Frequently Asked Questions

🔧 GENERAL GLAZING & GLASS FAQ

1. What’s the difference between toughened and laminated glass?
Toughened glass shatters safely into blunt pieces. Laminated glass has a plastic interlayer that holds it together for added security.

2. Why is my double-glazed unit cloudy or misted?
That’s a failed sealed unit. Moisture has entered the cavity – it needs replacing.

3. How long does it take to fit a glass unit?
Standard reglazing takes 1–2 hours. Complex installs may take longer.

4. Can you match my existing glass pattern or tint?
Often yes. We stock Pilkington patterns and can source obscure, tinted or aged glass.

5. Is planning permission required for new windows or glass?
Usually not – unless it’s a listed building or conservation area. Check locally to be sure.

6. Can I just replace one pane of a double-glazed unit?
No – sealed units are a single component and must be replaced in full.

7. Do you offer emergency glazing or boarding up?
Yes – we cover emergency callouts across Surrey, SW London, and nearby.

8. What is safety glass and where is it needed?
Safety glass is toughened or laminated. Required by law in doors, bathrooms, and low-level glazing.

9. What are your lead times for custom glass?
Toughened: 5–7 working days. Laminated, shaped, or painted: 7–14 days depending on spec.

10. What areas do you cover for glass and glazing?
We serve:

  • Surbiton

  • Kingston upon Thames

  • Esher, Cobham, Oxshott

  • Wimbledon, Putney

  • Richmond, Twickenham

  • Walton, Weybridge

  • Epsom, Sutton, Cheam

  • Leatherhead, Guildford

  • Greater London

🏠 MIRRORS, SPLASHBACKS & SHOWER GLASS

11. Can I get a mirror cut to a custom shape or size?
Yes – we cut to size, polish edges, and shape to suit sloped or arched areas.

12. Do you offer antique or aged mirrors?
Yes – foxed, gold, bronze and distressed mirror finishes are available.

13. Can you install splashbacks behind hobs and sockets?
Yes – we use toughened glass and cut-outs are made with precision CNC for perfect fitting.

14. Are splashbacks heat-resistant?
Yes – all our splashbacks are made from heat-resistant toughened glass.

15. Do you offer shower screens for awkward spaces or lofts?
Yes – bespoke shower enclosures can be made to fit sloped ceilings and tight gaps.

16. What fixing options are available for mirrors and showers?
We offer adhesive, screw-fix with caps, hidden brackets or channels depending on the wall.

17. Can glass be tinted, frosted, or printed for bathrooms?
Yes – frosted, satin, bronze, grey, or custom digital print finishes available.

🧱 PARTITIONS, BALUSTRADES & STRUCTURAL GLASS

18. What’s the best glass for a Juliet balcony or balustrade?
Toughened laminated glass – often 17.5mm or 21.5mm thick for safety and compliance.

19. What fixing methods do you offer for balustrades?
Base shoes, standoffs, spigots or side-fix brackets depending on the structure.

20. Can you install partitions with doors or sliding systems?
Yes – we supply frameless hinged or sliding glass systems.

21. Do glass partitions meet acoustic or fire ratings?
We offer acoustic and fire-rated options with verified compliance and certificates.

22. What glass thickness do I need for structural glass?
It depends on use – for walk-on, balustrades or large spans, we supply up to 33mm laminated.

🔐 SAFETY, FIRE & SECURITY

23. Do you supply fire-rated glass?
Yes – we install certified 30 and 60 minute fire-rated glass (e.g. Pyrobel, Pyroguard).

24. How do I know if my glass meets regulations?
We only install glass certified to BS EN 12150 or BS EN 14449 standards in critical areas.

25. Can laminated glass stop break-ins or vandalism?
Yes – laminated glass is impact resistant and holds together even when shattered.

26. Do you offer filmed glass for extra protection?
Yes – we apply safety and privacy films to boost security or meet DDA visibility rules.

📐 BESPOKE SERVICES & TECHNICAL

27. Can I supply my own measurements or do you survey?
We can work from your sizes for supply-only orders. For fitting, we recommend a full site survey.

28. Do you provide UV bonding for glass displays or cases?
Yes – we build frameless showcases and displays using crystal-clear UV bonded joints.

29. Can you make cut-outs for hinges, sockets, or handles?
Yes – we CNC machine notches, cut-outs, holes, and shaped edges for a precise finish.

30. Can I collect glass from your workshop or order over the counter?
Yes – we offer collection from our Surbiton base and quantity discounts for trade customers.