
Africa Β· Holding Company
PG Group
πΏπ¦ South Africa Β· Last reviewed by Justin Orloff
Quick Facts
Founded
1897
HQ
Cape Town, South Africa
Divisions
PG Glass, PG Aluminium, Shatterprufe
Materials
Architectural glass, automotive glass, glazing supply
Specialty
South Africa's dominant glass group
Market
South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa
Brand at a Glance
- South Africa's largest glass and glazing group, established 1897
- PG Glass is the country's most recognised glass repair and replacement brand
- Shatterprufe dominates South African automotive safety glass
Product Range
- Architectural float glass (clear, tinted, reflective) via PG Glass supply
- Aluminium glazing systems via PG Aluminium (see PG Aluminium guide)
- Automotive safety glass via Shatterprufe
- Processed glass: toughened, laminated, insulating glass units
Why This System
PG Group's breadth means a window cleaner in South Africa will encounter PG products constantly - from the glass in a Cape Town villa to an office building in Johannesburg. PG Glass's nationwide network also means glass replacement and service is accessible, which matters when you spot damage during a clean.
South Africa has significant climate variation: Cape Town's Mediterranean climate with winter rain and summer UV; Gauteng's thunderstorm season with hail; Durban's humid subtropical coastal environment; and the dry interior of the Karoo. PG glass products behave consistently across these zones, but cleaning frequency and approach must adapt to local conditions.
Step 1 of 2: Manufacturer Recommendations
Official Care Guidance
Step 2 of 2: The Orloffs Protocol
The Orloffs Protocol
This is how I clean PG Group windows. The tools and technique below come from 25 years of daily professional work on the glass. Every step has been tested on real installations and adapted specifically for PG Group systems.
Pro Tools
My daily tool list. This is what I carry to every job.
Follow these steps in order. Each one builds on the last. This is the same sequence I use on every PG Group installation.
- 1
1. Identify glass type - standard float, tinted, or processed (toughened/laminated) via PG supply.
- 2
2. Pre-rinse to remove dust and coastal salt depending on location.
- 3
3. Apply pH-neutral detergent; clean top to bottom.
- 4
4. Squeegee with clean rubber; overlap strokes.
- 5
5. Detail edges; wipe frames with microfibre.
Pro Tips
- Cape Town coastal: salt air deposits on glass are invisible but cause corrosion at frame joints - rinse frames thoroughly on every visit.
- Gauteng hail season: inspect glass for micro-cracks before cleaning - pressure on cracked glass can cause it to shatter.
- Durban humidity: mould and mildew on frame seals is common - a dilute vinegar wipe on rubber seals (not frames) controls growth.
What NOT To Do
- Do not use blades on PG toughened glass - toughened glass is safe but surface scratches are permanent.
- Do not use acid-based products on PG reflective or coated glass.
- Do not clean without inspecting for hail damage first in Gauteng.
Bundle Kits and Tool Recommendations
Bundle Kit
Tool Recommendations
pH-neutral detergent
View on Amazon [coming soon]14-inch squeegee
View on Amazon [coming soon]Microfibre cloths
View on Amazon [coming soon]Cleaning Frequency
Every 6-8 weeks inland. Monthly on Cape Town and Durban coastal installations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Field Notes
βPG Group glass is the South African default - most buildings you clean will have PG supply chain glass. Know the PG Glass nationwide network as a referral resource: when you spot a cracked or failed IGU seal, you can direct clients to PG Glass for replacement. This adds value to your service and builds client trust.β
Justin Orloff
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