Mila Window And Door Maintenance Gets Corgi Fenestration Registered

CORGI Fenestration is delighted to announce its first repair and maintenance sector registration – Mila Window and Door Maintenance.

Mila Window and Door Maintenance have completed over 1.1million repairs in the social housing sector. The company offers a range of value for money services all related to the repair, maintenance or replacement of window and door hardware across the entire spectrum of social housing stock types.

Mila Window and Door Maintenance also works extensively with commercial organisations, and the health and education sectors. No job is too big or too small.

Mila Window and Door Maintenance passed the CORGI Fenestration audit with flying colours.  The company will be able to display the CORGI Fenestration mark that tells its customers that the business is committed to best practice across well qualified staff and the best in customer service.

Tristan Cooke, Mila Window and Door Maintenance Managing Director commented: “Achieving CORGI Fenestration recognition gives us a badge which underlines all the good things we do with one simple and instantly recognisable mark, and we are delighted to be recognised as being good enough as a business to have achieved it”.

“It is the next step for us in being recognised for delivering outstanding resident care, and builds on the work we have been doing for many years to engage with the residents we work with to deliver the most considerate and respectful working practices when in their homes”.

“We are delighted to welcome Mila Window and Door Maintenance into the CORGI Fenestration family – the first maintenance sector business to sign up,” commented

Chris Mayne, CEO of CORGI Fenestration.  “We were very impressed by their commitment to the CORGI Fenestration core values of trust, reliability, expertise, quality and best practice.”

CORGI Fenestration recognises the achievement of best practice in the sector – from managed workforce competence to management control processes – through the use and display of the most recognised mark in the home improvements sector.  CORGI.

The whole supply chain can achieve CORGI Fenestration Registration – from system houses, fabricators, component and IGU manufacturers through to installers and repair and maintenance services.  Both commercial and domestic building sectors are covered.

CORGI Fenestration has established a set of strict criteria for companies through which the highest of standards and management best practice can be recognised and publicised, such as QMS (Quality Management Systems).

Products covered are:  windows, roof windows, roof lights, doors, roof lanterns, conservatories, orangeries, glass extensions, sun rooms, tiled roof glass extensions, replacement conservatory roofs, porches, shop fronts, curtain walls, facias, bargeboards, cladding, soffits, guttering and downpipes.

CORGI Fenestration accepts all glazing sector qualifications awarded by partner organisation GQA Qualifications.  Staff with these qualifications can now be issued with their personal CORGI Fenestration branded card and will be listed on a Skills Register.

Further information:-  enquiries@corgifenestration.co.uk    www.corgifenestration.co.uk  Tel:  0800 246 1729

White Oaks, Plymouth

Devon’s Fenster Fabrications has contributed to a multiple award-winning architectural project in Plymouth. The White Oaks development saw noted contemporary building specialist Barc Architects design a stylish, modern home for a couple with a passion for architecture and interior design. Initially asked to renovate and extend an existing bungalow, Barc advised the couple it would be more cost-effective to rebuild from scratch – and called on Fenster Fabrications to provide sleek and stylish aluminium glazing products that would suit their desired aesthetic. Fenster contributed one of its flagship Uni_Slide doors, alongside other glazing products. Uni_Slide is an ultra-slim aluminium sliding door, equally suited to commercial and residential applications.

Offering exceptional thermal efficiency, build quality, and desirable minimalist aesthetics, Uni_Slide can achieve frame sightlines as slim as 20mm, and a slim central interlock, while being able to support sliding panels of up to 3m high and 2.2m wide. The product can be assembled in a limitless run of units, with each panel capable of holding up to 320kg of glass. Tony Drake, Fenster Fabrications Managing Director, commented: “Uni_Slide makes a fantastic addition to any residential development. It can offer a sense of sleek luxury to any architectural development, and, for installers, it’s an excellent way of appealing to the lucrative high-end of the market. We’ve had a great response to our search for Uni_Slide installation partners so far – but we’re still looking for exceptional installers, dedicated to quality products and fantastic customer service, to join the network. If you think your business fits the bill, don’t hesitate to get in touch!”

For its role in the White Oaks project, Fenster was named the FIT Show’s Installation of the Month in April 2017, and shortlisted for Installation of the Year. The development as a whole also received the Local Authority Building Control Building Excellence Award for Best New Dwelling.

The post Uni_Slide makes a stylish impact appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

Picture above:  Robert Thiroff is set to develop global sales for Liniar

Leading PVCu systems house Liniar has today announced the appointment of Robert Thiroff to the new post of International Sales Director.

The Liniar range has grown substantially within the UK and Ireland since its launch in 2008 – and the next step in its growth strategy is to develop the Liniar and Alumina brands internationally, utilising the strengths and contacts of parent company Quanex.

Robert is ideally placed to help take these innovative brands forward worldwide. He has a wealth of experience and a background within the construction industry; of which 25 years have been within PVCu window and door extrusion.

Spending the last 9 years with the profine International Group (Kommerling), Robert held roles as Chief Sales Officer Worldwide, Regional Director and Managing Director UK/IRE. Prior to that, he spent 16 years at Plastmo profiles.

Robert says: “I have the utmost respect and admiration for Roger Hartshorn, and have followed his many achievements within our industry over many years. I have seen the Liniar brand develop from its inception into the leading PVCu window and door profile in the UK – and having worked with Roger and the HL Plastics team in recent years, I believe the company ethos fits perfectly with my own vision and values.

“With the support of the vastly experienced Liniar team, I am excited to explore the development of our brands into new countries, together with the opportunities this brings for existing Liniar fabricators. I see many positives for the group and our innovative product range, especially with the realisation of Brexit and the export opportunities our currency brings.”

Group CEO Roger Hartshorn commented: “I’m delighted Robert is joining the Liniar team – his experience in the global fenestration market will enable us to develop new overseas relationships and mark the next stage in Liniar’s evolution.”

www.liniar.co.uk

For 45 years, Titon’s core product has been the window trickle (or ‘background’) ventilator, with the company renowned as the biggest manufacturer and supplier of these products in the UK. Titon has maintained its position as the industry leader through constant research and product development, ensuring the company is still able to offer the largest range of trickle vents on the market today – having sold over 50 million vents to date.

Titon’s trickle ventilators assist in compliance with ventilation regulations in the UK & overseas, and are suitable for all types of window – including timber, aluminium or PVCu, offering increased ventilation that other manufacturers cannot match. As a result, specifiers can pick Titon products to ensure compliance for a choice of ventilation systems in different dwelling types, without constant specification changes. Additionally, fabricators can remain safe in the knowledge that only the minimum number of ventilators required need to be used to achieve compliance.

Indoor air quality

By providing adequate levels of background ventilation, trickle vents also play a key role in removing air pollutants from inside a property and ensuring good levels of indoor air quality (IAQ). While this subject has made headlines during the last 18 months, Titon’s products have been ensuring excellent levels of IAQ for over decades now.

Movement of air helps disperse general moisture in other habitable rooms (besides bathrooms and kitchens); if the moisture doesn’t escape, it can build up, leading to potential mould growth problems, affecting not only occupants’ health but also damaging the building itself. It also ensures volatile organic compounds (VOC) do not stay in the air indefinitely.

Latest developments

High performance acoustic vents such as Titon’s SF Xtra Sound Attenuator also offer vastly improved levels of sound attenuation. The basic versions of this surface mounted aluminium slot ventilator are the shortest available capable of providing 5,000mm² EA – while being equally suitable for domestic or non-domestic applications. This short length means fewer vents are needed to comply with an application’s required EA. Plus, there are two width variants (one for use over a 13mm slot, the other for a 16mm slot), as well as made-to-measure sizes or bar lengths for self-assembly, all of which can be used with either a plastic or aluminium canopy.

Commenting on the company’s extensive product range, Tyson Anderson, Sales & Marketing Director at Titon said: “We have been producing trickle ventilators for 45 years now, and window manufacturers, specifiers and fabricators rely on us for our knowledge and advice. This has become more commonplace since the recent increased industry and consumer awareness of the dangers of poor indoor air quality, plus more focus on sound attenuation requirements. At Titon, we have the expertise and the product portfolio to ensure there is always a trickle ventilator option available, which will perform to the required standards and be competitively priced.”

For more information on Titon and its range of trickle vents, visit: www.titon.co.uk

Leading aluminium systems company Reynaers has launched a brand new window for the trade. Designed specifically to meet the needs of UK homeowners, its new Slimline 68 window offers a perfect combination of exceptionally slim frames and the highest levels of performance. Perfectly complementing both contemporary and traditional styles of property, the Slimline 68 window is stylish and timeless in its design. With sleek, clean lines, these windows can transform the appearance of any home, adding value to the property while also making it warmer, brighter and more secure.

Rebecca Cope, Marketing Manager at Reynaers, said: “This window is the first of its kind for Reynaers, in line with our increased focus on the trade market. Whilst Reynaers prides itself in offering specialist and innovative products, we identified a need for a high-quality and high-performance standard casement-style window that will suit the needs of homeowners across the UK. The aluminium SL 68 frames are available in hundreds of colours and combinations, with a choice of handles to suit each individual project. This personalisation makes SL 68 an attractive alternative to the generic uPVC household window systems, with frames that are slimmer, more durable and with a luxury feel.”

SL 68 is designed to offer the ultimate in flexibility. The strength of the aluminium frame and the clever design make it possible to create windows with surprisingly large panes of glass. These factors combined with its ease of maintenance and durability make it the perfect window for homeowners concerned with quality and performance. Available in a huge range of design options, the SL 68 also has industry-leading thermal insulation, weather resistance and security. With triple glazing, a U-value of 1.0 W/m²K and a Window Energy Rating (WER) of A++ can be achieved. With double glazing, the U-value can go down as far as 1.4 W/m²K and an Energy Rating of A. SL 68 security meets PAS24 and Secured by Design standards, as well as achieving Class 4 air tightness. The window has a wind-resistance rating of E2400, and water-resistance of E1050. As the name suggests, SL 68 has a frame depth of 68mm, and can carry a maximum glass thickness of 43mm.

Reynaers’ impressive selection of doors, together with this latest offering means that fabricators and installers are able to choose from a range of trade products of exceptional quality and performance.

The post Brand new high-performance window for the trade from Reynaers appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

To attract new blood to this industry, money is often used as a way to tempt people into a career in the fenestration industry. There are though varying rates, depending on what you do, your age, your position within the company etc. There are perks for some, but not perks for all. The debate around what is a fair wage is omnipresent in this country.

But what is a fair wage in this industry? What should we be getting paid? How much do you think you are worth? I’m not talking about those in the highest positions. But of those on the ground, doing the selling to home owners and installation. The ones that literally keep the industry moving.

What is a good day rate?

From a fitting point of view, this is where (in theory) the better the money the better talent you can attract to your business. Especially now, given that the talent pool seems to get shallower every year.

Many fitters are still self employed. A few are employed, but this isn’t the norm. Not yet anyway. For those that are self employed, fitting as much as you can during the working week is vital. Many get paid per item fitted, so from a fitter’s perspective they want the company they are working for to sell as many house fulls of windows and doors as they can!

As a daily average though, what should they be coming out with? I know that geography, which part of the country they are living in, is going to have an influence. What should it be though? £100 per day? £150? £200? It’s worth remembering if they are self employed that they will have to take off tax, fuel, van running costs etc. £150 per day can easily be whittled down to £100 when you take all of that into account. In a five day working week is £500 enough? Considering the work involved, I think that’s on the low side. If you’re down south, where living costs are higher than where I live in Wakefield, £500 per week probably is going to get you very far.

What about sales staff? Those who go into people’s homes and try to convince them to spend their hard earned cash with them. It’s nowhere near as physically difficult as the installations side, but it is mentally draining. You work unsociable hours, spend hours in front of screens. A wage isn’t always known either. Those who are employed are most likely on a low basic wage which then has to be topped up with commissions. Security to some degree, but not ideal if you’re going through a dry patch.

Sales people’s wages are calculated on a yearly basis? So what is a good wage for a sales person selling to the general public in the residential sector? £25k per year? £30k? £35k? More? My guess is the average lies somewhere around the £30k mark. That’s £2500 a month, £625 per week. The average yearly wage in the UK is £27,195 for some perspective.

Do I think these amounts are enough? Probably not. Do I believe that we should be doing something to raise wages? Yes. But we’re at a tipping point right now in the industry, and I don’t think we can afford it.

Pay is on the low side

Generally I think fitters, sales people, reps for fabricators etc are underpaid to some degree. I think fitters and sales people suffer the worst. I’m not saying they are badly paid, but I reckon there is room to push things north.

Problem is, we’re in a period in our industry right now that is struggling with major price increases coming in from every direction. Certain demographics appear to be slowing their spending on new windows and doors. Uncertainty around Brexit. It’s not the time to be raising wages as it would be home owners who would have to pay for it and they are particularly sensitive to price increases right now.

Long term though our industry is going to have to raise it’s pay if we are to attract the talent we already desperately need to fill the many gaps that are forming. We will never attract the right people if the pay isn’t good enough, it’s as simple as that. It’s OK for people to be passionate about fenestration, be skilled, be very good at what they do. But if they’re not getting in wages what they believe to be worth then they are going to go elsewhere.

I would love to hear from you on this subject. Are you a fitter and think you should be paid more? Are you being paid the right amount? Are you in sales but believe you are worth more than what you are getting already? You can leave comments anonymously via the section below if you wish, but all thoughts and feedback on this are welcome.

Following success with their premium Platinum Range of composite doors, leading door manufacturer Safedoors is adding new door styles to their popular Diamond Range of high-insulation foam core composite doors. The new door styles are designed to guide homeowners through the range and help them to find a door that matches their property and their tastes. Whether it the Traditional style of the Aintree or the Cheltenham which expertly replicates the classic design of timber, the more Contemporary style of the Plumpton with modern glazing options or the Heritage style of the Cottage or the Chepstow. The new styles aim to highlight the vast choice available in the extensive Diamond Range.  “We have seen great success with our new door styles for the Platinum Range, providing even the most discerning homeowner with a vast array of options and choices. We wanted to add that option to our Diamond Range,” comments Sharn Samra, Marketing Director at Safedoors. “Adding the Traditional, Contemporary and Heritage styles along with recently an extended choice of colours, design options and hardware, gives not only our installers an even stronger product to sell but a range of products that can match any property.”

Safedoors have enhanced their Diamond Range of composite doors following demand from installers and customers. They are now available in a further six colours including Aubergine, Duck Egg and Anthracite Grey, and in two new designs; Ascot and York.  The doors can be customised further with an extended range of hardware and glass options. Everything from handles and letter plates to knockers and numerals can be chosen, meaning customers can create a bespoke door to stand out from the crowd or compliment their property.  “Our composite door range allows installers to reach both ends of the market with a superb composite door,” concludes Sharn. “Whether consumers are looking for a timber core, premium composite door or a highly-efficient and durable, foam-core composite door, both the Platinum and Diamond ranges offer a wide range of choices and designs.”

Worcestershire-based Safedoors specialises in high-quality timber and foam core composite doors for the trade market. Building a strong reputation and drawing knowledge and experience from sister company Permadoor – one of the original composite door manufacturers in the new-build and social housing sector, Safedoors has become a trusted partner of installers across the UK.

The post New door styles help Safedoors’ popular Diamond Range shine appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

Emplas has continued its major investment programme with a £1.4million spend on new machinery – giving it a total output capacity of 2,500 frames on a single shift.

This includes the purchase of a new Rotox eight-head welder and cleaning line, giving Emplas two fully automated lines.

It’s also invested in a new Rotox high speed sash cleaner, increasing sash output by more than 20% and a Rotox five-head inline welder, giving Emplas a total of three five-head welders and one four-head welder.

A second Rotox crucifix welder is also added to Emplas’ machinery inventory, as are two new Rotox bead lines and a second Schirmer machining and cutting centre.

This automates profile cutting and machining, with profile scanning technology to introduce ‘pin prick’ accuracy to positioning of cuts and routs to within 0.3mm. It delivers improved product quality but able to convert a 6m bar length into a fully prepped frame within seconds, it also massively increases Emplas’ production capacity.

Ray Sinclair, operations director, Emplas, said: “The investment we’re making gives us more capacity but it also allows us to drive continuous improvements in our product quality and service.

“We’re looking to grow but to grow sustainably and that means investment in our manufacturing capability, the increased accuracy, efficiencies and productivity that new machinery gives us, allows us to not only improve end quality of product but lower our own overheads and mitigate material costs, benefits, we’re passing directly on to our customers.”

In addition to machinery investment a major extension of Emplas’ operational hub is already well underway. Scheduled for completion in the autumn, it will give the fabricator 18,000 sq ft of additional floor space.

Adding around a third again to Emplas’ manufacturing facility, the new development will also house loading bays and offices.

This investment in machinery and square footage has also been underpinned by a corresponding investment in its IT infrastructure, linking production to its ordering processes, customer tools, as well as increasing visibility of production to Emplas customer services teams.

Sinclair added: “We’re working to improve our workflows, our product quality and the visibility of those processes within our own organisation but also to our customers.

“The machinery investment that we’re making is important but only a part of that wider story. We’re connecting everything, allowing us to deliver ever improving standards of product quality but also improved service to our customers.”

www.emplas.co.uk

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