Don't neglect your glass...

If you are responsible for a building or premises of any kind, you’ll be familiar with the long list administrative duties that come with it. From renewing the insurance to checking the fire safety certificate and everything in between; there is a lot to remember. With this in mind, we just wanted to remind you not to forget about your glass and to let you know we can help if required…

Glass is a potentially fragile material and it’s therefore unsurprising that it features in building regulations and other legislation. There are two main areas to be aware of, and we can ensure that you meet your obligations for both.

Manifestation legislation

Manifestation markings are required on floor to ceiling glass installations such as partitions and doors and serve a basic but important purpose. Simply put, they stop people walking into your glazing and hurting themselves. The markings must appear at strategic locations, set out in Part M of The Building Regulations 2000. These are known as “critical locations” and are between 850mm and 1000mm, and between 1400mm and 1600mm above the floor. The material used on the glass must provide a contrast between the glass and the background.

As long as these requirements are met (and if you have floor to ceiling glass, remember that they must be met!) the manifestation markings can take on the appearance and style of your choice. The Window Film Company has created and installed bespoke manifestation for thousands of clients, ranging from logos, to text, to coloured bands or imagery. Remember, manifestation is necessary, but it doesn’t have to be nondescript…

Safety standards

Building regulations Approved Document K states that glass of a certain size (typically floor to ceiling, full length glazing) must be of a minimum safety standard. The technical requirement is that the glazing should meet standard BS EN 12600.

If your glass doesn’t meet this requirement, an application of window film will help upgrade your glass, negating the need for expensive replacements. The film works by ensuring that if the window does break, the glass is held together instead of the individual shards breaking away and falling in on themselves, potentially causing damage or serious injury.

Safety window film is available in a range of different grades and styles, depending on your requirements and can be retrofitted to the internal face of the glazing.

Whether it is manifestation or safety film, let The Window Film Company take the hassle out of any necessary upgrades. We know exactly what is required and will ensure the process is as quick and efficient as possible.