Safety Glazing
Critical area glazing
Critical area glazing
The image on the left shows those areas on doors, windows and side panels that are defined as critical areas and ones where safety glazing must be used.
These regulations apply to both single and double glazing.
Toughened or Laminated?
Safety glazing can be achieved by using either toughened or laminated glass. All standard clear and obscure glass can be toughened but this can take a few days to manufacture, whilst laminated glass does not need to be processed, and can be fitted immediately once cut to size.
Toughened Glass explained
We have all seen the aftermath of a damaged phone box or bus shelter with little bits of 'sugar' everywhere. This is toughened glass in action. Without going all technical, the glass is processed using both a heat and a cooling process. This give the glass strength, and make it much stronger on its face. That's the bit you see when it's installed.
The only downside to glazing this in your home is that when it does eventually break, all the bits fall away and, usually, you are left with a big hole where your window used to be! Great if you have tripped over, as you are not now heading to casualty with life threatening injuries, but not so great if you don't want unwelcome visitors to get in.
If the toughened glass has been used in a double-glazing application, that's fine as you have a second piece to maintain security, but in single glazed applications, particularly on doors and low-level windows, laminated glass might be better.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass breaks like a car windscreen. It stays together as it's bonded to a clear membrane. Just like the picture opposite. Although you still end up with damage, the 'spiders web' pattern means that your glass stays in its frame and intruders stay outside!
Laminated glass is standard glazing in business premises, but it is quite acceptable in door panels and low level glazing applications in domestic property.
If you occupy a commercial property and you are unsure if the glass you have is the older plate glass or modern laminated glass, we can undertake what is referred to as a Regulation 14 survey. This will tell you which glass you have in your property. Even if we find the older type of glass, don't worry; you don't have to get it all re-glazed. By applying a special safety film, it can be brought up to reasonable safety level and satisfy your obligations under Health and Safety legislation.
Ring us for details and to book your Regulation 14 survey.
UK Property Management Companies
