Carl F Groupco’s Emergency Hardware Supports Safety Standards

Image Above: A comprehensive range of panic and emergency exit hardware is available from Carl F Groupco. Image shows Strand Antipanic gearing (left) and a FUHR emergency exit lock.

Established hardware supplier Carl F Groupco is promoting its extensive range of panic and emergency exit gearing, which meets stringent safety standards for public and commercial installations. A comprehensive technical advisory service, including guidance on standards, is also offered by the company.

Commenting on the importance of offering support to the hardware sector, John Mitchell, Carl F Groupco’s Technical Manager explains:

“It can be time consuming for fabricators to translate standards into hardware selection – recognising this, we ensure that we are well versed in the regulations that impact this process and ensure we are fully equipped to advise customers on the best route to achieve panic or emergency exit doors.

“First, it is important to establish exactly where the door set will be fitted and who will be using it – this will determine what hardware is required to meet regulations. Non-public buildings, for example, where potential users have received full door operation training, require hardware to meet the EN 179 standard for emergency exits. However, if the door is to be fitted to public buildings or other premises where occupants may not be familiar with exit routes and hardware devices, the door will need to meet EN 1125 for panic exit. Carl F Groupco offers hardware solutions to meet the requirements of both of these standards.”

As a long-standing partner of the German lock manufacturer FUHR, products offered by Carl F Groupco include the FUHR 870 and 871 Type 8 emergency exit locks for aluminium, PVCu or timber doors. Proven over 18 years of service, the multipoint locks are capable of achieving EN 1125 panic exit and EN 179 emergency exit requirements: in order to comply, the lock must be used with a tested hardware set, such as the CES free movement cylinder and FUHR panic bar. Carl F Groupco also distributes facefix Strand Antipanic gearing: products offered are the EN 1125 Motorised or Modular Touch Bar, the EN 1125 Modular Push Bar, the EN 179 Modular Push Pad and a lever or knob operated Outside Access device.

www.carlfgroupco.co.uk or call 01733 393330

We’re receiving more and more calls asking for advice on rectifying coloured PVCu jobs that have gone wrong because window frames just aren’t being reinforced properly.

The most recent was a new-build apartment block where the architect had specified Anthracite Grey PVCu windows. The fabricator hadn’t used steel reinforcement in the frames and as temperatures rose in early summer, residents in the south facing apartments started to complain about sashes sticking and not closing correctly. On inspection, warping of the profile caused by heat from the sun was plain to see.

Today’s popular grey and black windows have none of the heat-reflective qualities of white PVCu and even lighter colours do not reflect heat well. The bigger percentage of foil profiles in a fabricator’s product mix increases the risk of warping frames caused by solar heat gain. Add to this the move towards longer guarantees on frames and it makes sense for PVCu window manufacturers to reduce their exposure to failures by choosing a steel reinforcement specification.

PVCu isn’t first choice for homeowners by accident. They know that it is low-maintenance, durable and that it will last. Now that the market has such a strong emphasis on coloured frames, it’s important for homeowners and specifiers to be able to choose coloured PVCu and know that it will perform for years to come.

At Anglo European we’ve also recently launched a 10-year warranty backed with extensive testing on steel reinforcement to give fabricators extra reassurance on the life-time performance for windows and doors.

Best wishes,

Paul Sullivan

Managing Director at Anglo European

The collection and recycling of waste PVC in the UK reached a new high of 120,392 tonnes in 2016, according to latest figures from Recovinyl, the PVC industry’s recycling scheme.

It’s an increase of 12% compared to the previous year (2015: 107,593). The window profiles recycled represent the equivalent to more than five million window frames (5,158,483) or enough to glaze 515,848 houses (assuming each house has 10 windows). That’s enough to renovate all the dwellings in both Manchester (217,240 homes) and Liverpool (206,500 households).

The UK’s robust performance represents 21% of the total recycled across Europe with Recovinyl being the main contributor. A total of 560,492 tonnes of waste PVC was recycled through Recovinyl last year across its 18 European member countries. The Recovinyl network currently comprises 153 recycler partners.

Recovinyl is the organisation aimed at facilitating PVC waste collection and recycling within the VinylPlus framework of the European PVC industry’s Voluntary Commitments. This programme is tackling the sustainability challenges for PVC and delivery of current recycling targets to 2020.

Waste PVC-U profiles comprised 62% of the UK’s recycling achievement in 2016, with pipes, rigid and flexible PVC films and cables making up the rest.

“The recycling of PVC is maintaining an upward trend thanks to on-going investment in recycling infrastructure and strong commitment from the sector. It’s a significant achievement that demonstrates the sustainability of this readily-recyclable material,” comments Project Manager Jane Gardner of Axion, Recovinyl’s UK agents.

A major factor driving the recycling success is increasing demand from manufacturers for good quality recycled material. Capable of being recycled up to seven times without any loss of performance, PVC can be reused in many diverse new and long-life products from construction products such as windows to flooring and electrical components.

Cumulatively, some 3.5 million tonnes of PVC has been recycled through the Vinyl 2010 and VinylPlus frameworks across Europe since 2000. Building on this, Recovinyl’s strategy continues with consolidating and increasing the steady supply of PVC waste being recycled in Europe by creating demand – a ‘pull-market’ for recycled PVC material – from the converting industry.

Further recycling initiatives for PVC have been established in the UK, such as the collection of single-use waste PVC medical devices via RecoMed. RecoMed is funded by VinylPlus and undertaken jointly by Axion and the British Plastics Federation.

One of the objectives of the VinylPlus Voluntary Commitment is to recycle 800,000 tonnes of PVC waste per year by 2020, including 100,000 tonnes of difficult-to-recycle PVC through innovative recycling technologies.

Axion is part of the Axion Group that develops and optimises processing and collection methods to recover value from waste resources for a wide range of clients within the recycling and process industries. For further information, visit: www.axiongroup.co.uk and www.recovinyl.com.

Thermoseal Group, the manufacturer of high performance warm edge spacers and UK distributor of insulated glass components, has released new editions of both its trade and warm edge consumer videos.

The adaptions of both videos are said to reflect the international growth of the group and its awards recognition, whilst showcasing the benefits of warm edge spacer systems Thermobar and Thermoflex. The videos, for use throughout the supply chain, are available to watch on the Thermoseal Group website: www.thermosealgroup.com/news with multilingual versions to follow.

Samantha Hill, head of marketing and communications, said: “Since the initial release of our trade video and our ‘Warm Comfortable Homes’ consumer video, we have seen further growth and development and now supply to 22 countries in five continents. We have also won numerous prestigious accolades for our products, services and to recognise our international development.”

“Alongside being announced as winner of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2017, Thermoseal Group has attained a multitude of other awards over the past year including: Component Supplier of the Year at the glass and glazing industry G-Awards (for the second year in a row); Amazon Growing Business Award – Export Champion of the Year; Wigan Business Award for Export and the EEF Future Manufacturing Award for the North West Region for Export. We are delighted with the recognition and endorsement that these awards represent.”

To watch the Thermoseal Group trade video or Warm Comfortable Home visit www.thermosealgroup.com/news
Visit www.thermobarwarmedge.com or www.thermoflexwarmedge.com for more information on Thermoseal products.

www.thermosealgroup.com

The post New vids from Thermoseal appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Image Above: Michele Wietscher

Following the revelation that the average age of a construction worker is 49, the Director of a fast-growing home improvement firm and world-class inventor have reacted by saying that it is no longer sustainable to carry on without action being taken.

The average UK construction worker is 49 years old and male; and with a likely contraction in workers from the EU, following the Brexit vote, there is an increasingly smaller diminishing pool of workers for building firms to access.

Michele Wietscher, who is a founder and Director at Newview Windows and Conservatories – which has clients such as Network Rail and Heathrow Airport on its books – says that increasing diversity and promoting construction as an industry that is exciting and worthwhile at secondary school level is the answer.

But while the pool of talent is increasingly diverse, the proportion of women in the construction workforce has dropped from 19% to 13% and the black and minority ethnic proportion is just 3%.

In addition to this many young men are also seeking jobs in sectors such as IT and technology and not for jobs where they are working with their hands.

Michele comments: “The debate is finally happening about the next generation of construction workers but it’s now time for action. We’re facing a double crisis of an ageing population and a likely contraction of workers from the EU.

“Ironically, the labour shortage is also driving wages up, so construction jobs should be more desirable if only young people were encouraged to consider them.

“The long-term answer is to promote our industry as a viable option for young people and this means tackling it at school level and doing it now. Too many schools are judged on how many students enrol at college or university and this often means they don’t focus on sectors such as construction and create engagement between business and students.

Michele continues: “For example, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) revealed that more than half of 14 – 19-year olds think construction is outdoors and getting dirty but there are lots of different jobs in construction including cost estimator, construction manager, engineer and architect. This needs to be communicated if we are to get more young people and females working in this sector.”

Michele also says that changing the curriculum could also be an effective way of encouraging more children towards a career in construction.

But recent steps to remove design and engineering from the curriculum, still show there is a long way to go. Nick Grey, who is the inventor behind Gtech supports Michele’s views and recently told Business Leader Magazine about his frustrations with the current education system.

He comments: “It is essential that we encourage young people to take an interest in design and engineering. In my opinion, the British are the best designers in the world and one of the reasons for this, is that we always look to question things.

“I think taking design and technology off the curriculum in schools is madness. I’ve never heard madness like it before, it’s our biggest asset.”

For more information call Newview Windows & Conservatories on 01903 244 449 or visit www.newview-homes.co.uk

A recent project undertaken by specialist barn and farm building renovator, Cheshire Barns Homes, has incorporated Halo FlushSash PVC-U windows.

Cheshire Barns Homes reportedly has a strong commitment to producing energy efficient homes using traditional farm buildings, a philosophy that is underpinned by the company’s founder and director, Rhys Nevett, who has a vision to ‘restore buildings with heritage to create sustainable luxury, and a desire for absolute perfection’.

The traditional style of the properties renovated must be considered against the requirements of the Building Regulations and desire of the new owners for ‘modern comfort and performance’, a balance that, according to Cheshire Barns Homes, can be difficult to achieve.

Nottingham based Fearns of Carlton were chosen by the developer to supply eight Halo FlashSash windows, in balsalt grey on white, for a semi-detached property in a rural location, after reportedly being impressed with the ‘authentic appearance’ of the frames, combined with the ‘exceptional performance’. The colour was selected from the range of 29 foils available on this traditionally styled window, with the frames manufactured by Glazerite UK Group at the company’s Peterborough factory.

Rhys Nevett of Cheshire Barns Homes says he is committed to maintaining the traditional appearance of the properties he renovates and was impressed with the Halo FlushSash windows chosen for this project: “We are usually committed to genuine timber windows but when we saw the Halo window and learned of the energy efficiency that it could bring to the project, we had no hesitation in specifying it. The windows provide an impressive authentic appearance that is in keeping with this project.”

Jak Fearn of Fearns of Carlton said: “Many of the projects I work on are with timber sash windows as they are listed buildings. Fortunately, this project wasn’t listed so it gave the developer and us the opportunity to specify the Halo FlushSash. It not only looks great but offers an ‘A’ rating which is fantastic for a traditional property.”

Chris Thompson, of Glazerite, said: “There is nothing I love more than to get a timber window installer onto PVC-U. We have also had a number of installations approved and passed by building control in conservation and listed buildings so even if a property is in such an area, the installation of windows manufactured in modern materials should not be ruled out.”

www.glazeritewindows.co.uk

The post Halo FlushSash proves its worth with timber lover appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Outside the burnt-out flat there was nothing to see. Behind the fire door, manufactured by Kingfisher Windows, was a completely different story. The photos from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) were released in an article published on the Service’s official website after a recent incident in Leeds. They showed how effective the composite fire door was in compartmentalising a fire in a flat on the fifteenth floor in Marlborough Towers High-Rise block. WYFRS said there were no injuries and no other flats were involved or affected by the incident.

In the article, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Dave Walton said: “This incident serves as a reminder of the devastation that can be caused by a fire in a high-rise property. Perhaps more importantly though, in light of recent tragic events at Grenfell Tower, it is a powerful illustration of how effective compartmentation can work, and that the simple act of closing a well-maintained, well-fitted fire-resistant door can halt the spread of a significant fire.”

Deborah Beeley, Sales and Marketing Manager at Kingfisher Windows says: “The Deputy Chief Fire Officer’s words resonated with us. Manufacturing a door correctly is at the heart of its performance. Our doors are BS476: Part 22 1987 Accredited. We are one of the only manufacturers in the UK that make fire doors from slabs with a phenolic foam core. We chose all the individual components with care, including high-spec door closers and intumescent seals. We care about security too, so all our fire doors are compliant to PAS24 and can be specified to Secured By Design standards.

“We offer a supply only service or supply and fit. In this case they were installed by us too. We understand the importance of manufacturing and fitting them correctly. No-one wants a fire door to see real action but if it does, you want to have the assurance that it will be up to the job. There are no second chances.

“It’s always been important to get it right but since the tragic Grenfell Tower incident there’s an even greater focus on making sure everything is tested and approved. We have never seen real photos of an incident before, and it certainly brings it home to us as a manufacturer of composite fire doors, how vital our products are to keeping occupants safe.”

www.kingfisherwindows.co.uk

Creating visually stunning buildings without compromising on safety is one of the biggest challenges for modern day design. For a conference centre based in North Eastern France, a suitable smoke control system was required which would ensure the safe evacuation of visitors in the event of a fire without compromising the visual attributes of the building. As a leading fire glass specialist, Pyroguard was approached by the architect to offer a suitable solution.

Located in the city of Nancy, the Centre Prouvé offers a flexible conference space complete with a 3000m² exhibition hall, two auditoriums, thirteen meeting rooms and a panoramic reception area. A former postal sorting facility, the venue was designed by architect Marc Barani of Atelier Barani, and due to its prominent location in the heart of Nancy, it was constructed to offer panoramic views across the city.

With glass playing an integral role in the building design, the architect required a proven smoke control solution which would not distort the aesthetics of the development while adhering to safety regulations. In addition, due to the high footfall of visitors, the solution would require no upkeep and maintenance. In line with these requirements, Pyroguard recommended Smokeguard, a permanent glazing solution which acts as a smoke barrier, keeping low-level toxic fumes at bay for up to half an hour to give visitors maximum time to exit the building safely.

Thanks to its perfect transparency, Smokeguard met the aesthetic requirements of the architect too – with the 8 mm thick tempered monolithic glass offering 87 per cent light transmission, to provide the perfect transparent protective barrier with minimal visual impact. In comparison to smoke curtains, Smokeguard requires zero maintenance and has no maximum lifespan, which is particularly important in high footfall areas where ongoing repair and replacement may be impractical and costs need to be kept to a minimum.

More than 100m² of Smokegaurd has been installed in the atrium using its patented fastening system to mount to the ceiling. In addition, it has been installed in high traffic areas such as escalators and lifts, to maintain safe evacuation in the event of a fire and minimise the risk of smoke inhalation.

Neil Tilsley of Pyroguard, explained: “Atelier Barani is renowned for creating breath-taking modern and contemporary spaces, so naturally we were delighted to be involved in the project. We were approached by the architect, Mark Barani thanks to our technical knowledge and ability to offer a solution which wouldn’t compromise the visual appeal of the building but ensure the safe evacuation of people in the event of a fire.

“Smokeguard is particularly beneficial in large buildings which have a high daily footfall. As it’s maintenance-free, it’s essentially a fit-and-forget system which can keep smoke at bay long enough to allow people to exit. Because of its versatility, it’s becoming an increasingly popular choice for architects who want to fulfil building regulations which stipulate fire safety, without affecting the overall look of the building.”

For more information about Smokeguard, please visit www.pyroguard.eu

Force 8, the specialist profile bending and door manufacturer has recently supplied a range of unusual frames and doors to a refurbishment development in Lower Green, Astley. The property was originally a Methodist chapel, which is now being converted into townhouse apartments.

“Each entrance was individually designed and needed to be in keeping with the history of the building”, comments Dennis Sumner, managing director of Force 8. “ The frame designs are a combination of circular and arched elements, the trick was to give them a contemporary feel, which we achieved with the anthracite grey colour and our Ricardo door. The Ricardo design is from our new Decadence composite range and has all the latest in security and thermal efficiency”.

Using a company such as Force 8 who can provide the doors as well as the frames means that the developer could rest assured that everything would fit and colour match perfectly on site, plus only having to deal with just one company on such a complex project saves time and money.

In recent years Force 8 have invested heavily in state of the art equipment, which enables them to create complex designs both in frames and doors, and are one of the few companies that can manufacture arched composite doors with a frame to match. As with all Force 8 arched and circular frames, they are manufactured from a single length of profile with no welds, not only making them aesthetically more pleasing, but also stronger.

For further information contact Force 8 on 0161 483 1997 or visit their website at www.force8.uk