Another privacy issue for this Richmond-upon-Thames customer. A lovely new extension was built to the rear of the property, with lots of beautiful big windows. All that glass created a light and airy atmosphere with oodles of natural light flooding in. But – the problem was the new addition to the building backed onto a…

Trying to concentrate at school [when you’re actually allowed in a school – this was way pre-Covid…] can be very difficult. You’re no good at Maths, it’s long day and you’ve got double Geography later [yawn] and, for some reason you just don’t understand yet, Debbie Simmonds legs are distracting you. Your mum wrote you…

A silver lining is a sign of hope – a positive aspect in an otherwise negative situation. Taken from the proverb “Every cloud has a silver lining”, it infers that there’s something good to be found in every bad situation. But could there be a reversed alternative to this? Could it be that there may also be a…

If you’re lucky enough to own a home in the countryside with beautiful views from a huge feature window – you want to make the most of it. But with big windows come big problems. A very large window lets in loads of natural daylight – but is also a recipe for excess heat and…

It really is! We are wondering whether we will have a Christmas at all. It’s a wonder anyone is still even slightly festive. I wonder what 2021 will bring? Whatever Boris and Coronavirus throw at us, let’s all try to be positive and enjoy what we can – ‘tis the season to be jolly’. To…

In this digital age it’s easy to forget that not that long ago, if you wanted to listen to music – you needed vinyl. Nowadays the ‘kids’ love vinyl – it’s popular again, that scratchy analogue vibe adding atmosphere to even the most modern genres. I think it’s fair to say they have not had…

Durable and Solar Gard combine to provide an elegant solution to Buckinghamshire school’s heat gain problem The new school in Buckinghamshire we assisted back in the summer [they were having problems with their canopy – see our blog post 2/8/20 https://durable.co.uk/the-greenhouse-effect/ ] had another unexpected problem during the sunny spell in September. The school’s very modern design…

We know it’s blowing our own trumpet – but our films and service are outstanding to be honest. The reception we get after delivering top quality results time after time makes our job worthwhile. […And we’re pretty good at receptions ourselves as it happens…] Good – but it’s not right Take this main reception building…

Back in February we told you about a great project we were supporting – a documentary film showcasing the amazing story of artist and homeless person Chris Main. The film was the brainchild of Ed Copeland and through his hard work it’s finally completed and ready to watch. Watch the whole documentary here: Mr Main …

Do you ever feel dizzy if you get up too quick or something. Start seeing spots before your eyes? It’s a common enough sensation. But you can feint, or it could be an indicator that something else is wrong. But what if seeing spots before your eyes was a good thing? ‘Spot the ball’ used…

RIP Sean Connery.  The best ever Bond…yes or no? Email your answers ‘Best Ever Bond’ and ‘Best Ever Bond Film’ through to us and we’ll post the winners next month. Probably. It’ll give us something to do during lockdown anyway. And it’s a brilliant excuse to watch all the 007 movies again. They really are…

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – being overlooked or on show because your windows face onto a public space is no fun. And when your workplace involves sensitive information or needs to be kept separate from the public domain it is totally inappropriate to have it all on view. So when…

Experience is a great way to learn. And we have more experience than most. We have been in the window film game for over 50 years, and there is not much we don’t know about dealing with problems with glass. Looking back we can see how we have been at the forefront of innovation and…

No one likes living or working in a goldfish bowl. Not even goldfish. Probably. Of course, if you are fond of Big Brother, TOWIE, or an Instagram influencer you may argue – but for most of us, we like a little bit of privacy. In general we prefer not to be over looked by all…

Covid strikes again. The recent surge in cases has got everyone on alert and heightened our anxiety levels. Boris says we must work from home again if we can. Some people were looking forward to going back to the office. Others are happy to go back to working in their dressing gown. But not everyone…

September. Already? The good news is there is still plenty of good weather and sunshine to come before Autumn properly gets a hold. This time of year can surprise you with sudden bursts of very hot days. Great if you can enjoy it – but if you are stuck in a room the glass can…

Fine weather – time to make the most of your garden. And in these save-the-planet eco-friendly times why not turn some of your garden over to producing home-grown fresh veg? Beautiful. Many people on the other hand – whilst doing their own ‘bit’ in other ways [recycling – probably – or buying organic from the…

It seemed like a great idea – fluid use of your office space – no one gets to clutter up their desk with their own knick-knacks or paraphernalia – clean, tidy, modern… We quite liked it. Worked well. But then – Covid-19. With social distancing, hygiene/sanitation, clean-ups between use, etc – hot desking is a…

Making the most of the fine weather during the summer: Spontaneous trips to the beach, socially distanced beer garden drinks, Family BBQs, getting a decent tan… But the summer sun can be no fun  – if you have problems with heat and glare through your windows. With many people still working from home, solar control issues…

Got to the shop and realised you’ve forgotten yours? Contemplating pretending you are exempt due to one of the 35 eligible conditions – even though you are perfectly fine – but just really fancied a bottle of Rioja on your way home? Is yours misting up your glasses? Maybe it’s too tight and making you…

35 degrees in London! Mini heatwave. Sweltering hot across the whole of the UK. No doubt about it – this summer is weird. 2020 keeps on surprising us. We’ve had unprecedented temperatures. It’s very hot. Everyone is walking around wearing masks. People still trying to socially distance whilst being urged to get back to work…

It’s common knowledge – if you want to give your plants the best start and grow really big and strong the best place for them is a Greenhouse. All that glass maximises the power of the sun, concentrates its energy and keeps all the heat and humidity inside. Brilliant. If you are a plant. Not…

Enjoying the lovely hot weather? So are we. But you can have too much of a good thing. It’s all very well when you are prostrate by the pool with a cocktail or basting on the beach with the kids – but when the sun is belting down like this it’s no fun if you are…

Temperatures have been high this month – but could they be about to get even hotter? August is traditionally our warmest period – and with forecasts good and climate change seemingly driving temperatures ever higher – we could be in for a sweltering few months. All just as we are starting to get back to…

Whether you are too hot in the home office, listless in the living room, need to keep cool in the kitchen or the conservatory –  Window Film could be the simple and effective answer. If you are baking hot at breakfast or it’s the family that are roasting [rather than the lunch] on Sunday – at…

The South West – it’s a lovely part of the world. Devon & Cornwall combine beautiful scenery and glorious surroundings with quieter more peaceful way of life – it’s an ideal place to retire. And of course it gets more than its fair share of good weather. With many properties situated near the coast or…

Bi-cycle, Bi-ped, Bi-monthly, Bi-lateral, Bi-onic … I guess we’ve always been a bit Bi-curious. (Mark definitely is…) …And we are very good with Bi-fold doors. Bi-fold doors can add a brilliant and stylish new dimension to any home. They effectively open your living space to your garden for a sort of al fresco experience in the…

Heat and glare through windows can be a complete pain. And with many of us still working from home at the moment, things could be getting really uncomfortable as the summer warms up. If you have large picture windows, have a south facing or home office that gets sunlight most of the day, have a…

We’ve had some cracking weather recently – and according to the Met Office there’s loads more to come this summer. Hooray! But wait – we’re all just going back to work now. So instead of having a beer in the garden, going to the beach or picnicking with [socially distanced] friends we are back in…

A lot of us have been working from home through this lockdown – which brings it’s own problems [see our previous blog]. But many more have been furloughed, businesses temporarily unable to operate, or only working with skeleton staff to keep things ticking over. So – are you going to be glad to get back…

So – the great lockdown continues. Stay at home – protect the NHS – save lives, is the mantra repeated constantly nowadays.  Anyway – as part of the ongoing social distancing regime we are also being advised to “Work from home if you can”. So many more of us are doing just that. It’s unearthed a…

These are weird and slightly scary times we are in right now. One of the recurring issues in the media is PPE (Personal Protection Equipment). If you look closely at news reports on PPE supply you’ll see a healthy contribution from our friends at 3M. 3M develop innovative, high-tech, high performance products – everything from…

It’s nearly Spring. Buds on the trees, warmer temperatures, and the sun is starting to shine. Obviously you can’t actually enjoy it fully because you’re already half mad with lockdown claustrophobia and boredom. BUT at least the weather is nice. AND when the isolation is over, who knows, you may even be glad to be…

Hurricane Gloria, storm Ciara, storm Dennis, storm Ellen… The weather is mad right now. Flooding across the UK. Crazy winds. Snow and hail on high ground. Everyone needs to make sure they have the best protection against the weather – whatever it throws at them. And the predictions are – along with the winters getting…

Durable have been at the forefront of new and interesting developments in window film for over 50 years. Some innovations have made massive differences to workplace environments and people’s lives. So – when we heard about this ‘film’ project – we knew it was something we should support. Art, Lies and Severe Mental Illness ‘Mr…

At this time of the year the sunlight – though not hot – can be quite strong – and as it is lower in the sky, it can be shining directly into your workplace – rendering computer screens hard to see and making life uncomfortable for your colleagues and employees. Glare from the sun –…

When it comes to awards – this is the silly season. Seriously – Golden Globes, BAFTAs, Oscars… it’s an endless procession of self-congratulation and ego-massage, emotional speeches, soap-box ranting and general luvvie-ness. The excitement and hype and the best-dress/worst-dress what-was-she-thinking event of the red carpet. Film stars. They love an award. If it wasn’t enough…

Whatever your 2019 was like – Durable wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year! 2020 may sound like a type of engine oil or a cricket tournament but apparently it’s going to be great… as the Donald would say “It’s going to be yuge”… 2020 is a leap year of course so apart from…

Buy your window film direct with our amazing new online shop! Tintsandtools.com is our new online shop offering a wide range of films for domestic, residential and commercial use – all available to buy direct online and delivered to your door. Purchase by the metre or by the roll with our simple, easy to use e-shop….

Every body needs a little protection sometimes. And the glass used in many buildings and homes is not only dangerous and harmful when broken – but can also expose valuables and property to burglary or theft. If you have windows at street level – particularly if you are adjacent to a public right of way…

Q: When is a Squid not a Sea Creature?A: When it’s the latest privacy film from Durable. Squid is a new woven technology film that offers day and night time privacy whilst allowing the occupants of the room to see out at all times.  Until now the options were a daytime privacy film as can…

Everyone knows that kids and glass don’t mix. Any parent will tell you the sight of your child hurtling towards a pane of glass completely oblivious to the potential for accident and injury (come on – he’s playing football – not doing a risk assessment) can be very scary. And of course not that long…

That was the title of a classic track by Jimmy Cliff [check it out here ]. And after we installed some brilliant Solar Gard True Vue 5 film to their windows – the occupants of our clients building could indeed see clearly.  Even though reflective films usually impair or prevent looking out from the inside –…

50 years is a long time. We should know. We’ve been in the window film game for that long. Really. Memory Lane This year is our 50th Anniversary — so we thought it’d be nice to look back through the archives. A walk down Memory lane. Check out some blasts from the past. Sort of…

Tackling crime with Window Film Whether it’s opportunist thieves or serious burglars – if you have premises or property that are exposed to crime you need every bit of help to protect yourself. The problem with glass windows and doors is not only do they give a potential thief a good view of exactly what…

Don’t take any chances – get peace of mind with a Durable glass audit. Our Glass Audit service ensures the glazing in your building is safe, legal, and fit-for-purpose. Risk assessment Take Reading University for example. They recently asked Durable to survey and risk assess 46 of their buildings over 2 campus’s – at Whiteknights…

Nobody likes a nosey parker. We’re not talking MI5, industrial espionage or even a Peeping Tom – just being a bit – well – nosey. Although – we’ve probably all been guilty of sticking our nose in where it’s not wanted from time to time. I know I have.  Trying to read someone’s copy of…

Motorhead, AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Judas Priest, Saxon, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, Megadeath. All classic heavy metal legends from a period of rock greatness. If you like that sort of thing. Not only memorable tunes and great riffs – but many records broken too (we don’t mean the actual vinyl – we’re talking…

We all like to look good. It’s natural to want to look your best. Some people follow the latest trends – some opt for timeless classics – others are happy just to be comfortable. On the school run there are the Yummy-mummies in their 4×4’s, looking like they’ve just walked off the pages of Vogue……

You’ve hardly slept. Night-time temperatures barely dropped at all from the heat of the day. Now it’s a new morning and it’s getting even hotter. You wish you weren’t compelled to wear a suit and tie. The train is crammed with people – all sweltering in the uncomfortably tight-packed carriage. You’re late. You rush in…

Who would have thought that a specialist product like Window Film would have so much impact on singers and song writers? But a quick glance back through our Blog archives shows how important window film is a source of inspiration. From Heat & Glare to Safety & Security, Privacy and beyond – musicians can’t get…

Our house – in the middle of our street. That’s what Suggs was singing about – conjuring up nostalgic visions of days gone by in a ‘typical’ British street. And it wasn’t madness. There is something to be said for the comfy wholesome ideal of a home with a proper community where everyone feels loved….

Well – anyone still doubting that climate change is a real thing must be mad. Who you gonna believe – Donald Trump or David Attenborough? Exactly. So – it’s hot, getting hotter and it’s only getting worse. And when its too hot to work and the sun coming through your windows is making life unbearable…

With the temperatures soaring and the sunshine unrelenting (it’s almost like summer!) the oppressive heat can cause dizziness, exhaustion, sun-stroke, dehydration…  Basically although we yearn for a hot summer – the reality is we often struggle to cope when it arrives. Scary to think – but there has been an increase in deaths related to…

Not good for business and if you are an employer whose workforce are uncomfortable due to extreme heat productivity drops and workplace accidents soar. Read this article from today’s Telegraph: https://tinyurl.com/y5kyvehy Excerpt here: Staff should be sent home if workplace gets hotter than 30C, says MP Labour MP Linda Riordan is pushing for a law…

sweltering  adjective Extremely and uncomfortably hot:  “…In the summer, it’s sweltering in our office…“ Sweltering means uncomfortably hot. Walking home from work on a sweltering day will leave you sweating. A sweltering summer afternoon might cause you to turn on the air conditioning or take a cool shower. To be sweltering is more than merely being hot – it’s the kind of damp, intense…

It’s a lovely part of the world. Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset — beautiful scenery and glorious surroundings — with quieter more peaceful way of life – it’s an ideal place to retire. And of course it gets more than its fair share of good weather. With many properties situated near the coast or having spectacular…

Wimbledon. And the weather is fantastic for a change! Running around centre court with the sun blazing can take its toll on the players. But sweltering in a hot office or workplace is worse – making your day unbearable, uncomfortable and unpleasant. Net results Surveys have shown that excessive heat in the workplace increases the…

Like me, at some point in the past you’ve probably struggled to reach that last item on the top shelf — something just too high to reach. Which is no problem in your kitchen or wherever. Grab a chair or steps and voilà¡. But when the things you need are really high, you may need…

We have a gift. It’s true. Sometimes we even amaze ourselves. We can do miraculous things – with window film. Not actual for-real miracles (Peter manages to turn wine into water- sort of, and Nick can do amazing things with loaves & fishes) but it’s when it comes to sorting out problems with people’s windows…

Well — sort of colour ‘blinds’ anyway. Using window film to hide an unwanted view. When this school came to us with a problem of windows overlooking an unsightly outside storage area (you know, bins, bike sheds, brick walls and general junk) — they wanted something more creative than a straight-forward cover up job. They…

We all love the classics. Whether its scenic westerns, film noir, Hitchcock thrillers or glamorous blockbusters from the golden age of Hollywood. You just can’t beat a good film. And although there are many great new films with huge budgets and action stunts that boggle the mind — the oldies have a timeless quality about…

Love it or hate it — it’s a bit of an institution. We — don’t mean the TV programme. We mean when Britain finally gets ‘a summer’ — you, your colleagues, and customers baking in the workplace in the hot summer sun. Hot and sticky… Love toffee pudding — hate over-heated offices! Sun glaring through…

If I were the gambling type I’d reckon it’s odds on that this summer will have its fair share of scorching hot sun. Yes — I know this is Britain and we can all joke about the weather — and there is and outside chance that it’ll rain a bit. But the fact remains we do get a…

“Sun is shining, the weather is sweet now…” [Bob Marley https://youtu.be/ZwLVlQl6T28] Great—  if you can chill out by the pool or grab a cold beer or picnic in the park. But if you’re stuck in your office — hot and uncomfortable — it’s maybe not so sweet. We all long for the better weather and…

Most buildings have a huge amount of glass – how can you be sure that it is safe and fit-for-pupose?  There are so many potential problems with glass, windows and doors — many of them obvious — others you may not realise. So – what are they, and what’s the best way to deal with…

My stylish open-plan office on the 15th floor with huge floor-to-ceiling windows giving stunning views over the city. Who wouldn’t want to work here? Well — it’s more a case of who can bear working here as soon as the sun comes out! Seriously. It’s a great space with loads of natural daylight but as soon…

Trying to keep cool in the conservatory? Too hot at home?   Spring is here and the weather is getting warmer. GREAT! BUT –  heat & glare through your windows can really ruin the experience. If you have a conservatory, large picture windows, patio doors, a south-facing aspect or are just lucky enough to live…

A recent article from the Manchester Evening News highlights the dangers for schools and alike of inappropriate or unfit glass. Read the original article from the Manchester Evening News here Glass is inherently dangerous, and when cracked, broken or smashed can cause serious injury. You need to be absolutely sure your glass is safe With…

Everyone loves sitting by a big window — looking out at the world basking in all that natural daylight. In a work environment it can make the drudgery of the everyday grind that much more bearable. And when the sun is shining bright it’s the next best thing to actually being out in that lovely…

Mrs Bouquet. No? Hyacinth. Off the telly… Keeping up appearances was a 1990’s TV series for BBC featuring Mrs Bouquet — although her name was actually ‘Bucket’. Her snobbish attitude and fear of being found to be working class was the premise for pretty much all of the much loved programmes jokes.   “Now now…

We always fancied being pirates. We love the sea, and rum — and the hours seem pretty good. It was just the scurvy and being hanged that put us off. They always did a good line in beards too I seem to remember… If you say ‘pirate’ to most people now they will think of…

That’s what the old adage says. And it’s true enough. Although Photoshop and retouching can make it harder to tell what’s real and what’s not.   Seeing is beliebing… In other cases though, it’s much easier to tell the if something is probably not quite right…   Really. This totally happened. Honest…So NOT fake news …

How to control unwanted glare from the sun through your windows Now you may think that anyone designing a south-facing building using glass as the main construction and design feature may not be all that bright. It’s obvious that when the sun’s shining the whole place is likely to be an unbearable cauldron of eye-watering…

Half a century of Durable. Yep. That’s right. We’ve been sticking film on windows for 50 years now! We are the oldest window film company in Europe. In 1969 Durable Solar Control was launched and we’ve been going strong ever since. After all that time we like to think we know a thing or two…

What do you think of when you hear the word ‘steel’? Strong, tough, …durable even…? Those qualities could be used to sum up our installation team. And it’s some of these properties that make our Stainless Steel 45 External film so good too. Installed by us, it can last for ages, providing excellent protection against…

Human eyes are amazing. They are made of over 2 million working parts, are the most complex organ after the brain and account for over 80% of everything we perceive. But the slightest change in light and our perception can be totally thrown. Colours, shades and tints are all relative and our brain struggles to…

There’s nothing better than getting a bit of a culture fix by strolling around one of our great museums or art galleries. It’s good for the soul. It gives you a sense of place and enriches your understanding of heritage & history. Have you ever noticed the lighting in them though…? It’s always sort of…

Blinds always seem like the obvious and sensible choice as a way of keeping the sun out. But are they? Most often they disappoint. They can be costly, and – sure they stop the sun coming in – but only when they’re pulled down – which is a bit extreme we think. They can also…

No one really likes crowds do they? Sure, they add atmosphere at a footy game or rock concert. But — when you need somewhere to park, or want to get to the bar…? And wherever there is a crowd — there is a risk. If you are responsible for any public space where crowds can…

We don’t believe in keeping you in the dark when it comes to knowing which window film works best for you. These are not the films you are looking for… …or are they? How do you know which is the right film for the right situation? There are so many variables, and getting it wrong…

Sometimes it’s easy to tell things apart — other times it’s almost impossible. Chalk & Cheese Two peas in a pod. Coldplay songs. Take any season of Big Brother for instance. If you can stay awake long enough and are bothered you may notice which people are which year’s inmates. Other differences that are hard to…

Seeing is believing the old adage goes. And seeing as we are not strangers to the problems of excessive sunlight we thought we’d give you a few pointers on how to manage glare. Even during the colder months of the year — particularly due to the low angle of the sun — conditions in your…

Well — it is Halloween. (when did Halloween get so huge? As a kid it was always Guy Fawkes/Fireworks night/Nov5th…) So we thought some scary stories of our own — with a positive message of course — would be a good idea.   Witch window film? Getting the right film for your windows is important….

We all know that we should get a health check every now and then. Particularly if we’re feeling a bit out-of-sorts or notice any problems. Well — it’s exactly the same with window film… The health of your window film is very important. To be effective and fit for purpose it needs to be performing…

Most jobs are pretty straight forward. We’re sticking film on windows — how hard can it be? Well — there’s a world of difference between slapping any-old-film on some glass — and professionally installing just the right technical product for a very specific set requirements. Take this recent job in Cambridge for example. A beautiful…

Helping Hands Care homes just asked us to sort out their solar glare issue at their spanking new HQ in Warwickshire. They moved in recently, and immediately noticed severe issues with the suns glare through windows in the new premises. Time for Durable to help the helpers…   It’s amazing the lengths some people will go to…

That was the title of the1966 hit by Manchester band the Hollies. Apparently none of them ever faced voyeurism charges — so all good there. But — it’s not always possible to look through any windows. When the sun is shining brightly — particularly at this time of year when its at a lower angle…

Actually – no. Not the Microsoft Operating system. Thank heavens for that! We’re talking the ‘made-of-glass-look-through’ kind. As we are Europe’s oldest window film company we’ve spent an unhealthy amount of time with windows of all shapes and sizes over the years. Helping to manage things like solar control (when things get to hot and…

Apart from being film stars — what do these people have in common? Bob Hope, Kirk Douglas, Olivia De Havilland, Gloria Stuart, George Burns… Well they all lived to be over 100 years old. Pretty Impressive. Particularly in an industry known for its excesses.   How old? “Durable are never 100!” we hear you cry….

Everyone’s a celebrity in today’s big-brother-house, YouTube, selfie culture. But there was a time when there were proper film stars.   Not wannabe’s, reality TV rejects or talent show hopefuls. Real classic actors — with genuine style, personality and talent. Don’t you sometimes see the preview for the latest ‘Celebrity…whatever’ TV show and sit there…

True colours — shining through And that’s why we love TrueVue. 80’s songstress Cyndi Lauper probably knew nothing about window film when she wrote the song. But we like to think she’d be impressed by our range of solar control film.   Obviously her (and her girl friends) quite clearly just want to have fun…

Every cloud has one. Apparently. But what about when there ARE no clouds? When the sky is clear and blue and the sun is beating down relentlessly – simply add your own silver lining. Confused? Let us explain… Mirror finish is very useful when it comes to solar control window film. The inherent reflective properties…

Are you suffering in the heat? Do your windows mean your office is more like a greenhouse? Are those acres of glass making your building unbearable? Are your staff melting? Record breaking It’s a common problem – particularly at this time of year, and especially during a spell of persistent hot weather. We’ve been lucky…

Hot summer – hot pants – hot nights. Funk band Heatwave’s ‘Boogie Nights’ was a beltin’ tune that was on repeat in every disco in 1976. That was the last time we had a ‘heatwave’ like this. Lynn’s not had her hot pants on this year (yet). Unfortunately Don has been wearing his. Let’s just…

We’re having a great summer — if you like it hot…  But, at work it’s not so much fun. Here are some big problems affecting the workplace environment during the height of summer… 1) Big drop in productivity Research shows that productivity drops by 40% when temperatures reach 75ºF. Heat and glare through windows causes…

Well not quite every minute. But we do seem to work on a lot of barn conversions. The beautiful marriage between exposed wooden beams, rough stone interior walls and extensive glazed windows makes for a stunning place to live. Some of these places are just amazing. I mean — some have like 3 or 4…

Me time. There is nothing quite as relaxing as a hot bath. But the owners of this lovely house found nothing relaxing about being in Bath. (that’s the place in Somerset — not the tub — yeah, we know — play-on-words init?).     The problem was the intense heat and glare streaming through their…

The beautiful Devon Countryside — who wouldn’t want to gaze out at that over breakfast! Idyllic setting, gorgeous weather and a stunning house — what else could you wish for? Well — although this dining room does have a great view out of a lovely big window — but excessive sunlight was causing concern. The…

We all like surprises. Mostly. Unless you get out of the shower to find there’s no towel. Or worse — make it to the WC in time, only to discover — too late — there is no toilet paper! And sometimes, unwanted surprises can cost more than a little temporary embarrassment. Spontaneous The same goes for spontaneity….

Did you enjoy your time at school? Nah, neither did we, not much anyway. Rugby, and that girl in art class — and maybe the odd game of kiss chase. (Peter loved that one. Weird really — he went to an all boys school…) Imagine how much worse the whole experience would be if you…

Mirrors. Pretty useful things. Especially when you’re shaving etc. We liked the mirrors we had when we were kids. We looked better in those… Whether it’s Lynn checking her make-up or Mark doing his hair, mirrors are definitely handy to have about. And mirror finish is also very useful when it comes to solar control…

… and keep cool in the conservatory too! Enjoying the beautiful weather in your awesome conservatory or garden room is one of life’s little pleasures. There’s nothing nicer than sitting reading, having supper or just relaxing in sumptuous luxury and letting that summer sun wash over you.   Of course – there can be too…

Window film is not all about solar control. It also has the power to provide excellent privacy — ideal if your property is overlooked. Nobody likes their life on show — well the Kardashian’s obviously, and anyone in TOWIE or Geordie Shore — but basically most of us would rather not have the world and…

The word ‘ultra’ is usually associated with potentially good stuff. Like — ‘Ultra-busy’ or ‘Ultra-rich’ even ‘Ultra-powerful’. (we’ll skip Ultravox for now — sorry Midge…) BUT the word Ultra followed by ‘violet’ can mean bad stuff too. On the one hand ultraviolet light is essential for us humans to get our vitamin D (strengthening our…

Typical! The weather is all over the place and as soon as the sun comes out for more than 5 minutes it’s roasting indoors. The owner of this home in Berkshire was a young mum-to-be — who loved her garden room but didn’t like the idea of excess heat and glare causing discomfort to her…

Don’t despair! Transform your glass — with 3M Fasara Decorative Glass Film Most workplaces have a lot of glass. Apart from the windows – there are usually loads of internal glazed doors, partitions and walls – which is great for letting natural light penetrate far inside a building. All this surface area provides brilliant opportunity…

Spring — everyone rolls into work inappropriately dressed and wishing they were on the beach But it’s usually not long before the sun’s glorious rays heat up the workplace to unbearable levels. And even the most beach-friendly attire is not going to keep you cool. Sitting at your desk – by the impressive floor to…

Relaxing in your conservatory or garden room, reading the Sunday papers in the sunshine, or watching TV over breakfast. Enjoying as much of the lovely weather as you can. But, can you really enjoy it? Reading the paper is hard work with the sun glaring down on you. You can hardly see the cricket on…

Check out this story from Sky [Read original article here] Britain to sizzle in mini heatwave next week as hot air arrives from Europe Temperatures in the south could reach the mid-20s, but Britons are warned to make the most of it as it will not last. After a cool, grey, drizzly spell, temperatures are…

Residential privacy Oxford Resident Yana Xue and her husband purchased a lovely ground floor flat last summer in the Old Oxford brewery. Almost perfect – except the premises were over-looked by neighbours and visitors parking their cars or just casual passers-by. No one likes living in a goldfish bowl – but keeping natural daylight and…

Spring is threatening to happen soon. Probably. And with the better weather comes the usual problem. Glare. The low angle of the sun at this time of year means it can come streaming in through your windows making your life hell. Offices and workplaces can be rendered almost impractical due to the incessant glare on…

Most schools and colleges have a lot of windows and glazed areas. It helps to let as much natural daylight in — making for an up-beat positive atmosphere and creating an environment conducive to learning. But kids and glass are a recipe for potential trouble. Glass is inherently dangerous, and when cracked, broken or smashed…

Amazing isn’t it? Just 5 minutes ago we were freezing and snowed-in — now it’s spring and I’ve got my shorts on (Mark’s not had much more than his pants on throughout tbh — but you get used to that in an open-plan office. Takes all sorts…) George Harrison and the Beatles had a song…

… I gotta wear shades Or at least get my windows tinted. Throughout history people have had a problem with the sun. It was an all-powerful god to be worshipped or ignored at your peril. Those ancient civilizations weren’t entirely wrong. It is after all an enormous ball of fire 864,000 miles across, over 100…

At Durable we like to think we are good at organising. Even in a brewery. And when it comes to piquing our interest and ensuring you have our full attention – anything to do with brewing, ale, pubs, etc is bound to work. Sitting on the fifth floor roof of a listed old brewery building…

Too hot in your kitchen? Durable can help.   The Falzone’s moved into their new home in July 2016 and soon realised they just could not live in their kitchen diner. Daytime temperatures were reaching in excess of 35°, not to mention the glare. After some extensive research they decided to call Durable, who suggested that…

Do you remember them in the 80’s? “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”? Yeah – well it’s nothing to do with them. But if something’s too tight a fit then things get stuck. Lionel Ritchie and Elvis sang ‘Stuck on you’. Whilst Stealer’s Wheel were “stuck in the middle’. That’s a lot of ‘sticking’. And of course…

No. Not the naff interior make-over TV show. Actual ‘changing rooms’ Rooms to get changed in… Quite apart from having the added benefit of obscuring our installers questionable yoga technique – privacy film was installed to these office changing rooms to allow for the roller blinds to be removed — allowing more light in, whilst…

Beautiful building – but ugly ceiling? No problem for us. The roof of this prestigious bar and restaurant was fitted with glossy white plastic panels — fit for purpose but not very attractive and which stuck out like a sore thumb in this listed building. A real shame. Enter Durable. We installed a film to…

You’ve heard it a million times on the tube. But it’s just as important for window film installation.   Border patrol Window films need to be installed with a small gap between the edge of the film and the edge of the window – so that the film will seal properly. But by the look…

How to keep your cool in the office… The prospect of moving in 30% more staff into their vast open plan office – and needing to make sure those working close to the glass wall on this south west facing facade were shaded from the intense heat of the afternoon sun — was a little…

What does 2018 have in store for you? Have you made any New Year resolutions? We have. We’re going to help even more people with their glass-related problems. And by glass we don’t mean we will pop round and fill them up with more celebratory Prosecco or party punch (although if you fancy a drink…

Q: Why did my glass just explode? A: Could be Spontaneous Glass Breakage Toughened glass can spontaneously shatter (‘spontaneous glass breakage’). The shear weight of toughened glass makes this particularly dangerous in overhead glass such as atria. And it usually happens without any warning. Often a glass breakage like this is misdiagnosed, it’s assumed that…

In the 12th Century, Sir Seymour Clearly invented a glass-based version of the older leaded-light windows — which used flattened animal horn. It wasn’t until the 17th Century that another Englishman, Professor Ivor Pane, developed what we would recognise today as glass windows.   But it was much, much later — in 1966 in fact…

We love our customers. Where would we be without them? And it seems that they really love us too!   Everybody likes to think they do a good honest professional job for a decent price, delivered on time — but it’s another thing to get the praise, feedback and loyalty that going that extra mile…

Here’s the problem: You want to let all the daylight in and see out of your windows BUT You don’t want passers-by to be able to look in because you have sensitive information on view.   Claustrophobic So — our client had already installed blinds in their Ambulance Station control centre, but they stopped the…

You’re relaxing at home. It’s a lovely day and you just thought you’d have a cuppa and watch a ‘catch-up’ of Corry. Nice. But it’s nigh-on impossible! Roy’s come a cropper. You don’t know Ken Barlow from Adam. It’s the worst picture Eva!   The sun is belting through all your windows and completely obliterating…

Like a lot of modern buildings, Reading University has a lot of glass! It looks great. But it does have it’s problems. Reading University’s Enterprise Building had it’s tenants complaining for ages about the excessive heat and glare passing through their floor-to-ceiling glass windows – making the working environment very uncomfortable and difficult to function…

So what do Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa and ladies favourite Ross Poldark have in common? They were both recently seen in Cornwall at Peter’s birthday party! Actually, several Panchos Villas and quite a few Emiliano Zapatas (and the odd Zorro) alongside a multitude of Demelzas and Ross’s etc, popped down to the farm to participate…

Imagine how you’d feel pitching up for a meeting and being instantly blinded. AND the receptionist can’t help you because not only is her computer screen nothing but a haze of reflected sunshine — but she too is blind, having had the awesome power of the sun’s rays directly in her face all day, every…

This is a proper 3M job. No. Really. 3M film used on the window of a retired 3M executive’s home. (that sounds like a nursing home just for ex-3M people. It’s not. It’s just the guy’s house)   Kitchen nightmares He had a beautiful Lantern Light fitted into the roof of his kitchen. He wanted…

No — not the magazine of the same name… To be honest if you’ve got problems with that (pages stuck together or something) we probably can’t help much. But we can help when it comes to penthouse apartments. Cambridge blues… The top floor of a residence in Cambridge was experiencing big problems with heat and…

Kids and glass don’t mix. Fact. Are you sure the glass in your school is safe? You can’t afford to be in the dark. Durable’s Glass Audit service gives you peace of mind. The danger is very real.  Check out this article from the Eastern Daily Press http://tinyurl.com/jv42m7u Norfolk headteachers have been told to check the…

Is the sun shining through your windows a problem?   At this time of the year the last throws of the summer sun can be quite strong — and as it is lower in the sky, it can be shining directly into your workplace — rendering computer screens hard to see and making life uncomfortable…

We’re Solar Gard’s Featured Partner! The Durable team assembled for the news … After winning the coveted ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ we have now been announced Solar Gard’s Featured Partner. We have a long-standing relationship with Solar Gard and an unequalled commitment to window film. They wanted our unique team to tell our story — our…

Summer’s here and the time is right for dancing in the street. Well that may be so — but we remember the video for Mick and David’s version of that song and to be honest we’re not sure it’s the best idea. Certainly not in those trousers anyway… However — when the sun beats down…

How do you cope with summer sun belting in through your office window? Well – You can turn up carrying a paddling pool under your arm, wearing your cozzy, flip-flops and shades. But if you really want to beat the heat – and work in comfort — Window film is the answer. There’s a mountain…

Ok, so we’re nearly 50. Well — our blog posts are anyway. But there’s no sign of us slowing down, having a ‘mid-life’ crisis or going grey. No — our blogs are just as fresh, informative and current as ever. We’ve had a sneaky look back over the last year just to remind ourselves what…

Eddie Cochran famously lamented that there “Ain’t no cure for the summertime blues”… …But was he right? Is there a cure?     We think so. Window film. Simple. Effective. Economical. The perfect solution to solar heat and glare issues in your workplace. Hot in the office When you’re way too hot and uncomfortable at…

Billy Idol was singing about that in 1982. And it was. Hot. And not just in the City — but in the office, factory, warehouse, conservatory, school room, college, recording studio, Jacuzzi-in-the-back-of-a-Limo — pretty much everywhere!     That same year Calypso star Arrow released ‘Feeling Hot Hot Hot’. There’s obviously a theme here… Singing…

Beach weather — but you’re melting like ice cream in your workplace. Window film is the answer. It’s your mid-morning break, but the tea is not the only thing steaming. Office temperatures are soaring. Your air-con (if you have any) is struggling to cope and employees and customers are feeling the heat. You were hoping…

The dangers of overhead glass… Read this article from the Evening Standard: Builders ordered to pay £15m after shards of glass fell 18 floors and shattered onto City workers. Builders responsible for an accident in which shards of glass rained down on the street from a City office block have been ordered to pay almost…

Summer temperatures can make office work a tall order. Particularly in buildings with many windows, large areas of glass or high rise. As Britain swelters — with thermometers creeping up towards 30C plus in the last few weeks, — anyone with south facing windows or large areas of glass frontage in their workplace or office…

Take a look at the recent article in the Mirror: http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-city-install-anti-shatter-9838178 Manchester City ‘to install anti-shatter glass’ at the Etihad in bid to make ground bombproof. Completed on time and on budget Durable recently installed safety window film to premier league football club Manchester City’s Etihad stadium. As the oldest window film company in Europe…

How can you be sure all the glass in your building is safe? There are many potential problems with glass windows and doors — what are they, and what’s the best way to deal with them? Durable’s Glass Audit is the answer. And to help, we’ve put together a handy checklist. [Download the PDF here]…

Hey, Teacher – don’t leave those kids alone. Hands up if you know how safe and compliant your glass is… Are you sure the glass in your school is safe? With children and colleagues at risk – you can’t afford to be in the dark. Durable’s Glass Audit service gives you peace of mind. Comfortably…

Glaringly obvious: The overlooked cause of some bad grades that may be staring you in the face… When it comes to controlling heat and glare through your windows, solar control window film really is the most complete solution.  No Question. Lessons in efficiency Science It’s not just ‘sticky plastic film’! Window film’s hi-tech composition make…

 Hot desking — no fun in the sun. Don’t sweat it! Window film keeps you cool in the classroom. Students of all ages can really struggle this time of year, trying to concentrate in rooms where the windows turn the environment into little more than a greenhouse. It’s not very conducive to learning, it’s unhealthy,…

  The perils of heat & glare through your windows A quick look at the best defences against the negative effects of the sun If you have a conservatory, large picture windows, patio doors, a south-facing aspect or are just lucky enough to live somewhere that gets more than its fair share of the sunshine…

At Durable we know a lot about history. We should — we’ve been around for most of it. In 1969 when the Apollo 11 space mission was putting Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the Moon the window film industry was in it’s infancy. Woodstock happened the same year. But we were far too busy…

Summer’s here. Sun is belting down. Time to make the most of your conservatory. But it’s too hot, and the glare in your eyes is unbearable — basically it’s too uncomfortable to relax and make the most of the weather. So — what do you do? There are several approaches you can take to tackle…

Protect your fine fabrics, furniture and artwork from harmful UV rays.     Crazy — but as the weather starts to get better and it looks like being a really good hot summer — its also time to start thinking about the destructive power of the sun. We all know that strong sunlight can harm…

Relaxing in your conservatory or garden room, reading the Sunday papers in the sunshine, or watching TV over breakfast. Enjoying as much of the lovely weather as you can. But, can you really enjoy it? Reading the paper is hard work with the sun glaring down on you. You can hardly see the cricket on…

Alternatives to Air Conditioning Spring — the ideal time to make the most of your conservatory. Breakfast, lunch or evening meal — it’s great to be able to relax and enjoy the warming sensation of the sunshine. But, this scenario can very quickly change as soon as the temperature rises a little too much. It…

You pop in for a demi-wave — and get a heatwave. Want a perm — but get a tan. Need to cut your hair — but can’t for the glare… Barnstaple College has a lovely hair salon on campus – ideal for getting student-discount-rated barnet reworkings. BUT…   The budding Sorbies, Clarkes, Friedas and Sassoons had…

With heightened security a hot topic — particularly at airports — it’s not surprising that Durable have been busy at several London airports recently installing bomb blast protection window film.   For passengers, staff and public the constant possibility of some kind of terrorist threat is an unpleasant but unavoidable fact. So the desire for…

Classic film. An art classic from 1966 ‘Blow Up’ was Michelangelo Antonioni‘s portrayal of a fashion photographer (played by David Hemmings).     Loosely based on several themes – including the life of ’60s celebrity photographer  David Bailey and with a great score by Herbie Hancock – it is still a cult classic.     It’s all a bit ‘Swinging…

It’s that time of year again. Awards. BAFTA’s, OSCARs, – there’s loads of ’em. Celebrating the great and the good in the film world. Well – We’ve won one! Yes. Durable have won a prestigious award. And it’s a biggie. We have had the honour bestowed on us of The Solar Gard ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’….

… of fashion. …was a song by the kinks. https://youtu.be/tqXrAHuLksU BUT – in the 2001 film ‘Zoolander’ (and it’s sequel out last year) the art of remaining fashionable at all times was elevated to new levels. Fashion. Turn to the left. Lyrics from David Bowie’s (rip) 1980 single. David was in the original Zoolander too…

50 shades of tint With the film ‘50 shades darker’ following on from the success of the original — we thought we’d revisit the concept ourselves. No doubt about it — whether its designer sunglasses or the windows of top notch cars — shades look classy. Vehicle tinting has always played a part in the…

In 1978 the Rolling Stones brought out the album ‘Some Girls’. It featured many classics, including ‘Miss You’ and ‘Respectable’ – but the track ‘Shattered’ has a special place in our hearts. They were obviously referring to Spontaneous Glass Breakage – and we thank them for that. Spontaneous glass breakage can be expensive and dangerous…

Our favourite Christmas film. It’s got everything. Including a lot of broken glass!   Dead bodies get thrown through glass, John McClane shoots loads of it, The Baddies shoot even more of it, and then FBI Helicopters shoot even more. It gets everywhere. John’s poor feet get ripped to ribbons. He even swings into a window…

The 1973 film directed by and starring Clint Eastwood. It is set in a remote town high up in the hills with nothing much to do but go to the saloon. “I don’t suppose any of you boys are needin’ any window film round these parts?” It’s a classic. A drifter rides in and turns everything…

Privacy, security and jaw-dropping looks! We’ve all done it. Accidentally put on a cursed African mask and been transformed into a green lunatic. No? OK, probably not — but we have all experienced situations where you don’t want to be overlooked, where you’d like a little privacy, to stay away from prying eyes, unwanted attention,…

Sunshine. We love it. Don’t we…? Not when it’s right in our eyes or bouncing off our PC screen we don’t! This time of year the sun can still be pretty strong, and because it’s lower in the sky – it can make glare an even bigger problem than it was in the summer.  …

Unprotected glazing can leave you exposed to break-ins, unscrupulous or opportunist thieves, unwanted prying eyes and a host of potential problems that you could just do without… Whilst we don’t want to be scaremongers and worry you unduly – windows, doors and other glazed areas are weak spots in any building. Business or at home. Even…

Is glare through your windows a horror story? So hot you feel like breaking out? Meet Jack…   He’s not going to let a little thing like extreme heat and glare ruin his day. It doesn’t bother him at all. Why? Because he’s got anti-glare window film fitted by Durable. There was a time that Jack’s…

Check out this article from today’s Manchester Evening News Probe launched after pane of glass falls 200ft from city centre apartment block http://tinyurl.com/h6dcavz Residents say it is just a ‘matter of time’ before it happens again An investigation has been launched after a pane of glass tumbled more than 200ft from a busy city centre apartment…

Check out this article from the Mirror Crackpot safety testers smash 984ft-high glass bridge with hammers – then drive car over it http://tinyurl.com/hgnewcy Volunteers lined up at the side of the walkway ready to smash the panels with sledgehammers to test the strength of the bridge. Brave volunteers and staff took a crack at a glass bottom bridge in…

Check out this article from the Guardian http://tinyurl.com/zym7mol Angela Eagle’s constituency office vandalised after leadership bid launch Brick thrown through window of MP’s office following launch of campaign to unseat Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn The constituency office of the Labour MP Angela Eagle has been vandalised following the launch of her campaign to unseat Jeremy Corbyn as…

Check out this article from the Eastern Daily Press http://tinyurl.com/jv42m7u Norfolk headteachers have been told to check the safety of glazing in their schools after a girl was hurt when her hand went through a glass panel that did not have a protective film. The accident at Valley Primary School, in west Norwich, happened on April…

Check out this article from today’s Telegraph News [Click here for original article] Labour MP Linda Riordan is pushing for a law which would require bosses to send home staff if the temperature in a workplace exceeds 30C, or 27C for those doing strenuous work. As Britain swelters in a heatwave expected to see thermometers…

It’s like the Sahara out there at the moment! And if you don’t have solar control window film — it could be even hotter inside! Durable have a simple, elegant and cost effective answer. BEER. Ok – so probably not really what you need. Although we can get you one if you like. When it’s…

But even if it doesn’t — window film can help.   Sunny and hot? You need window film from Durable. (it can reflect the sun’s rays and keep you cool) Dull and cold? You need window film from Durable. (it can prevent heat from escaping through your glass) Air con or heating bills too high? You…

Summer temperatures can make office work a tall order. Particularly in buildings with many windows, south facing or high rise. It’s a bit of a horror story… No need to fear the height of summer – window film can resolve your problem. Take a look at the facts: That’s an amazing reduction and simple and…

12 o’clock. Midday. The sun is at its highest. It’s packing heat and it’s a showdown between you and your office windows… Could be you’d rather face the vicious Miller Gang in a gun-fight than deal with the energy-sapping, over-bearing temperature and incessant glare from the summer sun directly through your windows? Or maybe not. Let…

It’s obvious – whenever you get any work to your building done – you have to beware of the cowboys. They make out they know it all and are proper professionals who’ll do a great job for a great price. But when it comes to window film, if they don’t really know their stuff, it might…

Being spontaneous is usually looked on as a good thing. Exciting even. But not when it involves children and glass! The phenomenon known as ‘spontaneous glass breakage’ was to blame when the toughened glass balustrade at a new school building decided to break for no apparent reason. Durable were called in and soon indentified the…

According to Noel Coward only mad dogs and englishmen go out in the midday sun. Peter’s dogs are fairly mad but with the sun glaring down the beach definitely seems like  the best place to be. But if you’re stuck in your office (or conservatory for that matter…) you can be trapped in a hot-house and melting. That’s…

Getting so hot in your office you feel like running around shooting things? Maybe if Al Pacino had some of our window film installed he’d be less likely to lose his cool. When the sun is shining it’s lovely outside – but inside your workplace can become unbearable. Productivity takes a dive (when temperatures reach 24º…

It can get really REALLY hot in your office, workplace or conservatory when the sun’s out. Particularly if you have a lot of south facing windows. It can be almost unbearable. It can feel like it might burst into flames… Don’t call Steve McQueen – we have a simple and effective solution (anyway – he’s…

The Weather is getting better. It’s feeling more like Spring! But does that mean the heat in your office becoming unbearable? Is it becoming too HOT for comfort? There’s no need to remove all your clothing like Marilyn (although some workplaces do have a pretty liberal ‘dress-down friday’ or whatever…!). If the glare of the sun’s rays is…

  Making glass apparent. It’ll make you see spots before your eyes. We installed just short of 5 kilometres of manifestation dots at Heathrow’s Terminal 5. The combination of two separate light absorbing products in two contrasting colours mean that at night when the dots would normally be harder to see, they illuminate slightly to help…

Peter’s dogs being taken for a ‘walk’.   Down on the farm there’s not much need for window tinting on our vehicles. Mostly because they don’t have any windows.   But — if your car or van could do with a facelift, protection or privacy from a quality application of window film — contact us!…

  We can do all sorts of doors — great for privacy or manifestation issues. Take these… Centre installed bi-fold doors enabling the room to become part of the large open-plan space when large groups are visiting. However it quickly became apparent that the clear door panels meant the room was no use for private…

Health and Safety. It’s a right pain. Red tape, additional work, and nonsense. Meetings are announced, questionnaires are requested, and Risk Assessments are rejected because we have – apparently – failed to specify a seemingly inconsequential item we would normally take for granted. But – at Durable we are proud of the awards we have…

So Your Roof Is Plastic It Curves And You Bake When The Sun Shines Well Durable have a solution that ticks all the boxes Normal solar films that are designed to be applied to glass cannot be used on plastic roves as the film and its adhesive react with the roof material. Until recently the…

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