The Glass and Glazing Federation ( GGF ) is pleased to announce the launch of its revised Consumer Code of Practice for consumer facing companies .

Since 1977 , the GGF has operated a Consumer Code of Practice for all Member companies who sell direct to consumers ( a large proportion of GGF Members ), to comply with . The content of the Code was in previous years agreed with The Office of Fair Trading and then in 2015 approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute .

Earlier this year as lockdown restrictions were eased and with consumer confidence returning , the GGF executive team reviewed the Code and amended the content to ensure that it was fully up to date . The new code takes account of legislation affecting both consumer and companies from the sale , through to the survey , installation and guarantee .

On producing the revised Code , Peter Stuttard , Head of Membership commented ,

“ Given the circumstances over the last 18 months , the GGF felt it was essential to update the Consumer Code to reflect any

changes and to make sure that what we are asking of GGF Members , and what consumers are expecting when they employ a GGF Members , is legal , correct and accurate .

The amends in the Code content were checked by the GGF ’ s legal advisers and also approved by the Chairs of the Consumer Management Group and Marketing Communications Committee .

The GGF expects the revised Consumer Code to enhance the offering by Member companies to consumers , and contribute to their sales growth .

The Code will be accessible to Consumers to view / download from the GGF ’ s consumer advice website , www . myglazing . com .

With its recent and ongoing consumer campaigns , Stay Safe and Think Glass respectively , MyGlazing . com continues to increase awareness of the GGF and its Members to consumers appearing in over one million searches per month and attracting hundreds of thousands of homeowners

looking for impartial advice on glazing products and services , and professional home improvement companies .

The GGF advises all consumer facing Members to use the Code to give consumers reassurance that they are using a GGF Member company who is operating to a high level Code of Practice throughout the entire home improvement process .

The Code is available to download free from the GGF website and printed copies are available from the GGF Shop with prices starting at £ 1.75 per copy , however the prices are reduced significantly for Members if multiple copies are ordered .

Digital copies of the new Code can be downloaded and / or viewed on the GGF trade and consumer websites , www . ggf . org . uk and www . myglazing . com respectively .

Printed copies are available via the GGF ’ s online shop https :// shop . ggfmembers . com / ggf-consumer-codeof-practice-ref-25-1 /

In recent years Freefoam have seen a steady rise in sales of its PVC cladding range . However , in the last 18 months , with homeowners using disposable income to improve their properties , sales have skyrocketed . Freefoam have recorded a 55 % increase in sales making cladding a fantastic opportunity for any home improvement company , builder or pvc fitter .

But , as with any home improvement product , the success of a job , and indeed ongoing recommendations , depend on the quality of the installation . In order to help companies capitalise on this opportunity Freefoam have now created a video animation to show all stages of the cladding fitting process . Whilst Freefoam provide detailed

printed and online fitting instructions research has shown that fitting videos are incredibly useful and well received by installers and DIYers alike . Visual aids ensure the whole process is easy to understand .

The new video features a high quality detailed animation to show every step of the fitting process . From fixing the initial battens and membrane , to installing cladding boards and accompanying trims . With close up details of key fitting points and on screen instructions the video illustrates each step clearly and simply .

Leigh Russell , Freefoam Technical Advisor commented : “ Freefoam cladding system is designed to be easy to fit whether you are a professional installer or a homeowner working on a

DIY project . We provide detailed fitting instructions to ensure that installations are carried out correctly so that the cladding can perform as intended . For first time installers , getting to know the system can still be daunting . This animation offers users the chance to familiarise themselves with the cladding and demonstrates all the critical aspects of an installation . ”

One of the most important aspects in any pvc cladding installation is the ventilation . Creating a

cavity ( ideally a 5mm continuous gap ) between the internal wall and the cladding , with a suitably sized , unobstructed , gap at the top and bottom , allows for air to flow freely through . This ensures minimal heat build up and expansion and contraction of cladding boards . The video also highlights how to ensure every installation includes adequate ventilation by using Freefoam ’ s clever ventilated starter and closer trim .

Freefoam Marketing Manager , Louise Sanderson , summarised :

“ We are always looking for new ways to communicate with our audiences and help make our product range accessible to all . Working with a specialist digital agency and our inhouse technical team we have created a very high quality fitting video that we can use on all channels .”

View the video at : https :// www . youtube . com / watch ? app = desk top & v = vB0O4hUGNUU & t = 1s

www . freefoam . com