey the damage and offer a quote.
It is worth bearing in mind that the environmental impact of repair is significantly less than that of replacement.
The Glass and Glazing Federation represents companies who make, supply and/or fit, glass and glazing products in the UK and internationally.
As the voice of the industry, the GGF promotes best practice and sets the highest technical and health & safety standards. The GGF is wholly committed to the development of glass repair technology and to constantly improving the standards in this sector.
What many homeowners don’t know is that inefficient windows and doors could actually cost you up to £215 extra in energy bills each year.
If you’re looking for different ways to reduce the cost of your fuel bills, installing modern, energy efficient glazing is one way to do it. That’s because many new windows have improved thermal efficiency, meaning you can live in a warmer environment and your energy costs can be reduced. Win, win!
As well improving your thermal efficiency, here are some other ways upgrading your windows and doors can actually help save money in the home.
How much time, energy and money do you spend keeping your windows looking great? This level of effort has encouraged many home owners to make the change to lower maintenance, ‘self-cleaning’ glass.
This reduces the need to employ a window cleaning service or spend hours of their own time cleaning windows. Self-cleaning glass works by using natural sunlight and rain (or, in dry spells, a garden hose) to reduce the build-up of dirt and grime on the glass surfaces.
This might sound technical, but trust us, it’s not! Window film acts as an insulator, improving the thermal performance of your windows. It helps achieve true energy efficiency, therefore potentially saving on your fuel costs.
Similarly, energy efficient low-emissivity glass (or low-e glass as it is commonly referred to), contains a coating which reduces heat transfer, meaning less heat escapes through your windows to the cold outdoors, making your home more comfortable and your bills more family-friendly. Check out your local installers to see which offer and fit low e-glass.
Thinking of selling your property? Homes with modern, energy-efficient windows tend to sell at a higher price than those without them, because house hunters would rather pay extra at the point of purchase, than undertake a large-scale renovation once they’re moved in.
In our most recent survey, 75 per cent of homeowners said that when they’re looking to buy a property, they consider energy efficient windows and doors important. So, while it’s not cash in your bank immediately, you’ll reap the awards of new windows and doors if you ever move home.
Undertaking a home improvement and worried that you’ll lose your hard earned cash due to a problem with your contractor or chosen installer? When choosing a glazing company look for ones that abide by codes of practice that protect the consumer, and make sure you read contracts carefully before signing.
Ask any company you hire about their insurance-backed guarantees and warranties for the services and products they’re providing, and check the cancellation terms being offered. Most companies don’t offer a cancellation period for made to measure windows, but GGF Member companies do – it lasts for seven days from the date you sign the contract. You can read more about this via our Home Improvement Advice
When we asked homeowners the ways in which they try and save heat and energy in the home, the list was endless. Energy saving lightbulbs, water-saving shower heads, cavity wall insulation, draught excluders, solar panels, extra layers of clothes and even thermal wallpaper cropped up on the list.
These are things that must constantly be replaced or topped up, and can often make only minor differences to your household bills. By making the up-front investment in new windows and doors, you’ll instantly enjoy a more comfortable home, and you’ll see the impact on your outgoings sooner than you might think!
We are a company that is dedicated to the repair and maintenance of PVCu and Aluminium window and doors including additional security such as child saftey products and other additional item that can be fitted to windows and door, Window Film, winding gear.
Solartek Films Ltd supply and install all types of Window Film to glass including; Solar Film, Heat Reduction Film, Glare Reduction Film, Blast Mitigation Film, Security Film, Safety Film, Privacy Film, Energy Saving Film, All types of Manifestation, Partition Graphics and Digital Printed Films.
Unprotected glazing can potentially be very dangerous to us all. Without glazing film or blinds, an ordinary piece of glazing offers little or no protection against the hazards of daily life.
Established in 1988, Glazing Films & Blinds are specialists in the window film, commercial blinds and glazing industry. We are unique in the fact that we supply and install an extensive range of window film products, commercial blinds and cubicle track, as well as providing a full glazing service – providing cost efficient, effective solutions for all glass related issues.
We’ve built our success and our reputation on a real desire to give our customers quality products, great value for money and a polite, friendly service from our head office team. With our extensive knowledge we can guide you every step of the way from glass surveys to samples, advice and information on all the latest products in the marketplace.
Our thousands of satisfied customers include universities, schools, local government, Northumbria and Yorkshire police, the NHS and many large construction companies and architects.
We are proud to be a safecontractor approved company and members of CHAS, Constructionline and the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF). We also have all the relevant qualifications and insurances. Each installation carried out by Glazing Films & Blinds will meet the Glass and Glazing Federation’s installation guidelines. Each of our installers carry CSCS cards and is also fully PASMA trained, allowing them to carry out any work that is required at height.
Winners of Newcastle University’s ‘Excellent Contractor Awards 2014’ – 5-50 employees category.
As the deadline for our Window with a View nominations draws ever closer, we’re delighted to reveal our judging panel who will select the four best entries from each area of the UK to be put forward to the first public voting stage.
We’ve secured experts from the tourism, architecture, photography and interiors industries to help us choose the most impressive and creative Window with a View photos and it’s brilliant to have them on board!
Our first judge is Bernard Donoghue, Director at the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA). Bernard has held the position of director of ALVA since September 2011, having previously worked at a number of tourist organisations and bodies including VisitBritain, VisitManchester and British Tourism Week.
In July 2015, Bernard was elected Chairman of the Tourism Alliance, which represents over 200,000 businesses across the whole of the tourism sector in England; from airlines and airports, cities and destinations, the hospitality industry, restaurants, attractions, B&Bs, caravan parks and business conferences and events.
Also on the judging panel is Aaron Andrews, Creative Director of interior and homeware boutique The Gifted Few. With a keen eye for design and detail, Aaron searches across the UK and Europe to source authentic industrial and vintage lighting, furniture and homeware, as well as contemporary soft furnishings, kitchenware, prints and home accessories from some of the most talented new designers and craftspeople, giving him a keen eye for design and detail.
Passionate about quality and accessible design and interiors, The Gifted Few is a firm favourite with homeowners and businesses, including those in the retail and leisure sectors. Aaron has also worked with mainstream TV shows and film production companies, providing props and accessories for on set.
Representing the architecture sector, we have Katie Tonkinson, Partner at HawkinsBrown, an internationally-renowned award winning practice of over 200 architects, interior designers, urban designers and researchers. Founded in 1988, the practice bring a wealth of experience designing and delivering innovative and socially sustainable buildings across multiple sectors.
People are at the heart of everything they do, from their design approach to the way they run their studio. Their designers bring a fresh and collaborative approach to each new design challenge, creating places with personality and purpose that are well-made, well-used and well-loved.
Architectural photographer Ståle Eriksen has also joined our judging panel. Ståle runs a London based photographic practice working across the architecture, art and design communities both in the UK and abroad.
Ståle photographs buildings, architectural scale models and still life for a wide range of clients and is a long-standing regular contributor to the market-leading publication Architect’s Journal.
Finally, our very own James Lee – head of the Glass and Glazing Federation’s group marketing and communications – will sit on the judging panel. With over 20 years’ marketing management experience gained in manufacturing, media, art publishing and retail, James joined the GGF in 2011 with a remit to grow and develop the GGF brand in all markets across the glazing industry, as well as in the political and broader construction sector.
A Chartered Marketer and active Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Member, James is also a judge for the Construction Marketing Awards and is part of the CIM Construction Industry Group.
Nominations for our Window with a View competition close 16th May and judging will take place later this month. So if you’ve got a great Window with a View, be sure to get your photos in soon!
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