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SolarFrame, based in Rotherham, is one of the first fabricators to take advantage of Mila’s new initiative to create a library of test data for customers who want to be able to meet the demands of Approved Document Q in the new build market.

Mila has invested in an ongoing programme to carry out the PAS24 security testing required for ADQ on windows and doors in a range of different profile systems and with a number of different hardware combinations. This growing bank of test data is now available to be cascaded down to Mila customers like SolarFrame, giving them a simple and cost effective route to ADQ compliance.

As a Eurocell fabricator, SolarFrame is using the data generated from Mila’s successful tests on Eurocell’s LogiK profiles with hardware from Mila’s ProSecure and ProLinea ranges. As long as SolarFrame’s windows and doors match one of the specifications tested by Mila, then it can be assured that its products will fully comply.

This is a huge advantage for a company like SolarFrame which is supplying into the new build market directly and to trade customers who are working on new build projects.

It is the latest example of the long term partnership between Mila and SolarFrame which has existed since the fabricator was founded by Managing Director Steve Taylor in 2009.

Steve says he chose Mila at the outset as SolarFrame’s hardware supplier because of its proven reputation for quality, and the integrity and commitment of the team led by Richard Gyde. Eight years on, Mila continues to supply all of SolarFrame’s hardware requirements.

Steve Taylor says: “I know there are probably suppliers out there who are marginally cheaper than Mila, but for us, quality, reliability and customer service matter more than a few pence on a window handle.

“We know that Mila’s product quality is always guaranteed and that they will never let us down on supply or deliveries – our line OTIF for example, is currently 99.1%. We are a regional fabricator serving the needs of customers within a 25-30 mile radius of Rotherham. With this sort of business model, it is reputation which matters, whether that is in the retail sector where we do around 25% of our business, or in the trade sector which accounts for the rest. We simply can’t afford for our reputation to be tarnished in any way, so we always choose suppliers like Mila who we know we can rely on all the time.”

Mila’s relationship with SolarFrame goes back to Richard Gyde and Steve Taylor’s shared background in the industry, but it is now very much a team effort with Mila’s Area Sales Manager Steve Bettley, Key Account Manager Julie Holmes, and Technical Manager Strafford Cooke all playing their part in supporting the fabricator.

As well as the ADQ testing initiative, this includes introducing new products, advising on hardware do’s and don’ts and investing time learning about SolarFrame’s ongoing plans so that the products supplied keep pace with their objectives.

Richard Gyde added: “SolarFrame buys virtually 100% of its hardware from Mila, but we are never complacent about our relationship with them. We are constantly looking for ways to improve and add value to their business and our investment in PAS24 testing for ADQ is just the latest example of that.”

Further details are at: www.mila.co.uk and www.solarframe.co.uk

Image Above:  The RegaLead team got funky on Big Tuesday……

Renowned for offering value added solutions to the glass and door industries, RegaLead was back at FIT with a host of new products and services, delivered via its three specialist divisions: Coatings, Door Products and Glass. Reflecting changing home improvement trends, the company used FIT to launch several innovations in this sector focusing on colour, aluminium doors and the continued expansion of its composite door offering.

Joint MD Guy Hubble comments: “2017 was undoubtedly the best FIT show yet for RegaLead and I’d say, for the industry as a whole. The words ‘reminiscent of Glassex in its heyday’ came up a lot, but I’d disagree. I think it terms of commercial benefit for RegaLead and for visitors to our stand, FIT 2017 outperformed. The quality and quantity of enquiries and sales we generated, reflected the dynamic nature of our industry and its desire for new home improvement products.

“RegaLead’s new URBAN aluminium entrance door system impressed visitors who want to fabricate their own aluminium doors in-house, without paying through the nose for full doorsets or enduring long lead times on European infill panels. We signed up several URBAN launch partners during the show. We enjoyed huge interest in our coatings solutions, comprising both conventional solvented systems and new for FIT 2017, our Aqua water-based system. We were also delighted that Mark Schubert from Schubert Technical Services Ltd joined us on the stand and has generated huge interest in the Schubox^® IR Catalytic drying system.

‘When we decided to launch these new products, we knew the demand was there but if anything, the exhibition has proved to us that these markets are even bigger than we anticipated. In summary, FIT 2017 proved itself to be a show relevant for its time and absolutely the right place to see new products and services that will support our industry’s sales and growth over coming months. RegaLead was proud to be part of this.”

If you missed RegaLead at FIT, please visit www.regalead.co.uk or call 0161 946 1164.

Emplas says it has ‘restructured’ its senior management team as part of three-year ‘strategic growth plan’ through to 2020.

With significant and continuing growth in Q1 and Q2 this year and following on from increased sales last year, the organisational review sees Emplas bring new and experienced personnel, to its senior leadership team.

This sees Ryan Johnson, continue to head the business as managing director. Kush Patel, formerly Emplas’ operations director, steps up to a new position as deputy managing director, while Philip Brown continues in his tenure as financial director.

Ray Sinclair assumes a new role of operations director, while John Leary, is Emplas’ recently appointed sales and marketing director. Roberto Canassa, is also promoted to board level as IT director.

Kevin Johnson will continue to offer strategic leadership to the business as Emplas’ chairman, while its board will also be supported by a newly created management team.

Ryan Johnson, Managing Director, Emplas said: “We have seen some great growth but recognise that we need the right people – not just the right infrastructure – in place to ensure that it continues to be delivered sustainably.

“The appointments that we have made, allows us to bring some exceptionally experienced people into senior roles, which gives us depth and resource as a team to fulfil our ambitions for future growth.”

The post Emplas completes ‘organisational restructure’ appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Paul James, sales director, Extrudaseal

ExtrudaSeal has said it has seen a significant increase in demand for its new ‘fit-and-forget’ aluminium bi-folding door threshold gasket.

Launched at the end of 2016 it uses a unique semi-rigid box foot, to provide a secure fix, delivering improved compression and weather sealing over aluminium system company own-gaskets.

Suitable for retrofit and use with a wide range of aluminium systems including ALUK, it was developed by ExtrudaSeal’s in-house design team, specifically in response to installer and fabricator demand.

Paul James, sales director, Extrudaseal, said: “We saw an immediate jump in enquiries for aluminium bi-fold threshold gaskets following June’s heatwave. It’s clearly a time when people want to open-up their doors and make the most of outdoor and indoor spaces.

“Equally, it’s the time when gaskets can fail, either because they have been caught in opening and closing and are damaged, haven’t been fitted properly or have stuck because of a build of friction on the seal.

“That means callbacks and costs. It’s a source of frustration for so many installers which is why we developed our solution.”

Friction on bi-fold gasket seals is a known problem. Even where doors are fitted correctly, a lack of proper maintenance by the homeowner can lead to the build-up, which can lift the gasket out of the threshold or alignment on opening.

“Silicone lubricant sprays will reduce static build-up. The problem is that in some systems it doesn’t take much to lift the threshold gasket out of position and then it can easily catch as the door rollers pass alongside, the sash passes over or on shoot-bolts.

“As well as providing improved seal and compression, the major advantage of our gasket, is the semi-rigid box foot. This provides additional resistance so that even if you get a build-up of static, it doesn’t kick out of place.

“Callbacks cost installers money. Not just the replacement part but time on site and travel time. This can equate to thousands a year. If you’re a fabricator, it also doesn’t do you any favours with your customers”, said Paul.

“You shouldn’t be getting callbacks on gaskets unless doors haven’t been fitted properly or they have been abused, yet we have spoken to installers who have gone back repeatedly to the same job. The development of our semi-rigid box foot ends this cycle on a wide range of aluminium systems.”

www.extrudaseal.com

The post Static – a summer of bi-fold callbacks? appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Since the launch of their brand new aluminium factory, Sternfenster has been able to up the game with their aluminium range. With a wide range of aluminium windows and doors on offer, becoming a Sternfenster Approved Installer allows you to gain access to some of the very best products currently available on the market.

The range of aluminium windows from Sternfenster includes casement windows, sliding sash windows, tilt and turn windows and more to ensure any homeowner can simply and easily find the ideal style for their property. These windows utilise a market-leading profile to ensure Approved Installers expand their product range.

Network Members will also gain access to a wide range of high quality aluminium doors, including aluminium residential doors, aluminium French doors, aluminium bi-fold doors and aluminium patio doors. High performance and expertly crafted, these aluminium doors stand at the forefront of double glazed door design.

Notably increasing in popularity amongst homeowners, aluminium has proven to be an extremely effective material to use for modern home improvements. Excelling in security, durability, thermal efficiency and design, the aluminium range from Sternfenster will allow you to fit products that will reduce aftersales and guarantee satisfaction across the board.

To enhance this range further, Sternfenster is also offering the prestigious, Secured by Design aluminium bi-fold door.

With a wide range of profile and colour options available, Approved Installers will be able to accommodate for a wider demographic throughout their area of operation. All colours are fitted with a highly durable, powder coated finish to ensure they maintain their aesthetic over many years of use.

Sternfenster also offers impressive marketing tools to help Network Members to promote this exceptional range, with aluminium bi-fold doors and aluminium patio doors accompanied by their very own, professionally filmed product video to display their features and benefits in an interesting and engaging way. By becoming an Approved Installer, you’ll simply be able to offer more.

Nathan Court, Sales and Marketing Manager of Sternfenster, commented on the aluminium range:

“Our comprehensive, high quality aluminium range truly stands as an invaluable asset for installers across the UK. With the demand for aluminium growing exponentially throughout the market, becoming an Approved Installer will give businesses in the home improvement industry the support they need to keep up with modern standards.”

To offer your customers cutting-edge home improvements, become a Sternfenster Approved Installer today. Get in touch by giving Sternfenster a call on 01522 512 525 or by visiting their website at www.sternfenster.com.

Brian Berry

Homeowners should book in their builder at least four months before their project begins or risk working with a cowboy, new research from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has revealed.

The research also shows that an alarming number of consumers don’t ask their builders for essentials such as a contract or references when embarking upon a major piece of building work.

Key statistics from the research show: More than 40% of builders need at least four months’ notice from consumers who want to hire their firm; 90% of builders say that the majority of home owners do not ask for a written contract; 80% of builders report that most consumers do not ask for an agreed payment schedule; Fewer than 10% of builders say that clients normally request to see vital insurance policies such as public liability or employer’s liability insurance.

Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “If a builder is free to start work tomorrow, alarm bells should ring. Demand for building work is incredibly high at the moment and it should be no surprise that almost one in two builders need to be contacted at least four months in advance of when a client is looking to start a home improvement project. The workloads of builders have been rising steadily over the past two years and there’s no shortage of work. That’s why we’re urging homeowners who are keen to crack on with their build or renovation projects to start getting in touch with prospective builders as soon as possible. Otherwise, they risk disappointment delaying their projects or worse still, working with a dodgy builder. So many building horror stories start with a client approaching a builder who’s free to start work sooner than the more professional builder who is really busy.”

Berry concluded: “There are also indications that home owners are leaving themselves vulnerable to problems in terms of how they approach their building work. The vast majority of builders say that most clients fail to ask for references and even fewer ask for a written contract on their work. There is a similar trend when it comes to asking for critical things like an agreed payment schedule and key warranties on work, as well as checking whether the builder has any external accreditation or recognition from professional trade association like the FMB. These protections really are essential to helping clients weed out the cowboys and mitigate against any issues that could crop up during the build. A quality builder will insist on these things and if they don’t, consumers ought to question why.”

www.fmb.org.uk

The post Four month wait for good builders, new research reveals appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Jane Embury

With an inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire underway, Jane Embury, a director of Wrightstyle, has added her voice:

It’s been called ‘codifying by catastrophe.’ It’s the way in which fire and building regulations are tightened after every major fire.

The Grenfell Tower fire will be no exception, with government ministers also now having to explain why fire and building regulations weren’t tightened sooner.

At this stage, it would be wrong to point fingers of blame, although the implications of the Grenfell Tower fire have resounded around the country – and the world.

Instead, I would like to pay tribute to William Linton, whose death in a tower block fire 18 years ago led directly to a change of fire regulations.

He died in a fire in a 14-storey block of flats in Ayrshire, with the fire having spread via the external cladding, reaching the 12th floor within minutes, and destroying properties on nine floors. Four other people were injured.

The local MP, Brian Donohoe, was sufficiently concerned about cladding safety that he lobbied for a parliamentary inquiry, which was carried out by the select committee on environment, transport and regional affairs.

The report found that most external cladding being used in the UK did not pose “a serious threat to life or property in the event of fire.”

However, it added: “Notwithstanding… we do not believe that it should take a serious fire in which many people are killed before all reasonable steps are taken towards minimising the risks.”

The MPs on the committee also concluded that any addition to the outside of a building which had the “potential to lessen its resistance to external fire spread” should be subject to building regulations.

Those words, of course, date back to the start of the 21st century. But compare Westminster words with the reaction of the Scottish government. A Scottish select committee reported a year after the fire, which led to the Building (Scotland) Act 2003, which introduced the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 which came into force in 2005.

They state that: “Every building must be designed and constructed in such a way that in the event of an outbreak of fire within the building, or from an external source, the spread of fire on the external walls of the building is inhibited.” The word ‘inhibited’ is vital to interpreting those regulations.

Following the Grenfell Tower fire, the Scottish government convened a Ministerial Working Group to examine building and fire safety regulations in Scotland although, crucially, it confirmed that the type of external cladding reportedly used on Grenfell Tower is not present on any residential tower block in Scotland.

It seems to me preposterous that if Scotland codified by catastrophe after a fire in which only one person died, why did the Westminster government not consider a change in building regulations south of the Border?

The catastrophic Grenfell Tower fire is a stark reminder that when fires break out they can have appalling consequences. But what sets this fire apart, at least to me, is that it was a horrific event that may have been preventable if fire regulations in one part of the UK had been adopted across the rest of the UK.

At this stage, of course, we shouldn’t speculate, but it does raise uncomfortable questions for the government and all those charged with fire safety.

In the immediate aftermath, and while I’m loathe to add our voice to the swirling debate around this ghastly event, Wrightstyle has over the years repeatedly raised issues of fire safety – in the UK directly with government, and in other jurisdictions around the world, most notably in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

We therefore have a track history of asking uncomfortable questions because our experience, based on over 20 years in fire safety, is that, while there are relatively robust regulations in place, they are often badly understood or, sometimes, simply ignored.

Another factor is that fire safety officials, in certifying new or refurbished buildings as safe, may simply have asked the wrong questions. In this case, what cladding and insulation had been fitted, and was it compliant? The answer, as we published in an article to the industry this year, is that we need better training, better documentation and better checking of documentation.

There is little doubt that further guidance will be forthcoming following the Grenfell Tower fire. But maybe what’s required, and what many of us have been arguing for some time, is a complete overhaul of building and fire regulations. At the very least, the public will expect it, and the Grenfell Tower victims deserve it.

To them, and to everyone affected, we extend our thoughts.

www.wrightstyle.co.uk

The post Codifying by catastrophe…again appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

The premium StyleLine range, available for all Sternfenster Approved Installers, combines design innovation and pioneering manufacturing techniques. Available in a wide selection of windows and doors, this range promises to deliver more to customers.

Truly standing in a class of their own, these windows and doors are the results of Sternfenster’s continual improvement policy. Standing as the UK’s first fabricator to use the state-of-the-art Seamless Quad Welder from Graf synergy, claims the company, Sternfenster is able to offer their Approved Installers exclusive products to expand their businesses.

The revolutionary manufacturing process that these windows and doors undergo allows them to achieve unique corner grooves. Some uPVC windows and doors on the market currently feature unattractive grooved corners. However, the StyleLine range features a design that actually pushes any excess plastic back inside the frame, allowing for a beautifully seamless finish throughout.

To ensure customers are not disappointed, Sternfenster undertakes a stringent and meticulous finishing process to ensure only the highest standards of quality are achieved. This allows Approved Network Installers to offer their own customers windows and doors that provide a completely flawless design and beautiful aesthetics.

As excess plastic is pushed back into the frame, StyleLine windows and doors also offer an enhanced degree of security. No vinyl is lost at the corner joint, allowing for increased reinforcement and structural integrity of the window and door frame. This means that this range stands as an impressive foundation for home security, which can then be fitted with high security hardware.

The StyleLine range also allows Approved Installers to meet the demands of their customers, available in a wide collection of window and door styles that can be effortlessly installed into both modern and traditional properties alike. By becoming an Approved Installer with Sternfenster, you’ll be able to offer every homeowner the very best.

Mike Parczuk, Managing Director of Sternfenster, commented on the StyleLine Range:

“At Sternfenster, we are very proud of the StyleLine range and the unique standard of quality that it can offer our Approved Installers. We not only see it as an opportunity for homeowners to enhance their home with an outstanding product, it also stands as an illustration that we will always go above and beyond to achieve pioneering standards of quality. “

Approved Installers can also gain access to a high quality, professionally filmed StyleLine product video. This marketing tool has proven to be an effective and easy way to promote all the benefits of the StyleLine range in a clear, engaging and understandable way. This video can be embedded into any Approved Installer’s website for maximum coverage.

Offer your customers more by becoming a Sternfenster Approved Installer today. Give Sternfenster a call on 01522 51 25 25 or visit their website, www.sternfenster.com, for more information on how to enhance your business.

June data revealed weaker growth momentum across the UK construction sector, with business activity, new work and employment all expanding at slower rates than in May.

Survey respondents commented on signs of ‘renewed risk aversion’ among clients, reflecting concerns about the economic outlook and heightened political uncertainty. The latest survey also indicated that construction companies were the least optimistic about their near-term growth prospects since December 2016. At 54.8 in June, down from 56.0 in May, the seasonally adjusted IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) registered above the 50.0 no-change mark for the tenth month running. Although signalling a solid upturn in overall business activity, the rate of expansion eased from May’s 17-month peak.

Tim Moore, senior economist at IHS Markit and author of the Markit/CIPS Construction PMI, said: “The construction sector experienced a growth slowdown in June, largely reflecting weaker rises in commercial building and civil engineering activity. Residential construction work continued to increase at one of the fastest rates since the end of 2015.

“Survey respondents commented on renewed caution among clients, in response to heightened political and economic uncertainty. Fragile business sentiment led to delayed decision – making on large projects and greater concern about the outlook for workloads during the next 12 months. While construction firms remain upbeat overall about their near – term growth prospects, the degree of confidence fell to its lowest so far this year.

“Despite a softer rise in construction output, the latest survey revealed that supply chain pressures were among the most intense since early – 2015. June data also pointed to strong input price inflation, driven by resilient demand and upward pressure on costs imported construction materials.”

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