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PROFESSIONAL
HOUSEBUILDER WWW.PHPDONLINE.CO.UK
SEPTEMBER 2021
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THE LATEST STYLES AND TRENDS IN WINDOWS AND DOORS Page 20 | Behind the scenes at Quickslide Page 22 | Quickslide windows deliver style and character Page 24 | The latest trends and styles in doors Page 26 | The growing popularity of flush sash options
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Quickslide has been at the forefront of fenestration for almost 20 years.
At Quickslide ‘Enough’ is never enough….
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here is always a better way of doing things, to improve the efficiency in the way something is manufactured, the way it travels through a factory, in the way technology processes the information supporting that product, how customers are dealt with, the communications system used… everything can be sharpened, improved, made better,” says Adrian Barraclough, Chairman of Quickslide Ltd. This inherent instinct towards and commitment to continuous improvement was one of the founding concepts of Quickslide almost 20 years ago, when the owners looked at the market for vertical sliding, box sash windows. With an estimated six million homes built using this traditional type of window, the majority of which were installed in normal, modest homes, the choices for the owners to replace poorly performing, failing windows were limited to expensive,
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largely hand-made timber framed windows that were way beyond most budgets. Quickslide is credited with popularising affordable replacements, manufactured on a large scale and using modern materials, with short lead times and national distribution. Since then, Quickslide has developed the vertical sliding sash window in terms of its efficiency, quality of manufacture and authenticity of design. The company has also added a full range of casement windows and residential, bi-folding and sliding doors, in PVC-u and aluminium, all manufactured to the same meticulous standards. Quickslide is now regarded as a key supplier of all types of windows and doors, for all applications.
Why Housing? The windows and doors and other fenestration elements of a property play a great part in defining the character and
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has more “thanQuickslide 15 years’ experience supplying new build projects, from small developments to multi-home sites.
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personality of a home, as well as its performance, and the safety, comfort, convenience and wellbeing of the residents. The influence that windows and doors can have on the desirability of a property is often underestimated. We work with developers and builders to find the right combination of glazed elements for a property, from design and specification to the provision of supporting marketing materials and displays for show homes. In providing this service we are echoing the importance that established homeowners place on the choice of new windows and doors for their homes. And whilst developers attach more importance now than ever on this
detail, we believe that a great deal more can be achieved with the right supply partner, one that can share a deep understanding of the subject. Quickslide has more than 15 years’ experience supplying new build projects, from small developments to multi-home sites. We understand the needs of developers and demands placed upon them, from local authorities to homebuyers and all points between. We work strictly to budget and deadline and understand the specific logistical requirements of new-build including sitesafety and protocols; and have the knowledge, experience, systems and capability to supply to site on-time, every time to agreed schedules. Our award-winning PVC-u and aluminium windows and doors are consistent in quality, specification and appeal across every market that we supply, designed to meet the most rigorous challenges of Building Regulations as much as the discerning eyes of potential buyers searching for the perfect home for them and their families. In short, we are the perfect supply partner for your windows, doors and fenestration products.
K E Y FA C T S Established: 2004, Privately owned Location: Brighouse, West Yorkshire Size of factory: 150,000ft2 No of Employees: 162 Production volumes: 60,789 products in 2020 Distribution: National, via own fleet of six 18-tonne lorries and four vans
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Windows on the world The choice of windows for a new property can have enormous influence on a buyer’s impression of a home.
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P
erhaps to restate the obvious, windows achieve far more on and in a building than allowing light whilst providing protection against the elements and, of course, intruders. They provide the essential character of structure, for whatever it is intended. So much so that the choice of styling and detailed elements can define a building. For better and for worse. Windows and doors provide the ‘face’ of a home. And the prettier the visage the greater the immediate, kerbside appeal of a property. Potential buyers entering a home will be easier to close when they already like the look of a place. Sales basics, right? And yet despite having a broad understanding of this point many housebuilders have neglected fenestration, relegating this key building element to one of providing the essential and largely regulated basics, in terms of styling and performance. At Quickslide we know that choosing and specifying the right windows, the ‘eyes’ of a home, can elevate both the desirability of a property for potential buyers as well as generating higher revenues for the developer. This process is far more than simply choosing leaded lights or Georgian bars for period-styled properties. There is a huge choice of window and profile styles, frame colours, glass unit performance and style; and hardware, both its style and performance, can make an immense
difference to a buyer’s intuitive and analytical perception of a property. In simple terms, the choice of windows for a home can have enormous influence during both the marketing and buying process as well as long term buyer satisfaction. Even more so in terms of that crucial ‘first impression,’ than kitchens, or bathrooms.
A finger on the pulse The most effective way of designers choosing the styling elements when designing homes is to follow the home improvement sector. Quickslide is an influential supplier of windows and doors to independent installers in this sector and their success is greatly dependent upon having the styles and options that homeowners are seeking at the point of sale. Windows are no longer white squares, chosen in PVC-U principally for ease of maintenance and are as much chosen according to trends as any other element. For example, more than half of all window frames that we manufacture for the home improvement sector at Quickslide are now coloured, with homeowners able to choose from a huge pallet. Quickslide’s housebuilder customers benefit from both the finger on the pulse that we enjoy as fabricators in a highly competitive industry, as well as our ability to introduce new features with the minimum of notice.
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There is, however, a “clear trend by developers to move away from standard white frames Current trends
Case Study
Such is the fickleness of window trends, last year’s Number One choice for coloured PVC-U frames Anthracite grey, is now replaced in significant numbers by Agate Grey. Essentially, homeowners have moved away from what is essentially ‘black’ frames to the more subtle hues of the lighter grey, thus toning down what was a dramatic and defining effect on a property. The choice of aluminium however, often follows a desire for an ‘architectural’ or ‘Scandi’ feel, dependent upon the core window design chosen. Black and darker greys remain very much the dominant selection here. Woodgrains, those chosen to emulate rich hued timbers, are out of favour, with our Projects Manager unable to recall the last time she processed a frame in a rosewood finish. There is however a clear trend by developers to move away from standard white frames of any design, something that will have a positive effect on their sales. Flush sash frames are also continuing to sell well, providing a stylish alternative to many homes that is not constrained by historical authenticity; this style looks good on most properties and especially finished in a subtle tone. So popular is this choice of window becoming that we have prepared a special focus in this supplement. Turn to page 26.
PVC-U sliding sash windows from Quickslide have brought traditional style and Secured by Design-accredited security to a new apartment building, situated in a Conservation Area. Contractor, MV Construction (GB), specified 52 Quickslide Legacy VS windows in Agate Grey on Smooth White for the West Street Apartments project. The three-story new-build, situated in Retford, comprises 6 x 1bedroom and 6 x 2-bedroom dwellings. While the project’s Conservation Area status meant planning permission was originally granted based on the installation of wooden sliding sash windows, it was eventually agreed that PVC-U versions would also be considered for an aesthetic that was inkeeping with the character of the surrounding buildings and architecture. Roger Vernon, Contracts Manager at MV Construction (GB) said: “When we started looking at costings for timber VS
Don’t forget the hardware Using the comparison with kitchens and especially the seductive silent, gliding drawers and cupboards, the tactile element of windows and doors should also be exploited and promoted. How a window unlocks and locks and then
opens and closes, can be highly influential on a buyer. Satisfying such sensual elements can be equally important to a buyer even when compared to discussing the security elements. Choosing the most secure hardware is important and buyers may well be satisfied with a simple statement that ‘it is the most secure you can buy madam’, but increasingly, customers will have undertaken some research and at least an awareness of ‘PAS 24’ and other security standards. But if the handle turns and opens smoothly and the window opens with a welldamped and oiled feel, well…sign right here.
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windows, the quotes were alarming – coming in at around £55K plus installation – so we were glad when the planning and conservation teams finally agreed that we could look to install PVC-U instead of wood. “We found Quickslide via Google, having never worked with them before. Jessica Saxby – one of the company’s Project Managers – was a great help. Not only did she fill us with confidence that Quickslide’s products were perfect for the job, in terms of aesthetics, security, performance and compliance, but she also provided us with a great deal!” Roger added: “Quickslide has provided an exceptional service that we feel is efficient, effective and honest in its approach. All products supplied have been of a very high standard, and we would strongly recommend working with Quickslide. Their consistent reliability, professionalism, and product quality makes the whole buying process a pleasure.”
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Where once it was as simple as front and back doors, maybe with French Doors out on to a patio, the choice of doors can be made from a list that can be more comprehensive even than for windows.
If windows are the eyes… then doors provide the smile T he traditional ‘front’ door has remained a conservative styling choice for many homes with doormakers sticking to traditional designs for fear of taking home buyers too far out of their comfort zones. But these days the choice is enormous and with an emphasis on high quality both in appearance and manufactured quality. And just as homebuyers figure PVC-U or aluminium high on their spec list, then so too will they favour composite doors. Why? Pretty much for the same reasons: low maintenance, energy efficient, draft-proof and highly secure. And top of the list, for first impressions at least: looks! And today there is an enormous choice, from traditional with leaded lights, through to some stylish, contemporary models which, whilst providing something more avant-garde, are increasingly popular amongst home buyers looking for
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a modern – and upmarket – edge, without upsetting the aesthetic applecart.. Whilst back and side doors tend to remain functional over form, specifying and emphasising high security to home buyers for what is one of the most vulnerable parts of a home, will quickly get them onside and for very little additional cost.
Into the garden Traditional French doors have made a comeback because they offer a classy, stylish connection with the outside world. French doors and the addition of side lights provides a stylish alternative to the ubiquitous sliders, and especially when space does not allow for wide openings. Inspired by so many Grand Designs projects with their soaring glass walls and doors, people love bi-folds and actually, on upmarket properties, many buyers
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might expect them to be fitted as standard. Again, using the advice on choosing tactile, high-quality hardware on windows, a well-specced bi-fold provides a lure to homebuyers who will not be able to resist tugging the handles and swooshing the doors aside. Sliding patio doors continue to provide a worthy alternative and their design and function have long moved on. The key
Case Study A range of high-performance door products, fabricated and supplied by Quickslide, brought period charm to the large-scale redevelopment of historic Featherstone Hall, the last of four great houses that once dominated the Yorkshire village of North Featherstone, near Pontefract. The great house and its grounds have been transformed into 15 beautiful family homes by high-end developer, Brebur Ltd, who didn’t hesitate to contact Quickslide for the perfect doors and windows to complement the heritage site. As part of the redevelopment, the hall itself has been divided into three stylish and characterful period homes, while the sympathetically restored coach house has also been converted into a charming, detached home. In addition, there are 11 new-build detached family homes on the site, each designed in keeping with the same classic and elegant feel of the original buildings. Brighouse-based PVC-u specialist, Quickslide, provided more than 100 products for the development, including five PVC-U sliding patio doors with a laminated glass upgrade to meet the stringent PAS 24 security criteria. The fabricator also supplied 27 composite
advantage that sliders have over bi-folds, is the relative, uninterrupted view provided by the larger glass area/less obtrusive framing that they offer. Combined with slim framing and supersmooth runners and locking systems, the arguments for specifying sliders, especially on wider openings, is compelling. And price differentials are closer than ever.
doors with PAS 24 as standard, and six bi-folds, also upgraded to meet PAS 24 with laminated glass, 10mm shoot-bolts, and high-security cylinders for the master door and the intermediate door handles. Tom Swallow, Quickslide’s Sales Director, said: “We’ve been working with Brebur on the Featherstone Hall project since January 2019 and we’re proud that we’ve managed to minimise disruption and keep within budget despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. “As specialists in heritage products, our door and window ranges were perfect for the redevelopment of a site steeped in history like this, that combines old with new. The project has allowed us to showcase all the things we excel in at Quickslide: quality, contemporary products that bring all the benefits of modern PVC-U to the traditional window and door designs of the past.” Summing up, Tom Swallow added: “The Featherstone Hall redevelopment project clearly shows that Quickslide can deliver for large-scale builds as well as the smaller domestic projects, and everything in between. Whether the client is large or small, we can offer a bespoke service to meet their needs, ultimately ensuring that we deliver innovative products which add comfort, security, style and value to any home.”
Traditional French “doors have made a comeback because they offer a classy, stylish connection with the outside world.
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Britain is going flush! T
Flush sash windows are fast growing in popularity.
Bringing it all together Identifying the very best components and materials and pulling them all together to provide one, beautifully coordinated package, is best achieved through a partnership. Quickslide don’t just understand windows and doors, we are passionate about them. The best results are achieved through a true partnership with our customers, in which ideal solutions are achieved by working closely together. Our partnerships with housebuilders provide a close relationship that is focused on specifying the right combination of product, styles and finishes for every property. Experience spanning fifteen years allows us to provide a balanced consultancy based upon aesthetics, budget, local competition and architecture and even such considerations as local social needs and expectations. Our focus is on supplying the perfect style and specification of windows and doors, for every development and build.
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he flush sash window frame is currently the fastest growing new window in Britain. And yet the style is centuries old. As the name suggests, the casement in flush sash windows sits flush with the fixed part of the frame, thus offering a clean, uniform look. And whilst the style is first recorded installed in properties during the 19th Century, unlike other window types that clearly define the architectural period of a building, flush sash windows look good in a range of homes. Although ‘rediscovered’ relatively recently, flush sash windows are fast growing in popularity. And Quickslide’s supply partner for this style of window, renowned international brand Deceuninck, recently carried out independent research to determine this. In the survey, which was carried out by YouGov, 62% of those surveyed said that they would choose a flush casement compared to just a third (33%) who would rather have the standard casement option.
Window renaissance In fact, this style of window, combined with the availability of coloured finishes and other options, have been responsible for a renaissance in home improvement window sales. From being largely a distress purchase, increasing numbers of homeowners now replace their windows and doors as part of home refurbishments that are more connected to redecoration and improvement rather than failure.
Housebuilders and developers are now tapping into this, appealing to potential buyers with well thought out windows and doors that remove any question of having to make early improvements to their new homes. The industry leading Deceuninck flush casement window manufactured by Quickslide offers a Window Energy Rating (WER) of as high as A and U-values as low as 1.4W/m2K. Airtightness is Class 4, Water tightness Class E900, Wind Resistance Class A4. PAS 24 security tested, and Part Q approved, Quickslide offers the flush window with standard 45-degree welds, seamless welds or with ETL (external timber look) joints for greater authenticity and comes with a night vent facility, Georgian bar option and choice of traditional ironmongery.
Open the Door Quickslide also offers the Deceuninck dedicated open-out flush door sash to match the windows, achieving U-values as low as 1.4W/m2K. As with the window, the door is also PAS 24-approved and comes with option of standard or seamless corner welds, achieving Class 4 Air Permeability, Class 4A Water Tightness and Class A3 Wind Resistance. Our flush sash windows and doors can be colour matched throughout, with subtle greys, greens and creams most often chosen by our home improvement customers, with colour now accounting for more than 40% of our factory output. Quickslide is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of the flush sash window and door, having invested heavily in production facilities together with customer support advice and marketing assets to strengthen this position in the market.
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