Basic Types of Glass Regularly Used in Construction – Bishop Ltd

There are various forms of flat glass (also known as float glass) used in the construction industry, each for a different purpose. Glass in its more basic form (as listed below) is regularly used in general construction, in windows or shower screens for example. However, fancier versions are also used but mainly to highlight parts of buildings as architectural enhancements, or internally for decorative purposes. We will be looking in short at the basic forms of glass regularly used by builders here.

Basic types of glass used in construction:

• Flat or Float glass / Pilkington glass

• Chromatic glass / Smart glass

• Self-cleaning glass

• Laminated glass / Shatterproof glass

• Toughened glass / Tempered glass

Float Glass / Pilkington Glass

Modern-day windows are made from float glass, also known as soda-lime glass. It is a sheet of glass prepared by floating molten the glass on a bed of molten metal, normally tin or lead. This method gives the glass a uniform thickness and a very flat surface. The process of making a float glass is also known as the Pilkington process (named after the British glass manufacturer, Sir Alastair Pilkington, who invented the technique in the 1950s in Merseyside UK). Float glass comes in various thicknesses, sizes, and weights to meet all building requirements.

Chromatic Glass / Smart Glass

Chromatic or Smart glass is used in place of regular glass to control the level of daylight passing into the interior of a room. Light transmission properties are altered when voltage, light or heat is applied to the glass. Normally, the glass changes from translucent to transparent, changing from blocking some wavelengths of light to letting light pass through. There are three forms of chromatic glass, photochromic – which has a light-sensitive coating on the glass, thermochromic - which has a heat-sensitive coating on the glass, and electrochromic -light-sensitive glass transparency of which can be controlled by an electrical switch. This type of glass is often used in meeting rooms.

Self-Cleaning Glass

The self-cleaning glass keeps itself free of dirt and grime. Here the special coatings applied to the glass fall into 2 categories, hydrophobia and hydrophilic. Both are self-cleaning but their method is different, the former by rolling droplets and the latter by sheeting water that carries away dirt. In addition, the hydrophilic coatings based on titanium dioxide have an additional property; they can chemically break down absorbed dirt in sunlight. It is, therefore, very easy to maintain.

Laminated Glass / Shatterproof Glass

Laminated or shatterproof glass is a form of high strength security glass. If broken, the two or more layers of glass are held together by one or more plastic like interlayers. This interlayer’s keep the glass bonded and prevents it from breaking into large sharp-edged pieces, instead of creating a spider’s web appearance when the impact is not enough to completely pierce the glass. The panes are heavier than normal glass panes. Laminated glass is normally used where the glass could fall and hurt someone if shattered, e.g. Skylight glazing and car windshields, and also for aquariums and architectural applications. There are two main types of the interlayer, special "acoustic PVB" and EVA. Both forms increase the sound insulation rating of a window. An additional property of laminated glass for windows is that a PVB and EVA interlayer can block essentially most ultraviolet radiation, with EVA blocking up to 99.9% of the UV rays.

Toughened Glass / Tempered Glass

Toughened or Tempered glass is a type of heat-strengthened safety glass. It is physically and thermally three to seven times stronger than regular annealed glass. Tempering is the process of putting the outer surfaces of glass in compression and the interior into tension. Such stresses cause the glass, when broken, to crumble into small granular chunks instead of splintering into jagged shards as regular glass does. The rough chunks are less likely to cause harm. As a result of its safety and strength, tempered glass is used in a variety of demanding applications, frameless shower screens or doors, table tops, shelves, fireplaces, balconies, skylights, large windows, windows which extend close to floor level, sliding doors, and near swimming pools.

Garage Conversions with Local Builders –Bishop Ltd

Are you in need of space? Who isn't? A garage conversion could be your answer!

Garage conversions are an economical way to gain more room from your property, in turn, utilizing an area of your home that is often neglected. No matter what you want to use this room for by employing a reputable builder you can make it happen. For these smaller works, it makes sense to employ a good local builder as a local builder will be more inclined to accept a smaller job if it is closer to his home, garage conversions would be classed as smaller jobs for a good building company. Logistically, there will be less likelihood of late arrivals to hold up your work and less time spent by your builder fighting traffic jams! The builder may also reduce his price if he does not have to account for lengthy travel and fuel costs. Should any issues arise after the work is completed, it would be easier for a local builder to pop in and fix the problem rather than you having to wait until the long distant builder is able to come your way again. Generally, you will be able to find experienced builders in your area if you talk to friends and family or by a quick search on the internet. However, make sure you do your homework before employing them.

A basic garage conversion should only take a matter of weeks to complete. In most instances, existing garages usually have lighting and, depending on what you are using the new space for, you could also have heating installed in readiness to use as an extra room within (or adjacent to) your home. In addition, you should not experience much inconvenience while the work is in progress as it will be away from the main house. However, and very importantly, you should always contact your local council offices to check if your intended building work is subject to planning permission before starting any works. If your conversion is subject to planning then consider laying foundations to accommodate a second story at a later date (again subject to planning permission!) Don’t forget to also budget for the demolition and removal of any existing garage/building!

Garage conversions are perfect for many homeowners looking for that gym/playroom/ extension to your existing lounge etc. Why not contact your local builder and ask them for advice on how best you can utilize the space? Local builders will have completed many jobs like yours and are a valuable source of knowledge, both for the design and build and also with planning requirement questions. Just make sure you have chosen the right builder for you, and tap in! You may be amazed at all the options you come up with once you get your thinking cap on. Wouldn’t it be great to wake up in the morning and walk less than 20 feet to the office, with all your paperwork stored outside of your home but still to hand? What more could you ask for?

A further great advantage of garage conversions is that they add value to your home. It’s a “win-win” situation! It’s time to stop using that valuable space as a very large junk cupboard and put it to good use, whilst also increasing the value of your property. You will love the return on your investment come sale time!

If you have a garage collecting cobwebs and are crying out for more space it’s a no brainer…Convert that garage!!

Contact Bishop Ltd – Builders and Developers - for all your building needs!

We are a leading bespoke commercial and residential construction company. Our services include a completely managed construction process, spanning the Pre- Construction, Construction and Post-Construction phases of your project. Our main services include Architecture and Construction, Project Feasibility, Cost Analysis, and Project Management. We have offices in Loughton Essex and Aylesford Kent and operate locally across Essex and Kent.

General Local builders Dartford Essex| Bishop Ltd

Are you looking for building services in ME20 7BT? We are working in Kent, Essex; Dartford is one of the major towns in Kent, for all your Dartford General Local Builders, look no further. Bishop Ltd has over 25 years of excellent experience in this industry, so you know you’ll be choosing a top quality company for the work you require. 
We manage the complete construction process seamlessly, spanning the Pre-Construction, Construction and Post-Construction phases of a project. Our highly efficient Project Management Team is made up of experienced construction managers, working in both the UK and abroad. 
As a company, we understand each project is unique, and therefore, every Project Team is assembled based on their specific suitability, skill-set, and experience. Our Construction team is made up of only the very best tried and tested tradesmen.

We pride ourselves on safety and competitive prices, so get in touch with us today and see what we can do for you. Just call us on 02089262010.

Finding a good quality Builder for Home Extensions and Repairs - Bishop Ltd

When you are looking for builders to help with your Home improvement, it is essential that you feel at ease with them. Some builders, although having many years of experience, may not exactly capture your design needs. Other builders specialize in certain skills that are especially useful to you in achieving your design concepts. It’s worth speaking to your builder about their previous work to establish if they will be able to complete your desired work with confidence.

Today more and more people are brave enough to build their homes from scratch but the majority of builders work is concentrated in home improvements, e.g. extensions to existing properties, or carrying out internal alterations and general repairs.

It is important to check a builder’s customer feedback; first-hand information can be very helpful in making your decision to employ the builder. If possible, it is good to check previous work undertaken by your builder on other projects. That way, you have an idea of what kind of work they will provide for you.

Main Tips for finding good builders:-

Referrals - The most trustworthy sources of information about builders will be found by speaking to your friends and family. They will be eager to tell you all the issues they may have had and how well the builder was able to manage them.

References - Always ask for references, and follow up on them. If a homeowner invites you to look at the work which was completed by your builder, take them up on the offer.

Start looking early – Most good quality builders get booked up in advance. They may find it difficult to start work immediately. By planning ahead you can increase your choice of builders - the "only firm available" is not the right way to select your builder.

Obtain Quotes - Ask a number of builders to quote for the job and take care that they are all quoting on the same work. This way you can make a proper comparison on price. It is essential that both you and your builder are very clear about the work requirements.

Membership of Trade Associations - Reputable builders usually belong to trade associations which have a code of practice and take disciplinary action if the code is broken. Check if your builder belongs to any.

Get expert help - If you have a large the project, or it contains structural elements, make sure that you get suitable guidance, possibly from a structural engineer, to ensure that the proposed work is not going to damage the structure of your existing property. You may also want to ask a Chartered Surveyor to advise on the quotes or contracts.

Ask questions- If unusual payment methods or patterns of payments are suggested, requests for large and unjustified upfront payments, these should be treated with caution. Ask for receipts or pay on invoice.

Insurance- Check that your the builder has the proper insurance to cover the project.

The above useful hints should help you to find a reputable builder for your home improvements. Remember, highly professional builders will be happy to answer all your questions honestly.

Bishop Ltd is a bespoke construction company and, amongst other types of builds, are very experienced in building extensions. Our main services include Architecture and Construction, Project Feasibility, Cost Analysis, and Project Management. We will enhance you property to provide a great additional living space, either attached or detached from your existing property. Clients will receive advice as to when building and planning approvals will be required, of when inspections are due during the build process and on practical matters concerning space, for example, the overall finish and practical use of extensions, including, Glazing, Lighting, Ceilings, security, etc.

Bishop Ltd – Gaining Clarity and Confidence in Your Builder

Planning construction works for your home is a big deal. It is also a very expensive deal! Using the help of your architect, you will have decided upon your specific requirements, drafted your plans, obtained planning permission (as required) and set your budget for your build. It then comes to the time to search for the best-experienced builder you can afford to undertake your work. But what should you clarify with your builder to ensure for a smooth experience?

Before you decide to hire a builder, arrange a meeting and ask them to talk you through any doubts and concerns you may have.

Here are a few questions you could ask your builder for further clarification:

1.    Are you insured? -

Make sure the insurance covers the value of the works being undertaken. Lower insurance may not cover liability or compensation if something goes wrong on site.

2.    How much experience do you have?

If you are choosing from a list of contractors this question will help to determine how professional your builder is. Ask how many times they have undertaken work the same as yours. The more experience they have the better they will be at overcoming obstacles and providing you with a great finish. Ask to see recent projects, visit them and speak to the homeowners where possible.

3.    Will you get regular updates on the construction process?

You have the right to be informed about the construction process on a regular basis. Therefore, ask your builder in advance to keep you updated during the construction.

4.    Does your builder have any special accreditations?

Builders can prove their experience and ability further by obtaining various accreditations to certify their competency in certain areas of work.

5.    Does the builder provide a guarantee for the work?

If your builder provides a guarantee for the work and has not performed well, resulting in poor workmanship, then he will be liable to correct the issue without you paying any extra money. A guarantee will provide you the protection you need in such instances.

6.    Will he ensure the site is secured each an evening to prevent accidents?

For health and safety reasons it is imperative that a site is secured after each working day. Make sure you speak to your builder about this before hiring.

7.    Will you get your estimated quote in writing?

A competent builder will be able to provide you with an estimate of costs for your works before starting. Make sure a breakdown is also included setting out exactly what will, and will not, be covered in the price, and the quote is provided in writing. Any queries or additional charges at a later date can be clarified more easily.

8.    What are your builder's payment terms?

No one should pay the full amount of a construction upfront! You could pay a smaller upfront fee, to show your commitment and allow for materials to be purchased to start the job, and schedule the payments in line with a step by step completion plan of the building project, e.g. second payment on completion of the groundwork. Etc.

9.    Does he provide any compensation for severe delays?

As we know, outdoor building works are weather dependent but if there are severe delays to your project due to your builders not turning up or for any other good reason you should be compensated for your inconvenience if your project is unreasonably delayed. Competent builders will have a very good idea as to how long a project will take so there should not be any major delays from the set completion date. Ask your builder to provide this in writing.

As the client, it is your right to receive clarity on your construction process. It is also your responsibility to ensure you have asked all the right questions and received the answers in writing. Do not be afraid to ask your builder as many questions as you want, it will give you security and peace of mind that your project will run smoothly.

Bishop Ltd is devoted to helping their clients in, and surrounding areas too, Loughton Essex and Aylesford Kent to build or improve their homes. We excel in all areas of building works, including, complete renovations, extensions, building garages, outbuildings and the construction of beautiful brand new homes! All day to day works are fully managed on site, but a turkey management service is also available for those wanting a complete hands-off build service. Where required, we can provide a complete design and build package, our experienced architects will draft your plans and even help with planning submissions. We are also very careful about the protection of our workforce, and the environment, whilst meeting the planned requirements and deadlines of our customers.