Hello and welcome to the December edition of NFA Digital!
As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the incredible achievements of so many companies in our industry, particularly those recognized at the National Fenestration Awards 2024. These wins are a testament to the talent, innovation, and hard work that define our sector. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists—you’ve truly set the standard for excellence this year.
With another busy and successful year behind us, we hope everyone takes the chance to enjoy a well-deserved Christmas break. After months of dedication and determination, now is the time to pause, reflect, and recharge with family and friends.
As we look ahead to 2025, there’s so much to be excited about. From emerging innovations to new opportunities, we can’t wait to see what the next year brings for the fenestration industry.
Thank you for being part of this incredible community. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and a fantastic start to 2025!
Team NFA
autoLock AV4
The future is here
AV4's innovative design combines a 40% reduction in required force to operate with wider installation tolerances for continued ease of operation and customer satisfaction.
40% reduction in required force to operate + Wider installation tolerances + Expanded range of features and finishes +
To learn more about the features and benefits of autoLock AV4, visit our website by scanning the QR code, or contact marketing@winkhaus.co.uk.
Uninterrupted security, ease of use and minimal maintenance: the BS 3700 combines all of this – and it does it all completely automatically. The first automatic multi-point locking system with integrated self-adjustment, it makes sure your door opens perfectly and locks reliably every time. Its intelligent design and matching frame parts eliminate the need for on-site readjustment – even after several years of heavy use of the door. An all-inclusive system with no service costs. www.siegenia.com • info-uk@siegenia.com Security that's always spot on.
BS 3700: the first self-adjusting automatic multi-point locking system.
The Residence Collection brings together a suite of premium window and door systems, designed and made in Great Britain.
The perfect timber alternative solution for a range of installations, from modern homes to period properties, offering a u-value of 1.2W/m2K as standard with double glazing and superior thermal and acoustic properties.
The Residence Collection Updates 1930’S Property With Popular Residence 9 Windows
The Residence Collection completes a 1930’s property with 10 new Residence 9 windows in a conservation area in Knowle near Sollihull.
Collaborating with installer, Mainstream Windows Ltd and fabricator, Stedek Windows and Doors, R9 windows in the external Painswick and internal Grained White colourway were used to provide elements of 1930s architectural design, replicating the style of the original structure. These windows offer modern functionality and energy efficiency, aligning with the preservation needs of the conservation area.
For this project, R9 was chosen not only for being the best flush window on the market but also because of its quality. The Knowle-based property belongs to a dedicated Residence Collection installer, which demonstrates the strong appeal the timber frame alternative window systems has now extended to installers and their own homes.
To complete the property with a traditional aesthetic, the Timberweld joint® manufacturing method was used to replicate a classic timber joint and added triple decorative glazing featuring antique square leads and soldered joints, capturing the timeless aesthetic of
traditional leaded lights. To enhance practicality, the leading was placed inside the glass, making it easier to clean both inside and out while ensuring the appearance stays fresh and new throughout the unit’s lifetime.
When it comes to sensitively upgrading heritage projects, The Residence Collection has gained widespread approval from local authorities in conservation areas and Grade II listed buildings throughout the UK. This approval allows for a smoother installation process for installers, eliminating a major obstacle in preserving the historical character of these heritage properties.
The selected windows exceed British Building Regulation standards with a u-value of 1.2W/m²K, offering A++ energy ratings and meeting Passive House standards with triple glazing. The R9 collection, available in 23 colours, provides optimal insulation and energy savings.
Bob Dhillon, Directors at Mainstream Windows Ltd, commented: “We are thrilled with the final result of this project. Residence 9 windows have long been a favourite among homeowners, and their popularity
is now extending to Mainstream Windows installers too, who are even choosing them for their own homes including for this recent project in Knowle.
“These windows not only elevate the aesthetic appeal of properties but also deliver the modern functionality and energy efficiency essential for conservation areas. The attention to detail, from the Timberweld joints to the antique-style glazing, ensures the property retains its historical charm while meeting contemporary standards.”
Jo Trotman, Marketing Manager at The Residence Collection, added: “This project is a perfect example of how The Residence 9 windows seamlessly blend traditional design with modern performance. We are proud to see our products contributing to the preservation of the UK’s heritage while offering a sustainable and energy-efficient solution. The collaboration with Mainstream Windows Ltd and Stedek Windows and Doors has been fantastic, and the outcome speaks for itself.”
To find out more about The Residence Collection’s R9 collection, please visit:
www.residencecollection.co.uk/collections/r9
For Installers, Fabricators and Specifiers, REHAU Answers provides:
▪ A U-Value Calculator in line with the latest Building Regs
▪ Compliance Guidance
▪ Up-to-the-Minute FAQ’s.
Access Answers today to quickly fulfil all your project requirements.
www.rehauanswers.co.uk
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Sheerline Secures Axalta Powder Coatings Approval
Sheerline has added to its roster of accreditations and approvals for its powder coating facility by achieving Axalta Powder Coating Approved Applicator Status. This is the latest enhancement to the company’s in-house paint plant, which has received an investment upwards of £1.3 million to date.
To be eligible for this approval, the company had to demonstrate it was working to British Standard 12206 and have at least five pre-treatment processes in place. Sheerline easily met this requirement as its’ award-winning products go through a seven-stage pre-treatment process to ensure a blemish-free finish.
To maintain this accreditation, Sheerline must undergo annual audits to ensure the correct processes are being implemented and followed. It looks at both the pre-treatment stages as well as the powder-coating application, so users are assured the final product offers a high-quality consistent finish.
This not only gives customers peace of mind, but it also enables Sheerline to offer a 25-year guarantee for its paint application on standard installations. Alternative guarantees are available for coastal and seaside properties to reflect challenging
environmental conditions.
Richard Shaw, Axalta’s Technical Service Representative, said: “Sheerline is at the top end of applicators – everything is very clean and clinical, everyone knows what job they’re doing, and they all pull together as a team. They’ve been a pleasure to deal with and I look forward to working with them for their annual inspections.”
Eddy Webb, Sheerline’s Production Director, commented: “This is yet another achievement for the powder-coating team and highlights Sheerline’s commitment to the highest possible paint standards. The fact we offer our customers bespoke colour choices, woodgrain foiling, and metallic finishes without long lead times is hugely advantageous.”
This is the second powder-coating accreditation the company has received in 2024. It was awarded QUALICOAT ‘Seaside Class’ earlier in the year, indicating the very high standards that Sheerline paint to.
To speak to the team about your bespoke colour requirements, call 01332 978 000 or email: info@sheerline.com. Alternatively, visit the website: www.sheerline.com/product/ style-and-colour-options-trade
EROS
Your R2 journey begins here. Residence2 windows and doors are the architectural highlight of the collection, with bold looks, clean lines and superb performance, meeting PassivHaus standards (U-value < 0.8 W/m2K).
Designed to add a sense of style to any project. R2 provides the ideal square and minimal aesthetic; a perfect alternative to aluminium using our square edge bead.
GQA Qualifications is a multi-industry awarding body writing vocational based qualifications to support a wide range of career paths.
Accredited training leading to qualifications
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
Sheerline Urges Industry To Make Compliance Achievable For Installers
Sheerline has renewed its call for the fenestration industry’s aluminium sector to embrace transparency around U-values. With the Future Homes Standard (FHS) due to be implemented in June 2025, the company argues now is the time for installers to check if they are compliant.
The issue of compliance has become a hot topic within the fenestration industry against the backdrop of the FHS roadmap, which was set out in 2023. The final specifications are due to be released in June 2025, yet some systems houses are still quoting misleading or unclear U-values or failing to make available the test evidence that backs up their claims.
Installers are responsible for ensuring the final product they supply is compliant. If U-values are properly policed within the industry – as Sheerline has called for – installers must act to ensure they are compliant. Although fabricators and systems houses will also be culpable when issues, and potential litigation, arise.
The issue of compliance is particularly important for those installers who source glass separately to their frames, as they must ensure the units they’re using meet the specifications set out by the systems house in-line with the U-value simulation used.
This will ensure that any certificate they reference is valid and accurate. This is why Sheerline has made its independently verified U-value reports publicly available and has urged other systems houses to do the same.
It’s time the industry embraced transparency around U-values, to make compliance as simple as possible and therefore, achievable for installers.
Adrian Redshaw, Sheerline’s Product Design Director, said: “Compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. In the past, it may have been an option to plead ignorance if the requirements seemed unclear. But with the Future Homes Standard, we expect the requirements will tighten.”
“Which begs the question: why would an installer risk working with a fabricator or systems house that can’t prove the U-values they are claiming? There is no better time for installers to question if the products they supply are compliant, because this issue has the potential to cause real disruption,” he added.
To find out more about Sheerline’s U-values you can trust, visit the website here: www.sheerline.com/trust/
Index Bi-Fold
Cheap imported bi-folds entering the UK market have come at a cost – quality. Sheerline’s solution to this challenge is the Index® Bi-fold. It’s ideal for high-volume retail and contract work because it seamlessly combines innovation with a streamlined design to maximise efficiency.
Find out how it can help you maintain your competitive edge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7D8CoSh7lM
Thermlock Vs Polyamide
Energy efficiency and U-values are going to become more important as the Government aims to reach its net zero target by 2050 and homeowners look to save money on their energy bills. To keep pace with demand and offer easy Part L compliance, Sheerline developed Thermlock®.
The difference between Thermlock® and Polyamide is clear, find out why.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdZmoVnw2_U
Season’s Greetings
As we look back over the last 75 years, we are proud of our success and we appreciate the loyal support of our customers, partners and suppliers.
We look forward to continuing to work together in 2025 and beyond, in providing outstanding products and an excellent customer service to match.
Wishing the whole industry a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Hardware specialist, VBH, is experiencing increased sales of tilt and turn hardware thanks to the addition to their range of the ArTech tilt & turn system from respected Italian hardware manufacturer, AGB.
In recent months VBH has widened the reach of the system by developing profile related parts for a number of new PVCu profile systems, including Profile 22 Optima and Rehau Artevo.
VBH advise that one of the main reasons that they have picked up so much new tilt and turn business with ArTech is the product’s impressive anti-corrosion performance.
ArTech is treated with ‘Activeage Hi-Protection’ coating that enables the hardware to withstand over 2000 hours of testing in a neutral salt spray environment.
Activeage is a 3-stage finish, incorporating layers of zinc, chromic passivation with silica Nano particles, and finally an organic mineral protection coating.
In addition to its impressive weather resistance, VBH advise that another reason tilt and turn manufacturers are embracing ArTech is the system’s security performance. Security spec windows have been tested to forces of 5.5KN, nearly double the forces specified in PAS24. ArTech is covered by ‘hardware Kitemark’ KM727991 and is listed as a Police Preferred Specification by Secured by Design.
Dan Powell, Head of Brand at VBH, says “ArTech is built to resist the effects of harsh climates, including our wet and salty environment here in the UK. Figures of 2000 hours salt spray test resistance are phenomenal when you consider that the ‘Very High Resistance’ top grade of BS EN 1670 equates to 240 hours.
“Add to that the PAS24 performance of nearly double the forces specified in the standard and you can see why AGB ArTech has become a mainstay of our range in a short period of time.”
To find out more about AGB ArTech tilt and turn hardware, or any other hardware in the VBH range, contact the company on 01634 263263 or email them at sales@vbhgb.com.
UKAS is recruiting!
We are seeking independent contractors for ISO 17065 Certification in the field of Windows and Doors (Fenestration) Installation.
We are seeking professionals with in-depth technical knowledge and practical experience in fenestration (Windows and Doors) installation, including design, manufacturing, testing, and inspection.
Candidates should be familiar with industry regulations, particularly the Building Regulations 2010 and related amendments, as well as product installation standards and certification schemes like the Competent Persons Certification Scheme.
While experience with ISO/IEC 17065 and UKAS accreditation is a plus, it’s not essential. Ideally, applicants will have 5+ years of industry experience, though highly skilled candidates with less will be considered. This role offers flexible, independent work in a dynamic, growing industry.
To find out more about the opportunity scan the QR code or visit us online at ukas.com/ careers Scan this QR Code to view our candidate privacy notice:
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DRIVE axxent LS: the new concealed lift-slide drive. Designed to look good. Made to perform. We have completely redeveloped our lift-slide drive to reflect this philosophy. The battery-operated motor is completely concealed within the sash and moves large elements both quickly and extremely quietly. What‘s special about this is that it doesn‘t just look like a manual solution. There is hardly any di erence in the production process either. No thicker frames, no covers and no special design. All the components in the DRIVE axxent LS are easy to integrate into conventional profile systems and connect with Plug & Play. From manual to motorised in just 20 minutes. This has DRIVE! www.siegenia.com • info-uk@siegenia.com
