Door and Window Experts

AWS Windows AWS Turner Fain, part of the AWS Group plc, whilst also being well known for it’s commercial contracts, extrudes it’s own Glissade system for windows and uses doors from SAPA Building Systems. The company is well known for the scale of its commercial contract work. designed and made at our Droitwich factory. The windows are independently tested by the BSI and have Kitemark approval. The Glissade Window by AWS meets the relevant security and secured by design standards.

Products

Glissade Aluminium Casement Window

Glissade Aluminium Tilt and Turn Window

Glissade Parallel opening window.

For further information on the Glissade Windows from AWS Turner Fain, please contact us

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Hunter Douglas

Hunter Douglas have over more than 40 years carried out major contract work on some very well known projects globally. Specialising in window coverings as well as architectural products they specialise in facade treatments, window coverings, solar control and much more. Hunter Douglas facade products can be seen in commercial as well as major retail facilities and the company operates globally comprising a Corporation with 168 Companies and many manufacturing and assembly plants.

For further information on any of the Hunter Douglas products listed below please contact us.

Product Range

Sun Louvres

Dynamic

Panel Systems

Custom Sun Louvres

Shutters

Sliding

Custom Shutters

Window Control Systems

Basic

Advanced

Intelligent

Facade Treatments

Ventilated Façades

QuadroClad

Multiple Panel

Open Stucture Façades

Metal Linear

Wood Linear

Insulated Façades

Sandwich Wall

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hwa Whilst Heywood Williams architectural also supply systems from Technal and Schuco, they also have their own suite of architectural aluminium sections, widely used in many prestigious and corporate buildings such as Morrisons, major retail parks and much more. In business for over 100 years Heywood Williams Architectural are one of the market leaders in their field.

For further information on any of the Heywood Williams Architectural products listed below please contact us.

Product Range

HWA Series 48 Curtain Walling

HWA Series 25 Window Systems

HWA System 4-20 Windows

HWA Series 25 Commercial Door Systems

Roof Systems

HWA Modular 70 system

HWA Modular 40 systems

Aluminium Rainscreen Cladding Systems

The post Heywood Williams Architectural appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

The winners of National Fenestration Awards for 2013 have been announced in a video on the NFA website.

The video is well produced and is nearly 13 minutes long, so if you’re pressed for time here is a list of the winners:

National Fenestration Awards Winners 2013

NFA Logo

Social Networker goes to Sarah Hitchings of REHAU
Hardware Company goes to Trojan Hardware and Avocet Hardware (Joint winners)
Young Person goes to John Edmonds of Lister Trade Frames
Glass Systems Company goes to Pilkinton Glass and Saint Gobain (joint winners)
Systems Company Goes to Schueco UK Limited
Composite and Panelled Door goes to Solidor
Timber Company goes to Dempsey Dyer
Aluminium Systems Company goes to Aluk_GB
PVC award goes to Veka

and finally,

The Cool Wall was won by Glazdale and New Look Homes (joint winners)

Well done to all the winners. Great to see some ATS friends and supporters in there.

We’re going to be updating this page to add links and a little commentary.

The post NFA Winners Are Announced appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Force8 have recently been promoting their range of composite panic doors apparently in response to the growing popularity of composite doors generally. Any company experienced in the commercial sector will totally understand the value of aluminium commercial doors.

Most expert installers would only specify aluminium for fire exit doors, so what is the advantage of a composite door with panic bars?

Plastic doors and composite doors simply do not have the longevity of aluminium not because of the greater inherent strength of aluminium, but more importantly the long term reliability of commercial aluminium door hardware. It is hardware over construction that gives doors long service life. Rarely does a door fail because of it’s construction, it is the hardware that will fail long before a door will.

Composite doors are designed for use in dwellings not in commercial high use buildings. It cold be argued that there are definintely better domestic entrance door solutions than composite doors, nonetheless they are popular. With many home improvement companies choosing only to offer composite doors and no other credible or better alternaitves consumers are buying them.

What value do composite doors have in high traffic environments?

There is presently litte information available on what cycle testing plastic door hardware undergoes. It is a fair statement to say that plastic doors and composite doors are primarily intended for dwellings. Consider how many times the average door in a house is opened and closed during the working day? The operation of doors intended for the residential market is nowhere near that of aluminium commercial doors specifically intended for this purpose – high use, high traffic doors in commercial buildings that have more users and occupiers than any dwelling.

Force 8 say in their recent press articles that their door offers

a high spec safety option for every sector as composite doors continue to grow in popularity

but in what type of application could such a door possibly be useful? In high traffic environment such as schools a door such as this in our view would be a recipe for failure and ultimately as has been proven countless times over the years it would soon be replaced with an aluminium one. Even the experienced and knowledgable plastic door companies in the market acknowledge that in commercial or high traffic use, an aluminium commercial quality entrance door is the preferred and most reliable solution.

There is no possible way such a composite door with panic bars, a door designed to be opened in low traffic dwellings, could possibly withstand a school environment. Those who have been active in school contract work will be only too aware of what demands are made on doors particularly where you have hundreds of pupils streaming out of doors at the same time during breaks and end of school days. It is the tried and tested hardware in concealed closers, threshold pivots and the absence of lever handles with multi point locking that enables commercial doors to functions for many years with only routine maintenance carried out.

A Composite door with panic bars can only be useful in low traffic environments but arguably still with ongoing issues.

If the purpose of fitting a composite door with a panic bar is solely to facilitate ease of exit compared to operating a lever handle, in a very low use environment they may turn out to be reliable. If a composite door is intended to be used on an “emergency exit only” type door that remails shut at all times untill needed for escape, it could be argued they provide a cost effective purpose.

However it is well documented by professionals in this sector and hardware manufacturers such as Dorma Door Controls that low use doors remaining shut and that are not still subject to routine maintenance and testing could still fail when needed. Our article here explains why.

Despite the reported popularity in composite doors we must remember that in commercial applications the correct product has to be used. This is not to say the Force 8 composite door is not fit for purpose. There is little information as to whether its hardware is designed for high traffic or whether the same hinges are used on this and doors to dwellings. If you are considering a composite or plastic door in a high traffic environment we recommend you determine its precise use beforehand. If it is likely to be a high traffic door we would recommend an aluminium door every time that correctly installed and maintained will perform better.

Have you ever used a plastic or composite door in a commercial application?

The post Why would you buy a composite door with panic bars? appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

The autumn and winter months are a time of year when it seems the number of service call requests increases dramatically. It can be lower quality window hardware that is susceptible to the cold weather suffering failure from moisture and subsequent corrosion. Or maybe it is the perceived “draught” coming through an old door. The colder weather seems to bring about more service calls for window products to retail installers than other times of the year.

With most systems companies issuing maintenance instructions on their door and window products, can a window really be “fit and forget”?

Most window installation companies will have stories of customers who demand endless service calls. Others will recall contracts where they have sent their service engineer out to inspect problems that would not have arisen had simple care and maintenance taken place.

Has the window industry fallen into a service call trap by giving the impression doors and windows are “fit and forget?”

Sales people by their very nature will rarely highlight anything negative in trying to secure a sale. There are many that will use the line “no matter what the issue with your windows or doors, we will put it right” or “once your new windows are installed, they will be a fit and forget product Madam”.

In making such an open statement about fit and forget is the average double glazing salesman actually costing his company money?

The home improvement industry, no matter how well meaning has stupidly fallen into the 10 year guarantee trap. A simple replacement window job consisting of say, two windows and a door is not a substantial order to a window company. With margins being squeezed (and particularly when the products are pvc) the window sector still has to fight for work and it remains very much a price driven industry.

Is claiming windows to be fit and forget when there is an obligation on the part of the end user for some routine maintenance and cleaning to be carried out wrong?
Is giving the impression that whatever a fault the window company will come out to rectify even though it may have been caused by the user right?

The simple fact remains that with many retail installations any service call work simply reduces any profit in that job. This is made worse by those window companies who choose cheaper window systems that over the years have proven themselves less reliable.

What does your company do to ensure a service call is genuine?

It is often the case in many home improvement companies that the initial service call request will be taken by a receptionist. With customer service of high importance it is unlikely that a customer would be questioned to find out the cause of the fault. Often the customer will say “my door is not locking correctly” or “my bifolding door will not slide properly” but will rarely go into greater detail. The window industry feels an obligation to meet the customer need, particularly where recommendation and follow on work is so critical. On this basis many companies simply accept the service call request as genuine.

There may be simple explanations for why a window or door may not be functioning correctly. If a bifolding door track for example has dirt and debris hindering the smooth operation of the bifolding door rollers the customer may think there is a fault. Do you make sure that the track is kept clean before you send out your service engineer?

If the one screw that holds most door cylinders in place on many doors works loose, it can hinder the operation of the key giving the customer the impression that their door is not working correctly. Does the company explain that from time to time this screw may need tightening?

These two simple examples are often reasons for window companies to be called out for service call work where no fault is evident but often the lack of simple maintenance by the user can be the cause for the service call. Does your Installation Managers or Service Engineer make a telephone call to get more clarity as to the nature of the service call or do you simply send someone out?

What the customer will never appreciate is the cost to a company of the Service Engineer.

Service Engineers will often be salaried rather than self employed like window fitters with the associated costs of holiday pay, sick pay and National Insurance. The Company will also be bearing the costs associated with a van, spares, tools and fuel. Often the Service Engineer will be called upon complete work that the original fitters should have completed in the first place.

The window industry has stupidly fallen into the trap of the 10 year guarantee so what do you do to ensure your service calls are genuine?

And can a window or door ever be a “fit and forget” product?

The post Are any window products really fit and forget? appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

All forms of marketing can be effective. Whilst cold calling is largely disliked, there remain many satisfied customers who purchased in this way.

It is widely reported that the House of Commons will be debating the sales tactics used by several businesses, contributing to the two million cold calls and texts made every day. One of those sectors criticised is double glazing alongside financial products, personal injury and utility suppliers. The Citizens Advice Bureau has also contributed to this by claiming that 90% of people don’t trust companies that use cold calling voice, text or similar tactics.

Does double glazing cold calling work?

Much of it depends on the type of product you are selling and the company. The perception is that only the large multi nationals rely upon cold calling and similar marketing techniques due largely to the high volumes they have to sell as businesses to survive and more importantly the way in which their canvassers and sales people are remunerated. The reality is that there are also independent companies that still employ tele canvassers and the type of marketing methods being investigated. This website knows such companies and in speaking to them they maintain that they continue to generate healthy sales canvassing. It works for them.

However it remains largely the “big five” in double glazing that heavily market in this way. In such organisations it is well known within the double glazing sector that commission is earned for every lead made, any appointment confirmed and of course any sale made. Most of these canvassers and salespeople are commission only.

Whilst every type of marketing has it’s place the hard sales tactics are not the norm nowadays with the majority of the double glazing industry. Most local double glazing firms understand all too well the importance of local reputation and recommendation. More importantly many are trying to move away from the negative perception of double glazing and rebranding as companies specialising in home extensions. The reality again is that sales tactics come and go and times change. Prior to double glazing it was the vacuum cleaner salesman and carpet cleaner that was well known for door knocking and canvassing.

30 years ago, most houses needed their windows replaced. Today there is a growing market of “replacing the replacements”.

The image of double glazing has largely come about to the massive potential this market had in the 1980′s when millions of typical British homes were still fitted with the original timber windows that had come to the end of their useful life or old steel windows. The home improvement sector saw this massive potential and capitalised on it. However, so did kitchen companies, stone cladding, insulation and other home improvement products. They also used these methods. It was the way these products were sold.

30 years later the double glazing industry is aware that these original plastic windows are coming to the end of their useful life and will once again need replacing. This is just one of the growth areas in double glazing which has been identified. Every business needs effective marketing.

Whilst we perceive cold calling with distrust, we must also remember that there are millions of satisfied customers that were sold windows in this way.

One important point in selling double glazing is that these marketing methods have really only applied to mass market plastic windows and doors. The aluminium sector and those companies specialising in aluminium products have never had the need to sell windows in the same way as high volume, cheaper upvc windows. The same applies to the sale of timber windows and steel. These products are not sold in this way.

Similarly, you will very rarely see aluminium windows and doors subject to the huge discounts and incentives. However, as the report to be investigated shows, it is not just the double glazing sector, it applies to other products and services too.

The post Double Glazing Cold Calling Sparks House of Commons Debate appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

In double glazing and general window replacement, you will often hear the term “Systems Company”, so in this post we are going to look at what an Aluminium Systems Company is. We will also discuss what role systems companies play in the window and door sector, and in fenestration generally?

There are many “Systems Companies” that serve the wider fenestration sector. All play a key role at all stages of buying, making and installing aluminium windows.

The end user buying aluminium windows may not be aware of the important role the Aluminium Systems Company plays not only at the beginning of the sales process but also well after the window has been installed and paid for.

The Aluminium Systems Company brings the window product to market

The Systems Company will be in the top tier in the supply chain of aluminium windows. Many of the major systems companies are either part of global or large groups of companies involved in related industries or unrelated if the systems company is part of a group of companies.

Other Aluminium Systems Companies will be independent firms. However in its very simplest form, the Systems Company is in the business of selling aluminium.

Design and testing

The aluminium systems company will be directly responsible for the design of the aluminium window. Working with a team of designers and often with their manufacturing and installing customer base, it is here that the window product will be created.

Prior to bringing an aluminium window to market, the systems company design the product and may lay down preliminary dies for the aluminium extrusions. Some systems companies have in-group extrusion plants, others will use an external aluminium extruder.

In the design of an aluminium window many tests will be carried out by the systems company including:

Extrusion tests for compatibility between the various profiles with design changes if needed
Security tests to make sure the window will withstand attack
Testing to ensure it meets the legal requirements for thermal efficiency
Air and water leakage tests

The aluminium systems company in creating an aluminium window product will design a product also working with the wider supply chain supplying locks, handles, accessories, hinges and much more. Here metal dies will be laid down, components may be sourced from industry stocks or even created specially for the product. The company will also work on creating the fabrication and installation manuals and instructions, creating the programmes for the CNC machining centres

Consultation

It should be borne in mind that the systems company does not install or make windows. It is common for the systems company to introduce prototypes of a new window and present it to several of its experienced manufacturers. Here they will gain feedback from the aluminium window manufacturer that will give valuable feedback on how easy the window is to cut, machine, fix hardware, glaze and install.

Similar to any “customer clinic”, the aluminium systems company must listen to this feedback. If it creates a product that the manufacturer finds hard to make or the installer finds hard to install, the product simply will not sell. It is the companies at the grass roots of the fenestration sector in manufacturing and installation that can provide very valuable feeback on a new aluminium window product.

The competition.

With a large number of aluminium systems companies in the UK, each one is aware of each other and what product range it offers. It is not uncommon for one company to introduce a new product only for other systems companies to follow suit. Bifolding doors are an excellent example where for many years many systems companies did not offer one, but over recent years more and more have introduced bifolding doors into the market.

Sales and Specification Sales

In constructing this block of apartments, the Systems Company will have helped the architect specify the doors and windows to be used.

The systems company upon the launch of a new product or as part of its sales and marketing strategy employs many people involved in sales and specification.

Sales involves the Systems Company actively looking for aluminium window manufacturers to make, supply, or supply and install it’s products. When a manufacturer makes a decision to take the aluminium system on board, the systems company will work with them in making that first window, providing the tooling, the technical manuals, assist with the fabrication of the window and ongoing support.

Specification Sales involves the system company working hard to ensure that an architect working on a particular project will specify their system. Any new building, school, supermarket or housing development will in most cases have had a systems company visit an architect or a client to promote the merits of installing their system in the building and help them with the design of the windows, doors or curtain walling. It is not uncommon therefore for architects to have worked with an aluminium system for many years and prefer to specify it ongoing. This is valuable ongoing work.

Brand awareness and Marketing

The systems company supplies the window manufacturer. The window manufacturer supplies the installer, the installer supplies the homeowner. All of these different parts of the supply chain require brochures and marketing support to be able to sell on the product to their customer base.

It is common for the systems company to create and provide the literature that it’s manufacturers and installers will use and this literature is often tailored towards the homeowner, the specifier or the architect. The brochure the homeowner has seen will have been created in most cases by the systems company.

Some aluminium systems companies my choose to exhibit directly at building and home exhibitions or carry out direct television marketing or magazine advertising. All enquiries will be passed onto their customers, but most proactive systems companies have an interest in making sure their brand is visible to the wider public.

Manufacturing and Technical Support

Ongoing, the aluminium systems company will be providing bar length aluminium and hardware for the manufacture of it’s products. Additionally it will have a dedicated technical department that is there to advise on the feasility of making windows in a particular way, to assist with manufacturing or installation issues and provide ongoing support to its customer base of manufacturers.

Site Support

It is common for the systems company to present itself when things go wrong. If a homeowner has a problem with a finished product but the installer and manufacturer are confident it has been made and installed correctly, often the systems company will get involved as the designer of the product and seek a solution.

The post What is an Aluminium Systems Company? appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Purchasing Bifolding Doors doors need not be a complicated process. There are several factors to consider in making a choice such as selecting a reputable manufacturer and finding a reliable installer.

There are many advantages to having bifolding doors and transforming your home such as this stunning open corner example.

We have compiled a simple list of things to consider below, all of which should make purchasing bifolding doors a smooth process. Choose carefully and your bifolding doors will provide you with a quality product that will give you many years of reliable good service.

Why are bifolding doors so popular and what are their benefits?

As more and more people choose to improve their homes rather than sell, so the home extension has gained popularity in recent years. Bifolding doors are today an integral part of home extensions and renovations. When open they provide a significantly greater opening compared to large patio doors and depending on the configuration they can be provided with a single access to enable exit and entry without having to slide all the doors back.

More importantly than this, they can give you that sense of space, connect the inside to the outside of your home and in the summer months simply come into their own.

What are the planning and design considerations?

In simple cases where you are only replacing older patio doors or french doors with new aluminium bifolding doors, there is no need to involve an architect. In the vast majority of cases will you require to make any kind of application for planning permission. You will already be aware if there are any restrictions in place regarding making changes to your own particular property and it is wise to check if you are unsure. The installation of bifolding doors comes under the rules and regulations of Permitted Developments and you can find out more about permitted developments here.

If you are already building an extension or carrying out a major home renovation you will most likely be using an architect and they will have the skills and knowledge to design your bifolding doors as part of your build taking into consideration structural and other factors. The architect will already be well experienced in these matters and will also be on hand for any design or planning considerations. Depending on the design of your build, you may also need to have structural calculations carried out, for example if you are constructing a large glazed roof, open extension or other such build.

What is best? PVCu? Aluminium or Timber?

There are advantages and disadvantages to each material and every product has its place in the marketplace. There is no good worst product but aluminium, pvcu, and timber bifolds all differ in their design, capabilities, performance and specification. Your decision will be governed largely by budget and design, together with additional information. Our article here, gives further information on the merits of aluminium, timber and pvcu bifolding doors. Read more about the features of aluminium, timber and PVCu doors here.

What about Colour?

Whilst it is widely accepted that replacement windows and doors will often be white, colour has made a dramatic impact on the British home improvement sector in recent years. It is not uncommon for customers to choose white windows and bifolding doors in a contrasting colour. Grey remains one of the most popular with over 27 different grey shades available from reputable polyester powder coaters. However, with over 200 colours available, customers are getting bolder with colour choices, choosing yellows, reds, blues, greens and other vivid shades.

Are Bifolding Doors secure?

The rear of the property is usually the targeted area for burglars looking to gain entry into a property as this is the hidden area in many homes. Door and window security all over the property is important, but more so with bifolding doors as they effectively create large glazed areas. Bifolding doors are extremely secure with some systems offering above standard locking systems such as 8 point locks including bolts locking into the top and bottom of the frame. Additionally the well engineered and secure doors will meet BS7950, PAS 23/24 Secured by Design Accreditation. Ask to see the official test reports for the doors in question. Five point locking should be a minimum requirement.

It makes sense to try out the product.

A bifolding door is one of the more expensive products when it comes to windows and doors generally and it makes absolute sense to visit many showrooms and see the range of doors on offer. Do not be put off if window showrooms only show one make of door, shop around ask what System that door is and do your research as to the merits of each particular door. Not all bifolding doors are the same.

Look at the hardware options on offer, the threshold options, the sight lines when the doors are closed and how the doors glide in operation and how they lock. Do not be afraid to ask questions.

Fitting and Maintenance.

It should take no more than one day to fit and glaze your bifolding doors which will be carried out by your builder or a reputable window company. The accurate installation of the doors is absolutely crucial in ensuring they operate and lock correctly and will give years of trouble free operation. Bifolding doors are generally very reliable and many problems can be overcome with correct adjustment and installation.

Longer term, bifolding doors need little in the way of maintenance other than ensuring the tracks are free of debris and the paint finish is kept routinely clean.

The post Purchasing Bifolding Doors appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Most window companies in the UK now offer a bifolding door of some description or another. This is undoubtedly a consequence of the overall growth in the UK bifolding door market. Something that Origin Bifolding Doors have been quick to take advantage of.

house benefiting from bifolding doors onto the garden.

Offering more than one bifolding door brings advantages to manufacturers and installers.

Despite this growth the majority of window companies only offer the one bifolding door in one system. Which begs the question; If you only sell one brand of bifolding door, are there opportunities for additional sales by offering an additional bifolding door brand?

Selling more than one bifolding door brand could generate more sales.

The more mainstream bifolding door brands such as Smarts are presently subject to very diverse pricing throughout the supplier chain. With more mainstream doors hitting the market, prices are getting lower and margins are being squeezed.

This means that some bifolding doors are being offered at lower prices meaning that double glazing companies are struggling to compete on price. One only needs to look at the trade magazines to see prices of mainstream bifolding doors such as Smarts getting lower and more competitive.

Even if you are already supply another bifolding door brand, there are advantages in adding Origin bifolding doors to your range.

Even if you manufacture bifolding doors already, it is the simplest solution to add to your bifolding door range, without any costs involved in buying material, having new tooling laid down, additional fabricator training and many other factors involved in fabrication.

Manufacturers have the advantage of continuing to fabricate their core product, whilst at the same time having an avenue to sell an additional bifolding door brand that is hugely successful. Your trade or retail customers will benefit from also having an additional product to buy from you.

For Installers, there are similar good reasons. They may already purchase one bifolding door product and offering Origin doors also extends their product offering to their prospective customers. Customers know there are a range of doors on the market, why not have a competitive edge by demonstrating an additional door?

The industry leading Origin service also offers many advantages in that unlike other bifolding door suppliers, customers are not subject to the typical 3 or 4 week lead times for coloured bifolding doors. Origin customers already take advantage of this innovative way of purchasing bifolding doors with their own customers by offering bifolding doors to their customers in their desired lead times. Your competitors are probably quoting the standard long lead times. You can better these.

The post Could you benefit from selling Origin Bifolding Doors? appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

The Glass and Glazing Federation has declared that the Green Deal which has been in place for over a year now is not working for the home improvement industry and this has been reported today in Glass and Glazing Products Magazine.

13 months on, only one window installation has been carried out under the Government Green Deal Scheme.

The Green Deal was launched softly by the Government as a scheme to assist homeowners with making energy-saving improvements to residential properties or businesses such as draught proofing, solar panels and of course double glazing.

The GGF Declaration follows the recent Green Building Council Conference held in January.

The conference held, called Towards the Green Deal 2.0 revealed that despite nearly 130000 Green Deal Assessments having been carried out only one window installation has actually been completed under the Government Scheme.

This is clearly shambolic and demonstrates that not only was the softly softly approach of the Green Deal Launch the wrong approach to launching what was in theory a good scheme, but that the home improvement sector clearly didn’t get behind it. One will recall the initial excitement by window firms about the Green Deal as an opportunity for the double glazing sector to carry out thousands upon thousands of new installations that they would otherwise not have carried out. With the vast majority of home improvements done outside of finance arrangements and paid for in full by consumers the Green Deal was seen as an opportunity to carry out work that people would not have done because they couldn’t afford to pay for it themselves.

What is not stated is how many of the other home improvements allowed under the Green Deal have been carried out.

It could well be that there has been a greater number of solar installations, draught proofing and heating carried out. Perhaps homeowners consider those improvements more important than replacing their windows?

Nonetheless, it is clear that homeowners have not embraced the Green Deal, it has not had the positive effect the door and window sector thought it would have and the administration involved is too complicated for window companies to embrace and become Registered Green Deal Installers.

This website knows and works with a great number of window companies and we know of none that have signed up to the Green Deal as a registered installer.

The Government effectively needs to start from scratch with the Green Deal and promote the positives of the scheme, help window installers take part in it and reverse this shocking statistic of just one window installation carried out under the scheme in the last 12 months.

The full GGP article can be read here.

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Colour is now an important part of residential and commercial fenestration work. So this begs the questions, are there any advantages to outsourcing powder coating of aluminium profiles, or should aluminium window manufacturers rely on the systems companies?

Whilst the aluminium sector in windows and doors has experienced excellent growth in recent years, prices are still competitive and particularly on commercial work, the aluminium window and door installer is having to keep prices keen.

building with powder coated fenestration

With manufacturers using more and more coloured aluminium, can you save money by using an external powder coater?

It is not unusual for systems companies, hardware suppliers, glass suppliers and component manufacturers to implement price increases on an annual basis. Many manufacturers will simply absorb these price increases to keep their own selling prices competitive.

With the massive increase in colours more aluminium window manufacturers are buying in coloured window material in the a array of colours aside from the standard whites, blacks or greys. The consumer and commercial specifier are both becoming more adventurous when it comes to colour!

So what are the advantages to outsourcing powder coating of aluminium extrusions?

Lead times.

Those who regularly buy from a systems company and particularly those that manufacture more than one system will be aware of lead times fluctuating by the systems companies. The summer is one time of year when lead times seem to get longer by the systems companies with the influx of school refurbishment work that needs to be carried out whilst the schools are closed. One wonders when systems companies are well aware of this industry phenomenon in the summer, why they cannot hold more stock or do more to keep their coloured aluminium lead times down.

Have you considered buying your aluminium in mill finish and sending it to an alternative painter? The lead times on mill finish from the systems companies will be substantially lower than those for painted material and you will be in more control as regards meeting your own customers lead times.

The price of coloured aluminium extrusions.

It is well worth doing the exercise to find out how much you would be saving by buying your aluminium in mill finish from your systems company and using an external powder coater to paint it. It’s simple to calculate. Look at the cost of the painted metal direct from the systems company, then compare that with buying it in mill finish and the price of having it painted elsewhere. You may be pleasantly surprised at how much you will be saving.

Taking the example of Superior Paint & Powder Coating in Coventry. They will accept delivery of lengths and cut pieces directly from the systems company, powder coat it in just about any colour you can imagine, and then deliver it directly to your factory for assembly.

What about dual colour?

In the case of dual colour aluminium extrusions, these are generally accepted that they will be on a longer lead time that single colour because of the painting and rolling processes involved.

With dual colour aluminium the outer profile is painted in the one colour, the inner profile is painted the other colour, then the extrusion is rolled onto its polyamide thermal break to form the finished bar. This process takes much longer than painting in a single colour whereby the already rolled mill finish bar is painted. It is for this reason that on single colour you will often see that the black polyamide thermal break is painted but on dual colour it is left it in its original colour, normally black.

The post Outsourcing Powder Coating of Aluminium Extrusions appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Has modern double glazing destroyed the craftsmanship and architecture of Britain? Whilst this website and any other is here to support and encourage home improvements, modern aluminium double glazed windows or from other materials, it is time to spare a thought for the effect modern materials can have in eroding physical examples of fantastic craftsmanship and materials of old?

What are we losing with modern double glazing?

Thankfully pvc windows will never see the light of day or ruin a property such as this. Conservation and listed buildings ensure these are replaced with nothing but the originals.

There are many windows and doors not subject to planning or conservation area rulings and in ripping out old windows and replacing with new, window companies will rarely give consideration to these old windows and doors that usually end up in the skip. The home improvement sector is worth several billion pounds a year, it employs thousands of people in construction, manufacturing, design, production and other sectors of the supply chain. For the replacement window sector, it is simply a case of replacing the old windows with new.

Charles Brooking is the creator of The Brooking Collection, a unique resource that catalogues products, architecture, construction and manufacturing methods of old and seeks to preserve this information for all time. It is a fantastic resource for those that actually care about the history of architecture and manufacturing in Britain, finding artefacts and methods of construction that are historically important.

The Brooking Collection in relation to windows and doors has brought to life some fantastic examples of how windows were constructed, designed, glazed and secured in previous centuries and gives a fascinating insight into replacement windows of old. There are some fantastic examples of leaded fanlights, sash balances used to control classic timber sash windows, fitch catches, peg stays and explanations of how windows were mitred, constructed, glazed and weathered.

Modern interpretations of original windows are simply imitations and nothing more.

Despite the attempts of aluminium crittall replacement windows, Residence 9 flush sash casements, Masterframe or Roseview pvcu sash windows and others to replicate the original features of the windows they are replacing, these are nothing but imitation products. Nothing more.

Nothing can beat the detailing and craftsmanship of an original window and the reality is that as “authentic looking” as these modern windows claim to be, they contain none of the techniques used to manufacture the original products.

Charles Brooking has spent a lifetime rummaging through the skips of window companies and buildings, examining the features of the old windows that have been taken out and has created an immense resource detailing huge amounts of facts and information. The sad fact is, that when many of these older windows and doors are removed, much of their history, design and craftsmanship is lost forever.

The property in question. A handsome period home, now with chunky plastic windows, made worse with the use of door outer frames and dummy sashes that did not form part of the original windows.

This handsome period home, now with chunky plastic windows, made worse with the use of door outer frames and dummy sashes that did not form part of the original windows.

Despite the window industry promoting 10 year guarantees and the apparent long life of pvcu and aluminium products, the fact remains that no aluminium or plastic window has given or will ever give the long life of hundreds of years of original timber sash windows and original steel windows. And they never will. The window industry already consists of specialist craftsmen talented in restoring or remaking original windows, but there is a larger sector consisting of people selling and installing modern windows that have no concept of what these window replacements are costing us.

People who buy properties in conservation area should put history before cost.

If you are genuinely interested in windows, please visit The Brooking Collection website for an insight into windows of old that outside of conservation areas and listed buildings we are losing. Conservation Officers that are refusing to allow anything but original windows are absolutely right in their decisions and homeowners who buy listed buildings or properties in conservation areas should respect the property that they are not only buying but looking after for future generations.

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For years the PVCu window sector has extolled the virtues of the energy ratings of their windows, but as many in the aluminium sector already know, aluminium can also achieve high Window Energy Ratings or WER’s.

Utilising a triple glazed glass unit, the Reynaers aluminium window now achieves the top Window Energy Rating.

Window Energy Ratings are operated by the British Fenestration Rating Council, BFRC, and is one of a few systems being used to rate the energy efficiency of windows. WER’s are recognised in Building Regulations for new builds in particular. Using the now familiar traffic light concept many are familiar with on white goods as one example, replacement windows can now be easily rated for energy efficiency.

The Reynaers Aluminium Windows are the latest to achieve WER A+

With energy ratings set to get higher, the present highest level is WER A+ in energy ratings and this has been achieved by the Reynaers Concept System. This now means there is another of many aluminium window systems that can meet the top ratings utilising a triple glazed unit.

Reynaers Aluminium Say:

Putting our systems through the BFRC rating programme clearly identifies the capabilities of our Concept System windows, in keeping with our aim to supply innovative, market leading aluminium system solutions. The BFRC Rating method includes all the relevant factors that contribute to the energy efficiency of a window system, including ‘loss factors’, such as U-value, as well as gain factors, such as solar heat gain.

This is good news for energy efficient architects looking to create low energy use buildings as part of the overall build.

The Reynaers Concept System windows will an advantage in the construction of efficient buildings looking to create the lowest possible emissions and preserve as much of the energy as possible.

Utilising a three chamber system in its design, Reynaers CS 77 HI is designed with the very best in polyamide technology working in conduction with the multi chambers in order to obtain the top Window Energy Rating.

The design of this window does not only apply to outward opening casements. With Reynaers being a global company, they are aware that European and other markets favour inward opening windows. This particular system is suitable for inward and outward opening casements, whilst still retaining excellent weather and security specifications and a U Value of 1.2 W/m2K.

The post Reynaers Aluminium Windows Achieve A+ Rating appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

The glass and glazing industry was for many years without a suitable trade show that reflected the interests of manufacturers, installers and the wider industry.

Origin Doors will be exhibiting at the 2014 FiT Show in Telford demonstrating the advantages of becoming an Origin Dealer

In 2013, the inaugural FiT Show was held and was acknowledged by the door and window sector, and beyond s a hugely successful new trade show. The bookings for the 2014 show are apparently coming in thick and fast with 2014 looking to be an equal success.

Origin Doors will also be exhibiting at the 2014 FiT Show

Origin, are already established as the leading manufacturer of bifolding doors in the UK and in this years show they will be targeting the wider trade market. They are intending to increase their installer base to push their already very successful range of aluminium bifolding doors and matching door blinds.

With the Fit Show targeting the fabricator and installer businesses active in the fenestration sector it will again be another opportunity to see on show the diverse range of products available to installers. Bifolding doors are the core product for many home improvement companies but there are still growth opportunities in this particular sector with quality products backed by impressive sales, service and technical support.

What Visitors to the Origin Doors Stand will be able to see at the 2014 FiT Show

Various levels of transparency are available

The Origin Bespoke Door Blind offers additional sales opportunities for bifolding door installers.

On the Origin Bifolding Doors stand, there will be a range of bifolding doors demonstrating the excellent design, quality of manufacture, threshold options and the cleverly designed corner bifolding door arrangement. Visitors will also be able to view the range of quality hardware all of which has been designed especially for the bifolding door

Also on display will be the range of Bifolding Door Electric Blinds, again designed specifically for the Origin Doors with an innovative electric operation. These bifolding door blinds are all hand-made, can be supplied with both new and older installations of bifolding doors and in a wide range of fabrics and materials. The addition of origin door blinds gives installers a profitable bolt on product and additional sales opportunities.

One area that no other bifolding door supplier exhibiting at the 2014 FiT Show will be able to compete on is Lead Times

Presently, there is no other company in the country that can offer Origin’s Zero Lead Time Service enabling prospective customers to specify exactly when they would like their doors delivered. With the aluminium fabrication sector relying upon the performance of external supply chains and still providing bifolding doors on average in two to four working weeks, this is a totally unique service whereby anyone considering becoming a dealer of Origin doors can benefit.

Origin will be looking to forge new trade relationships with the wider fenestration industry and whilst there remains for bifolding door installers, a large selection of bifolding door products s to choose from, it is worthwhile looking at what the other trade manufacturers have to offer and then comparing them with the Origin offering.

The post Bifolding Door Opportunities at the 2014 FiT Show appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Aluminium insulated panels are widely used in commercial and residential projects, but how much do you know about the supply chain and ordering process? Most installers will be asked about aluminium panels (sometimes called architectural panels) from time to time. Maybe you’ve just referred a trade customer elsewhere and missed out on an opportunity.

Although specifying architectural features do need attention to detail, there is no reason a trade supplier of aluminium doors and windows could not handle orders for panels. You may have to get used to being asked questions about things like vertical joints between panels. For example can they overlap or should they butt together. And bearing in mind that curved corner and eaves panels are now quite common, you may need to supply drawings. However, if you’re responding to a supply only request this information should be available. Working with an experienced supplier of aluminium panels will make sure that you get the support you need.

Aluminium Insulated Panels in a corridor

superior manufacture a large range of insulated panels with the advantage of coating their own material

Many panel manufacturers will be reliant upon an external powder coater to paint the internal and external faces of the insulated panel. This may cause problems:

The RAL or Syntha Pulvin Colour specified may be a standard colour with the powder coater of the aluminium extrusions but a non standard colour with the powder coater of the aluminium sheet used for the panels.
The lead times quoted by the powder coater of the aluminium extrusions may be different to the one quoted by the panel supplier.
The panel company is at the mercy of their own powder coater and may not have a lot of influence over lead times.
You have having to deal with two suppliers
The logistics or administration involved in dealing with a powder coater and a panel supplier determines your decision to simply not supply aluminium panels to the trade.

Ideally you will use a panel supplier that is able to powder coat too. Superior Insulated Panels is one such company as they have in-house powder coating plant. To the window company that already paints aluminium extrusions and has a requirement for aluminium panels, this can offer several advantages:

The assurance of an absolute colour match as both aluminium extrusions and panels are painted in the same plant at the same time
Reduced administration work as one company paints and manufactures the product
More control of lead times as you are dealing with only one company
Any issues with non standard colour ranges are reduced.
A wider colour range than offered by many panel companies that outsource their painting.

If you are a trade manufacturer of aluminium doors and windows and are currently not supplying aluminium panels as part of your product range consider the advantages of doing so. Your trade customers very often are looking for a one stop shop and being able to supply colour matched panels with your fabricated windows and doors can offer you a competitive edge against your competitors.

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Everest Double Glazing are offering free triple glazing upgrades in their latest promotion campaign. The majority will be aware that in the selling techniques of the big nationals, there is probably no such thing as free, nonetheless to the buying customer (and plenty continue to choose Everest) the perception is that they have had a major upgrade to their double glazing in the form of triple glazed units.

With Everest Double Glazing choosing to offer triple glazed windows as a free upgrade, will the sector follow suit in 2014?

Triple Glazing is not a new thing but in any competitive sector a business has to think of ways to stand out. The free upgrade by Everest to Triple Glazing is just that. This is not a new concept. Several years ago when the housing market was at its peak Estate Agents started to extend their opening hours with some now open till 10pm. In home improvements and consumer goods, the larger companies went that bit further whether it is competitive finance deals, free upgrades, longer guarantees or anything else that made them stand out.

Is Triple Glazing going to be the product of 2014?

Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of triple glazing. However, as with any product that they may not have much knowledge about, they will be relying upon the advice of the sales professional to guide and educate them. Some consumers will simply want “the best” in the same way that some people buy the top of the range model of car or the highest specification computer. Chances are they will not use many of the features, but they have the comfort of having “the best”.

Others will be guided by the sales person and the value of the sale. There will arguably be situations where one salesperson will suggest not bothering with triple glazing citing additional cost and the price outweighing the benefits. Others may promote triple glazing as the must have product of today and extol the virtues of energy performance and sound insulation as two examples.

Whilst triple glazing does offer some benefits over double glazed units, there are also window and door systems that on testing at least show little or no tangible improvement using the same profile with an upgrade to triple glazed glass. The test reports are based on systems designed from the outset for triple glazing, however simply changing a window from double to triple glass does may not in practice improve its performance.

To adopt triple glazing, the entire fenestration sector needs to adapt.

This year will see many seminars and briefings take place around triple glazing. If indeed the industry is to shift to this glass as the “standard” product then manufacturers, logistics and systems need to adapt to this and make the necessary changes.

In the aluminium sector, whilst triple glazed window and door systems exist, the take up is quite low and systems companies are on extended lead times with profiles designed for triple glazing. The sales are presently not there to warrant holding anything other than limited stocks in unpainted mill finish. No company wants to stock hold material that is not selling well.

For the home improvement industry a general adoption of double glazing as the core product brings manufacturing, transportation and handling issues. The extra weight of the glass unit brings issues to the standard hardware many windows and doors already use. Heavier duty hinges and friction stays may be required.

The double glazing sector also has to deal with the extra cost of the glass itself.

Whilst the entire home improvement sector is subjected to annual price increases in glass, raw material, gaskets, hardware and transportation, it is also well known that many simply absorb these price increases fearing passing them on to the end user will make them uncompetitive. It remains to be seen how a wider adoption of triple glazing will affect the prices of windows and doors. However, with Everest Double Glazing choosing to offer triple “glazing” for free, we could soon see other companies following suit.

The post Will Triple Glazing be the must have product of 2014? appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

When a customer places an order for aluminium windows they will be asked to specify a colour. The process of colour matching powder coated aluminium windows is not complicated, but it does need to be understood.

To ensure consistency the powder coating industry created a reference system so that the windows will be powder coated in the correct colour. Additionally there are situations where the new aluminium windows will often be required to match the colour of the outgoing steel windows or some other colour scheme the customer requires or desires.

Picture show the importance of Colour matching powder coated aluminium windows

The choosing of a coloured powder coated door or window should be a simple process but mistakes in colour can happen.

Furthermore where new aluminium windows are being fitted or if the project is a new build, the customer may have matching aluminium fascias, soffits, guttering or aluminium trims and pressings that are also required to be powder coated to the same colour.

Why does the aluminium window and door sector use colour references?

Taking Grey as an example; there are over 20 different shades of Grey Colour in a standard colour swatch. With so many possible interpretations of what is the correct grey colour it is imperative that references are used. For this reason the window sector does not use descriptions such as “Pillar Box Red” or “Goosewing Grey” but insists on colour references. Whilst certain colours have stabilised themselves with descriptions such as Van Dyke Brown this is merely a convenience, this colour will still be ordered using the reference BS 08 B 29 Satin.

This takes all the guesswork out of what is the correct interpretation by all parties of the correct colour. One persons interpretation of a colour is completely different from another. With the sums of money involved, and the potential for withheld accounts, colour matching powder coated aluminium windows must be done right.

The Polyester Powder

Powder coated aluminium windows are coated with polyester powder. But did you know that there are several powder manufacturers including Syntha Pulvin, Interpon/Akzo Nobel, Tiger, IGP and Axalta to name some?

Whilst they may all use the same RAL reference this does not mean that the colours will match. They cannot match exactly as all these different powder manufacturers manufacture their own powders.

For example, if Grey RAL 7016 windows are painted with Interpon Powder by one supplier and aluminium panels or trims are painted by another supplier using Tiger Grey RAL 7016 powder, these colours may not exactly match. For this reason, window companies have a responsibility to make the customer aware of a possible colour difference when they know they are sourcing aluminium products from different suppliers. Alternatively to one powder coater is responsible for the finishing of all aluminium.

Therefore when placing an order for panels or ancillary powder coated items, it is wise alongside the RAL reference to also state the powder manufacturer stated on the colour swatch you have used. For example Grey RAL 7016 Matt INTERPON. This will ensure that the same make of powder is used and ensure colours will match assuming all the powder coating processes have been carried out correctly by all parties.

Similarly if you are carrying out a large contract, make your powder coater aware so that any further phases can be powder coated using the same powder manufacturer as the earlier phases.

The colour swatch.

Farbe auswählen There are several issues that should be borne in mind with colour swatches used by the window industry and offered to customers to select a colour.

Colour swatches are printed in the same way any printing on paper is carried out. It is not polyester powder coating, it is printing on paper or card. Therefore there is no guarantee that the colour seen on the paper colour swatch will match the finished aluminium profile. It is good practice to make customers aware of this. If in doubt, ask your supplier to provide you with an aluminium test panel of the desired RAL colour. This will be more accurate than a paper swatch.

It is imperative that the correct colour swatch is used. Often customers will obtain a Dulux or other colour RAL colour swatch from their local Homebase or paint supplier. The same applies as with powder. The RAL colour swatch should be produced by a recognised powder manufacturer and not be a “generic” RAL colour swatch. There are many such swatches online and available and there is again no guarantee that the colour of the powder coated aluminium will match.

Special Colours

Farrow Ball A reputable polyester powder coater should be able to replicate other colours, such as Farrow and Ball. This will mean that powder will have to be specially blended to create the desired colour and charges for this range from £750 to £1400 depending on the provider. Please also bear in mind that the powder coater will need to calculate the amount of powder required in this special colour.

If for example the customer has the front of the house with new window and several months later requires windows to the back of the house the surcharges will once again apply as insufficient powder may have been manufactured to powder coat the entire project.

Use a Qualicoat Approved Applicator

A reputable polyester powder coating company should always be used for the finishing of aluminium. It is often the case that where small replacement parts are required local “jobbing” painters may be used. Whilst the colours may initially match, the finishing process will be completely different and the industry guarantees offered by reputable powder coaters will be invalid.

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Pivoting Windows are not used in most typical homes, but they remain popular in high rise developments and where the easy cleaning of the outside panes is required. Whilst these types of developments are still regarded as “dwellings” the fenestration sector, pivot windows are generally used in commercial work.

The new Metal Technology Triple Glazed reversible windows are safe and secure for high level use and have impressive U Values.

With pivot windows, there are two types available. The fully reversible pivot window whereby rotating pivots are positioned enabling the entire vent to rotate back on itself. The other configuration is reversible windows that open just like any other casement window, however the friction hinges are designed to also reverse the opening vent back on itself to enable the outside pane to be cleaned.

The difference between the two types is that the pivot window pivots into the room in operation, the topswing reversible window remains on the outside of the building and does not hinder curtains internally for example.

Aluminium Reversible Windows remain popular in the construction and refurbishment of apartment blocks

Metal Technology are an experienced company in commercial work having recently installed half a million pounds worth of their excellent and thermally efficient System 1-35 Hi+(high insulation) in a top swing, reversible configuration in Aberdeen.

A sizeable contract in its own right, 1200 aluminium top swing reversible windows were installed in the refurbishment of three apartment buildings comprising dwellings. The replacement of the old windows was just part of an overall refurbishment of the old tower blocks to improve their energy efficiency and the overall building appearance generally.

The Metal Technology System 1-35Hi+ is a new product in the range offered by this experienced aluminium systems company and commercial installer. This particular top swing reversible window is greatly improved and now has the added advantage of being available with triple glazed units. With this project, the windows were indeed triple glazed and achieved a U value of 1.3W/m2K. Glass of up to 47mm can be used.

The ability of this reversible window, like others to pivot through 180°, enables easy cleaning of the windows without resorting to costly window cleaning contractors that specialise in high level window cleaning.

With many councils forcing occupiers to restrict the opening of high level window, safety is key.

All reversible windows must have built in safety restrictors to restrain the window both in the normal opening and the reversed position for cleaning.

In this case it was necessary to have risk assessments carried out in accordance with the relevant British Standards. It is reported that this type of window is one of the safest within this risk assessment.

The post Aluminium Reversible Windows appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Aluminium Louvres bring many advantages to commercial buildings and are specified where a solution is required to improving the ventilation into a building through natural means. Whilst offering superior levels of natural ventilation, aluminium louvres also offer weather protection and various levels of design to blend in with a building architecturally.

Fixed aluminium louvres are available in several forms depending upon the weather resistance and air flow required, as well as simple glaze-in forms.

Some estimates claim that nearly half of carbon dioxide production comes from energy consuming buildings. This comes from; heating systems, ventilation and air conditioning systems, lighting and maintenance. It is no wonder that Governments and larger organisations are committed to reducing emissions.

Modern building construction is changing to more natural and fabric orientated solutions.

Aluminium lovres play quite an important role in the overall energy performance of a commercial building. They bring benefits of internal and external airflow to building heating and ventilation systems as well as protecting from the external weather.

A number of aluminium louvres are available.

Glaze-in louvres are designed to be glazed into a door or window product just like a double glazed unit. Glazing rebates in windows and doors range from 24mm up to 44mm or more where triple glazing is required, but the standard type of glazed in louvre is designed to fill the glazing channel of 24 or 28mm units. Glaze in louvres are easy to glaze and widely available in a wide range of colours and styles.

Basic Louvre systems are static louvres available in either a chevron or sloping blade design. These basic and cost effective systems are ideal where the possible ingress of water through the louvres does not present a major issue for the building. These types of louvres are ideal in low use areas of buildings such as car parks, roof spaces, ventilation shafts and so forth.

More advanced aluminium louvres offer greater weather protection than the basic form, but a more weather resistant type of product may be necessary if the building is susceptible to driving rain.

For severe weather applications, louvres are available with a weather rating standard. These are ideal against more inclement weather, wind and rain as well as continuing to offer excellent levels of ventilation and air flow. Their weather resistant properties make them ideal in applications where there is plant and equipment directly behind the louvre blades internally.

When selecting the correct type of aluminium louvre, it will be necessary to consider the required airflow calculations, desired weather performance and the location of the louvres.

Additionally there will be lesser factors to consider such as the design and the colour. Aluminium louvres can be polyester powder coated to a diverse range of colours as well as in anodised.

The post An introduction to Aluminium Louvres appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

National Fenestration Awards Winners 2013

What value do composite doors have in high traffic environments?

A Composite door with panic bars can only be useful in low traffic environments but arguably still with ongoing issues.

Has the window industry fallen into a service call trap by giving the impression doors and windows are “fit and forget?”

In making such an open statement about fit and forget is the average double glazing salesman actually costing his company money?

What does your company do to ensure a service call is genuine?

What the customer will never appreciate is the cost to a company of the Service Engineer.

Does double glazing cold calling work?

30 years ago, most houses needed their windows replaced. Today there is a growing market of “replacing the replacements”.

Whilst we perceive cold calling with distrust, we must also remember that there are millions of satisfied customers that were sold windows in this way.

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Design and testing

Consultation

The competition.

Sales and Specification Sales

Brand awareness and Marketing

Site Support

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Why are bifolding doors so popular and what are their benefits?

What are the planning and design considerations?

What is best? PVCu? Aluminium or Timber?

What about Colour?

Are Bifolding Doors secure?

It makes sense to try out the product.

Fitting and Maintenance.

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Selling more than one bifolding door brand could generate more sales.

Even if you are already supply another bifolding door brand, there are advantages in adding Origin bifolding doors to your range.

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The GGF Declaration follows the recent Green Building Council Conference held in January.

What is not stated is how many of the other home improvements allowed under the Green Deal have been carried out.

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So what are the advantages to outsourcing powder coating of aluminium extrusions?

Lead times.

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Modern interpretations of original windows are simply imitations and nothing more.

People who buy properties in conservation area should put history before cost.

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More amazing double glazing discounts that nobody would surely believe?

The Reynaers Aluminium Windows are the latest to achieve WER A+

This is good news for energy efficient architects looking to create low energy use buildings as part of the overall build.

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Origin Doors will also be exhibiting at the 2014 FiT Show

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Is Triple Glazing going to be the product of 2014?

To adopt triple glazing, the entire fenestration sector needs to adapt.

The double glazing sector also has to deal with the extra cost of the glass itself.

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