Guide to Working with a Specialist Glazier

As with many aspects of a self-build or renovation project, knowing where to start can be a challenge when it comes to glazing. A specialist in the field will provide support and advice for this important part of your home, whether working with you directly or alongside your designer.

Every project is unique, but many include the same obstacles when it comes to designing and installing glazing. A specialist in this area will have a wealth of experience and can use this to come up with the best solutions for your requirements. You’ll benefit from their in-depth knowledge of the systems and products available on the market, both in terms of style and technical specification.

Getting glazing advice

Any reputable company should offer project guidance as part of its service, but be careful to distinguish between those trying to sell their products and those who can offer impartial advice. While there are fewer high-pressure double glazing salesman around these days, they do unfortunately still exist.

At IDSystems, our project advisors recommend starting the conversation with an experienced glazing specialist at the outset of your design process, particularly if the scheme includes complex window configurations.

Structural glazing will pour natural light into your home, but getting the spec right is essential

Setting a brief

Discussing your requirements with an expert before choosing units will help you to find the best possible solutions.

For instance, your priority might be to create a consistent design across multiple units – such as by pairing gable-end glass above bifolds. Or perhaps you’re looking to choose the right glass spec for your desired thermal performance, protection from solar gain, unit size or noise reduction.

Together, you’ll look at the design, location and orientation of the building to come up with a tailored result. This could go into as much detail as varying each piece of glazing, avoiding the ‘one-spec fits all’ approach common in mass-scale housing developments.

Where possible, talk to an expert in person, ideally in a showroom where you can see and touch the products. This allows you to try out the systems for yourself and get an idea of how the glazing would look in your finished home. Specialist exhibitions, such as Build It Live, offer a great opportunity to discuss your plans and projects with professionals.

If a face-to-face conversation is not possible, then a competent advisor should make recommendations based on a set of plans or a brief conversation about your project – they may ask questions that highlight things you hadn’t considered.

Visit a firm’s showroom, if possible, to see the products ahead of buying

Essential glazing considerations

In a flurry to focus on the details, some of the simplest considerations are often overlooked.

Get early answers to questions like when the products should be installed and how the site can be assessed – this will make a big difference further down the line.

As a rule of thumb, we recommend installing glazing as late as possible, as this will help to avoid any damage to the track or risk of glass breakage.

Although it may not seem relevant, site access is another important factor. This sometimes changes as the works progress; lifting glass panels can be challenging if means of entry become limited. Knowing when the best time for glazing to arrive on site in advance could save unnecessary complications.

One of IDSystems’ most experienced project advisors, Simon Ball is an expert at providing self-builders and homeowners with advice and support on all glazing matters. For more information about IDSystems call 01603 408804 or visit www.idsystems.co.uk