PAGE 8 - GQA APPOINTS STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS MANAGER
GQA Qualifications, has appointed Dan Brown as Strategic Relationships Manager...
PAGE 11 - MORE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT & SUPPORT AT VBH VBH, the company behind the popular greenteQ hardware brand, reports an expansion in the levels of technical support that they offer customers.
PAGE 12 - GLAZERITE WELCOMES NEW ADDITION TO SALES TEAM
The Glazerite UK Group has appointed a new sales manager as part of its ambitions for growth.
PAGE 18 - NEW ANODISED FINISHES FROM GREENTEQ
The popular Alpha resi-door handle set is now available in two anodised aluminium finishes. This brings the number of available finishes to 12!
PAGE 29 - TECHNOFORM USING THERMAL EDGE BOND SOLUTIONS
Technoform have developed a portfolio of hybrid spacers for the glass & glazing market
PAGE 46 - IMPROVING PROFIT MARGINS WITH THE RIGHT SOFTWARE When it comes to organising business, fenestration can be a very complicated and demanding sector.
PAGE 62 - DETAILS MATTER SAYS COASTAL
Recent years have seen a huge rise in the popularity of heritage Crittall® style, industrial-look doors and windows fit.
PAGE 65 - SWAN SELECTS SHEERLINE TO TRANSFORM SCHOOL Sheerline’s Prestige range was recently chosen to replace aging sash windows in a large grammar school in Kent.
PAGE 69 - WARNING – FAKE CSCS CARDS IN CIRCULATION
GQA Qualifications has identified a new style of fake CSCS card that is currently in circulation.
All eyes seem to be on the building and construction sectors right now, how the turmoil in the economy will affect business and home life when it comes to investments and bills? With so many stories of dire choices between food and heat we are all looking for positive indications.
For the housing market things have been boding well with the price of an average UK property rising by 8.3% in the 12 months to July 2022. Zoopla’s, Andrew Michael stated that a typical UK house now costs £256,900, which is an increase of £19,800 over the past year.
However, some consider house prices in the UK will fall by at least 10% next year, due to mortgage companies pulling deals and raising interest levels to heights not seen since the major financial crisis in 2008. Rising inflation and increasing costs could well mean property prices will fall, but Rightmove does not consider that house prices will crash, predicting they could remain 5% higher than they were at the end of 2021.
According to some mortgage specialists, house prices will rise by 5% this year, but these will probably stall and sales could fall to a 10 year low. For construction and ultimately fenestration, this will mean that homeowners will look to invest once again in their own homes until the market stabilises.
Despite prices bearing up against the current economic rollercoaster with low-mortgages, help-to-buy schemes and good employment levels all having previously bolstered the property ladder at entry level, this could all soon change.
For the glazing sector it bodes well however, as it would appear that housebuilding was one of the main forces behind growth in construction, although civil engineering projects have really gathered momentum in the commercial sector.
But the industry is yet to feel the full brunt of Brexit despite some advantages gained - such as control of our borders and waters; control of our own money (moving quickly on), helping us to regulate in a more proportionate way that works for our British businesses; All of these will continue to help us to put money back in our own pockets….. quite how we are now taxed on that is another story.
The use of glass in construction and architecture continues to help create some of the world’s most impressive structures. Its use over the years really distinguishes it as a material like no other that not only makes a building distinctive in appearance but which continues to have a vital involvement in the energy efficiency of buildings and the lives of its occupants.
As architects and specifiers still look to incorporate the use of glass in all types of domestic and commercial projects its rise in popularity as a material continues to grow. At more than 300 metres high, a new skyscraper is set to sit on the London skyline that will be almost as tall as The Shard.
The 73-storey building was finally given approval after a 3 year planning war and will be the second tallest building in western Europe. Situated in London’s financial district at the address, 1 Undershaft, the building nicknamed ‘The Trellis’ will have a free public viewing gallery and it is claimed it will house London’s highest restaurant. The Aviva Tower will be demolished and The Trellis will then begin construction with completion set for some point in the 2020s.
After city councillors gave planning permission for Manchester’s new £110m arts centre, work began to renovate the old Granada Studios site back in 2017. With over 13,300 sq.metres dedicated to commissioning and producing different art forms including dance, theatre, music, opera, visual arts, popular culture and digital work, as well as international exhibitions and concerts, The Factory is considered a breakthrough and defining moment in Manchester’s history.
Over 1500 full time jobs are expected to be created with anticipation that this new international forum will bring £1.1 billion to Manchester’s economy over the next ten years. It is considered that it will provide a cultural counterbalance to London as a genuine alternative venue that will provide access to the best world class culture that is available in the UK.
Construction on Manchester’s flagship arts venue designed by Rem Koolhaas was halted due to COVID-19 which naturally has delayed its opening. Additional costs and delays have resulted in The Factory now officially due to open in the Summer of 2023, although those backing the project believe that the venue will quickly break even.
Sir Richard Leese, Manchester Council Leader commented, “We’re extremely grateful to DCMS and Arts Council England for their continued support for The Factory and for the substantial award to help address the unforeseen additional costs and delays on the project due to Covid-19,” The finished structure will be an enormous, visually striking glass cube which is expected to provide a genuine boost to the arts, culture and technology in the north of the country.
With all of us tightening our belts, bracing for a bitter winter, consumers seem keen to revitalise first generation structures, as well as adding space to their homes if their budget allows. Energy efficient glazing and new products coming to the market that are set to make life easier for the installer and cheaper for the end user, it will undoubtedly be a sector to watch over the coming months.
Glasswin, offers trade fabricators and installers exceptional aluminum doors in 9 different series. With a focus on quality at prices to suit every budget, Director, CJ Kohli, launched these to provide the sector with a bespoke aluminium front doors that would create greater business options for customers.
With more than 20 years experience in the glass and window industry , CJ saw the need for an aluminium door that could suit every budget. As the majority of the front doors in the UK were either composite or upvc; to cater to a niche market that wanted a quality door and were ready to pay more for it; the Glasswin aluminium front doors were launched.
There are 9 different series that can be manufactured for modern or traditional projects in commercial or domestic installations. A couple of high-end door series are produced using Schuco and Reynaers profiles and accessories, while other midrange and economy series are produced using the profiles developed by Glasswin along with Winkhaus or Gu Locking systems. Depending on the project, the size of the door opening, the customer’s budget; doors can be manufactured in a variety of series ranging from 28mm door panels to 120mm thick flushed door leaf . U value ranging 1.8 W/m2K to 0.69 W/ m2K. The choice is vast.
Glasswin only manufactures aluminium front doors and provides the UK with the broadest choice, as no other manufacturer offers 9 different series to suit every budget. The company is not in competition with fabricators of windows and bifold and is keen to work alongside fabricators to help create more business options, with CJ and the team committed to helping them grow. For fabricators interested in manufacturing their own aluminium panel doors, Glasswin is selling aluminium door panels at very affordable prices. The door panels are 28mm thick and have a 1.5mm thick aluminium sheet on either side. There are more than 45 modern designs - with grooves, glazing and stainless-steel trims; all options are available.
In a sector where time is so important, the Glasswin team are all fully aware and trained on providing technical support to fitters and fabricators when it is needed. CJ wanted to ensure that the company could provide answers to technical queries in real-time without the need for time-consuming hold ups on a project.
For this reason, even the administration team all understand the technicalities of the Glasswin range, and can advise fitters and fabricators regarding any queries, even while they are on site. CJ comments, “Every single member of the team can provide customers with the right solution. As a smaller company we can provide customer care faster than larger companies, whose teams may not understand the issues that could arise on an installation. This is something that is very much appreciated by our customers as we can talk to them while they are working on-site on the project. They can video call us from site and we can then technically assist them.”
Understanding the demands on fabricators and fitters, has been very much appreciated by Glasswin customers, as the team can communicate and answer any problems that may arise 24/7, 365 days of the year. This flexible approach to working with customers is threaded through the business. Discussions on individual projects and information on the key benefits the particular aluminium door provides, are handled prior to deliveries. Likewise with quotes, Glasswin provides a second editable copy to all the fitters and fabricators that includes only the technical data with no prices on it. This can be used to further supply quotes to their own customers saving them so much time. CJ carefully considered this niche market sector and looked at loopholes which previously put time restraints on fabricators and installers. He comments, “Our commitment to the trade is to provide solutions and to minimize hold ups along the line.
Knowing many customers work over the weekend Glasswin is open on Saturday and Sunday until 9 o’clock in the evening via WhatsApp. We want to ensure that we can help whenever we are needed. Customers can send a text or video call and can even provide us with a hand drawn query, which we will process. Glasswin is now looking ahead to provide new solutions to the aluminium front door market. Consequently, the company is now launching a new aluminium pivot front door that can be as high as 3.6 meters. CJ concludes, “We want to ensure we have the right solutions for the market demands. With multiple options available we have the answer for any project requirements.”
For further information visit www.doorwin.co.uk or take a look at the Glasswin Front Doors YouTube Channel to discover more . You can also contact Glasswin at sales@glasswin.co.uk
GQA Qualifications, the fenestration industry’s leading awarding and qualifications-writing organisation has appointed Dan Brown as Strategic Relationships Manager. The role is a new one, created to help facilitate GQA’s strategic aims and its 5-year business plan.
One of GQA’s key goals is to create and strengthen collaborative relationships with relevant external bodies, trade associations and other stakeholders involved in vocational education and training. The new role will play an integral part in expediting this. Dan will engage with stakeholders to optimise GQA’s representation and impact. In addition, he will monitor qualification registration and certification data, identifying key trends and areas for development and support. Dan will also work with employers to help communicate the benefits of a competent and qualified workforce.
With over twenty years’ experience in the fenestration industry, spanning a variety of roles, Dan is well-placed to assist GQA in its aim of raising standards in the industry. He will also be forming partnerships with key sector bodies and employers across the other areas in which GQA operates. This will also be with the aim of encouraging and offering formal qualifications and accredited training as a means of developing people and their skills to enable them to achieve their career ambitions.
Talking about his industry experience and the new role, Dan says: “I’ve been involved in the fenestration industry for over twenty years, starting out as Estimator and Technical Support in the PVCu conservatory market before moving into the architectural aluminium sector as a Project Draftsman. This gave me a good grounding in the design, manufacture and installation of aluminium façades.
“I then moved to a global aluminium-producing company that manufactured profile systems for the building envelope sector as an Estimator and Technical Advisor, working with designers, fabricators and installers. From here my role developed into Project Manager before progressing to UK Account Manager, responsible for maintaining and developing new relationships with key industry influencers and project stakeholders to deliver complex facade solutions, and support their ambitions to drive the industry towards low carbon and the circular economy.
“I’m extremely excited to move into this role with GQA because I firmly believe that investment in vocational training and qualifications not only demonstrates the commitment of an individual or a company to strive toward excellence and self-improvement, but the sense of personal pride in achieving a formal qualification can empower people with the confidence to build successful longterm careers and improve their social mobility through education. Working toward an industryrelevant qualification can also contribute to addressing skills shortages, and encourages the growth of a local sustainable workforce.
“The timing could not be better. The Building Safety Act has provided a turning point by emphasising the need for a skilled, competent workforce across all roles within the construction of high-rise buildings. GQA is perfectly placed to support the needs of the Building Safety Act through qualifications in the construction sector, especially as we are now effectively building ‘glass cities’. It can offer product manufacturers third party accreditation for the in-house training courses they offer their staff, providing reassurance to Principal Contractors regarding the safe application and installation of projects from a competent and qualified supply chain.
All in all, it’s a great time to be joining GQA!” More information on GQA: www.gqaqualifications.com
GQA Qualifications is a multi-industry awarding body writing vocational based qualifications to support a wide range of career paths.
If you are looking to retrain for a new career, or looking to develop your skills to open up opportunities why not consider practical training in window and door installation
Learn about Building Regulations, working safely on site, how to remove windows and doors from buildings and replace with new ones
All courses fully accredited and could contribute towards NVQ Qualifications
With further assessment and achievement, successful candidates can go forward to achieve CSCS Cards to enable them to work safely on site
Training delivered in Sheffield in a fully Covid secure environment
For more information on training contact sayhello@buildingourskills.co.uk
For more information on vocational qualifications and CSCS cards contact info@gqaqualifications.com
www.gqaqualifications.com
VBH, the company behind the popular greenteQ hardware brand, reports an expansion in the levels of technical support that they offer customers.
Business Development Director Rob Norman is responsible for both the New Product Development team and Technical team.
Rob says, ”The two teams share an office space in Gillingham, working in tandem to develop our new greenteQ products, and also collaborating with our key third party suppliers to develop their products for the UK market. The guys on the Tech side offer support, both from the office and on site, to our customers and partners. We currently have seven members, with the recent addition of Ross Childs, which we are very pleased about.”
Ross Childs has 13 years hardware experience, including 8 years involvement in product testing, and will be heavily involved in VBH’s Kitemark test programme with BSi, as well as looking after the facilities at VBH Gillingham, that include a neutral salt spray booth.
VBH advise that these new facilities are an integral part of the development process of additions to the greenteQ range.
Rob says, “The recent level of investment that VBH has put into our department has been high, but this will be recovered many times over as we are able to bring products to market very efficiently. Having local facilities, rather than relying on our team in the Far East, means that we retain control of the development process.
“In addition to the appointment of Ross, the customer support side of our Technical team is also being expanded further, as we are seeking to recruit another External Technical Support Engineer to support both our customers and sales team with on-site hardware demonstrations. It’s a great time to take on the management of the VBH Tech and NPD teams!”
VBH can be contacted on 01634 263263, by email at sales@vbhgb.com, or send them a Tweet @ vbhgb.
The Glazerite UK Group has appointed a new sales manager as part of its ambitions for growth. Calum Williams joined the trade fabricator on 24th October 2022 to further strengthen its customer relationships in the Southwest.
Calum, who has worked in the fenestration industry for more than 15 years, says of his appointment: “I’m excited to join Glazerite. They are a modern, ambitious company with a great ethos and an extensive range of products. This includes heritage frames such as the Veka Imagine vertical slider, Halo flush sash and the Residence Collection products. These present some real opportunities for our installers and especially those based in the Southwest, which is home to many conservation areas.”
Calum adds: “The fenestration industry has served me well and I’m passionate about helping others break into it. I give regular career talks to highlight the variety of opportunities it offers, and to inspire new blood to become part of this rewarding and social industry.”
Calum is re-joining Glazerite’s Group sales & commercial director, Jeff Dunn, who he worked with at Consort. Jeff says: “Welcoming Calum to the team gives us a chance to deepen our customer relationships in the Southwest. I look forward to the energy and passion he will bring – he is a great fit for Glazerite and eager to start meeting existing and prospective installers in his new territory. It’s an exciting time for anyone to be joining Glazerite and I am delighted to be working with Calum once again.”
www.glazerite.co.uk
One of the single most important elements to any business, not just in fenestration, is good customer service. It’s one of the fundamental pillars to success within a company, and often the reason a business struggles to survive if customer service goes south.
But when you think about it, the foundations of good customer service really aren’t that difficult. So why is it some get it right, and some get it so wrong?
Culture and leadership
It’s really not rocket science. Good customer service is not a highly specified skill. If a customer reports a problem, attempt to sort it out as quickly as possible so that both parties are satisfied. If someone emails, answer back! If there is a product fault, organise a repair or replacement as soon as you can. If people have questions, find answers and don’t ignore them.
I’m not telling you how to suck eggs, but the very basics of good customer service are simply communicating to the end user in a timely fashion. So many times I see on social media complaints of poor customer service in our own sector due to the fact that no one is getting back to them. Phone calls and emails going unanswered. Weeks and weeks of silence on replacement parts. It’s not difficult to pick up the phone, no matter how late in the day it is. The same goes for emails.
So much of the time, the frustration shown by a customer is just down to poor communication. In my experience, a problem that takes time to fix isn’t an issue so long as the end user sees that you’re on top of the problem and trying to resolve it. Things go downhill if you ignore the client or take too long to offer a response.
I think we all know this. This isn’t new. But in my 17 years in this industry, I have come to learn that the difference between good customer service and bad customer service comes down to the culture and leadership within a business. As with most things in the business world, the buck stops with the person at the top, and customer service performance is no different.
Drawing on my own experiences, I have dealt with a variety of suppliers to our own business, and it is clear to see where some businesses are being led well from the top and instilling a solid work ethic and focus on customer service. It has to come from the very top. From CEOs and MDs. They set the example and the direction a company goes in. For example, we use Endurance for our composite doors. They’re a supplier we can rely on and there is rarely a problem with anything they deliver. However, there was a small issue that arose this week.
Already the issue has been logged and progress has been made on resolving it. No phone calls required from our end to chase it up. Just notifying them of the problem, we got an email in response and we now know what action is being taken. Easy process, clear communication, and
“CEOs and MDs. They set the example and the direction a company goes in”
have allowed us to contact our client to inform them of what is happening. Everyone is happy and there’s no major drama.
I’ve used Endurance there as an example, but I can say the same for others that we use as well, such as Brisant, Morley Glass, Glazerite, Origin and more. We like to surround ourselves with companies we can trust to put things right. Running a business in this environment in hard enough right now, so having others we can rely on becomes even more important.
As we head into difficult waters, and perhaps a recession which could stretch to two years and cut quite deep, quality customer service is a major USP that is going to set others apart from the rest.
We have seen in these past couple of years that installers are not afraid to walk away from their suppliers if they don’t believe they are getting the service they deserve. At a time when demand is quickly falling and profit margins are being eroded by higher prices, companies in the manufacturing part of the fenestration supply chain can ill-afford to lose valuable clients due to poor service.
This is where good leadership becomes vital. From the top down, a company has to live and breathe good customer service. MDs and CEOs cannot delegate these sorts of priorities. Remember that the basics of good customer service, consistent communication, is not an unknown science. It’s about answering phone calls, replying to emails, explaining the process that is underway in solving a problem, helping to generate leads, and keeping in regular touch with clients. There is much more besides of course but you get the picture. We all know how to do this. These are not difficult tasks.
We’re headed into a rough patch. Installers will look at new ways of winning additional business to try and survive and thrive. Good customer service is perhaps now one of the single most important factors that will be considered before an installer commits to a new product or supplier. Get it wrong, and that is valuable business lost.
If 2023 is going to be the year of anything, it has to be about good customer service.
Hardware manufacturer
VBH, the company behind the greenteQ brand, has recently added two new colours to its suited range of residential door, patio door and window furniture.
In response to requests from customers, the popular Alpha resi-door handle set is now available in two anodised aluminium finishes.
This brings the number of available finishes to 12.
VBH describe greenteQ Alpha as a premium quality handle set for use with entrance doors and bi-fold doors. It features a number of benefits including sprung levers, thicker fixing bolts and a flange around the cylinder profile cut out. As a part of the greenteQ Suite, it is matched in colour and lever style to Alpha casement and tilt & turn handles, and Aspire lift/slide patio door handles.
Gary Gleeson, Marketing Manager at VBH says, “Alpha was originally launched in 8 painted and plated finishes, before we added our Enduro and Antique Black options in 2019.
“A number of customers who buy these original finishes also have a need for gold and silver anodised finishes, and don’t like mixing handle styles to obtain these colours. We are happy to have used these requests as the catalyst to expand our colour range further.”
As components of the greenteQ Suite, the new anodised handles are covered by the greenteQ 10-year performance and surface guarantee, and are approved for use on Q-secure guaranteed installations. These installations are guaranteed against break-in, with up to £8000 available in compensation.
For more information on the new finishes, contact VBH on 01634 263263, email info@vbhgb.com or send them a Tweet @vbhgb.
Whatever style, size or configuration of conservatory your customers require, Eurocell can supply the components to create the outdoor room of their dreams.
Our latest contemporary conservatory design uses a combination of our exclusive pilaster system, our slimline roof system and our modern highline gutter to create a conservatory for the 21st century.
Our bespoke conservatory solution enables you to fabricate any conservatory design, or you can choose from our range of classic styles, including Victorian, Edwardian, gable-ended and contemporary conservatories.
Gloucestershire based company, The Residence Collection, is celebrating success after being nominated as a finalist in the Timber Alternative Company category at the Fenestration Awards.
As a premium provider of timber alternative uPVC windows and doors, the brand takes an approach to architecture that is big on dreaming. Offering a range of window and door styles across three collections, The Residence Collection combines time-honoured traditional aesthetics with sleek contemporary design. Installed in modern homes and public buildings, as well as conservation areas and listed buildings across the UK, The Residence Collection proves its products are both unique and versatile.
Throughout the year, The Residence Collection has demonstrated that its timber alternative window collections, R2, R7, and R9 can meet the demands of contemporary architecture while using modern technology at its very best to ensure legislation and regulations are met.
At the start of the year, The Residence Collection launched 10 new colours, bringing its colour offering up to a total of 26 colours. Inspired by market trends, each of the 10 new colours, which range from muted palettes to dramatic tones, combine traditional design with modern aesthetics.
Out of the 10 colours, three have performed particularly well: Sage, which matches the Farrow and Ball aesthetic that dominates countryside kitchens; Clay, which is rich and earthy and is ideal for replicating traditional woodwork; and Noir, which is dark, moody and contrasting, achieving an impeccable blend of new and old.
As well as improving its product range, The Residence Collection proved they are industry leaders with a reputation for modern technology. In July, new building regulations were introduced, which included a new standard for U-Values, which must now be 1.4 or less. Boasting a U-Value of 1.2 and lower, The Residence Collection has been meeting this requirement for over 10 years.
Combined with their impeccable design and high standards of modern technology, The Residence Collection prove that their timber alternative windows really can stand the test of time, so it’s no surprise they are a finalist in the fenestration awards.
Jo Trotman, Marketing Manager at The Residence Collection commented: “We’re thrilled to be finalists in the Fenestration Awards. After winning an award in 2020 in the Timber Alternative Category, we’re very proud of the team here at The Residence Collection who have continued to make the business a success.
“2022 has been an exciting year which started with the launch of 10 brand new colours which have performed extremely well, and it’s great to see them transform buildings of architectural interest and homes across the country. We’re looking forward to the awards ceremony and wish every organisation involved the very best!”
To find out more about The Residence Collection, visit www.residencecollection.co.uk.
A window and door system designed to authentically replicate 19th Century timber designs. It can accommodate 28mm and 44mm glazing to create highly efficient glazed units that offer outstanding thermal and acoustic performance, with a WER rating of A++ and U-values as low as 0.74 w/m2K. Contact your local fabricator today.
We offer a sustainable recycling solution for your old windows.
If you need a collection or you wish to deliver your old windows to any of our UPVC Recycling sites in the UK. Contact us now to discuss:
kriley@cncrecycling.co.uk Tel 01642 983188
Main plantVulcan Street, Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire TS2 1PP upvc-recycling.com
WE ARE PROUD TO BE NOMINATED FOR THE 2022RECYCLING COMPANY OF THE YEAR & KATE RILEYBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/SALES EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
CNC Recycling are delighted to have introduced a new paperless and digital waste transfer notes software system to support operational processes.
This substantial investment through bespoke development work with My Data Crate will be beneficial to both the environment and to our customers, who will now receive all their waste transfer notes electronically by email as soon as the collection or delivery has been made. This easy to use system streamlines the work for our drivers and also allows us to immediately capture all our live data with detailed reporting in our integrated system.
Graeme Wicks from My Data Crate said “We’ve been operating since the beginning of 2022, and we want our customers to grow with us and are excited to see companies like CNC Recycling adopting Crate. The team have already shown great enthusiasm in the platform and carried out some bespoke development, to make Crate run how they’d like it to, in order to match their operational processes.
It’s been great working with the team to understand how we can help them increase efficiencies whilst reducing the use of paper in the business whilst keeping them compliant.
We’re looking forward to building a platform and one day aim to be the recognised name in software for waste management. Working with companies like CNC Recycling show us that we’re on the path to doing so”
Operations and Logistics Director Richie Knaggs added
“We are delighted with the introduction of digital waste transfer notes software . We estimate we will save 75-90% of our administration time, manually managing tickets, from manually writing them out, to copying the data to excel and creating digital records. The system also allows our drivers to log daily vehicle walk around checks using NFC technology.
We take our duty of care very seriously by being at the forefront of legislation and compliance. This investment will further reassure all our customers that they are covered with the correct environmental paperwork for their waste and are supported by a recycling specialist.”
For more information visit www.upvc-recycling.co.uk or telephone 01642 983188
It’s our true belief in a strong partnership with our customers that makes the difference.
Technoform have developed a portfolio of hybrid spacers for the glass & glazing market and our range of innovative solutions comes with a 20-year proven history in increased quality & durability of your insulating glass through an optimised insulating glass edge bond.
High energy efficiency, long service life and indoor comfort are key factors to sustainable building design. High performance fenestration is a key component of delivering a comfortable and energy efficient built environment. To achieve this, a durable thermally and acoustically optimised edge bond for insulating glass is required.
Warm edge spacers work by separating the panes of glass in double and triple glazing and made from low conductivity materials. The cavity created by the spacer reduces heat transfer across the centre of the glass, and the use of a Technoform warm edge reduces thermal conduction across the opaque area of the edge of the glass. By reducing the heat transfer at the edge bond, use of Technoform range of warm edge spacer translates into energy savings for buildings. The precision engineered hybrid spacer from Technoform delivers ultimate performance and lifelong gas retention.
Technoform warm edge solutions set new standards in surface quality and match the most stringent building regulations and building owners requirements. Our hybrid warm edge spacers achieve excellent thermal and acoustic performance without sacrificing design, and most importantly, durability.
We offer you more than 50 years of experience and knowledge in the high-precision extrusion of plastics and in the development of innovative warm edge solutions.
We don’t consider you a customer, but a partner. With a global network of customer support and our three production sites, we are always near you and happy to advise you on all requests relating to the edge bond.
Technoform have perfected the manufacture of hybrid warm edge spacers from a combination pf precision engineered polypropylene and ultra-thin stainless steel, which wraps around the side and back elevation. A fully durable product, easy to process with zero moisture vapour and gas transmission. Technoform have developed this solution, fully certified to EN1279 with the ability to be processed through conventional cold bending equipment. The presence of specially engineered polypropylene bridging significantly reduces thermal conductivity. As a result, our range of hybrid spacers achieves the warm edge performance of a non-metal spacer, whilst maintaining the benchmark durability of stainless-steel box spacers.
Technoform run a unique extrusion process which allows us to customise our spacer designs to your needs, whether you are commencing your transition into warm edge technology or require the highest thermal performance insulating glass. Designers also love the aesthetics of our warm edge spacers because of the attractive surface finish and full range of colours available. Our range of warm edge spacers are ideal across a full range of fabrication processes such as bending and cut & corner alongside our range of innovative connectors & corner keys. The flexibility of the Technoform spacer also makes it a go-to for radius shaped IGU’s such as arch tops and circular shapes.
Zero-defect performance and standardized processes ensure our consistent quality. We are certified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001. Our products also comply with the requirements of applicable standards such as EN 1279, DTA, ASTM E2190 and help to obtain the RAL quality mark for windows, doors, and facades.
Our standard range of thermal edge spacers will soon be extended to include exciting new innovative solutions focussed on climate stress, PIB squeeze out, increased thermal performance and ranging from 6.2mm to 32mm in width. The current range of Technoform spacers includes a broad range of colours and spacer widths from 6.2mm to 32mm. Our West Midlands based warehouse is perfectly located to service all areas of the UK and we offer 1-3 day delivery as standard, as well offering a collection service if required.
We continuously analyze the requirements of our customers and markets to find solutions to current topics and to identify future trends. We can meet your individual requirements and propose solutions within the shortest
Thinking future. Together. Contact us today: richard.john@technoform.com | Tel: 07802 72 42 75
At Technoform, we test and evaluate our products based on applicable standards such as EN 1279, DTA, ASTM E2190 and also on your individual requirements.
Due to the perfect combination of significantly reduce the heat flow via the edge bond and are ideally suited for use in windows, doors, and facades. They are also suited for fire-resistant glass (E, EI, and EW). Our wide range of widths
varied support staff on hand, both hard support and soft support All of our team are incredible experienced which helps them get to the support requests, promptly and
support team work in the background, providing technical updates, monitoring and security checks. This very best service levels are for our customers.
support team, deal directly with our helping them through product providing quick demonstration even tailoring their software to individual business needs.
CAN EVEN ASSIST
7 SYSTEM
Director | The Green Room Building Co
honesty it was di cult to find a fault with the and understood the reasoning as to why developed. It simply helps a trade business to its best and has certainly helped us evidence of the quality of our work, keep jobs and have comfort in being able to see footage/notes and photos being taken from site installations if we as company owners are not physically there ourselves.
ONSITE7.CO.UK
Bereco have just announced the successful passing of their annual BlueSky certification audit. The thorough process involves a third-party examination of the products’ weather performance, security, manufacturing, paint application, production processes and material sourcing. These factors, among others, give purchasers a heightened level of confidence in Bereco products’ quality and sustainability.
Bereco also passed their annual Forest Stewardship Council audit, renewing their FSC100% chain of custody certification. This denotes Bereco’s wooden windows and doors are made solely from FSC® 100% certified timber, continuing the company’s ongoing commitment to tackling deforestation.
Nicola Harrison, managing director at Bereco commented, “Sustainability and quality certifications mean so much to us here at Bereco - because we know how much they mean for our customers and the planet. Our BlueSky and FSC accreditations certify our commitment to these causes and are unrivalled in the industry. As regulation evolves, builders, developers and architects must look to suppliers with these accreditations as reputable, reliable and trustworthy partners to avoid unwanted costs and non-compliance.”
Being leaders in the industry, Bereco aims to educate and champion more sustainable practices throughout the supply chain. Their most recent efforts include a series of webinars for industry professionals to give an understanding of 2022’s building regulation update with regard to Approved Documents L, F and O. Praised by attendees for their accessibility, relevance and expertise, the webinar series is free to attend with more sessions throughout the autumn.
To register, visit - www.bereco.co.uk/professional-learning
This year we have been nominated for four National Fenestration Awards! This includes ‘Composite Door Manufacturer of the Year’ and a ‘New Best Product’ nomination for our most recent development the Avantal range, which has huge consumer appeal as homeowners across the UK look to invest in their properties with a next generation, smooth skinned door. In addition to that, our very own Alan Hague, our representative for the south of the UK, has been nominated for ‘Business Development Manager of the Year’.
Please consider voting for us in the following categories, your support would be very much appreciated!
COMPOSITE DOOR MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER OF THE YEAR ALAN
VOTE FOR US BY SCANNING HERE
Sheerline’s award-winning aluminium S1 roof lantern has become one of the most secure roof lanterns in the UK after achieving Secured by Design (SBD) accreditation. The aim of the police-backed initiative is to provide a recognised standard that increases security while deterring and reducing crime.
This optional security upgrade from Sheerline ensures the S1 aluminium roof lantern is secure enough to withstand opportunist criminals, providing peace of mind to homeowners. When Sheerline’s expert design team was developing the next generation S1 roof lantern, security was a key consideration. This is because traditional lanterns have a host of security flaws and weaknesses that can be exploited.
Sheerline has overcome these issues through innovative design solutions. For instance, the S1 already features high-performance glazing tape that adds an invisible layer of security while anti-tamper rafter fixings, plus high-security radius fixings that are only accessible from the inside, are supplied as standard. In addition, glazing is held securely in position using a unique patent-pending glass lock.
The optional SBD upgrade adds additional security clamping plates, locking the SBD lantern’s laminated glass panels in place, preventing them from being lifted and removed by would-be intruders* even if rafter top caps have been removed. These stainless steel components are held firmly in place by stainless steel security screws for added strength.
This optional security upgrade is invisible on finished roofs and doesn’t compromise the stylish contemporary design or thermal performance that Sheerline is known for. Customers also still benefit from exceptional thermal efficiency because of Sheerline’s Thermlock® technology, which supports 28mm glazing and offers a centre pane U-value of 1.0.
Thermlock® is unique to Sheerline and utilises multi-chambered thermal breaks to keep heat in and reduce energy bills. Part L compliance comes as standard, so customers do not have to worry about meeting this year’s tighter building regulations. As an installer-friendly manufacturer, the team behind Sheerline has also simplified the installation process by creating a unique hook and bracket system – keeping hip rafters in place while they are fixed.
Roger Hartshorn, Sheerline CEO, said: “The fact that our award-winning S1 lantern has achieved SBD accreditation is a significant achievement for the team. We’re delighted our lantern is among the top rated for security in the UK as very few systems have achieved this standard. Today’s announcement is important because it shows our commitment to security and signals the fact that every product in the Sheerline range is now SBD accredited.”
“Since Sheerline’s inception, we’ve been committed to developing stylish yet secure and sustainable products. We set out to fundamentally change the aluminium window and door landscape for installers and fabricators, and this announcement highlights our dedication to that pledge,” he added.
To find out more about Sheerline’s award-winning S1 lantern, visit the website here: www.sheerline.com/homeowner-s1-lantern-roof alternatively, call Sheerline on 01332 978000 or email: info@sheerline.com. Follow @SheerlineSystem for the latest news and updates.
*Based on SBD’s test criteria
TO FABRICATE OR INSTALL CALL
The best looking lantern on the market just got a whole lot more secure, with the introduction of a new SBD upgrade option. With slim 50mm sightlines, and end caps that run perfectly in line with the perimeter of the lantern, Thermlock® technology also ensures it’s one of the most thermally efficient too. Available in bar length and kits, give us a call to try out the S1 lantern on your next project.
GQA Qualifications is a multi-industry awarding body writing vocational based qualifications to support a wide range of career paths.
If you are looking to retrain for a new career, or looking to develop your skills to open up opportunities why not consider practical training in window and door installation
Learn about Building Regulations, working safely on site, how to remove windows and doors from buildings and replace with new ones
All courses fully accredited and could contribute towards NVQ Qualifications
With further assessment and achievement, successful candidates can go forward to achieve CSCS Cards to enable them to work safely on site
Training delivered in Sheffield in a fully Covid secure environment
For more information on training contact sayhello@buildingourskills.co.uk
For more information on vocational qualifications and CSCS cards contact info@gqaqualifications.com
www.gqaqualifications.com
Back in March of this year, then-Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that energy-saving measures such as insulation and heat pumps would have their VAT lowered to 0%. They were already at the lower rate of 5%, but would now enjoy zero VAT rates in a bid to encourage homeowners to upgrade their homes.
Windows were not included. There was gentle outrage. Since then, there have been various attempts to draw attention to the cause of lowering VAT for energy-efficient windows and doors. So far, very little progress has been made.
In March, I began to investigate why our sector was being continually overlooked by the Government for energy efficiency schemes. Not only have windows and doors been left out of lower VAT, but they were also second fiddle to other home improvement measures in the second botched version of the Green Homes Grant which the Government also canned.
What I was told by those with knowledge of the matter is that the Government will not even listen to our sector’s request for lower VAT without showing a genuine willingness to embrace qualifications and regulations. Often there is a comparison made between the gas and plumbing trades versus ours, and how they changed their entire sector by travelling meaningfully and willingly towards professionalisation of their sector.
As a result, those sectors which have evolved and become more qualified have seen benefits granted to them by the Government, such as lower VAT rates.
It appears once again that we are our own worst enemies. And it’s hard to argue against it. Every time new regulations come along, or the idea of further qualifications is raised, we’re up in arms fighting against progression. You look at sectors such as gas and plumbing, roofing, electrical etc and you can see how much further they have progressed than we have. Instead of pushing back relentlessly against change, they got on board with proposed regulatory improvements, which has resulted in the Government and Civil Servants looking at those sectors in a more favourable light.
Us? We can’t even agree to a common position on trickle vents. An issue that we had two years warning on but still managed to create a massive mess out of it.
As I have said in the past, our industry can speak with much more power if it can work collectively to approach subjects as a single voice. It carries much more impact and demonstrates to the Government that we can actually work together and set aside personal and professional differences.
The likelihood of the sector being able to do so is slim to none in my opinion. For as long as I have been in this sector trade bodies have never been able to collectively work on a common position on anything to my knowledge. I am happy to be proved wrong on that one but I cannot think of an instance where this has happened. The same can be said for the largest cliques of companies within the sector.
For our sector’s request for lower VAT to be taken seriously, our entire sector would have to agree on the need to implement more qualifications across the board, and for those qualifications to be regularly updated via training courses, as is done in other practical trades. This would likely also come with tighter regulations to try to ensure better standards of work done in people’s homes and commercial buildings. These are the conditions that have been set in other sectors and the result is that they are seen in a more professional light, so carry more favour with the Government.
I think we all know that the chances of the above happening aren’t even close. We couldn’t agree on something as simple as trickle vents.
So if we really want to strengthen our argument to lower the VAT on energy-efficient windows and doors we are going to have to set aside ego, personal differences and other motives and triangulate on one position. We have to show the powers that be that we can actually speak as one voice. We then have to demonstrate the willingness to improve qualification and regulation levels.
This will take some time, a process that could take a handful of years. But it is worth doing. New windows and doors can make one of the biggest material differences to the energy performance of a home. With the UK amongst one of the worst countries in Europe for leaky homes, and with around 28m homes in need of retrofitting, it is very much in our interest to work towards this end goal.
METICULOUSLY
Graf Weld or Fully Mechanical
PAS 24 and Secured by Design
Energy Rated ‘A’
When it comes to organising business, fenestration can be a very complicated and demanding sector.
There are so many aspects to consider just for one project, from widgets, locks and glazing cassettes to fabricating the right sized window, it is easy to see why mistakes can happen. The upshot of this however is that deadlines are missed and reputations can be damaged.
Whether a large or small business, a project management software system is now an invaluable office assistant for installers. While there are many options out there, a number of companies such as Business Pilot, LogiKal, Teamwork or FeneVision have developed systems to meet the needs of the fenestration sector.
These types of system can be customised to the minutest detail, with everyone from board level to sales to fitting gaining the benefit of being to access information on any given project.
If a company is looking to grow then specialised ERP fenestration software will bring huge rewards and growth to a business.
The ERP systems will integrate with each department in a company, rather than every department having a different system to work from on projects. This keeps the company running smoothly as everyone can access any job at any time.
This instantly provides uniformity across a company so entire projects can be managed. This will keep production times down, and will help to keep a business on schedule.
Using the progressive billing systems will enable jobs to be changed for any special requirements, or sudden alterations, as the software will accurately adapt to accommodate the changes.
Fenestration ERP systems will automatically process transactions and create financial reports as well as audit trails, while any irregularity is highlighted. This type of system will minimise losses with greater control given to costs.
Being able to manage inventories and orders in respect of every project can be the stuff of nightmares, but fenestration software has proved that supplies and adjustments can easily be kept on track. It improves maintaining supply and demand easily and will help to reduce costs such as shipping and storage.
Keeping on track of every aspect of any project in real-time gives those who need it access when they need it. Customer support is greatly improved as answers are more readily available should any queries arise. This eliminates uncertainty and gives accurate information at any time.
With everyone looking to provide the best service for their customers, fenestration software ensures that best practice procedures are incorporated and will be updated automatically.
When a fenestration ERP system is used, the chance for errors to occur are minimised. Improving efficiency and productivity will ensure that reputations are enhanced and profits are increased.
varied support staff on hand, both hard support and soft support All of our team are incredible experienced which helps them get to the support requests, promptly and
support team work in the background, providing technical updates, monitoring and security checks. This very best service levels are for our customers.
support team, deal directly with our helping them through product providing quick demonstration even tailoring their software to individual business needs.
CAN EVEN ASSIST
7 SYSTEM
Director | The Green Room Building Co
honesty it was di cult to find a fault with the and understood the reasoning as to why developed. It simply helps a trade business to its best and has certainly helped us evidence of the quality of our work, keep jobs and have comfort in being able to see footage/notes and photos being taken from site installations if we as company owners are not physically there ourselves.
ONSITE7.CO.UK
Our trade sales team is proudly made up of time-served industry experts. We're your local one-stop-shop for competitively priced, quality assured fenestration supply across Kent and the South East
TOTAL 45 DESIGNS AVAILABLE & 21 DESIGNS IN STOCK
• 28mm thick double glazed toughened glass panel
• Standard panel size 2m x1m , 1.5mm thick aluminium sheet each side
• RAL colour in matt or textured finish
• In stock 21 designs in RAL 7016 matt finish
• Total 45 designs available
• Bespoke designs can be produced for bulk orders
More than once I have read in various reports and articles this year that the 20% of earners in the UK fund 80% of all home improvement work. Just think about the significance of that for a second. The top fifth wealth bracket in this country funds four-fifths of all home improvement work. That is a very large slice of the pie, underpinned by wealth that is very unlikely to be affected by the coming recession and the various crises that have caused it.
That top tier of client is likely to be much more inclined to purchase higher-end products. The types of homes they live in are likely to be higher in value and prestige. Plain White windows simply won’t cut it. And here lies a very profitable opportunity for the entire industry to take aim at.
If we assume the other 20% of home improvement work is going to be dented by the recession, that means we still have at least 80% of the market to aim for. That’s still a very large chunk of the market to aim for. But we have to go into that part of the market with products that are going to inspire and excite the end user. After adjusting our plans for our own installations business for 2022, I can speak from experience that it is the more luxurious end of the product portfolio that attracts the higher contract values that we are all going to want more of in the coming years.
The premise of higher quality products being more profitable is not a new concept. We have known about it for years. It’s the coming economic problems which have once again put this part of the market back into focus. It is the wealthier demographic that is going to continue to provide opportunities for installers over what is going to be a very hard couple of years.
I can speak from experience. At the end of 2021, we knew that our economic circumstances were changing. We were having regular discussions at our family-run business and understood what was coming. We also understood the changes we had to make to be able to make 2022 a successful year even if in a more general sense things went downhill. That feels like an understatement at the moment with what is going on right now.
We were always considered to be at the higher end of the market in our local area, but we knew that if we were going to make that next step up we were going to have to commit 100% to become a business that was focused much more on the wealthier demographic. We knew that no matter what economic hardships were coming, the bracket of people we wanted to attract would not be deterred. As it was, 2022 has turned out to be a good year for us, with sales of aluminium windows and doors much higher than in 2021. Flush windows have been a very good seller for us, with at least a third of the windows we have fitted being flush casements. We have sold many more bi-folding doors than in previous years, and have now begun to sell the very sexy Spitfire range of aluminium entrance doors. We’re also working more with self-builders and clients taking on larger renovation projects. The common theme with all our clients who land in the product niches I have just described has all wanted our higher-end products. Not a single shiny White window between them.
As a result, our revenues in 2022 are above that of 2021 and we are on track with our three-year growth plan. Margins are healthy as the products we’re selling more of can command it. We have been able to expand our fitting capacity, and we’re building a dedicated Spitfire showroom, as well as a brand new aluminium design centre which will host meetings with clients and architects in the future.
That is not to say this year has been easy. It has not. The types of clients we are picking up require more hand-holding and are certainly more demanding. More hours are required per contract, and specifications can often be changed or ripped up Liz Truss style. But the average contract values are way higher and so warrant the extra effort and attention.
We will always service all demographics and every type of client. But we have to be realistic and understand that there is going to be a section of society that will be deeply affected by the coming recession and so as a business we have to adapt to those changing conditions.
Our journey I have just described above is a very shortened version of a lot of work we have all put in. It has taken most of this year to do and there is still work to be done. A lot of investment both in time and money has gone into changing our course.
We cannot be scared of change. Installers can be creatures of habit, only sticking to what they know because that’s how things have always been done. That comfy, coasting position could sadly spell the downfall of some who fail to adapt to the conditions around them.
Higher-end products often mean more risk. For example, aluminium windows and doors require more care and attention. The ability to scratch and damage the frames is infinitely higher than PVCu if they are not taken care of properly. A high-end aluminium entrance door could become a very expensive mismeasure if you’re not paying attention on the final survey. Logistical considerations may have to be made when selling new products so that they can fit into your day to day running of your business. But it is worth the risk I can assure you of that.
The fact is if you’re wanting to boost your profit margins over the next few years you are not going to do it in the land of shiny White windows. This is the part of the market which makes by far the least amount of profit, with margins being squeezed badly over the last two years thanks to rampant inflation. If you ask any supplier they will tell you that much more margin is made on coloured and foiled products, as well as aluminium and other sexier products such as aluminium bi-folds and superslim sliders. Flush windows are also a very good margin-maker.
I know that some installers and indeed fabricators are already being very proactive and diversifying now to ensure that the recession years can actually be very successful ones. If you’re hoping, however, that things will just blow over and that some positive vibes will see you through, I would urge you to rethink. What is coming down the road is going to be serious and painful. There is a way to make the next couple of years a success, with a very large part of the market still on offer to make the most of. But it requires innovation, faith in new ideas and products and a hell of a lot of hard work.
Whatever style, size or configuration of conservatory your customers require, Eurocell can supply the components to create the outdoor room of their dreams.
Our latest contemporary conservatory design uses a combination of our exclusive pilaster system, our slimline roof system and our modern highline gutter to create a conservatory for the 21st century.
Our bespoke conservatory solution enables you to fabricate any conservatory design, or you can choose from our range of classic styles, including Victorian, Edwardian, gable-ended and contemporary conservatories.
From inspiring chats, to industry news to all things football, we’ve created and added these videos to the FENEX media library this month...
We’re back! Join us once again we return to the FENEX Virtual Bar to talk all things fenestration and everything else in between. Get your beers ready!
Watch our how-to-register video to see how you can get a ticket to our exciting trade show in April, where top fenestration industry brands will be showcasing their products!
https://fenex-2023.reg.buzz/ #wewillbethere #FENEX2023
Our trade sales team is proudly made up of time-served industry experts. We're your local one-stop-shop for competitively priced, quality assured fenestration supply across Kent and the South East
METICULOUSLY
BY
Graf Weld or Fully Mechanical
PAS 24 and Secured by Design
Energy Rated ‘A’
This might be the very first time you are considering changing your sash window supplier. Or, perhaps you just want to try an alternative award winning sash window specialist to offer your customers a wider choice. Either way, we would like to help you to increase your VS sales.
With 32 years focussed on manufacturing high quality timber alternative sash windows, we are true specialists and confident that our products will impress your customers. We have also earned a sound reputation for always providing an exceptional level of personal service and our entire team are committed to delivering this.
Our new specification launched in 2019 featuring exclusive new Masterframe Systems, standard with patented Timberweld® technology and we would welcome the opportunity to take you through the improved product offering and delighted to quote.
No matter the size or design of a home or project, if sash windows are required then we can help. If a specialist solution is needed for a conservation area, modern development, school or historic building our sash windows add the right amount of authentic styling to either fit seamlessly into original settings or set the property apart from other new developments.
To see the choices, including patented Timberweld® corner design, download our new brochures here.
Some of the advantages we offer as standard:
10 year guarantee for peace of mind
Made in Britain for continuity
BBA Approval on standard window sizes for longevity
Energy Savings Trust recommended for energy efficiency
Specialist solutions for challenging projects that require matching new to original designs
Free and safe UK mainland delivery
Quotes with non-priced customer proposal
CAD drawings where required
Expert technical support
Free 47 page professional conservation guide
Free product training
Call our friendly sales team on 01376 510410 or email for a quote here.
Recent years have seen a huge rise in the popularity of heritage Crittall® style, industrial-look doors and windows fit. The design incorporates a steel-look grid design with slim profiles and has been used to compliment Victorian, Scandinavian, and Contemporary properties. Whether it’s delivering elegance on external Bifold or French doors, or creating space and light internally with dividers or screens – the heritage style has been used effectively to transform the look and feel of a property.
Manufacturers of high-quality door and window hardware, Coastal Group believe that an often-overlooked element – the hardware - can make all the difference in bringing your heritage project to life.
“We believe that details make all the difference in creating an exceptional entrance, especially on heritage or Crittall® style projects” states Loren Jenner, Managing Director at the Coastal Group. “The iconic look of slim metal frames and monochrome colours deserve hardware that embodies this elegance - as the touchpoint for homeowners and visitors alike, hardware sets the standard”.
Coastal Group believe one of their latest product innovations, the Opera range is the perfect accompaniment for heritage style doors and windows. It’s simplistic, elegant design is part of a suited range of hardware, allowing customers to match finish and style across their doors and windows.
“A lot of feedback we receive from our customers is regarding the difficulty of sourcing elements of door furniture from different suppliers and the challenge this brings of matching the finishes” Comments Coastal Marketing Manager Neil Jones. “We aim to make life as simple as possible for our customers and help them in sourcing as many products as possible from the one supplier. That’s why we offer a high-quality completely suited hardware range across a customer’s doors and windows - allowing them to maintain a consistent aesthetic from the front door to the back door”. The Opera range is available in three finishes (PVD Satin Black, PVD Satin Brass and Satin Stainless Steel) and allows a consistent look to be maintained on external doors and windows as well as internal screens or dividers.
It’s not just a striking look the Opera has to offer, where performance and longevity is concerned this range will not let you down, claims Coastal Group.
“One of our key philosophies is that door and window hardware should be built to last as long as the doors and windows they are fitted to” continues Loren Jenner. “We want to give our customers peace of mind that wherever in the world their doors and windows are, our hardware is guaranteed to stand the test of time and look great whilst doing so”.
Made from Marine Grade 316 Stainless Steel as part of the BLU range, Opera hardware comes with a best-inclass lifetime guarantee. Its durable design provides excellent resistance to corrosion, even in the most exposed environments or when fitted to acidic timber says Coastal Group.
The Opera lever door handles are durability tested to BS EN 1906:2012, Durability Grade 7 - 200,000 Cycle, as Loren outlines “beautifully crafted slim frame doors and windows do not want to be let down by hardware that’s not up to standard, they need hardware that performs as good as it looks”.
If you’re looking to capture the sleek, elegant feel on your next heritage project, Coastal ask you to consider these details that make all the difference to the look and feel of your doors and windows. For more information you can email Coastal Groupmarketing@coastal-group.com or call 01726 871 025.
Sheerline’s Prestige range was recently chosen to replace aging sash windows in a large grammar school in Kent, helping to freshen the look of this traditional brick building. As the transformation had to take place over the summer holidays, it was crucial the project was delivered on time, and Sheerline’s agile service was key to helping the team at Swan Doors & Windows meet this deadline.
At over 20 years old, the existing sash balances were beginning to fail. This meant if a window was open, it could close at any time. This was obviously a serious safety concern that needed to be addressed quickly with minimal disruption to the school. Improving the thermal performance of the windows was also an important consideration and a key reason that Sheerline’s Prestige range – with its unique Thermlock® thermal break was chosen for the project. With energy prices rising, home and business owners alike are looking for sustainable ways to cut their costs without compromising on warmth.
Transforming Borden Grammar School was a collaborative effort that brought together contractors Waller Associates and Swan Doors and Windows Ltd, fabricators who are beginning to reap the benefits of offering the Sheerline aluminium range. Swan commented, “We used Sheerline over other options for this project because we liked the overall quality of the product and the availability that helped us keep to the tight timescales.”
After consulting with the school, they choose a Prestige window in a Georgian style finished in Hipca Gloss White RAL9910 for a contemporary take on the windows that were being replaced. It was key to choose a style that enhanced the look of the school but still matched its character and other buildings on the school estate.
The fabricators at Swan appreciated the quality of the aluminium profiles and the feel of the windows in operation. They required little to no adjustment on site, which is what the team at Sheerline aimed for when designing the system. In addition, Wallers Associates commented on the fact the frames were easy to glaze and said they would be happy to recommend Sheerline to future clients.
Paul Ewart, Director, Swan Doors and Windows Ltd., said: “Sheerline provided on-site technical support for our first few jobs to ensure that all our staff were trained appropriately, and that the product was fabricated correctly, which we found invaluable. We hope to continue building our order book with Sheerline products.” Since the installation, the classrooms are brighter and airer, and as the glass installed is solar controlled the classrooms will be cooler in summer, and warmer in winter. Even though the style change has been subtle, the now renewed exterior looks much improved. Changing to 50/50 top opening sash windows also means they are safer and easier to operate.
CEO of Sheerline Roger Hartshorn said: “The feedback we’ve received from Wallers Associates and Swan is a testament to the hard work we put into designing the Sheerline range. When we first developed the idea, we knew we had to overcome the existing issues within the industry, and that’s what we’re doing. We’re proud to provide unrivalled support to our customers, whether they’re home or business owners, installers or fabricators –everyone receives technical support and highquality customer service,” he added.
To find out about adding Sheerline’s range of Part L compliant, aluminium windows and doors to your product offering, or to specify them on your next project please call 01332 978000 or visit www.sheerline.com
More possibilities to cut shapes and free forms on laminated glass. Can be integrated into an existing line, or as stand-alone machine. This compact machine uses synchronised turning cutting heads, providing precise results that match the cutting plan.
• Automatic cutting of free forms in laminated glass
• Can be used as part of a cutting line or as stand-alone machine
• Laser foil separation can be installed at a later date
GQA Qualifications is a multi-industry awarding body writing vocational based qualifications to support a wide range of career paths.
If you are looking to retrain for a new career, or looking to develop your skills to open up opportunities why not consider practical training in window and door installation
Learn about Building Regulations, working safely on site, how to remove windows and doors from buildings and replace with new ones
All courses fully accredited and could contribute towards NVQ Qualifications
With further assessment and achievement, successful candidates can go forward to achieve CSCS Cards to enable them to work safely on site
Training delivered in Sheffield in a fully Covid secure environment
For more information on training contact sayhello@buildingourskills.co.uk
For more information on vocational qualifications and CSCS cards contact info@gqaqualifications.com
www.gqaqualifications.com
GQA Qualifications has identified a new style of fake CSCS card that is currently in circulation, and site managers are urged to be extra vigilant when granting access to construction sites.
Fake cards are not a new phenomenon, and the vigilance of construction site management teams can prevent unqualified workers from gaining access to their sites when they present a fake card.
The fake card currently in circulation can be identified due to the poor quality of the GQA logo, the different style of CSCS hologram (coloured instead of silver), fonts and text alignment, and the clarity of the background on the card design, though to the untrained eye the fake card may pass initial scrutiny.
The problem is made worse by the fact that the fraudsters behind the scam have also developed a background website which provides training and qualifications records for the individual named on the card, meaning when the QR code on the card is scanned it appears to link back to genuine records.
To combat this fraud, and to ensure that only properly qualified workers are able to access site, GQA recommends the use of the recently released CSCS Smart Check app where site safety management teams can scan the QR code with the knowledge they will not be directed to fraudulent websites.
For further information or to report a fake GQA card, please contact GQA on 0114 2720033 or email info@gqaqualifications.com .
This might be the very first time you are considering changing your sash window supplier. Or, perhaps you just want to try an alternative award winning sash window specialist to offer your customers a wider choice. Either way, we would like to help you to increase your VS sales.
With 32 years focussed on manufacturing high quality timber alternative sash windows, we are true specialists and confident that our products will impress your customers. We have also earned a sound reputation for always providing an exceptional level of personal service and our entire team are committed to delivering this.
Our new specification launched in 2019 featuring exclusive new Masterframe Systems, standard with patented Timberweld® technology and we would welcome the opportunity to take you through the improved product offering and delighted to quote.
No matter the size or design of a home or project, if sash windows are required then we can help. If a specialist solution is needed for a conservation area, modern development, school or historic building our sash windows add the right amount of authentic styling to either fit seamlessly into original settings or set the property apart from other new developments.
To see the choices, including patented Timberweld® corner design, download our new brochures here.
Some of the advantages we offer as standard:
10 year guarantee for peace of mind
Made in Britain for continuity
BBA Approval on standard window sizes for longevity
Energy Savings Trust recommended for energy efficiency
Specialist solutions for challenging projects that require matching new to original designs
Free and safe UK mainland delivery
Quotes with non-priced customer proposal
CAD drawings where required
Expert technical support
Free 47 page professional conservation guide
Free product training
Call our friendly sales team on 01376 510410 or email for a quote here.
MFA BUILDING CONTROL APPROVED
40 YEAR WARRANTY
LIGHTWEIGHT GRP SYSTEM
LEAD GENERATION SERVICE
Our data allows you to target your prospects directly, helping you win more sales, more effectively.
So if you need more fabricator, installer or trade counter customers, we’re the only database supplier that’s 100% dedicated to the window, door, conservatory and curtain walling industry.
And with the recent legislation changes, we can help you with GDPR compliancy too.
For your FREE trial go to: windowbase.info/free-trial
e: info@windowbase.info
t: 01453 845717
