Construction sites often spark public curiosity, with many passers-by eager to see what’s being built and how work is progressing. To manage this interest while maintaining safety, developers are increasingly incorporating viewing windows into hoarding panels. These small, secure openings allow glimpses into the site, offering insight and engagement without compromising security. Viewing windows can help promote development and keep the community informed, but they must be carefully designed and installed. Ensuring they comply with UK safety standards is essential. This blog explores how to design and construct safe viewing windows, balancing public interest with responsible site management and compliance.
Why Use Viewing Windows in Hoardings?
There are several good reasons to add viewing windows to site hoardings. Here are some of the most common ones:
Public Interest
People are naturally curious, especially when it comes to building works. Whether it’s a new school, shopping centre, or housing project, the public often wants to see what’s going on behind the boards. Viewing windows give them a safe way to do this.
Marketing and Promotion
Developers can use windows to highlight progress or show the best parts of the site. This can help build excitement around the project and even attract potential buyers or tenants.
Transparency and Engagement
For publicly funded developments or community projects, allowing people to see the work in progress helps create a sense of trust. It also shows that the developers are confident in what they’re building.
Making Hoardings More Interesting
Plain hoarding panels can look dull and unattractive. Viewing windows add visual interest and make the site feel more connected to the surrounding area.
Design Considerations for Safe Viewing
Designing a viewing window is about more than just cutting a hole in a board. Safety, materials, and placement all play a role in creating something that is both useful and secure — an important part of well-planned hoarding construction.
Positioning
The window should be placed at eye level so people of all heights can easily look through it. It should also be located away from areas where dangerous equipment is used or where there is heavy traffic inside the site.
Size and Shape
Windows should be large enough to provide a good view, but small enough to prevent unauthorised access. Common shapes include rectangles or circles, but any design should have no sharp edges.
Materials Used
Choosing the right material is key. Here are some of the most common choices:
- Polycarbonate: Strong and impact-resistant. Good for high-traffic areas.
- Acrylic: Clear and affordable, but less durable than polycarbonate.
- Toughened Glass: Offers excellent clarity but is heavier and more expensive.
Edge Treatment
The edges of the window should be smooth and sealed to avoid injury. Frames can be used to strengthen the structure and prevent the material from coming loose.
Ventilation and Visibility
In damp conditions, condensation can build up on window surfaces, reducing visibility. To help prevent this, some designs include vents or use anti-fog coatings on the material.
Safety Regulations and Compliance
Adding a viewing window means you need to meet all the usual safety rules, plus a few extra ones. In the UK, there are strict standards for construction sites, including hoarding design.
Regulations to Follow
- Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM Regulations): These cover site safety, including hoardings and public access.
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines: HSE outlines the minimum safety standards for all site boundaries.
- Local Council Permissions: If your site is in a busy or protected area, you may need permission for certain types of viewing panels.
Site Security
Viewing windows should never weaken the strength of the hoarding. They must not allow anyone to reach through or tamper with site materials. Anti-vandalism coatings and secure fittings are essential.
Fire Safety
Make sure the materials used are fire-resistant or comply with fire safety regulations. This is especially important in high-risk areas or crowded city centres.
Anti-Climb Features
Ensure that viewing windows don’t offer handholds or ledges that could be used to climb the hoarding.
Installation Best Practices
Safe installation is as important as good design. Poorly fitted windows can quickly become a safety risk.
Planning During Hoarding Construction
It’s best to plan the window during the hoardings’ initial build. This ensures proper fitting and avoids needing to cut into panels later on, which could weaken them.
Fixing Methods
Windows should be fixed with tamper-proof screws or security fittings. Frames should be made from durable materials like steel or aluminium to keep the window in place.
Weatherproofing
All viewing windows should be sealed against rain and wind. Water getting inside the panel can lead to mould or damage to the frame.
Maintenance
Regular checks are important. Look for signs of cracks, cloudiness, or vandalism. Replace or repair any damaged parts quickly.
Creative and Branding Opportunities
Viewing windows can also be a smart part of your site’s branding. They offer a chance to communicate your message and connect with the local community.
- Use a window to frame an interesting part of the site, like the main structure or public space.
- Add an aluminium sign board beside the window with details about the project or QR codes linking to the development’s website.
- Create a branded window frame with your company’s logo, colours, or slogan.
- Include community facts, construction milestones, or green building info next to the viewing panel.
Examples
Some UK construction sites have already made great use of viewing windows:
School Redevelopment Project
A primary school in London added viewing windows during a rebuild so parents and students could see how their new school was progressing. This improved community support and excitement around the project.
City Centre Retail Site
A developer used framed acrylic panels as viewing windows and placed branded boards around them. This allowed shoppers to see what was coming and kept interest alive throughout the build.
Conclusion
Installing safe viewing windows in construction hoardings is a smart, responsible way to engage the public. Whether for marketing, community interest, or simply enhancing the look of your site boundary, success lies in doing it safely and correctly. This means choosing the right materials, planning a thoughtful design, and adhering to all relevant UK regulations. If you’re considering viewing panels or premium finishes like aluminium sign boards, it’s essential to work with professionals who understand both compliance and creativity. At Hoarding Print Company, we provide bespoke solutions that ensure your hoardings are safe, visually appealing, and fully regulation-compliant for any project.
