MODPLAN REVEALS POPULARITY OF VEKA/HALO’S FLUSHSASH WINDOW

Leading VEKA fabricator Modplan added VEKA/Halo’s FlushSash window to its range earlier this year and Heidi Sachs, Modplan’s Managing Director, says the window is proving a hit with customers. “The heritage market is buoyant at the moment and the VEKA/Halo FlushSash has the credentials the sector demands. But as well as being the perfect heritage product the flush aesthetics mean it’s also proving to be a popular alternative to aluminium on contemporary projects.”

The FlushSash window replicates 19th century windows, helping to keep the heritage feel of older homes. This feel can be enhanced with heritage detail options such as monkey tail handles and ornamental peg stays when required. But, as Heidi says, as well as offering everything heritage applications need, the window also has a modern feel to its aesthetics, which makes it a popular option for architects and specifiers looking for a cost-effective alternative to aluminium in new build projects. It is available in a range of woodgrains and coloured finishes in the 30 colour options of VEKA’s Variations collection.

While the window may have heritage looks, the thermal efficiency credentials are certainly modern day, thanks to the five chamber construction that gives it a U value of 1.3m²k using 28 mm glazing. And for when even better credentials are needed, a triple glazed version is also available. The security is impressive too because it achieves BS7950 and PAS 023/024.

The FlushSash window is manufactured in Modplan’s dedicated factory near Newport, Gwent with orders for coloured frames being fulfilled in Modplan’s dedicated on-site painting facility. It means customers benefit from a quality product backed up with the quality service for which Modplan is renowned.

Heidi concludes: “We pride ourselves on being a one-stop shop for installers and making their lives as easy as possible. The FlushSash window is an essential component of a heritage portfolio and we are delighted that so many of our customers are benefiting from what it has to offer.”

Modplan manufactures and provides a comprehensive range of products that includes the Matrix 58, Veka Matrix 70 and 70FS systems, VEKA Vertical sliders, PVC-u patio and bifold doors, conservatories, the Vertex Open Canopy, the Vertex roof system with polycarbonate, glass or tile effect roof options, the Wendland roofing system and the newly added Ultrasky, Livin room and LEKA Warm Roof. For more information on any of the Modplan’s products and support, simply Ask the Man from Modplan.

www.modplan.co.uk

We have all seen the devastation fire can cause. The disaster at Grenfell Tower in London just a matter of weeks ago shocked us all to the core. Never had we seen such a tragedy play out live in front of us like this. It is something I am certain not a single person will ever want to see in the future.

As a result, the Government has launched a number of wide ranging enquiries to find out the catalysts for the fire, and the causes for it spreading so quickly, although we probably all know that information anyway.

Since the disaster, the Government has said that Building Regulations will be looked at, with the overall aim to tighten them up. Whether this actually happens I doubt. So many times in the past Building Regulations could have been updated strongly, but was always watered down.

But this disaster I think has caused us in this country to take a serious look at construction. How we build our buildings. The quality of those buildings. And of course, safety. The window industry has a big role to play in this, and I often wonder whether the window industry and Building Regulations takes fire safety in fenestration seriously.

The current regs

According to the Planning Portal, the national home for for planning and Building Regulation information, this is the law on windows and escape in case of fire:

When replacing any window, the opening should be sized to provide at least the same potential for escape as the window it replaces. If the original window that is being replaced was larger than necessary for the purpose of escape, then the new window opening could be reduced down to the minimum as specified in the criteria below.

The means of escape should be considered for any new window installed to an extension or existing dwelling.  If an escape window is required then criteria set out below should be followed.  It is also generally good practice to replace any window on the first floor that is not used as an escape window with an escape window.

See below for the general criteria for egress windows:

• Width and Height – Either of these are not to be any less than 450mm
• Clear Openable Area – No less than 0.33m²
• Cill height – The bottom of the openable area should be no more than 1100mm above the floor area.

Only one window per room is generally required.

I hope that most of us are familiar with those bullet points. But it’s that top paragraph that concerns me.

“When replacing any window, the opening should be sized to provide at least the same potential for escape as the window it replaces.” The way I read that, it creates a loophole whereby an existing window of a bad design that doesn’t provide access like a side opener does can be replicated in the new window. For example, in a bedroom which has only a small top opener, the new window can be made once again with a small top opener.

The wording then goes on basically to say that if the existing window already ticks the fire escape regs box, then the new one can either be the same, or reduced in opening so long as it meets those three bullet pointed requirements.

But it’s that first paragraph that concerns me the most. This wording I believe is based on 2013 regulations, and so is relatively up to date. I find it hard to believe that even in 2013, those in charge thought that it would be OK to allow installers to retro-fit new windows in bedrooms on the first floor that copy and existing bad design. This is where Building Regulations have not taken fire safety seriously enough. And it needs to change. Quickly.

Installers who don’t care

It isn’t so long ago that I pulled up to a house to quote for new windows, where over the road I saw another window installer blatantly installing windows which went directly against the regulations stated above.

This was a tall terraced house, where on the floor laid big tilt and turn windows with diamond leading. Not the nicest looking windows, but they were big openers and more than met the requirements for fire escape. Being put back in were new windows, minus the leading, but all with very slim top openers. Nowhere near meeting current fire or ventilation regulations. I was in two minds as to whether to report them. Even common sense at the point of sale should have flagged up that if there was a fire these people were not going to get out, even if they didn’t actually know the regulations.

Time was against me so I had to see my own customer. She got fire escape windows, needless to say. But this was utter blatant disregard for this home owner’s safety. My guess is that top openers were the cheapest and therefore easiest to sell for that sales person who would have only been bothered about the sale and nothing else.

It goes against what we do at our place. Although the flawed law seems to allow the copying of a bad design for new windows, we ignore it. We impress upon the home owner the vital need to get out in case of emergency, which obviously no one wishes ends up being the case. But for everyone’s peace of mind we insist on having fire escape windows in every bedroom, regardless of the design that was there originally. The window design could vary of course, depending on the house and the dimensions of the opening, but they always get a fire escape window. I have even walked away from a customer who insisted on putting top openers in a bedroom where he had side openers before. I explained the rules of the law to him, but he said he wasn’t bothered. So I said I wouldn’t be quoting him that day.

This is where we as an industry at this moment in time has to take some personal responsibility. The existing fire escape law is flawed in my opinion, by allowing, as I read it, to copy a bad design for a new window. For me, we should be ignoring that and insisting to all home owners that in all bedrooms, be it ground or first floor, their new windows should incorporate a fire escape element. Given what has happened, can we really be turning a blind eye, using loopholes, just to be able to copy bad window designs? No.

I sincerely hope that the whole of Building Regulations is looked at very closely and revamped as much as it can. No more watered down incremental increases every few years. We all deserve regulations that are fit for purpose.

Haffner Murat has strengthened its sales management team with the appointment of experienced industry man, Mike James, in the position of Sales Director. Dave Thomas, Haffner Murat’s Managing Director, said, “Mike is well-known in the industry and we are delighted to find a committed and experienced sales professional with a vast knowledge of the fabrication market. Mike brings with him the expertise and industry knowledge to ensure we maintain our momentum as the pace of Haffner Murat’s machinery sales continues to increase. “

In his appointment, Mike will be responsible for developing sales opportunities for the full range of Haffner Murat’s machinery products including the new ITALMAC range of aluminium fabrication machinery.

Commenting on his appointment, Mike said: “I am delighted to join Haffner Murat at such an exciting time. The company is renowned for the success of their machinery range and I firmly believe they are in the best position to challenge the market to increasingly accept production automation.  I am delighted to be working with such a talented team.”

Mike brings with him over 30 years of industry experience in sales, management and business development. From 2002 onwards Mike was with the Eynsham Group where he sat on the main operating board as Sales Director.   Previously Mike was with the Epwin Group for 15 years.

The appointment of Mike further reinforces Haffner Murat’s sales team as the company rapidly expands to meet the increasing demand for their machinery products.

The post Mike James, Sales Director of Haffner Murat appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

One of the UK’s most experienced aluminium systems houses, Exlabesa, has been showcasing why its products are so readily accepted on commercial projects. Paul Benn, the company’s National Sales Manager, commented: “If you want to take advantage of commercial aluminium opportunities, there really is no better choice than Exlabesa.”

The reasons behind Exlabesa’s success in the commercial sector are simple. Paul explains: “Our products have all been tried and tested in a European environment so offer proven success. They have also all been designed to be easy to manufacture and install so they add tangible value to a business.”

Exlabesa UK extrudes windows, doors and facades and all products are fully integrated to provide a complete glazing solution. The product range includes the KWS51 casement window, the KWS75 casement window, rebated thermal doors, tilt turn windows, bi-folding doors, patio doors, thermal and non thermal shop fronts and curtain walling. Also available is the newly launched steel replacement window suite, KS59. It’s a technically advanced framing system with slim sightlines that can be used in punched hole, composite and ribbon window refurbishment schemes as well as new build projects.

All its products are extruded in its state-of-the-art Doncaster headquarters which is equipped with two extruders and two ageing ovens, giving the company more capability and capacity than many. An in-house powder coating plant and in-house anodising plant means it can guarantee the quality of all its items and also gives an advantage when it comes to delivery times: mill finish items typically take four working days, paint finish items typically take seven working days and all orders are delivered using its own transport for further peace of mind.

Aside from the products being a compelling offering, Exlabesa also offers fabricators working in – or looking to work in – the commercial sector a wealth of support. Paul says: “We have a great deal of experience in-house that our customers can call on whenever they need it. Whether it’s help putting together a tender, manufacturing or installation support, we’re always here when we’re needed. We have recently appointed Ripley Foster our National Specification Manager who is working closely with specifiers while further supporting our commercial fabricators too. It means we can add value to any set up.”

The right products and the right support are essential to success, perhaps no more so than in the commercial sector. And in Exlabesa, businesses will find the perfect partner.

www.exlabesa.co.uk

The accelerator pedal on 2017 has been firmly put to the metal as in the blink of an eye we near the mid-way point of the year. With a number of political hurdles closing in, it has been a relief to see that their impact on consumer confidence is looking less disruptive than we previously anticipated. Home improvement activity is acknowledged to be directly related to consumer confidence, and there is no sign of a negative Brexit or pending-election effect – yet. Latest research from Barbour ABI has revealed that in every area of England there has been a significant rise in the number of planning applications. The cycle of consumer spending trends is accelerating through its peaks and troughs, and we now find ourself in a period of higher than normal consumer spending and the return of the trend for ‘improve rather than move’ forced upon families by soaring house prices.

Every few years we enter the same economic period, in which home improvement companies report favourable trading conditions. There is however one stand-out difference this time around. It’s a situation that has been facilitated by the fenestration sector and one that should benefit many in our industry. Previously there has been a distinctive gap between products that have been created for high-end ‘Grand Design’ projects and those that match the budgets of the middle to lower ends of the market. This isn’t to say homeowners haven’t desired these design-led products, they have just been priced out of the market. There are three factors in place today that have influenced the changing landscape of the marketplace. (1) Consumers are now willing to pay more for windows and doors; (2) architecturally influenced products have become more realistically priced and (3) there is increased availability and choice. When you look back at the latest Barbour ABI research, it is also important to acknowledge that there has been a significant rise in permitted development projects in the UK. When these are added to the increased number of successful planning applications, it reveals a significant number of projects that heavily feature windows, doors and roof structures.The fenestration industry has been working extremely hard to bring to market aspiration products that match homeowners’ budgets. Until only recently, slimline aluminium windows, roof lanterns and minimalistic sliding doors were only for the rich and famous. A quick look on the Rightmove website displays a fantastic barometer of how the existing housing stock is being improved. It is now commonplace for anything from a three-bedroom semi to a standard detached property to feature an extension with a roof lantern, wide-span sliding or bi-folding doors. The message is clear for retailers and installers: you need no longer feel inhibited offering these products to the average customer. With realistic supply prices you can now help homeowners realise their dream of turning their three-bedroom semi into a design-focused dream home.

John Cowie – Editor

The post The accelerator pedal has been firmly put to the metal appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

When the creators of the industry’s most radical new window and door system heard that a substantial ultra-contemporary house was being planned not far from its head office, the opportunity seemed too good to miss. Fortunately, the owner of the property agreed, plans were drawn up and the result is not only a stunning private residence but also one of the best showpiece installations any manufacturer could wish for.

That system was Lumi, the innovation that had recently proved a show-stopper when Co Antrim based Apeer launched it at Grand Designs Live in 2015, and the finished house has surpassed all expectations, not only for the owner and architect but also for Apeer as a model showpiece for its new innovation.

“When we began creating the Lumi concept, our mind’s eye put it in a high-value, bespoke contemporary setting,” said Apeer MD Asa McGillian.

“Then, when we saw that the architect’s drawings were so much like that mental picture, we could not let the opportunity pass. The result is not only a superb piece of architecture in its own right but also an absolutely ideal setting to bring out the best in the Lumi system.”

He added: “Many have been surprised since that Lumi has been chosen as a feature in classical and traditional settings as well as contemporary because it has a simplicity that makes it at home anywhere. But that same simplicity is brought to the fore in such a setting as this.”

The installation makes extensive use of Lumi windows, residential doors and sliding doors, placing them among a variety of exterior materials including white render, grey random stone and shiplap timber cladding.

Anthracite grey was chosen throughout for the Lumi exteriors, with the window interiors in Signal Grey. Many of the ground floor windows are single-pane floor-to-ceiling panels, calling on the high technical spec and energy efficiency that lie behind Lumi’s unique good looks. In the case of the large panes, however, the proximity of the site did also prove to be an additional bonus, as Asa explained:

“At the time, these were some of the biggest panes we had produced in the system so, in some ways, it was a learning experience for us as well. Being such a short distance away however, we were able to supervise both transportation and installation very closely and at the same time gain many valuable insights that have now been integrated into our standard procedures.”

The Lumi system is as radical in its construction as in its looks, with its triple glazing bonded to an internal core of foam-filled reinforced glass fibre profiles. To the exterior, it shows uninterrupted ‘frameless’ panes of glass while the interior has a more recognisable window profile appearance with a variety of colour and grain options to match any interior.

Asa McGillian concluded: “The Lumi system has featured in projects and refurbs of many styles and sizes all around Britain and Ireland in the two years since its launch but this one still stands out as one of the best examples of everything that the Lumi system can achieve. We are all very proud of it and it almost goes without saying that the owner is as thrilled with it as we are.”

www.apeer.co.uk

Image Above: Conservatory Outlet retail partner Amber Home Improvements new showroom, Hellesdon Hall Industrial Estate, Norwich.

The first month of its new financial year has been another record breaker for Conservatory Outlet Limited, reporting its June 2017 sales figure up an impressive 5% on the previous record.  The Yorkshire-based fabricator is crediting its best ever month to the growth of its retail network members, with four new industry-leading showroom openings over the past six months.

With more than 6000 frames, 200 roofs and 350 composite doors processed in June, it has been a very busy period for the fabricator and its 24-strong retail network.  The firm’s sustained and uncompromising growth continues to defy wider UK concerns over the economic climate and the uncertainty of ‘Brexit’.

Conservatory Outlet Managing Director Michael Giscombe explains: “The Conservatory Outlet Network is truly alive with activity at the moment.  We’ve never been so busy in terms of both orders and in supporting new and exciting growth initiatives from around the network.

We’re looking forward to building on this strong start through the rest of the financial year and raising the company to new heights, including more new showrooms, product launches and additional marketing support.

I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone within the network for their continued support; and to our fabulous staff for their commitment and dedication in processing the overwhelming quantity of orders in June without compromising on quality. In true Yorkshire style, we celebrated with a fish and chip lunch for all our staff on Monday 24^th July as a small token of our appreciation for all their hard work.”

Conservatory Outlet Limited is on the cusp of launching two new products to its ever-expanding portfolio, ensuring its retail network are amongst the first to market with the latest innovations.

The company also remains firmly focused on achieving its £20m turnover goal by 2018, and on securing full UK coverage by actively seeking new retail partners in areas of the UK untapped by its network, including Essex, Cornwall and South Wales.

For more information visit www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk

A third of small building firms say that soaring material prices are squeezing their margins and almost a quarter have had to pass these price increases onto consumers, according to the latest research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Construction SMEs have reported a range of material price increases since the depreciation of sterling following the EU referendum in June 2016. Small building firms were asked which materials have increased the most and the results were as follows:

• Timber
• Insulation
• Bricks
• Blocks
• Windows
• Plasterboard / Slate (joint sixth)
• Boilers and radiators
• Porcelain products

The impact of these material price increases includes:

• 85% of builders think material price rises could drive consumers to hire rogue traders in an effort to save money on their building projects;
• One third of construction SMEs (32%) have had their margins squeezed;
• Almost one quarter (22%) have been forced to pass material price increases onto their clients, making projects more expensive for consumers;
• More than one-in-ten builders report making losses on their building projects due to material price increases.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Material price increases have left builders under severe pressure. This research shows that following the fall in the exchange rate, timber is the material that the majority of builders say has increased most in price but the problem doesn’t end there – everything from insulation to windows to bricks and blocks are soaring in price. A third of builders report that these price increases are eating into their already razor-thin margins – and this on top of increased wages and salaries stemming from long-term construction skills shortages. Furthermore, one-in-ten builders say that they’ve actually made losses on projects due to material price increases – this is most likely to happen when a particular product or material jumps up in price mid-project when then builder has already quoted for the work. Perhaps unwisely, some builders are absorbing these extra costs as opposed to re-quoting for the project.”

Berry concluded: “Material price spikes aren’t just a problem for builders – they’re also a problem for the home owner, with almost one quarter of builders saying that they have had to pass on price increases to their clients. This means that building projects now cost significantly more than they did this time last year. What with stagnant wages and price inflation across the economy, consumers are feeling the pinch and it might be that they decide not to commission that loft conversion or extension after all. Or worse still, 85% of builders believe that home owners will be tempted to hire rogue traders who are quoting a lower price than a professional building firm such as those that belong to the FMB. If that’s the case, material price rises could lead to a flurry of botched jobs and distressed consumers. We’re calling on home owners to hold their nerve – they’re better off commissioning a more modest project from a professional builder than a high spec project from a cowboy. Don’t take the risk.”

www.fmb.org.uk 

KAT has announced an exclusive partnership deal with global aluminium profile maker, Kawneer (an Arconic Group company), to bolster its product offering to the trade residential sector.  The agreement ensures that KAT will exclusively supply the Kawneer range of products to the trade and residential sector in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Adding a completely new and comprehensive range of aluminium glazing products to the existing KAT collection and an additional stock colour, KAT will introduce Kawneer’s range to meet growing demand in the trade for state-of-the-art designs and styles of aspirational quality aluminium doors and windows.

Kawneer, which is an established international leader in architectural systems, has a manufacturing facility in Runcorn, Cheshire.  Providing commercial, health, arts and leisure, education and transport sector products, Kawneer has already supplied some of the country’s most significant construction projects in the commercial arena.

Now manufacturing signature Kawneer products at its Cheshire facility, KAT provides tilt turn windows with hidden sash technology, casement windows, bifold doors, in-line sliding patio and lift & slide patio doors. The products are tailor-made to larger measurements up to 2.6 metres high and an impressive 13 metres wide. KAT will also be offering its recently launched aluminium front door made in the Kawneer system. KAT continues its industry-leading seven stock colour proposition, with the Kawneer range offering an additional black anodized finish that is guaranteed for 20 years.

Already one of the few selected UK manufacturers of Schüco aluminium door and window systems for the trade residential sector, KAT will introduce its Kawneer products as principle range aspirational alternatives for projects throughout the UK and Ireland. As with all KAT’s aluminium products, the Kawneer range is available on a two-week ‘order to delivery’ basis.

Chris Powell, managing director, KAT, spoke about the exclusive partnership with Kawneer: “We are continually evolving to provide the quality and style of products sought by our informed customers and end-users alike.

“With Kawneer’s global knowledge and expertise, we bring a unique and robust offering that fits perfectly with our existing portfolio to add an aspirational collection for new home and renovation projects.

“With predicted further growth of our aluminium glazing products in 2017/18, we intend to lead the demand curve supported by our strong relationships with leading suppliers to offer trade customers the most comprehensive range for all small and large projects.”

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