Who this is for
Managing agents and building managers with broken or misted units anywhere from the ground floor entrance to the top of a tower. Developers and main contractors in the defects period. Insurers and loss adjusters who need a specification and a make safe.
What we do
Survey and specification
We measure the unit, identify the glass build up (thicknesses, coatings, laminates, spacer, gas fill), the glazing method and the frame, and check the surrounding units for the same fault. Matching the original specification matters for appearance, thermal performance and, on toughened or laminated glass, safety and the building's fire strategy.
Sourcing
Insulated glass units are made to order; lead times are typically four to eight weeks, longer for large, curved, heat soaked or specialist units. We give the lead time in the quotation and make safe in the meantime.
Replacement
Units are lifted with vacuum lifters, and at height by cradle, BMU, MEWP, rope access or crane basket, with an exclusion zone and public protection below. The frame, gaskets and setting blocks are checked and renewed as needed so the new unit does not leak.
Structural and overhead glass
Structural glazing, overhead and canopy glass, glass balustrades and glazed roofs need a specialist approach: the right laminate, the right support and post breakage behaviour. We work to the CWCT guidance on overhead glazing and bring in the glass engineer where the design needs checking.
How a glass job runs
Make safe
For cracked or fallen glass we attend, assess and make safe with boarding, film or removal.
Survey and quotation
Measurements, glass specification, access method and lead time, with a fixed price.
Manufacture
The unit is made to the specification. We confirm the fitting date when it is ready.
Fit and record
Replacement with public protection in place, frame and seals checked, photographs in the close-out report.
Questions building managers ask
Why has my toughened glass cracked on its own?
Toughened glass can break spontaneously from nickel sulphide inclusions or edge damage. It is a known risk, which is why heat soaked glass is specified on many buildings. We identify the likely cause and check whether the surrounding units are at risk.
How long does a replacement take?
The glass is the long part: four to eight weeks for most units. Fitting is usually a day. We make safe on the first visit.
Can you match the original glass?
In most cases yes, from the unit's spacer bar markings and the building's specification. Where the original product is discontinued we match performance and appearance as closely as possible and tell you the difference.
Who looks after the pavement below?
We do. Exclusion zones, barriers, a banksman and any pavement or road closure licence from the council are part of the job.
