Product category:
Building Structures and Products
News Release from: Hodgson Sealants | Subject: Putty
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 22 November 2007
Putty creates window of opportunity for
glaziers
According to Hodgson Sealants, high demand for putty prevails as the refurbishment and maintenance sector continues to grow.
Hodgson Sealants - one of the UKs leading sealant manufacturers - say that despite the growth of modern glazing systems for new build, large numbers of traditional timber and steel window frames are still being installed as well as refurbished "The market across the UK and Europe is buoyant, and putty still is the most appropriate material for glazing single glass," says Stuart Pounder of Hodgson Sealants
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 12 Feb 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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"However, as new non-putty systems more suited for use within the new build domestic market have infiltrated the industry, we have started to see a steady decrease in knowledge of all the different types of putty and their applications".
While PVCu and insulating glass units are being retro-installed into some existing buildings, this is not appropriate in many cases.
Design of building and strict local planning regulations are two common complications which mean traditional windows are more appropriate.
In addition, the householder may not need, want or be able to afford to replace all windows with insulated glass units or PVCu frames.
Evidently then putty fronting skills are still important, as backed by the Glass and Glazing Federation, who are currently reviewing the GGF Glazing Manual section 4.1, Putty Fronting Techniques for Single Glass.
There is some experience also required in the treatment of putty after application - the putty cycle - which the glazier needs to understand to ensure the putty performs and looks at its best.
"The importance of the understanding of putty also lies in making sure that the building owner/occupier doesn't ruin the putty application by inappropriate treatment such as overpainting too soon (or not at all)".
"The building owner might then blame the installer for poor application, when it's not them at fault" says Stuart.
In short, skilled glaziers are still in demand.
In fact a good understanding of putty and the appropriate skills could bring you extra business for experience installers, especially as young glaziers are cutting their teeth exclusively on PVCu systems.
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