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As a part of its drive to continuously improve its systems, Eurocell – one of the UK’s leading manufacturer, distributor and recycler of PVC-U window, door, conservatory and roofline products – has introduced a new PVC-U low threshold for its Eurologik 70mm chamfered and ovolo doors that offers users an alternative to aluminium that will cut energy bills and improve comfort.

This threshold is superior to aluminium equivalents because it reduces cold bridging and is more thermally efficient. Using the PVC-U low threshold improves the U-value by roughly 0.1 W/m²k depending on the style and specification of the door. Put another way, using the PVC-U threshold can boost the energy rating of a door by up to one energy band, over the aluminium equivalent.

This threshold has another advantage too: Eurocell has designed it so that it can be removed and replaced without removing the whole door if damaged.

Fully tested to BS 6375 and PAS 24 both on residential and French doors, the threshold complies with Part M of the Building Regulations (Access to and use of Buildings), which govern disabled access, when installed complete with a choice of specific ramps from the company.

www.eurocell.co.uk

REAL Aluminium is investing once again for its growing network of customers with the opening of a new showroom. The new 88m² showroom in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, is the first of its kind to be totally dedicated to the entire REAL Aluminium range of products – one of the widest collections in the industry.

The latest in a string of resources that REAL Aluminium has invested in for customers, the showroom displays the complete range of products from REAL – aluminium windows, sliding patio doors, residential doors, bi-folding doors, French doors, roof lanterns and Flat Rooflights. The showroom also features the new Virtu-AL aluminium effect composite door, which will be added to the REAL range in 2018.

The new showroom is available exclusively to REAL Aluminium customers to demonstrate the REAL range of products to homeowners. This is an enormous advantage for those installers who do not have their own showroom to display products in.

Gareth Thomas, Customade Group’s sales director, explains: “REAL Aluminium is one of the industry’s fastest growing brands and we’ve achieved this fantastic success because we are committed to supporting our customers. We know it’s crucial to provide them with everything they need to help them promote and sell aluminium and ultimately deliver results for their businesses.

“This showroom is part of our commitment to customers, enabling them to see and compare full-sized products in one place and appreciate their quality. The essence of REAL Aluminium is about helping installers to grow with confidence and this showroom helps them to get to know and understand the products and ask any questions about them.

“It’s also a brilliant sales tool for our installers to show off the collection of products. We know that homeowners are prepared to travel for this kind of purchase and we anticipate that a lot of installers – even those with customers who are slightly further afield – will benefit from it.

“The showroom is at our dedicated 35,000ft² REAL Aluminium factory and you really get a sense of the pace of manufacturing that goes on there. Even though we only moved into the factory last year, we’ve already far exceeded forecasts and expanded our operation. That’s a clear indicator of just how incredible the demand for REAL Aluminium is!”

To find out more about the REAL Aluminium range or to visit the new showroom, call 01453 826884 or visit www.real-aluminium.co.uk.

I know we talk a lot about security – it’s an important issue for homeowners, and a great selling point for installers who can offer peace of mind to their customers. Research shows 85% of homeowners put security top of the list when buying a new door. Add in the fact that in 76% of burglaries last year the bad guys got in through the front door and it’s clear that a secure, burglar-proof front door lock is the first and most effective defence against thieves.

Now, thanks to a video of a genuine attempted burglary we can watch and listen to a couple of to a couple of would-be thieves try their luck, captured via a homeowner’s video doorbell footage.

“I don’t think we’re able to do it,” says thief

Homeowner Amjid Khan was out for the day when his neighbours called him to say they thought someone had tried to break in. “When I got home”, says Amjid, “I saw the house was secure but someone had snapped the handle and the external barrel of the cylinder lock – they must have tried for several minutes. However, the main part of the cylinder was still in the door and stopped the burglars getting in. When I saw what happened I contacted a locksmith immediately – and I tweeted to recommend Ultion to everyone I knew.”

Amjid has a video doorbell fitted so the whole burglary attempt was recorded, including sound. There were two burglars caught on camera and it’s very satisfying to listen to their attempts to get past the lock. Eventually, after the first thief asks the other for a screwdriver as a last resort, he gives up, saying; “I don’t think we’re able to do it”.

Amjid’s Ultion lock had worked exactly as it is designed to. The two sacrificial sections on Ultion were snapped and the cylinder went into ‘Lock Down Mode’. The burglars couldn’t get to attack the lock because it was protected deep inside a solid molybdenum core – 25% denser than iron – and secured with a dedicated retaining pin. The only thing they could do was try and take the handle off. It snapped, but they couldn’t open the door because Ultion was still secure.

Amjid Khan is so impressed with the lock’s performance he is spreading the word. “The Ultion lock came as standard on my door,” he comments. “I’d asked the installer for a decent lock but didn’t realise how good it was until after the fact! I’m just so glad it stopped them getting in. It looks like they tried for more than three minutes.”

Amjid continues: “I specifically asked my locksmith for the same replacement lock and I’m upgrading the lock on the back door to Ultion too. I’ve recommended it to all my family and friends.”

Lock Lock handle completes the picture

In fact, Amjid’s locksmith suggested adding Brisant’s new high security handle Lock Lock, to go with the Ultion cylinder. It’s an uncomfortable fact that 58% of burglaries happened when someone was home, and 27% of homeowners actually see the intruder. The Lock Lock handle offers extra security when the homeowner is in. The extra layer of security comes with the unique spindle block. Simply flick the switch on the inside handle and the block is activated, so the door can’t be opened from the outside, even if the cylinder is breached. If the spindle can’t be turned the door just won’t open. Every element of the handle adds to its security. The cylinder on Lock Lock is recessed, making it more difficult for burglars to get to. Lock Lock’s seamless, curved, design means it’s harder to grasp the handle with mole grips and therefore very hard to remove. It’s an extra layer of security to give homeowners like Amjid extra peace of mind whether they’re in the house or not.

Installers replacing delivered locks with Ultion

Many installers are now offering Ultion locks as standard, replacing the locks which come from their fabricator. They say it’s worth the expense of buying a second cylinders to be able to sell the real-life Ultion security homeowners want. Mark Watson, Owner of Scotland’s leading PVC-U installer Advanced Group, says “Our policy is to be the best you can be, so why would we sell doors to homeowners with locks that open quickly? Our doors are great quality, so it would be ridiculous to sell them with a weak lock. We now get the door from our supplier, take out the lock they put in the door and replace it with Ultion for all our retail customers.”

Perhaps I should let Amjid have the last word: “I can’t recommend Ultion enough. It stopped some scumbags getting into my house after they’d done their best to break in.”

For more information on real-life security from Ultion and Lock Lock visit www.ultion-lock.co.uk and www.lock-lock.co.uk and follow @UltionLock and @LockLockSecure.

REHAU PVC-U windows have been specified for three schools in the south east of England, as its efficient, secure and easy to fit profiles are top of the class for the education sector.

The REHAU TOTAL70c top hung, outward opening casement windows in slate grey finish, were recommended for the installations at the Harris Primary Academy Shortlands (Bromley, Kent), Harris Primary Academy Chafford Hundred (Grays, Essex) and Harris Primary Academy East Dulwich (London) schools by contractor SEH Commercial.

The specification for the Harris Academy schools centred around three key areas; thermal insulation, sound insulation and security.

The thermal insulation qualities of the REHAU TOTAL70 range was key to the success of this project with energy costs and increasing obligations to reduce the carbon footprint now an important consideration for the public sector.This system is capable of exceeding all current building regulations and has achieved values required for Passivhaus installations. The TOTAL70 range also achieved the lowest possible U values and the best window energy rating (WER), demonstrating the ability to retain heat within the building, thus reducing loss of energy and minimising energy outgoings.

Noise abatement is essential for a school building, necessary to maintain a quiet working environment for pupils. The level of glazing is an important consideration here, however the TOTAL70c system was selected with its double and triple glazed sealed units and an acoustic specification provided to ensure the maximum sound insulation.

A school specification also demands high levels of security from an installation. The TOTAL70c profiles have achieved PAS 24 security standards and the multi-internal chambers allow further installation of larger steel reinforcements if required.

One of the major challenges of installing windows in an education setting is the very restricted timeframe for installations, which must be fitted either at weekends or during term breaks for retrofits, or to coincide with the opening of a new build school (normally the start of the academic year).

To help SEH Commercial stay on schedule, REHAU’s TOTAL70c window system is quick and easy to fit ensuring all three installations were completed within the tight timeframes.

Harris Academy were also keen to ensure its state-of-the-art schools were visually appealing for its staff and students, and the window design vision contributed to achieving a contemporary look for each of the academies. The Harris Primary Academy Shortlands in particular opted for dual colour windows. The windows were finished with a glazed in Louvre colour matched to the window profile to provide all seasons ventilation.

Kevin O’Neill, Commercial Sales Manager from REHAU, said: “Our TOTAL70c windows are particularly suitable for education applications due to a number of qualities they posses. From the high levels of thermal insulation they provide, to the noise abatement and the security features, the windows are a great solution to a number of requirements. The aesthetic qualities and colour variety often also play an important role.“

For further information please visit www.rehau.uk/windows and to view our case study in video form please go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVjP5PMpAi4

Rebecca Larkin

UK construction product manufacturers are expecting slower growth in sales and activity as cost rises and slowing construction output continue to weaken market conditions, according to the CPA’s State of Trade Survey for 2017 Q3.

Results of the survey showed that 10% of heavy side manufacturers reported an increase in sales in Q3, compared to 40% reporting a rise in Q2. On the light side, 36% of product manufacturers reported higher sales, decreasing from a balance of 55% in the previous quarter.

The weaker performance in Q3, along with rising costs for raw materials, fuel and energy, echoes the slower construction activity already seen across industry data and recent surveys. It has also lowered manufacturers’ expectations for product sales in Q4. On balance, no firms on the light side anticipate an increase in sales during the October to December period, whilst 21% of heavy side firms expect sales to decline.

The construction products manufacturing industry has an annual turnover of £55 billion, directly providing jobs for 300,000 people across 22,000 companies. Products range from ‘heavy side’ materials such as steel, bricks, timber and concrete to ‘light side’ products such as insulation, boilers, glass and lighting. For the year ahead, 28% of heavy side firms anticipate an increase in product sales, whilst on the light side, 33% of firms expect sales to increase.

Rebecca Larkin, CPA senior economist said: “For construction product manufacturers, the near-term outlook is being clouded by the perfect storm of a broad-based rise in input costs, slower economic growth and signs of an emerging weakness in construction activity outside of private housing.

“Overall costs increased for 90% of all manufacturers in Q3. Although the survey showed inflationary pressures are anticipated to ease slightly over the coming year, the industry has turned noticeably more pessimistic about the strength of activity in coming quarters. New orders in construction fell to the lowest level in three years in Q2 and the survey suggests this will start to filter through to reduced activity on site by the end of the year.”

The post Cost increases reported by 90% of construction product manufacturers appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

First-class fabricator Dekko Window Systems has a proven track record of helping its customers successfully shift into the high-end, premium market. One of the latest examples, which displays the firm’s overriding commitment to being far more than a trade supplier is their partnership with Blackburn-based McDermott Windows.

Seeing the value of Dekko’s product range and looking to diversify, the family-run business with over 15 years of experience in the industry now offers its customers Dekko’s entire range including their Infinity range of seamless uPVC windows, Räum aluminium and R9 from The Residence Collection.

“For installation firms, it’s so important to have the right product range, especially as consumer tastes are changing and more are looking towards the premium end of the market,” comments Dekko Sales Director, Kurt Greatrex. “McDermott Windows saw the tide changing and wanted to stand out from their competitors in what is a challenging and competitive market by offering high-end home improvements.”

Along with supplying their products, Dekko has also helped the firm transform their marketing through their ‘Make It Yours’ initiative. Launched at The FIT Show, Make It Yours is an all-encompassing marketing package which provides installers like McDermott with high-quality, personalised point of sale material, showroom support and promotional assets.

“We’ve said it before but premium brands need premium marketing,” continues Kurt. “Our marketing support dovetails with our luxury product line and provides a drastic improvement compared to the overprinted brochures other fabricators peddle. Our customers can meet with our design team to create tailored material which matches their brand and instantly validates their credentials with the customer, leaving an indelible impression.”

“When we decided we wanted to shift our focus towards a premium portfolio, it was really a no-brainer for us to partner with Dekko,” Managing Director Stephen McDermott explains. “It’s not a case of Dekko dropping off their products, but working directly with us and giving us the tools we need to target the premium end of the market. The marketing package alone separates Dekko from other fabricators, with such bespoke material being invaluable for a consumer-facing business like ours.”

Dekko Windows Systems was founded in 2008 by Gary Torr and Kurt Greatrex, and is one of the leading fabricators of high-end PVCu and aluminium windows and doors. Based in Greater Manchester, Dekko was listed in the 2016 edition of the London Stock Exchange’s 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain. The report celebrates the fastest growing small and medium-sized businesses in the UK.

For more information contact Dekko on 0161 406 0055 or visit www.dekkowindows.com

The finalists for the industry G-Awards have been revealed. The winners will be announced at the gala dinner on the 17th of November at the The London Hilton on Park Lane. Finalists for the awards include:

Fabricator of the Year:

Astraseal, Building Products Solutions, Glazerite UK Group, Roof Maker, Roseview, Solidor.

Installer of the Year:

Sedgefield Windows, SEH BAC, Sheffield Window Centre, Sherborne, The Window Company (Contracts), Thistle Windows & Conservatories.

Conservatory Installer of the Year:

SEH BAC, Sherborne Conservatories, Thistle Windows & Conservatories.

New Product of the Year:

Heritage Flush Sash by Deceuninck, Korniche Aluminium Roof Lantern by Made for Trade, Profile 22’s Optima Flush Casement Window, R7 by Residence Collection, REAL Aluminium – Aluminium Made Easy, Stratus by Synseal, Yale Conexis L1 Smart Door Lock.

Promotional Campaign of the Year – Trade:

Epwin Window Systems , Euroglaze, Mila, REAL Aluminium, Reynaers.

Promotional Campaign of the Year – Retail:

SEH BAC, Solidor, Thistle Windows & Conservatories.

Component Supplier of the Year:

Double R Glass & Roofing Systems, Edgetech, Icotherm, Jackloc, Mila, Window Widgets.

Customer Care Initiative of the Year:

Astraseal, Doorco, Everglade Windows, Glassolutions, Mila, SEH BAC, VPS Property Solutions.

Training & Development Initiative of the Year:

Epwin Windows Group, Euroglaze, Synseal Group, Veka.

Glass Company of the Year:

Double R Glass & Roofing Systems, Fire Glass UK, Global Glass, Go Glass, Ravensby Glass.

G17 Unsung Hero Award Finalists:

Chris Lloyd – Saint-Gobain Glass, Clive Sparkes – Go Glass, Danny Barnett – Solidor, Gabriela Hammond – Veka, Melanie Jacobs, Glazerite.

For further information please visit the G17 website at: www.g-awards.com/g-17-finalists/

The post The finalists for 2017 industry G-Awards have been announced appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.