FROM THE EDITOR
Never-ending story
It always feels strange writing the last letter of the year at the end of November , but this year has gone so quickly , it feels like the moment I send it , it will almost be time to close our doors for Christmas anyway . And , as we are working on the January issue already , in publishing it often feels like every month you are in a time machine , four weeks ahead of everybody else .
» I ’ VE WRITTEN BEFORE ABOUT THE CYCLIC-NATURE OF magazines and how in publication you live on a constant rotation . As soon as one issue gets signed off , you ’ re on with the next one . It ’ s the same format but different stories . The ( approximately ) same number of pages but new content every month . We rarely struggle to find contributions , and the task is the choose which is the most news-worthy , where does it need to be in the ‘ book ’ or on the page , who wants to know ?
Just like the fabrication lines in the factories I get to visit , the magazine process has its own steps to follow , a production flow of input and output . But just like those lines too , there are opportunities along the way to add some flair and creativity .
During November , as a group , we had almost as many site visits and open days in one month as we did for the entire year . It was just a coincidence , but as it tied in with putting together the final edition of 2022 , the vast and varied things I saw in such a shirt space of time offered a serendipitous snapshot of our wonderful industry .
Whilst at the company that produces thousands of panels every year , we got to stand and watch a man make a leadlight by hand . At the innovation day of a major systems house , we heard the thoughts of individual fabricators on the challenges – and successes – they face every day . We spoke to a very excited MD about the FIVE launches they have booked in for the first six months of 2023 , and I went to a showroom that refuses to sell anything ! So , it looks like we won ’ t be struggling for content next year either .
And , as we sign off another magazine and another year , the only thing left to say is a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year from all at Clearview Group . Here ’ s to all that ’ s yet to come .
See you next time , Gemma
GGF ’ s Finger on the Pulse Keeps Members Compliant
» FOLLOWING MUCH speculation on the Approved Document F legislation regarding trickle vents , the Glass and Glazing Federation ( GGF ) is pleased to announce that bookings are now open for a new service that will help installers prove compliance once and for all .
“ The introduction of pulse testing allows fitters to show the airtightness of a building pre and post installation ,” expands Dave Mechem , Director of Inspection & Assessment . “ If the reading doesn ’ t change , which we have found is often the case when like for like PVC-U windows are installed , there is no need for additional ventilation . That ’ s not to say the new windows aren ’ t better than the old , just that they offer a similar level of airtightness .
“ The tests themselves take less than half an hour to complete and the installer and homeowner can be provided with the results immediately upon completion . The testing will initially be rolled out across the South and South East of England from the 21st November 2022 with the intention to expand the service to all members from the 1st January 2023 .
“ Many installers have managed to meet the new regulations by offering the necessary additional ventilation , but there are still circumstances whereby the requirement for extra vents are losing sales . Perhaps because of a previous bad experience on the part of the homeowner , or perhaps other installers have already
convinced the consumer more ventilation is not a good thing . For these situations , pulse testing is a good alternative way to prove compliance .
“ Fully accredited testing with this equipment is now available to installers in the South and South East of the country but will be rolled out further afield early in the new year . Bookings can be made at https :// risaltd . co . uk / pulse-testing-trickle-vents / and GGF and FENSA members can enjoy discounted rates for the service .
“ We ’ re not suggesting installers don ’ t offer extra ventilation , but we do believe it ’ s important to have an alternative so that reluctant homeowners don ’ t miss out on new windows , and installers don ’ t miss out on valuable sales .”
www . ggf . org . uk
4 DECEMBER 2022 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM