Glazing Process
1. FRAME DESIGN
From initial concept, we at English Oak Buildings are considering all aspects of your build.
We select the highest quality THA grade timbers for the glazed areas, which are graded to be as straight grained and knot-free as possible to reduce the amount of movement seen in the timber as it dries out. This is a higher grade timber than framing timber and is known semi-officially as “glazing quality”.
Unlike many of our competitors, we always prepare our oak frames for glazing while in our workshop. If any planing is required, it is done before arriving on site, so that any disruption is limited.
For this reason, we only glaze our own oak frames, so we can trace the quality and workmanship.
Controlling these two vital aspects of the build allows us to offer a 15-year guarantee on our glazing.
2. SANDBLASTING
Following on from a successful frame raising and encapsulation system installation, the majority of clients will then have their oak frame sandblasted. This needs to be done two weeks after the structure has been made watertight (ie: roof/walls finish or temporarily covered) so that the oak frame is adequately dried, but before the glazing is installed.
In the meantime, we will have pre-ordered the glass, dried-oak cover boards and any other components required to do the glazing. We can also commission our joiner to start fabricating any oak doors or windows, presuming final floor heights have been signed off.
3. INSTALLATION OF FIXED GLAZING
As soon as sandblasting is completed, we will come back to site to install the fixed glazing panels. If required this involves us planing external surfaces to be glazed again to a tolerance that ensures an even seal for the Insulated Glass Units (IGU’s).
When the frame is within tolerance, we will rebate masonry walls adjoining the frame so we can create a flexible seal between the two using Damp Proof Membrane (DPM) or similar. Next we will start to cut and fit the softwood packer system.
Once the softwood packer is fitted then the oak cover boards can be cut, rebated and fitted to form the close-fitting weatherproof outer envelope. The cover boards are then all stripped off the building, prepared for final assembly and refitted with the glass units. It is at this stage that the frame dramatically changes, giving the look and feel of a completed home.
If the project is only single storey, then the final stage is the pelleting (filling the counter-sunk holes with oak plugs) over of all the fixings and then tidying up. When there is another storey, then the next operation is the fitting of a flashing break line between ground and first floor elevations. Then as with the ground floor, the same installation process follows.
4. INSTALLATION of Joinery
Where possible, we will always try to install any wooden/aluminium joinery (doors, bifolds and windows) at the same time as the fixed glazing. This is subject to final floor heights having been signed off before our oak frame has been installed.
If this is not possible, we will return at a later date once our joiner/supplier has fabricated the joinery and install.
Once complete, your glazed oak frame will be ready for you to enjoy.