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Windows |
Conservatories
| Rooflights | Doors | Garage
Doors | Ironmongery |
Glass | Shutters | Blinds and Curtains
Glass and
coatings
- In terms of environmental
performance, glazed openings are the weak point in the external
fabric of any building. Performance can be improved significantly
by using the right type of glass. Pilkington do a natty little guide online
where you can select the situation and then see types of glass
that control solar gain, heat loss, protect against fire, increase
security or even self cleaning glass.
- Do not forget that glazing
to doors and at low level needs to be toughened, laminated or
wired to meet safety tandards.
Consider too
the possibilities of self cleaning glass -after years of research
and development, Pilkington has introduced the Pilkington Activ™ range of products.
The range has products which combine both self-cleaning and solar
control properties, making them highly desirable amongst homeowners
looking for the ultimate in glass solutions.
- Choosing
low energy glass
The Glass and Glazing Federation
(www.ggf.org.uk) can also
help in selecting low energy glaziing.
Many homeowners are unaware
of the fact that energy efficient windows can help reduce energy
bills, condensation and carbon footprints, amongst many other
things. Despite research showing that one in seven people
rate energy efficiency as one of the most important features
in a home, many persist with old windows which could be responsible
for up to 20% of heat loss within their household.
The GGF, in its position as
a representative of companies who carry out over 50% of glass
and glazing installations in the UK, advises that the energy
efficiency of windows are now rated via a labelling scheme as
developed by the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC).
Window Energy Ratings (WER's)
aim to make it easier for consumers to see the savings they can
make by replacing their existing windows. As with household
appliances such as fridges, dishwashers and other 'white' goods,
windows are now rated from A-G, with 'A' rated windows being
the most thermally efficient.
When choosing an installer,
check whether they are a GGF member and their windows carry the
BFRC energy-rating label for the highest level of installation
and protection.
The Glass and Glazing Federation
(GGF) is the primary trade association for companies that make,
supply or fit flat glass products including double glazing, Energy
Efficient Windows, replacement windows, doors, conservatories,
applied film, hardware, safety glazing, sealants, fire resistant
glass, emergency glazing, decorative glass, secondary glazing,
solar control and plastics. It provides information for
homeowners, professional specifiers and anyone seeking professional
and unbiased information on any aspect of glass and glazing in
the UK.
For further information go
to: www.ggf.org.uk
Useful Glass resources
- Abode Window Films -thin surface applied films to increase privacy,
reduce energy usage or enhance security.
- Art With Glass
- specialist stained glass artists whose workshop is based in
South East London.
- British
Glass -representative
organisation for the glass industry -from bottle glass to window
glass.
- Glass
and Glazing Federation
-is a trade association for all those who make, supply or fit
flat glass, such as windows, film or plastics. It also supplies
information about glass and glazing to the general public.
- Glaverbel - a world of glass -the French 'Pilkington'.
- Interpane -Low emissivity glass, solar control,
heat retaining and soundproof glasses from Germany.
- London Crown Glass -high class conservation glasses -also gives
a good outline of the history of glass in the UK.
- Pilkington -founded in 1826, Pilkington is recognised
as the world's technological leader in glass.
- Philip Bradbury Glass -offers a range of authentic styles of high
quality decorative glass. They specialise in hand-made period
etched glass, leaded lights and brilliant-cutting.
- London Crown Glass Company - specialises in high quality conservation glasses
selected from the best of the traditional European craftsman
glassblowers.
- Rainbow Glass Studios - design and produce traditional and modern
stained glass using various techniques -leaded stained glass,
fusing, sandblasting, acid etching, kiln formed casting and painting.
- Recycled
Bottle Glass Centre
-exactly as the name says, they supply a range of coloured glass
produced from their patented glass bottle recycling process for
many applications, including the refurbishment and repair of
traditional stained glass windows and panels, or in making Tiffany
style lamps.
- The
World of Glass -visitor
centre in St Helens dedicated to glass.
- Window Film UK Directory -directory of window film specialists throughout
the UK.
Windows |
Conservatories
| Rooflights | Doors | Garage
Doors | Ironmongery |
Glass | Shutters | Blinds and Curtains
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