Stratus – Six Months On

The last six months have flown by for Synseal Group with March marking half a year since the formal launch of their fully thermally broken lantern roof system, Stratus.

With the equivalent of a new customer signing up every week, Stratus has seen incredible growth in its first two quarters despite being launched at a traditionally quiet time of year. This is no surprise to the innovators behind the purpose-designed aluminium lantern roof. With a fully thermally broken system, Stratus provides up to 65% more thermal efficiency than conventional aluminium roof systems and has been designed with discreet cappings, a 66% smaller ridge and 20° pitch for an incredibly clean, modern look.

Stratus is available in traditional two-way and three-way compositions, but also boasts a contemporary range which supports the ridge solely on the hip rafters for a really minimal appearance. Available in sizes up to 3m x 6m, Stratus is a simple yet valuable way to add more light and space while keeping heating bills low, making it an easy sell to renovating homeowners.

Andy Jones, Sales and Marketing Director at Synseal Group, said:

“Following the success of our WarmCore aluminium system over the past couple of years, we noticed another gap in the market for a fully thermally broken lantern roof system which combines thermal performance with sleek, aluminium style.

“Stratus has filled that gap, offering our customers an innovative, cost-effective roof solution which adds lots of light, looks great and is really easy to fabricate and install.

“It’s come as no surprise to us that customer response has been so positive and we’ve already set up more than half of our roof fabricators to sell Stratus. We are confident they are going to see sales surge over the coming months as the days get longer and brighter and more consumers want to take advantage of natural light solutions to add value to their homes.”

If you’d like to find out more about Stratus, don’t hesitate to call our team on 01623 444345 or visit stratus.synseal.com.

Synseal Group is taking a new approach to the FIT Show this year with two product-focused stands showcasing popular brands WarmCore and Masterdor.

With a new product joining the WarmCore family, and with customers keen to see the latest Masterdor Craftsman styles up-close, Synseal Group has taken the decision to exhibit the best of both with not one but two stands at this year’s show.

The WarmCore stand will feature the popular warm aluminium folding sliding door and window ranges, the latter of which was launched at the FIT Show last year. The stand will also be showcasing Synseal’s fully thermally broken lantern roof system, Stratus, which complements the WarmCore range with its hardwearing aluminium exterior and unbeatable thermal performance.

At the Masterdor stand you’ll find Synseal Group’s quality, low-maintenance Benchmark composite door and the precision-engineered Craftsman timber door, the hallmark of the Masterdor brand which has recently had five new styles added to its 27-style range of traditional and contemporary doors.

Sales and Marketing Director Andy Jones explained:

“We have always had a lot of success launching new products and testing customer reactions to them at the FIT Show, which is why we will be once again revealing our latest product developments and innovations at the biggest trade show of the year.

“Last year for us was all about demonstrating the extensive product range we have on offer at Synseal Group and establishing ourselves as the leading supplier of window, door and roof systems to the industry.

“This year we want to consolidate that message by giving fabricators and installers the chance to see our two fastest-growing product ranges in much more detail, so they can see why WarmCore, Stratus and Masterdor can open up new markets and add real value to their current window, door and roof system offers.”

You can find Synseal Group at the FIT Show 2017 at WarmCore Stand R15 in Hall 8 and Masterdor Stand K40 in Hall 7.

In a recent contract window, door and conservatory fabricator frameXpress Ltd has supplied all the replacement products for a stunning refurbishment project in Jersey.  The installation by Jersey based frameXpress customer Competitive Windows Ltd, was part of a major investment for the homeowners who wanted to upgrade their existing property rather than move to a new one.

The prestigious private home situated in one of island’s most highly sought after areas required replacement windows throughout.  The homeowners had looked at the market carefully and specified improved thermal efficiency and security which would add value to their property.

As an investment project it was essential that only the highest standard products were installed and could be guaranteed to last.  Casement windows with Georgian bars were supplied by frameXpress in standard white Optima Sculptured.

Jason Derrien, a Director at the home improvement company, has been impressed with the overall customer service provided by frameXpress, highly praising the competence and friendliness of the entire team since choosing to use the company as a supplier.

Whilst product, price and quality are essential components to evaluate for any project, the business relationship between Competitive Windows Ltd and frameXpress’ New Business Manager Dave Stearman is equally important to Jason.

He comments, “It is a fiercely competitive market here, and there is a level of trust that  has built up with Dave, which is something I have always known I could rely upon.  Our professional relationship has been nurtured and we have built a great working partnership.  If ever I do have a problem, it is always sorted out”.

Regarding the recent transition to the Optima system Jason has felt confident in using it for new installation projects.

He continues, “I am normally quite sceptical about new product launches as they come with a lot of hype, but I have found this to be a really great system.  Many customers  also have been very complimentary about the range on offer.  This project in particular has led to referral business for my company which is always the best proof of any product’s quality.”

The luxury private home now has the benefit of improved soundproofing and excellent thermal performance and the homeowners are thoroughly delighted with the end results.

Dave Stearman, New Business Manager at frameXpress comments, “Our customers evidently want more than quality products at an affordable price.  One of the key advantages frameXpress offers is the ability to act upon the promises we make and deliver so much more than just the products themselves.  Our support team is determined to make a real difference which is instrumental in the success of this company.”

New and existing customers have increased orders month on month in and around the UK with the leading trade fabricator.  As a customer oriented business, over the last few years FrameXpress has reinforced customer care which has resulted in extremely positive results.  Evaluating the market from the consumer’s perspective and offering customers viable POS material in downloadable format has also demonstrated a clear message of strength and support.

Dave continues, “Renovations have become big business as homeowners grasp that they can get to live in their dream home much more easily than they thought.  With practical advice readily available from our team on everything from building regulations to energy efficiency is a clear advantage for our customers in a challenging market.”

For more information on the FrameXpress portfolio of pvc-u and aluminium systems then please visit the website www.frameXpress.co.uk

Picture above: Jason Donnelly (left) & Will Reader

Phoenix Doors, part of MASCO UK Window Group, has strengthened its customer services team with two key appointments reflecting changes that are needed in the way the fast-growing composite door and PVC-U door panel manufacturer looks after its customers.

Jason Donnelly has been appointed Customer Service Office Manager, while Will Reader has rejoined the company in a new proactive client-facing role as Customer Experience Manager.

In his new position, Jason brings extensive Network Rail management experience to leading a small team responsible for both internal and external customer relationships. He comments: “I’m enjoying a fresh challenge in a new industry and looking forward to helping deliver an excellent service throughout to all our customers.”

A major part of Will’s new role will involve discussing issues and meeting with customers, many of whom he knows already from his previous sales office experience at Phoenix.

Commenting on the appointments, Haydon Statham, Sales Director says: “As Phoenix Doors continues to grow, we are changing the way we care for our customers and respond to their needs in line with the Group’s philosophy. Both Jason and Will bring considerable knowledge, experience and skills to drive and implement change and improvements in customer service.”

For more information, please call Phoenix Doors on 01487 740469, email info@phoenixdoorpanels.co.uk or visit the website at www.phoenixdoorpanels.co.uk.

David Richards and Ken McKenzie

Aluminium and PVC-U door and window manufacturer, KAT, has acquired 32 year old Ayrshire Shopfronts, as the company continues on ‘a sustained period of market and product development growth’.

With current manufacturing operations in Cheshire and Sussex, this third manufacturing base in Kilmarnock, Scotland is said to offer ‘geographical and distribution synergies’ for KAT’s existing Scottish and Irish customers; but also open up new products like commercial entrance doors, automatic doors and low level curtain walling for both commercial and domestic applications, for the entire KAT customer base.

Ayrshire will continue to run under Ken McKenzie but the trading name will change slightly to Ayrshire Aluminium to reflect the broader product offering now manufactured in Kilmarnock.

David Richards, chairman of the KAT Group, said: “KAT and Ayrshire Aluminium’s philosophies and ambitions have a natural synergy, with people, products and service as core values. This puts us in a great position to fulfil projects across the full spectrum of aluminium sectors across the UK and Ireland.”

David Richards, chairman of the KAT Group, said: “KAT and Ayrshire Aluminium’s philosophies and ambitions have a natural synergy, with people, products and service as core values. This puts us in a great position to fulfil projects across the full spectrum of aluminium sectors across the UK and Ireland.”

Ken McKenzie, managing director, Ayrshire Aluminium, added: “In KAT we have a leading manufacturer, with top quality aluminium door and window ranges to add to our commercial portfolio. We are hugely ambitious and confident, priding ourselves in providing our partners and customers with a reliable, on time manufacturing service.”

Source: www.katuk.co.uk

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UK curtain walling, window and door fabricator and installer GLASSOLUTIONS has completed an extensive project for Kier Construction as part of the latest transformational development on east London’s Greenwich Peninsula.

Called The Fulmar and Teal, the project is a residential-led mixed use development on the Lower Riverside district of Greenwich Peninsula, a major redevelopment area close to the iconic Millennium Dome – now the O2 Arena – and Canary Wharf. It includes 139 homes in a mix of private, intermediate and social rent tenures across the three buildings, plus 218m2 of retail/commercial space, a car park and bicycle storage area.

Working to a design by architects DSDHA, GLASSOLUTIONS was appointed by main contractor Kier Construction to deliver all curtain walling, windows and doors for the external envelope of The Fulmar’s three blocks, the tallest of which is ten storeys. The Fulmar is part of a collection of buildings within an extensive project by property developer Knight Dragon who are seeking to create a new and vibrant district on the peninsula.

GLASSOLUTIONS played an important role is developing the fenestration specification after a revised approach was sought by the architect. In proposing a combination of Wicona aluminium systems integrating with high performance insulating glass units (IGUs), spandrels and sandwich panels, GLASSOLUTIONS was able to meet the brief to provide superb aesthetics whilst meeting a number of key design factors. These included a maximum pressure in ‘general wind zone’ of 1,200 kN/m2 and air permeability of 3m3/hr/m2 at a test pressure of 600 Pa.

The ‘stick’ curtain walling was fabricated using the range of Wicona Wintec 50 systems, which provide a slim 50mm face width and ensure excellent thermal insulation through the incorporation of a uPVC thermal break. Integrated with the curtain wall structure are windows created using the Wicline 75 Evo concealed sash system. This slim profile helped to maximise natural light transmission into individual properties and outward views, without compromising thermal performance thanks to a polyurethane insulator and an innovative glazing bead design.

A variety of door types were required, with Wictec 50 and Wicstyle 75 evo systems applied to manufacture hinged doors and swing doors accordingly. Ground floor doors were designed to comply with the RC2 European security standard. Lifting sliding doors feature throughout the development which GLASSOLUTIONS manufactured using the Wicslide 160 system. All the doors are fully complementary in terms of aesthetics and performance.

GLASSOLUTIONS’ IGU specification accommodates the requirements for safety, security, thermal insulation and solar control. It also addresses sound reduction to help keep homes quieter, with enhanced acoustic insulation delivering a maximum Rw rating of 36dB (weighted noise reduction).

The outer pane is 6mm SGG Securit, a thermally toughened safety glass, with the inner pane being an 8.8mm combination of SGG Stadip Protect and Planitherm One. The units feature a 90% argon fill 16mm cavity with a black warm edge spacer bar and polysulphide seals. This delivers a U-value of 1.0 W/m2K and a g-value of 0.49 or 0.51 for those units featuring a satin finish.

Spandrels are configured in a 6-16-6 unit, with 6mm SGG Security glass again used on the outer pane and the same cavity, fill and spacer bar and the vision units. The inner pane is a 6mm SGG Emalit glass with 60mm foil backed insulation, a configuration that delivers a U-value 0.45 W/m2K. The building’s design also required sandwich panels with a bronze anodised finish and punched mesh in matching colour for specific elements – all of which were installed by GLASSOLUTIONS too.

GLASSOLUTIONS’ external envelope project took 11 months to complete with The Fulmar handed over on 21.10.16.

Find out more about GLASSOLUTIONS at www.glassolutions.co.uk.