Archives for January 2017

GGF MEMBERS SURVEY PROVIDES USEFUL INSIGHTS

Over 31% of the GGF’s Membership took part in the survey with 63% of Members satisfied with the Federation’s services and benefits whilst 33% of respondents were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with just 3.4% expressing dissatisfaction.

The Survey provided some useful insights for the GGF and will help the industry’s leading trade body hone its strategies for Members’ benefit.

Of the areas of work the GGF undertakes, technical came out most popular with 71.5% of Members who responded saying that the GGF’s technical knowledge/help was of benefit to their business. The second most valued benefit was the use of the GGF brand with almost 55% of respondents stating this benefited their business.

Brian Baker, Interim Chief Executive commented, “I am pleased that almost one third of our Membership took the time to complete the Survey. It is so important that we listen to our Members and shape our strategy accordingly. In the next few months, we will fully analyse the survey submissions and take the necessary action to improve the GGF services and benefits.”

The Survey consisted of 51 questions across 11 areas of GGF benefits. Some of the key findings are listed below.

Technical

54% of respondents said they regularly use the GGF’s technical publications with 75% saying they were satisfied overall with the quality and presentation of the GGF’s technical library.
Over 85% of respondents deemed the technical content quality either good or excellent.
An overwhelming 80% of Members access GGF technical publications online.

Meetings

39% of respondents said they attend meetings for the content/topics in the presentations.
40% of respondents said they attended GGF meetings for the networking opportunities.
29% of respondents said they attended GGF meetings regularly.

Political

On the political campaigning the GGF does on behalf of Members, 40% felt the Federation was doing enough with the resources it has at its disposal, with 9.5% saying the GGF should do more in this area and 8% of respondents believing the GGF does too much political campaigning.
75% of respondents deemed Building Regulations as the most important area of focus for the GGF’s political work.
8.6% of respondents were dissatisfied with the GGF’s political campaigning/lobbying.

Marketing and Communications

54% of respondents felt using the GGF logo was of benefit with 71% displaying the logo on their website.
49% of respondents were either satisfied or very satisfied with the GGF’s activities, presence and involvement at events and exhibitions.
Over 69% of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the GGF’s overall communications.

GGF’s Consumer Package

86% of the GGF’s consumer facing companies were satisfied or very satisfied with the GGF’s consumer support.
56% of companies selling to consumers were either satisfied or very satisfied with the GGF’s Consumer Code of Practice as approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute.
53% of respondents who sell to consumers, felt that the GGF’s consumer website MyGlazing.com was a satisfactory GGF benefit to their business.

Brian Baker concluded, “The GGF exists for its Members and is constantly aiming to improve its services and the benefits to support the Membership. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those Members who took part in this Survey.”

GGF REACTS TO FIRE RESISTANT GLAZING FRAUD CONVICTION

Legislation, News, Politics | 31.01.17

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) was disappointed to see a recent news story in which Glassworks Ireland, not a Member of the GGF, had sold ordinary glass as fire resistant safety glass and failed to supply numerous buildings with the correct specification of glass, putting lives and property at risk.

In response to the article, Steve Rice, GGF Director of Technical Affairs commented: “This news and the subsequent prison sentence clearly shows the importance for all companies in the fire resistant glazing sector to ensure the specification, supply and installation of fire resisting glazing is provided at the correct level of protection for people and property. The GGF through its Fire Resisting Glazing Group (FRGG) promotes, develops and champions the application of best practice in the use of fire-resistant glazing systems with a recognition of their responsibilities in ensuring fitness for purpose in the event of fire.

The occurrence and development of fires in buildings can be unpredictable and uncertain, and its effects can be catastrophic for both life and property. The FRGG provides a centre of expertise within the industry bringing together recognised experts involved in all stages from design, manufacture, specification through to installation.

The GGF’s “Guide to Best Practice in the Specification and Use of Fire-Resistant Glazed Systems” and “Standard for: The Specification, Supply and Installation of Fire-Resistant Barriers containing Glass” ensure those involved with designing and implementing fire strategies within buildings can obtain the correct products, which includes the glass, the glazing seals, glazing beads, fixings and frame, which all need to be compatible under fire conditions and that the relevant test evidence is obtained. These publications can be found on the GGF website.

In addition to guidance, GGF Training also runs courses in Fire Resistant Glazing for companies in the sector. For more information visit the website here, or register your interest here.

Insight Data Set to Unveil Brand New Headquarters

Members News | 25.01.17

Insight Data, the leading provider of prospect marketing data for the fenestration and construction industry, are set to unveil their brand new headquarters.

Insight Data, the leading provider of prospect marketing data for the fenestration and construction industry, are set to unveil their brand new headquarters. On February 9th 2017 a grand opening will take place, with well over 100 VIP guests set to attend the historic event for the Ascot Group (Insight Data, Purplex Marketing and Business Leader Magazine). The official opening of the headquarters will be led by John Penrose MP and Andrew Scott, Managing Director of Insight Data and the Ascot Group. “The new headquarters is just the beginning, the company and group are growing rapidly and the demand for our services is becoming greater every day. Businesses are now realising the importance of marketing and fresh up-to-date information, meaning Insights services are becoming more and more valuable. We aim to double our staff in the next two years.” Andrew commented about the new headquarters. Insight, who used to be based at Bridgwater Court in Weston-Super-Mare have moved to Worle Parkway, which is around 25 minutes away from Bristol City centre. The move is part of a rapid expansion strategy put in place to accelerate the growth of the Ascot Group. Insight data provide prospect marketing databases on Local builders, Architects, Construction companies and Glass and Glazing businesses for the fenestration and construction industries. The Insight Prospect databases contain some 50,000 records and 60,000 key contacts. These databases are complimented by an expert team of professional direct marketers who can produce email marketing and direct mail campaigns, so clients can satisfy all of their marketing needs. For more information on careers with Insight Data or enquiries for our databases or marketing services please call 01934 808293 or email hello@insightdata.co.uk

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.

2017 – A Special Year for the GGF

News | 13.01.17

Following the festive break, the GGF is now preparing for what promises to be a very special year as the Federation celebrates its 40th Anniversary.

Following the festive break, the GGF is now preparing for what promises to be a very special year as the Federation celebrates its 40^th Anniversary.

The Federation was founded on the 13th January 1977 by the change of name of the flat glass association to the Glass and Glazing Federation and the incorporation of the insulating glass, safety glazing and glass benders associations thus amalgamating the representative bodies of the major parts of the industry at that time. The GGF’s first offices were in Mount Row in Mayfair, London and many of the founder Members are still active GGF Members today.

Over the next 12 months, the GGF has several special events planned and will be introducing a raft of new initiatives to help your business.

Special Events

President’s Reception – 2^nd February in London
The FIT Show “Life begins at 40” Members Lounge
Members Day, 22^nd September, London – 40^th Anniversary Celebrations
G17 Awards 17^th November, London – with a special 40^th Anniversary Award

New Initiatives

Political Strategy Group – With a changing landscape on the horizon due to Brexit and incoming Government schemes such as “Each Home Counts” plus the consultation on the proposed changes to SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure), all businesses will be wanting to stay ahead of the curve to cope with the impact of the inevitable changes. That’s why the GGF has set up a new Political Strategy Group to ensure we cover all the forthcoming policies and laws that may affect your business.
Systems House Group – this new Group will be represented along with frame manufacturers on the GGF Board to ensure the full industry supply chain is considered at Board level and in future GGF strategies.
The GGF Member Get Member Scheme – we have increased the scheme from 10% to 40% of your recommended new Member’s subscription fee off your 2018 subscription.
Digital Marketing Workshops in the Regions – our experts will be on hand at regional meetings explaining how you can make the most of the GGF’s online benefits including how you can raise your profile on the GGF’s award winning consumer website – MyGlazing.com.
New GGF trade website with a vastly improved user experience will be launched in September 2017.
Commemorative logo and souvenirs to celebrate the GGF’s 40^th year will be issued to all Members.

Brian Baker, Interim Chief Executive commented, “There’s never been a better or more important time to be part of the industry’s leading trade body. The year ahead presents many challenges and exciting opportunities and right at the heart of it all is the GGF, offering extensive support to help Members cope with the challenges and make the most of the opportunities.”

In addition to the GGF’s 40^th Anniversary celebrations, 2017 will also see changes at the top of the GGF as we welcome Alan Burgess as the new GGF President and the imminent appointment of a new Chief Executive.

Brian continued, “2017 is a special year for all GGF Members and one not to be missed. I look forward to sharing the forthcoming celebratory events with Members. I also encourage all Members to take full advantage of the many benefits of being a GGF Member.”

GGF Supports Materials 2017 Exhibition

Events, News | 10.01.17

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is delighted to support Materials 2017, a new conference and exhibition focused entirely on the cutting-edge of material solutions for architecture, construction, and design, to be held on the 25th and 26th of April 2017 at the ILEC Centre, London.

The GGF will be exhibiting at the show as well as moderating a specialist technical seminar. In addition, the Federation will promote the show to GGF Members and the wider glass and glazing industry.

James Lee, GGF Director of Marketing and Communications, commented, “We are pleased to be involved with this new trade show as it aims its focus on solutions that construction professionals need when considering using glass and glazing materials.”

Steve Rice, GGF Director of Technical Affairs, added, “It is important for the GGF to have presence and contribute to shows of this kind. Glass is one of the most used materials in the construction industry and we will offer our technical expertise and information throughout the show to visitors, exhibitors and to the construction media.”

Materials 2017 will gather leading construction professionals into one central venue, easily accessible via car or public transport. This will be a unique opportunity for architects, specifiers, and developers to meet face-to-face, engage in social conversation, and expand business relationships with top materials manufacturers.

A wide range of products – from ceramics, cement, stone, brick, and timber to glass, concrete, metal, and smart materials – will be featured, looking not only at their use in creating striking designs but also their potential functionalities beyond their common purposes within building structures, envelope, façades and finishes.

Seminar speakers from a number of the industry’s biggest actors have been confirmed to include names from Aecom, Arup, Tata Steel, and Saint-Gobain. The three conference areas at Materials 2017 provide huge potential for knowledge-sharing in a highly tailored and intimate environment.

The event will have a session focused on glass with a leading consultant and manufacturer presenting, and Russell Day of the Glass and Glazing Federation as moderator.

15:00 on 25th April

Russell Day Deputy Director of Technical Affairs – Glass & Glazing Federation
Tim Macfarlane Managing Director – Glass Light and Special Structures
Bruce Nicol Senior Business Development – Dow Corning

Materials 2017 is completely free to attend for delegates and competitive prices are available for sponsor and exhibitor packages. For more information visit www.materials2017.co.uk

Our comprehensive list of member services

GGF MEMBERS SURVEY PROVIDES USEFUL INSIGHTS

GGF REACTS TO FIRE RESISTANT GLAZING FRAUD CONVICTION

Insight Data Set to Unveil Brand New Headquarters

The GGF Glossary

2017 – A Special Year for the GGF

GGF Supports Materials 2017 Exhibition

About

Homeowners

Groups

GGF Members

GGF

Your privacy is important to us!

Cookie Preferences

Necessary

Functional

Analytics

Advertisements

Other

Archives for January 2017

About

Homeowners

Groups

GGF Members

GGF

FOR HOMEOWNERS

FOR TRADE