Businesses in England are beginning to get back to work. However, safety screens, hand sanitiser and one-way-systems are the new normal for keeping workers and the general public safe.

Many businesses around the country are happily throwing open their doors to employees and customers alike. Factories, offices and some shops have been operating since mid-June. And now many bars, cafes and restaurants are set to open on the 4th of July. This is the good news that the country has been waiting for. However, there are some important safety measures which must be in place before a business can re-open.

Five Things To Do Before Re-opening

Carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment

Check the HSE guidance, speak with staff or trade unions and share the results of the risk assessment with staff and on your website.

Create Hygiene Procedures

Encourage hand washing and hygiene by providing hand sanitiser around the workplace and in washrooms.  Make sure objects and surfaces are frequently cleaned and disinfected, especially busy areas.

Enable Working From Home

Businesses should enable people to work from home by supplying the right equipment and providing access to communication tools and relevant information.

Maintain Social Distancing

Wherever possible people should keep to a 2m distance from one another. This should be implemented by enforcing a one-way system, displaying signs to remind workers and visitors of social distancing guidance.  Use floor tape or paint to mark areas to help people keep to a 2m distance.

From the 4^th of July, social distancing can be amended where necessary to 1m plus. However, 2m is still the ideal we should aim for.

Manage Transmission Risk

Wherever it is not possible to maintain a 2m distance the activity time should be as short as possible. Shared spaces such as offices and reception areas need safety screens or barriers to separate people from each other.

Shared Spaces

Open-plan offices, manufacturing spaces and reception areas should have the minimum amount of people possible spaced 2m apart. However, this is not always possible. Where this situation arises safety screens can be used to separate people from each other. These screens could be installed between desks in office environments, between workstations in manufacturing and on the front desk of reception areas.

Close Contact Services

For close contact services such as hairdressing or beauty it isn’t possible to maintain 2m distancing. On these occasions, workers will wear PPE such as face masks and visors to protect the clients. Safety screens or barriers should also be used to separate clients from one another.

Till Points & Customer Service

Wherever a transaction must take place it is not feasible to keep a 2m distance between the shop worker and the customer. This is where safety screens are very effective. Many shops are requesting contactless payment methods and have a protective screen with a portion cut-away for the transaction to take place. The combination of safety screen and contactless payment means that there needn’t be any physical contact between the worker and customer. Protective screens can also be used at customer service or reception points.

Glass Safety Screens

Here at Abelglass we have installed our own glass safety screens within our showroom till point area and throughout our factory. Made from 6mm clear toughened glass with polished edges and radius corners our screens are both stylish and very durable.  As you can see in the picture above we have also included an internal cut-out area for our till point so that transactions can take place.

Available For Businesses To Buy

Our glass safety screens are now available to buy directly from our factory. They are available in the following standard sizes:

800 x 800mm – £135 + vat

1000 x 1000mm – £160 + vat

We can produce glass safety screens in any size you require, simply get in touch with our friendly team who will provide you with a quote for your requirements.

All of our screens are supplied with business-grade portable screen feet.

These feet are produced specifically for use with tempered glass are fully adjustable and feature an anti-slip base.

If your business needs a durable and well-made safety screen then don’t hesitate to get in touch and we will be happy to help.

Integral blinds are the perfect solution if you have a room which you avoid using on a sunny day. Windows with built in blinds allow you to control the amount of light so that it’s just right for you.

Rooms such as south-facing lounges, conservatories and Orangeries can experience too much light at certain times of the day, especially in the summer months. This can also cause the room to heat up to an uncomfortable temperature. These things can cause you to avoid using these rooms, just when you should be enjoying them the most.

Integrated blinds allow you to control the amount of sunlight entering your room making sure that you can enjoy it, instead of squinting or overheating.

Integral Blinds Keep Your Room Private

High-performance Venetian integral blinds have horizontal slats which allow you to adjust the amount of light entering your room. 

Windows with blinds inside also offer a high-level of privacy if your room is overlooked, without sacrificing the amount of daylight.  Even when the blinds are fully lowered you can simply adjust the direction of the slats to allow full privacy AND light.

Modern Controls

Between the glass blinds are available in a range of smart control systems. From manually operated sliding bars or wand mechanisms to fully automated systems.

Controls such as the magnetic sliding bars and wands also do-away with the need for unsightly and potentially dangerous blind cords. This means you can relax in the knowledge that children are completely safe around cordless integrated blinds.

Colours To Match Your Decor

10 colour options are available so you can get just the right look for your home. This includes the ever-popular anthracite grey (S159/equivalent to RAL 7016). 

This means that you can have the perfect colour to match your room. Whether that’s light blue for your bathroom or cream for your lounge.  

No More Dusting

We all know that standard Venetian blinds are an absolute magnet for dust and are every cleaners worst nightmare. Traditional metal or plastic blinds require wiping down to clean them which is a fiddly and messy job. They can also look a bit clinical or become damaged and ruin the overall look of your windows. 

However, integral blinds are permanently sealed inside the cavity of a double-glazed unit. This means that they will remain dust-free and perfectly clean at all times. Sealed units with blinds inside also protect the blind from any damage and prevent clutter on the window cill.

Not Just For Windows

Integrated Venetian blinds are the perfect choice for sliding doors, French doors, patio doors, and bi-fold. The benefits of the blind being completely sealed between the glass are fantastic. No more blinds swinging around when you open or close the door. A patio door with Venetian blinds won’t get cords or other mechanisms trapped in the hinges. And, the benefits of the blinds remaining pristinely clean are even more appealing when they are within a full-length door.

The Perfect Fit

Not only do integrated blinds stay clean, look neat and let in just the right amount of light they fit perfectly too. If your doors or windows aren’t a standard size then fitting blinds can be a real headache. Sealed units with blinds inside are always a perfect fit.

All of our integrated blind units are made in the UK using high-quality materials and come with a five-year guarantee.
If you’re interested in finding out more about integrated blinds then give us a call on 01253 893355 or drop us a line to enquiries@abelglass.co.uk. We’ll be more than happy to take you through your options.

Top Tips To Stop Mould Around Windows

Many homes, particularly older homes, are prone to getting mould around windows. This can cause damage to window frames, especially timber ones, and cause health problems.

Whilst the mould certainly doesn’t look nice, it’s not the biggest problem. Living with mould in your house can lead to health problems.

Why Does Mould Grow Around Windows?

Mould is a fungus which can grow on almost any surface where moisture is present. The spores are present in the air and when they meet with moisture they grow and multiply.

The biggest cause of mould around windows is condensation. The warm air inside the home hits the glass of the window where it is rapidly cooled by the outside air producing condensation.

Other factors which increase condensation are:

• Wet and humid weather
• Insufficient heating
• Leaking pipes
• The steam caused by a bath or shower
• Smoking
• Open fires and wood burners

Why Is It A Health Problem?

Mould exposure causes a variety of health problems, mostly respiratory.

Symptoms include:

• Nasal and sinus congestion
• Runny nose and sneezing
• Eye irritation
• Wheezing and problems breathing
• Tight chest and coughing
• Throat irritation
• Rashes
• Headaches

How Can Mould Be Removed?

Due to the health problems it can cause, it is important that mould is regularly removed. There are a variety of ways you can do this depending on whereabouts of the mould.

The Best Way To Remove Mould From Around Windows Is Bleach

Wear rubber gloves and make sure that the window is open so that there is plenty of ventilation. Be careful not to get bleach on any paint, carpet or fabric as it will cause damage.

• Mix one part bleach to three parts warm water in a bowl
• Use a non-abrasive brush to clean off the mould
• Regularly dip the brush in the bowl and thoroughly clean the whole area
• Dry the cleaned surface with a cloth
• Leave the window open until completely dry

There are lots of other sprays and cleaning detergents which can get rid of mould, but they don’t always remove the black staining. Some of these detergents can also damage the seal around double glazing, therefore, it is wise to approach with caution.

The best way to deal with mould around windows is to prevent it from growing in the first place. There are a few different ways you can tackle this.

How Can You Prevent It From Growing?

Mould is caused by condensation. Condensation is created by excess moisture, therefore, the best way to prevent it is to remove as much moisture as you can.

Opening Windows In The Bathroom And Turning On The Extractor Fan

Making sure than any steam created in your bathroom leaves via a window or extractor. This is important whilst the shower or bath is running and afterwards until the steam has gone. Wiping down wet surfaces once you have finished will also help.

Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers are a great way of removing excess moisture in the air. They come in a variety of different sizes and price-points. Check out This Guide to find the best one for you. 

Keep Your Home Adequately Heated

Keeping your home heated evenly and not allowing the temperature to dramatically rise and fall will help prevent condensation. If warm air quickly becomes cold and then warm again it will produce moisture, causing condensation.

Double Glazed Windows

The reason that mould is so common around windows is that the warm air from inside meets the cold air from outside. The best way to stop this is by creating an insulating layer between the cold outside and warm inside.

Good quality double or triple glazed windows do exactly that. Specifically designed to prevent heat passing from the inside to outside and vice versa. This means that the surface of the inner pane remains warm, creating significantly less condensation and therefore mould.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

So, now you know why mould grows around windows, how to remove it and most importantly how to prevent it from growing.

If you want any further advice about maintaining your windows or installing more efficient ones get in touch with our friendly team.
We have a huge range of different windows to suit any home and can create made to measure windows that are perfect for your home.

Why Does Double Glazing Look Misty?

Double glazing units are formed by two panes of glass with a gap between them. Depending on the rating of your double glazing, air or gas is trapped between the two panes and sealed in to create an insulating barrier. 

It’s only when this seal fails that condensation can build up on the inside of your windows causing them to appear misted up.

In addition to looking unsightly, the insulating benefits of the double glazed window are lost and the unit has become unstable.

The pressure of the air or gas reinforces the overall structure and stability of the unit. Without it, the glass panes will be flexible, fragile and dangerous.

What Caused The Seal To Break?

Whilst many people expect that doubled glazed windows will never need replacing. Unfortunately, this is often not the case.

Sealed double glazing units have a limited life span. For the highest-quality of installations, replacements may not be needed for up to 30 years. Some experts say that 20 years is a reasonable life expectancy.

Another likely cause is the use of chemical cleaners. These can cause the sealant to break down and allow moisture to seep in.

What Can Be Done To Prevent Double Glazing From Failing?

1. When choosing which windows to install make sure that you choose the best quality units you can afford. At Abelglass we fit all our units with 28mm advanced performance, low emission glass and fill them with Argon gas.
   
2. When cleaning the windows don’t use any solvents or harsh chemical cleaners. A simple solution of warm soapy water will remove any grime without damage to the sealant.
3. Run your fingers around the beading that holds the glazed unit in the uPVC frame. If you notice that any part of this is not holding firmly, it may need re-applying to prevent moisture collecting in the frame.

Can A Failed Double Glazing Unit Be Repaired?

Whilst there are many companies offering a repair service, where the unit is drilled and the condensation is removed, it’s not something that we at Abelglass recommend.

Any repairs that can be made do not address the underlying issue as to why the unit failed in the first place. Additionally, the cost of high performance, Argon gas filled replacement is not too dissimilar to a repair. 

Simply put, there is no fix for a failed or ‘blown’ double glazing unit, unfortunately. It will need to be replaced.

If you’ve got double glazing with condensation on the inside, speak to Abelglass today to find out about the best replacement for you.

Our family-run company has supplied the highest quality uPVC windows for over 30 years.

Call us on 01253 893355 or 0800 136128 to speak with one of our professional team of glaziers.