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As much as we all love a gloriously sunny day, it does lose its appeal when you’re stuck inside a hot workplace all day. A surprising amount of commercial properties just aren’t cut out to handle heat, quickly turning into something akin to a sauna – not ideal when you’re trying to get through a day’s work.

If every hot day in the workplace you find yourself searching to find if there’s a maximum legal workplace temperature, it might be time to do something about it.

Why do windows let in so much heat?

A significant amount of heat gain can be attributed to windows, mostly because they let in so much sunlight, particularly infrared radiation. Even a well-insulated window struggles to block out much solar energy, so when it’s sunny outside, it heats up the interior surfaces in a room, which will also then radiate heat and contribute to warming the space. Much like a greenhouse, glass windows will keep the heat trapped inside.

Double-glazed windows are far better at insulating a property, as they have an air or gas pocket between the panes that helps to reduce the movement of heat. However, they can’t stop solar radiation from getting inside your property, so some heat transfer can still be expected.

How to reduce heat transfer via windows

Curtains or blinds

Curtains or blinds can be very handy at blocking light, particularly blackout curtains or blinds. Blackout curtains and blinds are made from thick, dense fabric that can block out the majority of natural light. Some also come with thermal lining to further help keep a room cool. Remember that curtains and blinds will need to be drawn well before the sun is at its peak – usually around midday, but it can still be very warm outside before this – to make sure enough heat is being blocked.

Keeping blinds and curtains drawn can also help to reduce glare, which can cause eye strain and take a hit on productivity – and it’s an easy solution, as if you already have curtains and blinds fitted, it takes a matter of seconds to close them.

Of course, the major downside to curtains and blinds is that you end up blocking out most – if not all – of the sunlight! Bright days can be few and far between, so working in a dark room when the sun is shining outside isn’t ideal. They can also reduce airflow in a room, meaning that heat stays trapped, making the room feel stuffier.

Double-glazed windows

If the windows in your building are single glazed, they will let in a lot more sunlight than double-glazed windows, which can make the room feel uncomfortably hot. They also don’t have as much UV protection as double-glazed windows, which can lead to furniture fading or even skin damage.

Double-glazed windows are a more energy efficient option, as the gap between the two panes acts as insulation, which reduces heat transfer. During the summer, this allows less sunlight to come through the windows, which helps to keep the indoor temperature more comfortable. Over time, this will help save money from cooling costs – such as fans or air conditioning – as well as heating costs in winter, as it can also work to stop the heat escaping.

Although double-glazed windows can be a great long-term investment, they definitely aren’t a quick fix – if there’s a sudden heatwave forecast, getting new windows fitted is not the answer! It can also be very expensive to replace your windows, especially in a large building.

Low-E glass

Low-E glass – also known as low-emissivity glass – is a type of glass that has a microscopic, clear coating that helps to reduce thermal transfer. Low-E glass can be beneficial in both summer and winter, as in summer it helps to keep heat out, whilst in winter it retains the warmth. 

The coating on Low-E glass is made of metallic oxide, meaning that it deflects sunlight – including harmful infrared and UV rays – back outside, whilst still letting in plenty of natural light. Similarly to double-glazing, Low-E windows keep energy costs down by reducing the need for you to use heating or cooling systems.

However, the downside to Low-E glass is also the same as double-glazing – it’s not a quick solution, and the treated glass can be significantly more expensive than regular glass. As a long-term investment it can be hugely beneficial for your business, but there is a significant initial cost.

Solar screens

Solar screens are lightweight panels made of mesh that are usually custom-designed to the size of your windows to fit neatly over them. The mesh is usually made from polyester or fibreglass that is coated with a UV-resistant material, which can help to filter out solar radiation.

They are typically fitted on the outside of the window to stop the sun from directly reaching the glass, which is where the majority of solar gain tends to occur. This means that less heat is absorbed by the glass windows, therefore less heat is passed into the room, keeping it a more comfortable temperature.

Solar screens do still let some natural light through, due to them being made of mesh, although it will be duller than with a clear window. Another downside of solar panels is that they aren’t suitable for all window orientations, as some windows don’t receive as much sunlight, so a solar panel might end up blocking out the light unnecessarily.

Solar window films

Solar window film – also known as solar control window film – is a thin, durable film that is applied to windows to help reduce heat transfer, filter out UV rays and minimise glare. 

Solar film has a reflective quality which allows it to reflect a certain amount of the sun’s rays before it reaches the glass, and also absorbs some of the solar heat to prevent it from getting inside the building. It won’t stop natural light from getting in, but it will mean that the temperature inside stays far more stable.

Many types of solar film block out a high percentage of UV rays, which can fade interiors and furnishings, and helps to reduce glare for improved visibility. As window films can block a pretty significant amount of heat, it means there is less need to be reliant on air conditioning, which can help your business save some money. Similarly, in winter, window film works as insulation to better retain heat.

Window films are an unobtrusive option, as they simply adhere to your existing windows, and can be installed quickly and easily. Although you can apply window film yourself, it’s definitely better to leave it to the professionals!

Solar gain protection from window film

As window film specialists, we offer a simple and cost-effective way to minimise excess solar heat gain and glare, leading to a more comfortable working environment – not to mention reducing your energy costs!

With summer rapidly approaching, there’s no better time to upgrade your windows – get in touch with the OVAGLAS team.

Despite the fact that glazing tends to be the weakest point in a building, it’s often overlooked as a security risk. This means that windows are particularly susceptible to bomb blasts, break-ins and attacks, as they are fragile and can shatter very easily. A broken window is easy for intruders to force through and gain access to a building.

As well as being relatively easy to break, glass can be incredibly dangerous in the event of an attack. The force of a bomb blast or explosion can cause glass to shatter into numerous shards, which act like projectiles that can cause devastating injuries, so finding ways to strengthen windows can significantly reduce this risk.

What safety and security window film does

Safety and security window film is designed to hold shards of glass together in the event of an attack. It’s a thick, durable film that can absorb energy from an impact to reduce the chances of injury. Flying glass shards are a significant cause of injuries as a result of bombings and explosions, so safety film was created to keep broken glass in the frame. Because it holds the glass together and doesn’t create gaps in the frame, it also doesn’t give an easy access point for would-be intruders.

It doesn’t stop the glass from breaking during impact, but it creates an extra layer of security by holding the pieces together, making forced entry more difficult, and strengthening your glass windows against impact.

Why anchoring matters as well as film

Whilst safety window film can significantly improve the security of a building, film alone doesn’t prevent the glass pulling away from the frame. An anchoring system is used in conjunction with window film to secure a window directly to the structure of the building itself, keeping it firmly in place. Anchoring makes a window film more stable against impact, adding an extra level of security.

How OVAGLAS® Flexible Anchoring System works

The OVAGLAS® Flexible Anchoring enhances the performance of safety and security window films in the event of an explosion. They secure the filmed glass to the frame, creating a continuous connection between the glass, window film and the frame. Using an anchoring system allows a window to better absorb shock, rather than failing under pressure from an impact. The OVAGLAS® system has a FlexZone, which is an energy-absorbing design to allow for this.

Just like security window film, the anchoring system can be retrofitted into existing buildings, which is significantly less disruptive than installing new windows.

Testing, certification and what buyers should look for

The security and safety of your building should be a high priority, so checking that a window system has been thoroughly tested and complies with safety standards is key. Although laboratory testing can give a good idea of how a window film or anchoring system could work under impact, it’s better if there is evidence of real-world testing to see how it holds up.

There are recognised safety standards that products should comply with, like ISO or EN, as this is evidence that the products have been tested and are legally compliant, so you can be assured that they can be trusted. Our anchoring system has been tested to European and international standards, including ISO 16933 EXV25.

Additionally, you should feel confident that the installer of the film or anchoring system is accredited, as if they are fitted by someone without the relevant knowledge or experience, you can’t be certain that the film will be up to scratch.

Typical applications for safety window film

All venues and building types can benefit from safety window film, as it’s a simple, effective and durable way to improve the safety of a property. It can be used in:

• Venues – No matter the size of the venue, window film can add extra security and help to protect crowds
• Transport hubs – A more common target for terrorist attacks as there is high footfall
• Retail premises – Shops can be targeted by thieves, so window film can help to prevent this
• Government buildings – Also a potential target of attacks and threats
• Commercial offices

If your property has any valuables on site, carries sensitive data, or is frequently busy, it might be more at risk of attacks.

How this fits into wider protective security planning

There are a lot of factors to consider when you’re planning how to improve the security of your property. From training your staff on safety procedures to controlling access to your building, taking a multi-layered approach to security means that more bases will be covered. This is especially important with the new regulations that will be coming into force under Martyn’s Law, which was passed in 2025 to improve protective security and preparation by requiring public venues and events to implement measures against terrorism. 

Using window film and anchoring systems can reduce the risk of injury caused by flying glass in the event of attacks, or can help to buy time in which to react or call authorities during forced entries. It’s an incredibly straightforward way of upgrading the safety of your existing windows, and comes with little downtime, so it’s an excellent way of further bolstering the security of your property.

Speak to OVAGLAS about assessing glazing risk in your building 

As part of your practical preparation for Martyn’s Law, reviewing the glazing risk in your building can be an excellent precautionary measure. To find out more about how window film can add extra security to your commercial property, get in touch with the OVAGLAS team.

Martyn’s Law – officially called the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 – is a new piece of legislation that was created to strengthen safety protocols in public venues and events. 

The new law is named after Martyn Hett, who was tragically killed in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017. His mother, Figen Murray, campaigned tirelessly for the introduction of the new law, which was created to strengthen security at public premises and events. It will establish a minimum legal standard of security at venues and events that host more than 200 people.

Martyn’s Law means that venues need to take proactive steps to ensure the safety of occupants and visitors and reduce the risk of physical harm. Although the law was passed on 3 April 2025, it won’t come into effect until at least 24 months from this date, giving venues plenty of time to prepare. 

The difference between standard tier and enhanced tier

The kinds of measures that venues need to implement depends on the tier that the new law assigns them. There are two tiers: Standard and Enhanced.

Premises and events that fall under the Standard tier are those that host between 200-799 people at the same time. There will need to be a named responsible person for each premises, who needs to notify the Security Industry Authority (SIA). This person will be responsible for ensuring that appropriate security measures are in place, including procedures for:

• Evacuation – getting people out of the building safely
• Invacuation – bringing people into the premises if necessary
• Lockdown – securing the premises to restrict or prevent an attacker gaining access
• Communication – alerting people of danger

This tier is more about introducing more stringent safety procedures and training staff to make sure that everyone knows how to react in the event of an emergency.

If your premises has a capacity of 800 or more, it will fall under the Enhanced tier. Venues of this type will also need a responsible person to notify the SIA, and will also need to implement the security measures listed above. However, Enhanced premises also need to consider public protection measures that will mitigate risk of harm and offer greater public protection. These measures are in relation to:

• Monitoring the premises/event and the immediate vicinity
• Controlling the movement of people around the premises
• Physical safety and security of the premises/event
• Security of information that might assist in the planning or execution of terrorism

These measures can be implemented through training people, introducing new processes, or carrying out physical security measures.

Why physical security enters the discussion for larger premises

Martyn’s Law focuses on proactive security measures by identifying potential weaknesses in how venues operate, rather than reacting after an incident has occurred.

Large venues concentrate hundreds or even thousands of people in a confined area, which can make them a significant target for terrorist attacks. Introducing more stringent physical security measures, such as thorough bag checks and CCTV systems, can act as a deterrent, as would-be attackers are more likely to be caught before they gain access. Having physical security measures can act as a deterrent.

In the event of an attack, a venue will need to be able to respond quickly and effectively. In a bigger venue, this can be harder to control, as there are more people across the building. Having physical safety features like clear evacuation routes and barriers can help a crowd move through the venue more efficiently and safely.

The actual building itself can also play a role in the safety of larger venues. Physical protective measures like reinforced windows and doors, barriers around the perimeter of the venue and access control systems can be used to delay or prevent forced entry, and make the venue safer for occupants in the event of an attack.

Why glazing deserves more attention in security reviews

Glazing is often overlooked during security reviews, despite the fact that it tends to be the weakest point in a building. This means that it is particularly susceptible to bomb blasts, break-ins and attacks, as it is fragile and shatters easily. A broken window is easy for intruders to force through and gain access to a building.

As well as being relatively easy to break, glass can be incredibly dangerous in the event of an attack. The force of a bomb blast or explosion can cause glass to shatter into numerous shards, which act like projectiles that can cause significant injury. Injuries from broken glass are extremely common in attacks, so considering ways to strengthen glazing can significantly reduce this risk.

What blast protection window film and anchoring systems are designed to do

Blast protection window film is designed to withstand impact and protect against damage. In the event of an attack, window film will keep the shards of glass safely in the window frame. Because it holds the glass shards together, it doesn’t create a gap in the window where attackers can easily gain access, which also gives staff more time to react and call the emergency services.

Anchoring systems are a unique type of glass containment system, which can be used in conjunction with blast protection film for added security. It further strengthens a window by holding the glass in place if it gets broken – in fact, it has achieved the highest performance rating of any glazing retention system in the world.

Questions venue and estates teams should ask now

It’s important for venue and estate teams to start planning for Martyn’s Law as soon as possible, to make sure that your staff are fully trained and that your building is protected. As you start preparing, you should be asking:

• What are the most likely scenarios that we should be planning for?
• Have we carried out a thorough risk assessment of the building?
• How secure is our venue currently against forced entry?
• Are there vulnerable areas of the building that need reinforcing?
• Is there comprehensive CCTV in the building, and it is monitored regularly?
• Are there clear evacuation routes?
• Do staff know their responsibilities in the event of an emergency?
• Do we know how to communicate with each other and visitors in an emergency?
• Who is going to be responsible for decision making?
• Which level of Martyn’s Law applies to our building?

Having a comprehensive plan in place makes sure that you are adhering to the upcoming legislation, but also means that if the worst does happen, your venue is prepared to react appropriately to keep people safe.

Speak to OVAGLAS about assessing glazing risk in your building 

As part of your practical preparation for Martyn’s Law, reviewing the glazing risk in your building can be an excellent precautionary measure. To find out more about how window film can add extra security to your commercial property, get in touch with the OVAGLAS team.