Introduction
Are you looking at replacing windows in high level buildings in London and surrounding areas? High-level window replacement involves replacing windows in elevated or hard-to-access areas, usually requiring specialized lifting equipment to carry out the works safely. Expertise and knowledge in high level glass replacement is always essential and should be carried out by trained professionals.
That being said, it can be a bit of a minefield knowing where to start looking for high level glazing replacement specialists. High rise windows can be challenging to maintain, repair, and replace due to its location and access. Often, high-level glazing is situated at significant heights, making it difficult to access without specialised equipment and training. High-level glazing is also typically located in areas that are difficult to reach, such as atriums, skylights, and curtain walls.
It is essential to find a trusted and reputable glazing company that is experienced in high level glazing replacement. Aaran Glass are an established family run glazing firm and have carried out high level glass replacements to a wide range of buildings in London and surrounding areas. This includes building facades, residential apartments, commercial offices, curtain walling, architectural glazing, canopies, atriums, rooflights, and more. We are Safecontractor acreddited, IPAF and PASMA trained.
This blog explains all you need to know about safely replacing windows in tall buildings and where to start with the process.
What is high-level glazing, and why is it important for buildings?
High-level glazing refers to glass installations located at significant heights, such as: high rise buildings, tower blocks, atriums, skylights, canopies, curtain walling, and architectural glazing.
It is important for all buildings that your windows are performing as they should. Ensuring your glass is functioning as it should helps to; enhance natural light, improve ventilation, and helps to contribute to your property’s energy efficiency. Proper maintenance is essential to ensure safety, functionality, and durability in these challenging-to-access areas. If you have a broken high level window, it means your glass is not functioning as it should which could not only result in safety concerns but also your windows energy effiency.
To understand how high level windows are replaced its good to aknowledge that all windows are all either glazed from the inside or out. In high level buildings, windows glazed from the inside would be significantly cheaper than windows glazed from the outside, this is due to the cost implications of expensive lifting equipment that is required for works to be carried out safely.
How do I know if my windows are glazed from the inside or outside
When you have a damaged window high up one common question many homeowners, landlords or property managers ask is, how do I know if my windows are glazed from the inside or outside? Understanding the difference between inside glazing and outside glazing can help determine the next step in your window glass replacement and where to start for an estimate.
Windows glazed internally
Internal glazing means the glass panes are installed from inside the property, with the glazing bead or putty securing the glass on the inside of the frame. This method was commonly used in older windows.
If you’re wondering how do I know if my windows are glazed from the inside or outside, one of the simplest ways is to get close to your window from inside your home. If you can see the glazing bead from inside, your windows are inside glazed (A glazing bead refers to a strip of material around all edges of the glass used to secure your glass into position). If unsure its always a good idea to take some close up pictures and email them in as we would know from the photos if the window can be glazed from the inside or outside.
However in some high level buildings especially, it may be hard to see the beading to determine whether your glass is glazed from inside or out so a site visit to inspect further would need to be arranged.
Windows glazed externally
External glazing involves fitting the glass from the exterior face of the window frame with glazing beads or putty securing the glass on the outer side. This type of glazing is typically found in a lot of high level windows, newer window installations and certain commercial or uPVC windows.
For anyone asking how do I know if my windows are glazed from the inside or outside, carefully examining the external frame is key. Outside glazed windows often have bead profiles visible from outside that hold the glass in place, meaning there would be no visible bead from the inside of your property.
High level glazing replacement with the use of specialist lifting equipment.
How are windows glazed in tall buildings? THE 5 STEP PROCESS
1. Site Survey
The installation process of high-level window glazing begins with a site survey thoroughly assessing the building’s needs and existing conditions. Also assessing whether the works can be carried out in or out of normal working hours, all of the above is factored into the price.
2. Assessment of Risks
All risks would be assessed to determine how the window in question can be reglazed with minimal disruption and in the safest possible manner. Determining whether it is possible to carry out works from the inside, or if outside access is required which would include the use of lifting equipment.
3. Estimate
An estimate is given detailing the total cost and any specialist lifting equipment required to carry out the works safely. Any questions or concerns you may have can be discussed at this stage and any amendments can be made before glass is put into production.
4. production
If happy with the quote then a deposit is taken and your glass is put into production. When your glass is ready for fitting an installation date and time would be arranged to suit you or your client. If your window is externally glazed it would have been prearranged for lifting equipment to be on site in preparation for the fitting of your glass. This could include any of the following: mewps, cranes, glass suckers, glazing robots, tower scaffold or more.
5. Installation
Risk assessments and method statements are provided in advance along with an approved date/ time, weather checks are also made in advance. On arrival on site ppe is worn and any required access equipment is set up. Glaziers would be located inside and outside (how many glaziers on site would depend on the overall weight of the glass). All jobs are different but generally any pressure plates and cappings would be removed and the old glass safely removed and transported to company vehicle to safely dispose of at our premises. The new glass would then be transported ad lifting into position. Any existing cappings and pressure plates would then be refitted and finished off usually with a silicone seal.
Glass specifications in high level windows
Tall building windows are typically glazed with a combination of safety and energy-efficient glass types, including laminated and toughened glass, often with low-E coatings. There are many different glass specifications to suit each buildings needs.
Glass is all replaced like for like or the closest match possible. A lot of buildings have an o&m which should have information on the buildings glass specification should the glass need to be an identical match.
Types of glass in high level windows include:
🔹1. Tempered Glass (Toughened Glass)
Heat-treated to be stronger than regular glass. It shatters into small, blunt pieces to reduce injury.
🔹 2. Laminated GlasS
Two or more glass layers bonded with an interlayer (usually PVB). The glass stays intact upon breakage due to the interlayer.
🔹 3. Low-E (Low-Emissivity) Glass
This type of glass has a microscopically thin metallic layer that reflects infrared light. It helps to keep heat in during winter and reflects heat out during summer.
🔹 4. Reflective Glass
Reflective glass has a metallic or tinted coating on the exterior surface. It reduces solar heat gain, glare control and privacy.
🔹 5. Tinted Glass
Lots of buildings have colored tints (grey, bronze, green, blue) to absorb solar radiation. Tinted glass helps to reduce brightness and heat, and is used for aesthetic purposes.
🔹 6. Smart Glass (Electrochromic/Photochromic Glass)
Smart glass is a more advanced glass that changes transparency with electricity or sunlight. Benefits include on-demand control of light and heat.
🔹 7. Double-Skin Glass Facades (DOUBLE GLAZING)
Double glazing uses two layers of glass with a ventilated cavity in between. Its benefits include; improved insulation, sound control, and environmental efficiency.
Lifting equipment required for high level double glazing replacement in London
Do I need scaffolding for replacing windows in high-rise buildings
Due to the size and weight of the glass panels and most commonly the location, specialized lifting equipment like cranes, forklifts, and vacuum lifters are often used during high level glass replacements. Aaran Glass are trained in carrying out high level glass replacements with the use of heavy duty equipment such as MEWPS, cranes and contract lifts. Depending on the position of your window replacement scaffolding could also be used. Other specialising glazing techniques for high level buildings could include; rope access systems and cradles.
Rigorous safety protocols are in place to protect workers and prevent accidents during installation. RAMS are provided as standard along with construction phase plans.
TYPES OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT INCLUDE:
🔹Contract lifts and road closures
A contract lift is a type of crane hire service where the crane company (the contractor) takes full responsibility for the lifting operation, not the customer. Often for these types of large lifts, road closures are needed due to busy areas and safety protocol. This can all be included in your quote tailored to the job in hand.
Conclusion
Replacing high-level glass is a critical task that ensures the safety, efficiency, and aesthetic value of tall structures. Due to the risks involved, including; potential falls, falling debris, and structural vulnerabilities — it requires specialized equipment, skilled personnel, and strict adherence to safety regulations.
Skilled labour, mechanical lifting systems, and stronger, more sustainable glass materials, have significantly improved the efficiency and safety of the process. Ultimately, regular maintenance and timely replacement of high-level glass not only enhance building performance and energy efficiency but also uphold occupant safety and public trust.
Trained glaziers carrying out high level window replacement
