Applying to all orders.

Q. Measuring.

A. The standard adopted in the UK glass industry, is to measure in millimetres. If you measure Imperial, use inches and either, one eigth (1/8") and / or one quarter (1/4") of an inch. Multiply inches x 25.4 to convert to millimetres. Always give the WIDTH first x HEIGHT second, this is most important for patterned glass and double glazing units with square / diamond leads, Georgian Grills or Duplex Bars. It also applies to clear glass that is being BS or EN badge marked in the corner, if the width is not first, the may be in a different corner.

Q. Template and patterns.

A. Use a hard material, hardboard (no more than 10mm thick) is easy to work with. Paper is not very goof as it tends to crease and is hard to find the edge on to work accurately to. A template should be the actual size required and need no additions or subtractions to it. Mark the face surface. Templates for double glazing units are made as viewed from the outside.

Types of Glass.

Q. What are the basic types?

1. Annealed - Standard glass as made by the Float or Rolled plant.
2. Horticultural - Annealed glass for use in greenhouses and sheds where optical quality is not important and compliance to BS6206 is not required.
3. Toughened - Annealed glass, arrissed as standard, heat treated and breaks safely into small pieces. Cannot be cut or drilled after toughening.
4. Heat Soaked - A further process after toughening to try and eliminate spontaeneous breakage in toughened glass from Nickel Sulphide inclusions. Normally used on thicker glass glazed at high level.
5. Laminated - Two pieces of glass with a PVB or resin interlayer, breaks safely and normally is retained within the aperture.

Standards & Regulations.

Q. How do I know if my order must comply with a standard or regulation?

A. The most common references are, advise at the time or enquiring or ordering, if these are a requirement,

1. Document L or J - Building Regulations - Conservation of fuel & power.
2. Document N1 & N2 - Building Regulations - Glazing + materials & protection.
3. BS476 Part 22 - BSEN1363 - 1364 - 1365 - 1634 - 12600 - Fire.
4. BS6206 - Safety.
5. BS5544 - EN356 - Anti Bandit Glazing.
6. BS6180 - Barriers & Balustrades.
7. BS8000 - Part 7. Code of practice for glazing.
8. British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) - Window Energy Rating (WER) A, B, C, D, or E.

Safety.

Q. How do I know where to use a safety glass, laminated, toughened or wired?

A. Very briefly and not covering all the requirements, BS6206 and Document N1 & N2 of the Building Regulations define areas that are deemed to be critical locations and more prone to an accident. In these areas, eg., glass in a door, either side of a door or within 800mm of the floor, use an appropriate safety glass.

Where adnormal behaviour can be expected, eg., in schools or hospitals, all necessary precautions must be taken to minimise any potential risk.