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Find a GGF MemberThe newly formed Decorative Glass & Glass Structures Group met at Solihull
Moors FC on Tuesday the 6th of May. A total of 15 members attended with
interest shown in attending future meetings by another 16 members. There
was lively discussion on topics of interest and members gave a strong
indication of what GGF datasheets and guidance documents were needed to
support this sector of the Industry. Attendees’ interests were wide and varied
covering such topics as mirror installation; UV Bonding; Acid etching and
sandblasting; glass splashbacks & counter tops; balconies and balustrades;
leaded and stained glass; digital printing & glass processing
Search Results for: Stained Glass
Design Glass Ltd
Established in 1989 Design Glass is a stained glass and leaded light manufacturer. Operating out of a modern purpose made industrial unit we specialize in supplying the glass traded and public with high quality product. Our policy is ‘Quick quality economically’.
Free friendly advice always given.
- Stained glass and leaded lights
- Painted and fired (church) work
- Kiln worked and fused glass
- Metal windows repaired and made
- Friendly professional service
GGF appoints new Technical Officer
The GGF is pleased to announce that John Mannell will be joining the GGF staff as a Technical Officer.
With 15 years’ experience in the industry John has had both hands-on experience in glazing and fenestration, studied with City and Guilds College in Architectural Stained Glass and Kiln Forming, through to completion of GQA’s Level 7 in Construction Senior Management.
Whilst having a practical background in installation of prefabricated systems and extrusions John has prided himself in working with designers, architects and engineers to meet bespoke designs for both domestic and commercials applications which are found outside some of the standard guides and parameters tested within codes of practice. In recent years John has had to work with a number of clients in the retrieval and testing of failed glass and the arrangement of performance load testing of glass in bespoke design applications.
On joining the GGF staff, John commented, “The Glass and Glazing Federation has been a great help to me throughout my career especially in terms of technical guidance, health and safety and training. I am both delighted and excited to join the GGF with so much going on in with the GGF and in our industry.”
Prior to joining the GGF Technical Team John was working with GGF Member, Prentice Glass. In his time as a Member he was Chair for the Health and Safety Committee and also London Region. Passionate about training for the industry, John was a contributing Member that saw the development of GGF Training and partnership with Total Support Training.
On the new addition to the Technical Team, David Borland, GGF Senior Technical Officer said, “I am delighted that John is joining the GGF. With many regulations changing next year, technical advice and guidance will be key to most companies wanting to deliver the best job to the highest professional standards. I have no doubt, that John will be a great asset to our already strong team of technical experts.”
John Mannell will start at the GGF on November 15th but will be with the GGF Technical Team at The Glazing Summit on 21 October. The GGF will be present at this event with David Borland presenting the “Regulation Minefield – what you must know”. If you are attending this event and whether you are a GGF Member or not, feel free to say hello to the GGF Technical Team at The Glazing Summit.
Sheffield Window Centre Ltd – Head Office
We are a Sheffield based family business established in 1975. We are Manufacturers and Installers of Windows, Doors, Porches, Conservatories and Roofline products. Over the years we have built up a reputation for great customer service and we NEVER use pressure to sell our products.
- No Pressure Sales
- A, B & C Energy Rated Windows are available
- Family Business
- Stained Glass
- Great Customer Service
Just ONE WEEK remaining to vote and WIN!
Have you voted in the Window with a View competition? The countdown is on and there’s a great prize up for grabs
There’s just a week to go before voting for the first voting round of our Window with a View competition closes – so if you haven’t decided which are your favourite images from each region yet, time is running out!
Since the shortlist was announced in June, thousands of votes have been cast from people across the country with the shortlisted attractions battling it out to ensure their view comes out on top in their area.
With voting closing NEXT WEEK on 29th July, there’s still time to have your say – and it couldn’t be easier! Just head over to the competition page to vote for your favourite photos from each region.
Every vote counts and will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win a GoPro kit, perfect for capturing your own unforgettable views from the UK’s best beauty spots and getaways.
When voting closes each regional winner will be put forward to compete for the title of the UK’s Best Window with a View, with voting for the national title running throughout August.
And we’ve even more good news – there will be a second chance to win another prize in the national heat!
Share your vote with your followers on Facebook and Twitter by pressing the social share button once you’ve made your decision, and encourage them to take part too. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #windowwithaview – and remember, voting closes on the 29th!
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates on the Window with a View competition and for more chances to win some great prizes.
When to repair or replace your windows
Repairing or replacing windows – there’s a lot to consider, including the benefits of upgrading to energy efficient glazing. Here’s some advice to help you decide.
The decision about whether to repair or replace windows can be challenging. Just like any home improvement, it is important to think about costs and potential savings in the short term as well as over a longer period.
This is especially pertinent for glazing in the home because upgrading to windows with a higher energy efficiency rating has the potential to reduce your annual household energy use.
So when considering window repair or replacement it can be helpful to bear in mind the potential savings you could gain by installing windows with a higher level of energy efficiency.
Window maintenance and identifying problems
The importance of properly maintaining the windows in your home cannot be overstated. That’s because in addition to potentially affecting the value of your property, the condition of your windows can have a significant effect on both how comfortable your home is to live in and how much energy is required to heat and cool your living areas.
To help identify problems with your windows and the best course of action to take, we have provided some expert guidance in four easy steps.
Step 1: Visually inspect both sides of the windows
Inspect your windows for any evidence of rot (timber windows) or other damage to the hinges or jambs (the vertical parts that form the side of a window frame). Check if any of the seals are damaged, and if there are any chips in or around the glass.
Windows can be damaged by the sun, water and other weather exposure, so check for signs of this. If your windows have any of these faults which are compromising their performance or aesthetic looks (or both), you may wish to consider getting them repaired before any further damage occurs.
Step 2: Test the performance of your windows
Can you open and close your windows? Sounds obvious but sometimes windows stick due to paint, heat expansion or a broken handle. Also, check if there are any noticeable draughts. All of these are signs your windows may need repairing.
On rare occasions you may see condensation between the panes of a glass sealed unit where the seal of the sealed unit have failed. If so, the sealed unit will need to be replaced and this can usually be done quite easily by your window repair company, although they will have to take exact measurements to order a sealed unit specific to size.
Step 3: Analyse the impact on your living environment
Energy efficiency
Window quality may well be affecting your heating bills. If you have single glazed windows, then it could make a tremendous difference to the comfort of your home and your heating bills if you were to replace them with energy efficient double or triple glazed windows. New energy efficient glazing has the ability to reflect heat back into the room due to a low-emissivity (“Low E”) coating which has the effect of reducing heat loss through the windows.
Instead of replacing your windows, a less expensive option to improve energy efficiency would be to consider installing secondary glazing inside your existing windows, to form “double glazing”, however your existing windows must be in excellent condition.
Noise reduction
Are you affected by noise? If you live near noisy roads or other types of noise disturbance, then you can improve your living comfort by replacing windows to double or triple glazing that can reduce the passage of sound. Glass sealed units with enhanced acoustic options are available to reduce the noise further.
Again, if you wish to reduce noise and keep your existing windows, installing secondary glazing is a less expensive option. And for noise reduction, the bigger the gap between your existing windows and the secondary glazing the better. The head and jambs of the windows within that gap can then be lined with acoustic material if desired to further reduce the noise levels.
Ventilation
It is important to ensure that adequate ventilation is maintained when replacing your windows. This will allow for good air flow and reduce the risk of condensation on the inside of the windows.
Step 4: Consider the age of your home
Older homes – It‘s hard to decide if you should replace windows when they are original features of the house. If your home has stained or leaded glass, then replacing them could reduce the value of your home.
However, the good news is that these days window manufacturers can replicate your stained or leaded glass in energy efficient replacement windows.
If you have a home which is centuries old and listed, then you will need to obtain permission from your local planning officer for any changes. There are specialist glass suppliers who can locate such replicas of centuries-old glass if pieces are damaged.
Similarly, if your home is in an area covered by an “Article 4 Direction”, then you will need to obtain permission from your local planning officer for any changes. Homes in Conservation areas have permitted development rights and do not need planning permission to change windows, so long as the replacement windows are of similar aesthetics to your existing ones.
Still unsure? Contact a glazing professional
If you are unsure about whether to repair or replace windows in your home, it’s a good idea to talk to a glazing professional who can advise you on your options and provide quotes if necessary. Find your nearest GGF Member company.
How to make your property more attractive to buyers
If lockdown has got you dreaming of moving into your dream house then you definitely aren’t alone! In fact, when we surveyed over 1,000 homeowners across the UK, 2.3 million of you were making upgrades to your home with a view to selling. And now that stamp duty is being paused on properties up to £500,000, even more people in the UK may be looking to put in an offer on their dream property.
So, where in the UK is most likely to see an influx of properties entering the market? If you’re looking to buy in Plymouth then you might be in luck as one third of those surveyed admitted to making changes to increase the value of their home, so well maintained and upgraded properties may be entering the market. Elsewhere in the UK, more and more homeowners are investing in home improvements to increase the value of their home. Our table below highlights where the home improvement hotspots are:
- Plymouth (33%)
- Sheffield (27%)
- Norwich (21%)
- London (20%)
- Glasgow (20%)
- Nottingham (17%)
- Liverpool (17%)
- Manchester (16%)
- Newcastle (16%)
- Cardiff (14%)
- Birmingham (11%)
- Edinburgh (9%)
- Leeds (7%)
- Bristol (7%)
- Belfast (6%)
If you’re looking to sell, you might want to make some quick fixes to spruce up your home and make it more appealing to prospective buyers. It might seem that making home improvements and social distancing are mutually exclusive, but it doesn’t have to be that way! Here are some ways you can make fairly quick upgrades to your home and convince potential buyers that your house could be their dream home:
#1 Your first impression
Standing in your front garden clapping for the NHS every week is sure to have instilled some front door envy amongst a few people. If you’re looking at your neighbour’s front doors and wishing yours was a little more stylish, now is the perfect time to upgrade.
Your new entrance door can be made of PVC-u, aluminium, steel or wood or a composite of materials, and each has their own qualities and benefits – from price, durability, design and appearance, through to energy efficiency performance and security. New entrance doors nowadays mostly come pre-hung in a frame and are known as doorsets, with pre-drilling for handles, keeps and locks meaning it’s a fairly quick job, so tradespeople won’t be at your home for long.
For inspiration, check out our gallery, here.
#2 – Consider what can add value to your home
It’s well known that larger investment projects, like kitchen and bathroom renovations, sell homes and can make all the difference when buyers are weighing up making an offer. If you’re moving, you might not want to invest in a full new suite, but there are changes you can make that can give your home a new lease of life. Consider replacing dirty, damaged or outdated shower screens for a sparkling new version, or why not invest in new splashbacks, mirrors or cabinets.
Similarly, kitchens can also benefit by introducing glass features such as splashbacks, countertops and mirrors. Make some easy changes and you could be watching offers flying in!
#3 – The WOW factor
A house sale listing with a wow factor is always likely to get more viewings and we’d recommend making this one of the first things people spot when they come to view your home. One way to do this, and instantly modernise your home, is by replacing a chipped or old fashioned wooden stair banister with a modernglass balustrade. Glass balustrades can add a sophisticated touch to your interior spacewhile often bringing in more light but still ensuringsafety.
A stylish and versatile glass balustrade for your staircase, , patio or landing can bring a fresh modern look to your home, provide an uninterrupted view and help revitalise your living environment.
#4 Repair items that can cause long-term damage
Whilst a stained carpet isn’t likely to be a make or break feature in deciding whether to buy a home, broken items that can cause long term damage are. For example, if you have leaking windows, this can cause rainwater and damp to enter a property and potentially lead to longer terms significant financial investment. If prospective buyers, see or smell damp, it is instantly off putting when it comes to buying a property.
It also worth considering repairing any damaged windows and entry points into your home and even replace them completely to make sure any potential buyers view your home as safe, secure and energy-efficient.
If you are planning on hiring a home improvement company to make changes to your home before selling then it’s important you keep you and the tradespeople safe. That’s why the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has created the Safe Guide for Homeowners, covering everything you need to know about working with home improvement companies during lockdown. Why not also read our other blogs on top tips for planning your home improvement and how to work with installers remotely.
If you are selling or buying a property, we hope this article has provided you with inspiration to upgrade your home and make it as sellable as possible.
Let us know if you need any more tips of glass and glazing home improvements. Sign up to our newsletter and receive our free monthly newsletter.
Holdens-SupaSeal receives special GGF award
At this year’s GGF Members’ Day on the 12th September, Holdens-SupaSeal received a special award from GGF President, John Agnew, to mark their outstanding contribution to the industry spanning 88 years.
As a Founder Member of the GGF, Holdens was established in 1930 with Holdens-Supaseal being formed in 1977. The company is still an independent, family-owned business and is now in its fourth generation. Holdens-Supaseal has sustained its longevity through customer focused product development, quality of work and exceptional levels of customer service within the glazing industry.
Cheryl Biggs, HR Manager of SupaSeal, commented, “We are delighted to have received this award from the GGF on Members’ Day. It’s a real honour to have the hard work, care, and enterprise of all our staff recognised, especially in memory of my granddad, as we would not be where we are today without his great work. This is a fantastic achievement for our business that truly marks our contribution to the industry in terms of maintaining high quality product standards and service.”
The GGF is always pleased to recognise the work and landmarks its Members achieve and was therefore delighted to award Holdens-SupaSeal for an outstanding contribution to the glazing industry.
John Agnew, GGF President commented, “I’d like to congratulate Holdens-SupaSeal on this deserved award. They have been with the GGF since the Federation started and their attention to delivering high quality work and service has been integral to their longevity and success.”
GGF Pleased with TrustMark Relaunch
The GGF was pleased to see TrustMark – the Government-backed quality mark for reputable tradesmen – relaunched last week by Consumer Minister Jenny Willott, with new improved standards of consumer protection under a renewed master licence from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).
In one of the first major announcements from the joint industry and Government industrial strategy for construction, ‘Construction 2025’, Peter Hansford, the Government’s Chief Construction Adviser, will also emphasise the Government’s strong commitment to TrustMark and call upon more firms to get behind the scheme which is central to boosting the reputation of tradesmen and consumer confidence in the domestic repairs, maintenance and improvement market.
TrustMark’s relaunch brought together more than 100 invited guests from industry and consumer protection groups at a reception in Westminster. The Consumer Minister announced the new core criteria – the Government-endorsed standards at the heart of the TrustMark scheme – and urged the whole industry to meet these new standards, which cover customer service, good trading practices and technical competence.
Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive commented “The Glass & Glazing Federation has been involved with TrustMark since its launch in 2005 and we are pleased to still be involved in 2014 with this relaunch and the new core criteria. We have no doubt the further increases in enquiries by householders this year will be of major benefit for GGF Member companies.”
Some of the key changes to the TrustMark core criteria include:
- Firmer standards. The old requirements in the licence and core criteria spoke about scheme operators using “best endeavours” to meet certain standards, and gave “examples” of checks and activities that they might use to demonstrate compliance. Now the core criteria talks about scheme operators’ requirements (“scheme operators must…”).
- More specific standards. For example, whereas before scheme operators had to have a general commitment to raising standards, now they need to show how they are raising standards to address identified areas of consumer detriment and other trade-specific issues.
- More vetting of tradesmen, including specific checks that must be done on firms upon entry to the scheme, but also at renewal stage or on an ongoing basis.
- More proactive use of complaints data by scheme operators, more reporting of that data, more transparency in the complaints process.
- Changes to protect the brand and reduce misuse of the TrustMark logo.
- A new requirement for scheme operators to develop ways to measure the effectiveness of their code of practice and how it reduces consumer detriment, and to keep it regularly reviewed in the light of changing customer expectations in their sector.
Being an existing scheme operator, the GGF will be adapting to the new core criteria over the next 12 months. All new scheme operators who apply after the relaunch will be assessed against the new core criteria from day one. The core criteria will also be reviewed and updated every year from now on to maintain the drive for higher standards.
Commenting on the launch of the new TrustMark standards, Consumer Minister Jenny Willott, says:
“TrustMark gives consumers more confidence in their tradesman when spending their hard earned cash. Every trader who has signed up to the scheme has been independently assessed for their competence.
“We want to put rogue or unscrupulous tradesmen out of business. One of the best ways to do this is to pick out the best businesses, so people know where to turn first for their home improvements, maintenance and repairs.
“I would encourage all legitimate and honest tradesmen to sign up to this scheme.”
Peter Hansford, Government’s Chief Construction Adviser, says:
“TrustMark is pivotal to improving the reputation of the UK construction industry which is why we committed to relaunch it as part of our industrial strategy. Improving the image of the industry with the public is particularly important if we’re to attract the next generation into exciting careers in construction.
“I know the Government is committed to supporting TrustMark, expanding the scheme to include a greater proportion of the industry, and promoting the new core criteria standards and the industry and consumer groups that support them. It wants to see more trade bodies, industry groups and any organisation with a panel of approved contractors joining TrustMark this year so that it can grow to cover much more of the sector.”
The relaunch also marks the start of a sustained consumer marketing campaign for TrustMark to raise consumer awareness of the benefits of using TrustMark-registered firms through major PR and social media campaigns. This includes a communications and video programme, which has been developed around the theme of ‘tools to talk’ and a new weekly consumer advice blog written for TrustMark by Steve Playle, a well known and respected trading standards expert, is part of the programme.
Companies can sign up to TrustMark when they join the GGF – an approved TrustMark Scheme Operator. For more information on how to join the GGF visit www.ggf.org.uk/join or email membership@ggf.org.uk
For further information on TrustMark visit www.trustmark.org.uk
