Complex Glass Replacement at Height for Leeds Client

Complex Glass Replacement at Height for Leeds Client

At Dortech Maintenance Ltd, we were recently called upon by one of our Leeds-based clients to address a case of nickel sulphide breakage in a glass façade. Our team responded quickly and professionally to assess the damage, replace the glass at height, and ensure minimal disruption to the building users.

What is Nickel Sulphide and Why Does It Cause Glass to Shatter?

Nickel sulphide is a rare impurity sometimes found in toughened glass. Over time, particularly during seasonal cycles and under heat differentials, nickel sulphide inclusions can expand, causing spontaneous breakage in glass panels. This is particularly common during warmer months when the glass experiences thermal stress due to the temperature differences between the inside and outside surfaces. In most cases, the presence of nickel sulphide is undetectable at the time of manufacturing, which makes the breakage unpredictable and challenging to prevent. (You can read more about this phenomenon in references such as ASTM C162-05: Standard Terminology of Glass and Glass Products).

Our team of façade maintenance engineers conducted a thorough site assessment to determine the size and specification of the broken glass unit. The work, carried out for one of Leeds University’s buildings, required the use of a truck-mounted elevated working platform to safely reach and replace the glass at height. Given the location of the glass, our engineers worked within a very tight area, situated between two buildings, which added to the complexity of the project.

To ensure the safety of everyone involved, we meticulously planned the operation, including managing the redirection of pedestrian traffic in the area. The project required a full risk assessment, and our team spent significant time ensuring that all necessary safety protocols were in place before work commenced.

Despite the challenges posed by the constrained working space, the job was completed professionally and efficiently. We were proud to deliver a solution that caused minimal disruption to the building users. The client rated our services as excellent, praising the professionalism and expertise of our team.

At Dortech Maintenance, we take pride in our ability to handle complex glazing maintenance projects with precision and care, ensuring the safety of all involved and delivering high-quality results.

For more information on our services, please contact us at www.dortechmaintenance.co.uk or call 01484 451177.