We understand the importance of providing the very best in Technical Support for our members and our team has a wide and extensive range of experience in both glass and Fenestration matters. Members needing a quick answer can contact a member of the team by dialling our Member Exclusive Hotline number which can be viewed by clicking here which will be answered by the first available Technical Officer. 

For more complex or detailed queries, send your email to technical@ggf.org.uk Our inbox is prioritised with members’ emails answered same day/next day. No matter the issue, our aim is to provide the best support in quality and response. Please note that non-members can only enquire by email.

In an ever-changing industry landscape, it is vital that members are fully aware of changes in legislation and standards that are in development or implemented. Our team analyse and evaluate documents issued by MHCLG and the Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish and Irish Government. This covers all ISO, CEN & BSI Standards for our industry whether for review, comment or implementation as well as information provided by associated organisations such as the CPA, CWCT and Glass for Europe.

All relevant material is collated and issued to members in our Quarterly Reports and also provided in Presentation form at all Technical and Regional Group meetings. This is also available for download from this page. In addition, this page includes details and links to any documents relevant to our members as and when they are introduced.

Glass & Glazing Groups
(Click on links below)
Safety & Security Group
Tougheners Group
Laminators Group
Fire Resistant Glazing
Insulating Glass Manufacturers Group
Emergency Glazing Group
Window Film Group
Glazing Components Group
Mirror & Interior Glass Group

Home Improvement Groups
(Click on links below)
Window & Door Group
Conservatory Association
Systems House Group
Home Improvement Technology Group
Heritage Windows Group
Hardware Group
Consumer Management Group

Regrettably, disputes between installer and consumer can occur and result in deadlock. The GGF can visit sites and provide inspection reports covering aspects such as product suitability, quality of installation, compliance with Building Regulations; Industry Standards and Good Practice Guides. Similar disputes involving contractors and professional bodies are also covered in this service.

Reports by the GGF are a well established and recognised form of evidence in Courts throughout the UK and Ireland and is also further enhanced with an Expert Witness Service. This is a chargeable service, however, members will receive a favourable discount.

If you wish to request a site survey then please click here

As the boundaries of building design are constantly expanded, it is our industry’s duty of care to ensure that installations are within acceptable and safe parameters. This ranges from glass floors and stair treads to structural glass systems for the building envelope. At the GGF we can provide the relevant calculations including glass requirements and loadings using MEPLA software. SJ MEPLA is a finite element program specially developed to perform static and dynamic calculations of glass structures.

You can calculate any shape of a system including laminated glass, point fixings, balustrade clips and all this for insulated glass. Any bearing and loading situations are possible. You can consider load cases or dynamically calculated impacts for the use of glass as fall protection

Long recognised as a major asset to our members, our Technical library continues to expand. Regularly reviewed and expanded, the library is divided into 3 categories: –

Datasheets: Source documents for the industry covering details on products such as IGUS, Toughened, Laminated, Curved Glass, Window Film, Windows, Doors and Hardware.

Good Practice Guides: detailing installation standards and requirements e.g. Windows, Doors & Conservatories.

Guidance for Trade & Consumers: explanatory documents covering topics such as condensation, roller wave, anitroscopy & visual inspection.

All are free to download for members in PDF format. Non-members can purchase from the GGF Shop.

In this period of adjustment since leaving the EU, the transfer to UKCA marking from the European CE mark has caused issues and confusion thoughout the Construction Industry which is further complicated due to a lack of clarity from the Government for many of the basic principles and operational details. The CE mark will cease to be acceptable in Great Britain from 1st of January 2022. The use of UKCA became effective from the 1st of January 2021.

The introduction of the UKCA conformity mark along with CE UKNI and the relevant test certification is a complex matter, not least when compliance with the NI Protocol is also a consideration. Members, however, can be assured of receiving accurate guidance and advice on how to minimise business disruption during this period.
The Technical team will continue to inform members of any updated information or changes in regulations.

For the latest information on Conformity Marking, click here

These regulatory bodies have long recognised the experience and knowledge available from the GGF Technical Department.

As such the Technical team represent the GGF members and the industry in general in working groups in BSI, CEN & ISO providing input for the reviewing, creating and updating of UK and International Standards. Working groups include: –

• BSI B/520: Glass in Buildings
• BSI B/538: Windows & Doors
• BSI CB/401: Retrofit Energy Efficiency Measures
• BSI B/208/1: Stairs and walkways
• BSI B/209: General Building Codes
• CEN TC/129: Glass in Buildings
• CEN TC/33: Doors, windows, shutters and building hardware
• ISO TC/160: Glass in Building
• ISO TC/162: Doors, windows and Curtain Walling

Any proposed or current review of Standards is notified to members through the Quarterly Technical Report and at Regional and Technical meetings.

Our Technical Officers are experienced in regular testing of glass & fenestration products and can give guidance to our members.

Through established relationships with both UK Authorised Bodies and EU Nominated Bodies, the GGF can also arrange product testing for members.

We also provide calibration for heat soak ovens and the relevant documentation.
Additional costs apply for these services.

Due to the wide range of products and services provided by our members, our team has an equally wide range of experience covering production, installation & technical knowledge.

We recommend looking at our Meet the Technical team for the most suitable Technical Officer to assist you in resolving or advising you on your current issue. The direct email address and mobile number for each of the team are also provided. (Members only)