Modern buildings are often made with a lot of glass, to let in light and create a positive, airy feel.

However, did you know that toughened glass panels can shatter spontaneously, due to a phenomenon called Nickle Sulphide Inclusion (NSI). This is caused when Nickle Sulphide atoms expand and there is no way to predict if and when this may happen. If it does it will result in a failure of the entire panel.

The spontaneous shattering of the glass is of course a huge health and safety issue, causing danger to those who regularly use these buildings with falling glass.

CEMAST Technology College in Lee-on-the-Solent in Hampshire took a proactive step in addressing this issue when a toughened glass pane broke in one of the workshop skylights

They called in structural consultants so that they could understand the issue further. The consultants’ recommended solution was that the college have its high-level panes fitted with a 200-micron clear security film and an edge retention bead.

This method would hold glass fragments within the frame, if a breakage did occur, protecting staff and students and allowing time for glaziers to be called to safely replace the panel.

Bonwyke’s involvement

As local stockists of a range of window film and architectural vinyl, Bonwyke were invited to specify an appropriate film and supplied AV8mil clear 200micron thick film, along with Dow Corning 995 structural silicone, which was successfully installed on each of the high-level glass panes at the College.

Just three months after the film installation, another pane shattered due to NSI. Crucially, this time all the glass was held in position by the film and didn’t cascade to the floor, helping to avoid a health and safety risk.

John Field, Head of Estates Management at CEMAST, said: “It’s a very worrying problem for us, as our focus is to protect our staff and students at all times. The installation of the film was quick, clean and as an operational centre, issue free. It’s been so amazing to see how effective the film was when the last pane broke. It takes the worry and risk out of the situation.”

If you work in a building with toughened glass panels and are concerned about safety, contact us by telephone on 01329 222299 or by email at sales@bonwyke.co.uk for a quote.

We’ve just experienced our first heatwave of the year and it likely won’t be the last. While it’s nice to have the sunshine, the intense heat can create incredibly difficult working conditions. In this article we look at how CoolKote™ can help keep workspaces cool.

Are your offices built with lots of glass to let in natural light? Whether you have a roof light or a lot of windows, here at Bonwyke we might just have a solution for you.

About CoolKote™

CoolKote™ is a high-performance metalised PVC coating, which when applied to polycarbonate or glass roofs prevents heat building by reflecting the sun’s heat away before it gets inside. 

Another benefit of this coating is that it helps to reduce screen glare, making it easier for your team to use their computers, read or watch TV during downtime. Your staff will thank you for providing a cool and relaxing environment, and the best thing? It’s not only easy to apply but cost-effective too, continue reading to find out more… 

Clever manufacturing

The significant difference between CoolKote™ and a standard reflective window film is that CoolkoteTM is designed to expand and shrink with the Polycarbonate substrate of the roofing material. This prevents the film from adhesive failure over time, which would normally with a standard film. 

CoolkoteTM offers an internal and external version, both created for use with Polycarbonate. It is also available as a solar paint which can be applied externally as a liquid product to reduce excessive heat and glare. With a white matte translucent finish, it is perfect for roof areas where solar film may not be suitable, such as corrugated industrial roofs and domed roof lights typically found in hospitals and schools. 

Get in touch

If you’d like to learn more about CoolKote™ and how it can benefit your office space, please email sales@bonwyke.co.uk or call us on 01329 222299.

We would be happy to provide more information and answer any questions you may have.

*Please note that CoolkoteTM Solar Paint is not suitable for Conservatory polycarbonate panels. 

Caravans and motorhomes are a big investment and have grown in popularity since the pandemic. After a while it’s natural for owners to want to give the interiors a makeover, either to modernise or just for a refresh.

Whether your clients are seasoned travellers or are looking to embark on their first adventure, Cover Styl’ offers them the perfect solution to refresh and upgrade their vehicle’s interiors effortlessly. 

Versatile design with Cover Styl’

With a vast selection of textures, finishes, and designs available, you can help your clients create a space that reflects their personal style. From modern and minimalist to rustic and cozy, Cover Styl’ adds character and charm to any surface. 

It is easy to apply and offers a cheaper solution than replacing large parts such as doors or cupboards. Additionally, our vinyl products are hygienic and can be wiped down easily when cleaning, allowing your customers to spend less time on upkeep and more time enjoying their travels.

Approaching conversations with your clients

You might see a motorhome on your client’s driveway or have a conversation with them about their upcoming holidays. This is a good opportunity to share the idea that the interiors of their motorhome could be refreshed with the use of Cover Styl’.

Show them pictures and give them a rough cost if they are interested.

Training

We offer face-to-face Cover Styl’ training so that you can become certified to install our products.

From corners to architraves, our expert trainer will guide you through. If you’re just starting out we would recommend our two-day course where you will learn all things Cover Styl’ from handling the material to more specialist techniques.

Find our next available training session

Contact us today to explore the full Cover Styl’ range and let us guide you in how to best transform your client’s motorhome into an oasis on wheels.

What if we told you that you could reduce your energy bills and improve your carbon footprint with just one change?

Applying solar window film to the windows of your office space can help you to control the temperature inside. It is designed to reduce the level of solar gain and glare passing through glass by up to 85%, in turn helping you reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint.

How it helps to reduce energy bills

During the summer, direct sunlight and UV rays aren’t able to get through the window as easily, allowing you and your staff to stay staff comfortable throughout the day. This prevents you from needing to increase your air conditioning in the summer, giving you more control over your energy bills.

Your environmental impact

Our clients consistently tell us how important it is to them to improve their carbon footprint. By applying of solar window film, you can achieve that by reducing wasted energy. It also prevents general wear and tear from sunlight so your business won’t need to replace costly interiors such as carpets or chairs.

About solar window film 

Modern generation solar films have dual reflectivity which reduces the internal reflectance of the film once installed to glass, making for a more aesthetic visual appearance.

Built with strong adhesive systems, these films are designed to be semi-permanent. Both our own branded products and the global brands we supply come with long warranties of between 10-12 years.

Solar absorption (heat being retained in the glass) can become an issue if an incorrect film is applied, so it is always best to consult our team to make sure that the right film is being installed. For more information please call us today for technical help.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more, please get in touch with the team at sales@bonwyke.co.uk.