There are several new PVCu products in the marketplace, particularly those that have entered the market in what can be referred to as “Replica Windows”.  These are upvc windows that presently replicate either a traditional flush timber window or a period sliding sash window.

This classic Edwardian home retains its original timber sash windows.  They can be replaced with PVCu “authentic” sash windows will they give the long service life of well maintained original windows?

The plastic window market is already fairly established with replica sash windows from the likes of KAT UK, the very good Masterframe Bygone Collection, Rehau Windows, sash windows from Roseview Windows and others.  By and large they’ve done a tremendous job of trying to replicate a sash windows.

If you are located in particular areas of the UK with many properties sporting sash windows you will know that there are a large amount of listed and period properties with original sash windows in need of replacement. The same applies to buildings that may have traditional timber casement windows.

The latest plastic window making inroads into the marketplace and doing rather well is the replica flush sash casement.  Now this product (purely in what it’s trying to copy) is very good indeed. Upvc windows can be unattractive in the way vents and mullions are welded and general corner appearance when compared to aluminium.  However on these types of windows, the authentic look of the original window these products are trying to match has been achieved with mechanical joints where needed, higher quality manufacture and generally an attractive appearance.

Are Aluminium sash windows a better alternative?

PVCu windows of course are a hugely successful product and rightly have their place in the home improvement market. The plastic window sector has dominated the market over the last two or three decades is the reason for the wide acceptance of PVCu windows.  The aluminium sector at that time did not innovate or take control of the market.  Whilst it is true aluminium windows offer many advantages over pvc windows and a demonstrated by the many articles on this website, presently there isn’t a huge amount of choice when it comes to aluminium sash windows.

Clearview Sash Windows are presently one company offering an aluminium alternative to PVCu sliding sash windows.  This window does offer several features of original windows and we recommend you compare this and a PVCu window side by side and make your comparisons and judgement on both types of product. This we believe is the fair opinion of this aluminium focused website.  The inherent strength of aluminium, the slim sight lines and the wide choice of colour are well known advantages of aluminium as are the extended powder coating guarantees in coastal areas.  In this article we are discussing the aesthetics of modern PVCu alternatives to sash and timber casement windows.

Other sash windows offered by aluminium systems companies are intended for commercial as well as residential applications but do not offer the traditional look of the windows we are discussing here.

As far as aluminium flush sash casement windows are concerned, presently there is one company that is ready to launch a new product of this type.  This website has seen it and we believe it will an excellent aluminium window.  Please contact the website to register your interest in this product.

It is interesting when a new product designed to replicate the old is introduced to see how “authentic” it really is.

Astragal bars and sash horns are one example where companies either get it right or wrong.  The Bygone Window by Masterframe is one excellent example of getting it right amongst others, however the clip on sash horns and untidy astragal bars offered by many plastic systems are questionably not authentic looking. Similarly with the aluminium sash windows that offer sash horns, they do not look as good as the PVCu alternative owing to the differences in construction methods.

The new PVCu window by Residence 9 is another good example of creating a window to match the traditional flush sash casement.  This can be regarded as a premium product and a lot of investment is behind it. It is a great looking window and it is selling well whilst gaining more and more market awareness.  Liniar also have a flush sash derivative which is also very good indeed and has recently been approved in Surrey by Conservation Officers.

These replica windows are here to stay and as extrusion design and manufacturing processes improve they will actually look better and better in the years to come.  Again all these windows have their place as do windows and doors in any material be it plastic, aluminium, steel or timber.  

Can PVCu products really replicate original windows?

Whichever way you look budget is a major factor that determines the product purchased. Have these replica windows been introduced to bridge the gap between someone desiring an authentic looking window but unable to afford the real wood alternative? Arguably yes.

However nothing can beat the look and quality of an authentic timber casement window or timber sliding sash window. Shop around and see if the authentic product is within your budget.  There are some amazing real deal products out there from timber manufacturing companies still crafting and even Bereco wood products made in Poland and shipped to the UK are excellent quality. The same also applies to authentic Crittall Windows.  If the right property needed replacement windows these should be replaced with Crittall Windows again.

Replacing the Replacements

What we do know is that the original wood windows in many homes and other buildings have stood the test of time.  The sash windows in listed and period properties even though they may not offer the security or thermal properties of modern aluminium or PVCu windows have in many properties been working for over 200 years!

What will these PVCu replica windows look like in 25 years time or even less? Will they stand the test of time or give the longevity of their authentic counterparts?  There are many early plastic windows installed in the 1980′s and 1990′s that now look extremely tired, dated, in need of replacement and arguably past their aesthetic appeal when they were new.  This is a new growing market called Replacing the Replacements.

The window sector in the UK has spotted the marketing opportunity in replacing plastic and aluminium windows installed 20 years or more ago.  These windows were installed at a time when Building Regulations did not demand the performance from replacement windows that they do today.

Similarly with conservatories we have the Refurbish My Conservatory campaign that aims to replace the original window and roof materials of old tired conservatories with none of the up front expense of new bases or building work. Another example where perhaps PVCu has not stood the test of time?

Bifolding doors are one product  that are being installed in properties old and new

The bifolding door is one product that is desired by consumers in any kind of property whether old or new.  If the older property is able to have a modern extension built on the rear of it  the bifolding door is the first choice.  Similary where period properties have extensive modernisation internally, there too the bifolding door has it’s place.  It would appear that whatever the building bifolding doors such as those from Origin are one product bucking the trend when it comes to period, listed and buildings in conservation areas.

Ultimately it is up to the consumer to choose the right product for their home.  Whether they want the authentic look visible kerbside or by studying the window close up, the window industry has a responsibility to provide products that will be in keeping with the property they are working with.  Of course, there will always be the customer that simply wants a “new window”.  They may not care about aesthetics particularly if it is an investment property they are simply refurbishing and at the lowest possible price to sell on.

Others will be replacing windows for their long term home and here they will probably be interested in finding the most suitable window.

What we ought to remember though is that the original timber windows have outperformed pvc and aluminium for decades now.  A well maintained new timber and original steel windows will give service life for decades to come in the same way the original timber windows presently do.

The post Can PVC products really Replicate Original Windows? appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

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Aluminium Window and Door manufacturers will often be involved in the specification of powder coated finishes.  There are occasions when a customer may not be happy with the quality of the powder coating.  Before embarking on the specification of a powder coat finish, it is important to understand some of the processes involved in polyester powder coating.

A typical alumnium sheet being transferred by a gantry into the powder coating booth

It is often the case that in the rare situations where there are quality issues involved in powder coating it will not be the polyester powder itself that will be at fault.

Pre-treatment

Pretreatment is very important in the overall polyester powder coating process.  It is useful to know, that the aluminium bars most window and door manufacturers will receive from the Aluminium Systems Companies will be contaminated with oil, finger marks and other residues evident from handling and extruding the material as well as the onset of natural oxidisation.  All of these contribute to the life of the polyester powder coating.

It is very important that the correct pretreatment process is carried out to ensure paint adheres correctly and results in a finished aluminium extrusion coated to the highest standard. Where there is an issue over the quality of the powder coating bad pre-treatment will often be the cause!

The pre-treatment of aluminium extrusions prior to coating not only provides water and air seal to the aluminium section, but the provision of a good surface for the powder to adhere to is very important.

What is the procedure involved in pre-treatment?

The pre treatment procedure, whether this is carried out in physical immersion tanks or any other method must carry out these basic functions:

1. Clean
2. Rinse
3. Etch
4. Rinse
5. Desmut (if using alkaline etch)
6. Rinse
7. Chromate or Chrome Free Conversion
8. Rinse
9. Demin Rinse
10. Dry

It is critical that where the above process of pre-treatment of aluminium are carried out they must confirm to recognised industry standards.

Polyester Powder Coating Process for pre-treated extrusions.

The powder coating process with take the pre-treated aluminium sections and these will be positioned in the gantry that will move them into the paint booth.  The powder coating “guns” or other appliances relevant to the paint plant installed will coat the aluminium bars with a controlled  thickness of polyester powder in the required colour.

It is inevitable that some powder will miss the extrusion and fall to the bottom of the booth.  This can be re-used.

The aluminium sections are then moved to the oven where the temperature is up to 200 degrees Centigrade.  In this baking process the powder will go though four stages of “curing”. Once complete and cooled the aluminium sections are ready for tape protection if used and ready for handling.

The post The Polyester Powder Coating Process appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

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Aluminium Trade Supply was recently contacted by a double glazing company who was looking to improve their online marketing activity.  This was a long established retail window company with an established website. They were already active in their local market but owing to increased competition from other window companies they wanted to make sure that their website was performing well.

Website Audit

Using our unique marketing and website audit we were quickly able to establish that the client’s website was not performing well.  The client was locked into a “bespoke” content management system, which only their existing partner could access and update.  Usually with unacceptable time delays and considerable expense.

Aside from numerous technical issues, the client was unable to access any information about their analytics or how the website was performing generally. The client simply didn’t know how many visitors their site was getting or what those visitors were doing once on the site.

Client Focused Solutions

Working together with our website team the client decided to create a brand new website that could give them more control over their content. The main issue the company faced was not having the time or resources to dedicate to write the content across a large door and window product range.

Aluminium Trade Supply were instructed to create a brand new website including writing new content for all the client’s product areas.

Website Design

The business owner had a very clear idea about the design and theme they wanted so the entire website design was created around the wishes of the client.  The overall effect was to create a high quality feel and one that would be instantly recognisable.

Content Writing Service

We created on behalf of the client in-depth content of a sales and technical nature about:

• PVCu windows
• Aluminium windows
• Timber Windows
• Composite Doors
• Aluminium bifolding doors
• Sash Windows
• Timber Doors
• Conservatories, Orangeries and Glazed extensions.

This content creation is one of the unique advantages of our services as Window People.  Our 27 years experience active in the window industry means we have a major advantage over other website creation companies.  Where they are unable to proceed further until the client provides them with the content, we differ.  This meant we were able to save the client substantial time having to prepare the content.  Importantly, many would simply copy content from their suppliers brochures or website.  Given the negative impact duplicate content has on the performance of a website in Search Engine Optimisation all our content is unique and original.

The client already possessed a comprehensive image library and this was used to create an image rich website. Here the client had the advantage of not having used any library images often provided by their suppliers. All images were professionally taken and were of actual installations the firm had done.  The new content was focused on this.

Additionally we monitored the types of enquiries that were coming into the company. Knowing that many customers are wary of double glazing firms and not wanting endless sales or follow up calls, we created a number of soft sell and passive website features.

These included:

• A “call me back” facility where the customer was left to make the enquiry.
• A facility where the client knew what pages had been visited before the call to action or contact us feature was used.
• A soft sell brochure download facility where by minimal details of who downloaded the brochure were built into the website enabling a passive follow up approach to the customer at a later date.

We also worked with the client to create informative articles to give the reader confidence that they were dealing with a professional and expert window company. We created articles about causes of condensation, articles comparing aluminium products to PVCu and timber and other content rich pages all demonstrating expertise in their chosen sector.

A Happy Customer

As a result of this work the client has a new website which they are able to update themselves, and receive information about their traffic and lead generation.

The new site is structured with SEO  and conversion in mind.  The site is also written to ensure that it works well on mobile and desktop devices.  As part of the service ATS have also advised and assisted in setting up a presence on social media.

The post Online Marketing help for Double Glazing Company appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

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Anyone considering bifolding doors for their home will naturally have a lot of questions.  We have already written an article explaining where bifolding doors can be installed and the uses they can have.   There are also other considerations with bifolding doors and in this mini bi folding door guide we will answer some of the most popular questions.

Let Aluminium Trade Supply answer your questions about aluminium bifolding doors.

Whichever bifolding door product you choose, the modern bifolding door remains a very desirable addition to a home. But how can you be sure that it is the right product for you?  There is a lot of conflicting information about bifolding doors and in this article we give you some information to assist you.

So what would you like including in a Bi Folding Door Guide?

For the purposes of this article we will concentrate on aluminium bifolding doors but many of the questions asked can apply to bifolding doors or sliding folding doors in other materials such as upvc or timber.

What we do know and verified by many home improvement companies is that for bifolding doors, aluminium is the preferred material. Please use the Ask A Question form at the bottom of this article for anything you would like to ask about bifolding doors.

Are bifolding doors worth having considering the British Climate?

Despite the unpredictable British weather, what we do know is when the sun in out, we do our utmost to enjoy it! The news will often report increased sales in drinks, barbecue food, ice cream and other products that make us feel good when the sun is out.

When the weather is sunny we open our doors and windows and let the sun and air come into our homes.  Bifolding doors  whilst more expensive than patio doors or French doors take this one stage further because of their size and flexibility.  Even if we may use our doors infrequently when they are open, there is no other product that can open up a space like a bifolding door.  However even in winter and depending upon the type of property you live in a closed set of bifolding doors will give much more glass area, greater view outside and let in much more light than a large window or typical hinged doors.

The final consideration is the value that bifolding doors will add to your property.  With the love affair the British have with their homes and adding value, talk to any estate agent and look at any property particulars and you will always find the fact that the property has bifolding doors mentioned.

Are sliding patio doors now out of fashion?

Absolutely not! Patio doors still have their place in the home and our article about what type of door is best for your home offers some guidance.

Patio doors have progressed significantly in recent years and they may be the right product for you as well as bifolding doors.

Ultimately whether you have bifolding doors or sliding patio doors depends on your particular home and more importantly what you are trying to achieve in your home.  Patio doors will contain far less aluminium than bifolding doors and very large sliding leaves can be manufactured.  If large expanses of glass are your preference, choose a patio door.  If you want the flexibility and a complete open elevation, choose bifolding doors.  Patio doors today are as technologically advanced as windows, doors and bifolding doors and have very much kept up with the times.

How many bifolding door panels are best?

Our advice is to go for as few panels as possible.  Not only will this work out cheaper as the more door panels the more expensive the doors. But there are other reasons.

The first thing to consider is the size of the opening that the doors will be fitted into.  With most bifolding doors available in the marketplace being available in maximum sizes of 1 metre to 1.2metres typically this is what you should consider when deciding how many panels to have.  The less panels, the more glass and less visible aluminium is also a simple rule.  Every bifolding door system is different in it’s minimum and maximum sizes.  Some doors even at 1.2metres when folded back together may intrude into your outside or inside space.

In considering how many panels to go for, it is very important to also consider how your doors will be used.  If you would prefer all panels to slide in one direction then you won’t have an access leaf.  The access leaf is important if your bifolding doors are the only set of doors to the outside of your property.  You won’t want to slide the doors back every time you want to open the door.  If your bifolding doors are your only route out into the garden then we recommend an access leaf on the one side that acts like a normal hinged door for normal or winter use.

I don’t like trickle vents. Why do i need them?

The use of trickle vents falls under the current building regulations.  The building regulations call for background ventilation in all new build properties and extensions built. On most bifolding door systems an aluminium add-on is applied to the frame head to give the additional depth required to house the trickle vent.  Whilst trickle vents are a legal requirement the reality is that many people find them ugly, rarely use them and don’t understand why they are needed in the first place. People even ask why not just open a window?

It is well known that poor ventilation in properties is bad for health and as buildings and windows become more weather and air tight so the need for additional ventilation is greater.  Trickle vents are intended to provide background ventilation into habitable rooms where clean air trickles through them and enables the replacement of stale air by moisture, cooking smells and more.  The reality is that the air trickle vents bring into a room is hardly noticeable but many people will put their hand up to the trickle vent, feel cold air and close it. Trickle vents do an important job and are a legal requirement in most cases.

If you do not want trickle vents but appreciate they are a legal requirement then other forms of ventilation can be set into the room such as wall vents.  Your building or architect should be able to advise you further.

Is there any point in triple glazed bifolding doors?

Many bifolding doors are available triple glazed but seek advice as to what benefits they will bring.

The door and window industry is presently very active in determining the advantages of triple glazing.  There are already many door systems that can accept triple glazed units.  Whilst companies like Everest are offering “free upgrades” to triple glazing, that is too simplistic in itself.

A window or door product today must go through thermal testing before it hits the market.  A salesmen may tell you that triple glazing will improve your windows but this may not necessarily be true in the advantages it offer you.  A door that has a double glazed unit replaced with a triple glazed type won’t automatically be “improved” simply because it has higher specification glass.  There are tests and procedures in establishing the performance of windows and doors and some windows have actually shown less overall thermal efficiency as triple glazed products!

Speak to an experienced window company or use the ask a question form below and we can advise you further about triple glazed windows and doors.

How much do bifolding doors cost?

Unlike other products like consumer goods, bifolding doors like kitchens, bathrooms or building work are subject to many factors before a price can be determined.  The Origin Bifolding Doors website  is one website that gives some indication of typical prices of Origin doors but installation factors and other considerations will affect the price you pay.

Please get in touch if you have any other questions about bi folding doors.

The post Bi Folding Door Guide For Consumers appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

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If you are in the market for replacement aluminium windows and have been looking at the various aluminium window products available, you may have heard the term “Thermally Broken”.

Whilst not the most positive sounding of descriptions, the vast majority of aluminium windows are now thermally broken. Other terms for thermally broken include “thermally insulated” “thermal” “polyamide thermal break” “insulated profiles” and other descriptions.

Why do aluminium windows need to be thermally broken?

This early aluminium door profile is non thermally broken, visible by the one part aluminium profile

Aluminium as a metal conducts heat very well indeed.  For windows and doors that are not thermally broken this would severely affect the performance of the window during the winter and the summer months.  There will be double glazing salesmen that only sell pvc windows that will try to tell you that aluminium condensates and will feel cold to the touch internally.  This was the case with early aluminium windows that were not thermally broken but no longer the case with any modern aluminium system available today.

The thermal break in aluminium is a barrier that breaks the aluminium to aluminium contact from the inside to the outside of the window. In other words, your modern aluminium window is aluminium outside, a thermal barrier in between and aluminium inside.  It simply separates the aluminium.

What is used to create a thermally broken window?

Early aluminium windows used a liquid resin that hardened to form a thermal break. If you have an old thermally broken window and you look at the inside of the frame with the window open, you will see a glossy resin separating the aluminium profiles.

Modern thermal break technology today uses polyamide plastic strip separating the internal and external faces of the aluminium.  This has resulted in window profile being manufactured in separate extrusions to create the finished profile unlike before when it was extruded as one.

Today, the aluminium external and internal profiles are extruded separately, “rolled” onto the thermal barrier of polyamide and this produces the finished aluminium profile.

Modern thermal break technology has also given the customer the advantage of dual colour.

On modern thermally broken windows there are now three parts. The outside aluminium, the polyamide thermal break and the inside aluminium.

Now that modern aluminium windows have their inside and outside faces produced separately this has given the huge advantage of dual colour.  One profile can be painted in one colour, the inside profile in another and it can then be rolled onto the polyamide thermal barrier to create a dual colour window.  This could not be possible with early resin thermally broken windows.

We are here to answer all your questions about aluminium windows and doors so please do not hesitate to contact us if you require further information or wish to be put in touch with excellent window companies supplying high quality and modern aluminium windows.

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Origin bifolding Doors launched their television campaign highlighting that marketing for bifolding doors is moving towards the television advertising typical of the larger home improvement firms. The Origin Television adverts sponsor the programme Dream Homes that is features on Sky Channel.

Origin are the latest company to embark on television advertising for bifolding doors.

Until now, television advertising for home improvement products, focused largely on windows and doors from the large national firms such as Everest, Anglian, and Safestyle.  All three over the years have used discount incentives in their advertising whether as 50% off deals or buy one get one free incentives.

Traditionally slogans have been used in Television Advertising with Everest using the “Fit the Best, Fit Everest” slogan for over 30 years and the well know Scottish window company CR Smith with several slogans over the years, the most memorable being “windows so good, you’ll want to show them off”

A New Breed of Door

Origin doors have taken a different take on their advertising. The television adverts focus on the slogan “a new breed of door”.

There are a series of 6 adverts each of 10 seconds duration.  All begin with a caveman scene depicting just how basic doors were in prehistoric times made out of rock, branches or leaves.  The adverts highlight the problems of excess weight, low security, precarious houses made from branches that topple and other.

The adverts then move onto today’s modern house scene featuring couples and families enjoying bifolding doors installed in their kitchens, bedrooms and sitting rooms.  All feature modern lifestyle signals typical of modern living such as partners coming home from work, drinks at the ready, morning scenes.

The television adverts highlight what benefits bifolding doors bring to a home.

All the six television adverts pan out to strongly highlight the benefits bifolding doors bring to a home most importantly light, views out into the garden or surroundings and the modern contemporary living synonymous with bifolding doors today.

Importantly these television adverts are also set in properties finished to a fantastic standard.  It is the clever use of desirable properties that not only make the viewer desire the lifestyle appeal of a bifolding door but the adverts also tempt viewers with “I want a room like this” or “I want a kitchen like that”.

The Origin Bifolding door television adverts also highlight the complete picture of how entire homes can be transformed with bifolding doors.

One of the adverts is shown below, you can see the rest on the Origin Youtube channel.

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Aluminium is the preferred choice for bifolding doors because of the sheer diversity of colours available.  Whilst it is true that colours are also available on PVCu products, it is the polyester powder coating process that is applied to colouring aluminium that is a far superior finishing process. Of course the downside of this, is the sheer volume of choice when selecting bi folding door colours

Bifolding doors such as the Origin product shown here are available in many different types of colours and textures.

Powder coating is acknowledged by experts and industry professionals as being preferable to the wet paint or foiling process applied to PVCu. The foiling process used to colour PVCu window and door profiles is unable to cover every surface of the profile. Often with foils, whilst the visible external and internal faces of a window will be foiled and coated you will often see bare profile when you open the door as the foil cannot reach these areas.

The process used to colour aluminium profiles not only ensure greater coverage but also gives greater protection where needed.  If your bifolding doors are being installed in a seaside, swimming pool or particularly exposed environment, your bifolding door supplier can provide extended guarantees on the paint finish to aluminium bifolding doors.

What colour options are available to bifolding doors?

Whilst the home improvement industry is typically showing white, grey and black products for bifolding doors, did you know there are many colour options and finishes available?

Polyester powder coating involves the purchase of polyester powder.  This is available from several key powder manufacturers globally.  The reference that is used in colours is much more important than the colour description.  Consider that there are over 12 shades of white, over 20 shades of grey and 5 shades of black. In order to ensure the right colour these have to be specified by reference.

The powder manufacturer will determine the reference. Interpon paints use RAL references, Syntha Pulvin powders use Syntha Pulvin References and there are also colour references referred to as BS.  Generally each powder manufacturer will give an RAL, BS or Syntha Pulvin equivalent. For example RAL 9010 Interpon will closely match Syntha Pulvin Reference G1A0395.  

Therefore if you are matching colours to windows or other products ensure your references are the same.

Consider variations in white.

RAL 9910 Gloss and RAL 9010 gloss are typically the most popular references used for white.  It is accepted that white aluminium doors remain the most popular colour. But did you know that there are variations of white away from the “standard” that can give a different appearance? Matt whites do not have the shine or gloss levels of the standard white finish and can give a more contemporary appearance to the traditional gloss white of aluminium.

You many also want to consider other white shades such as RAL 9001 Cream, RAL 9002 Grey White, RAL 9006 white aluminium or RAL 9018 Papyrus White.  Therefore if you are seeing a standard white bifolding door in a showroom and that particular shade of white is not to your liking, be aware there are other variations available.

Dual Colours

The modern aluminium profile available on bifolding doors now makes it easy to have different colours inside and out.  You should be aware that very few dual colour profiles are available ex stock, therefore the lead time will be slightly longer than single colour profiles, but there are limitless combinations of dual colour profiles available.  As standard you will often see black and white, grey on white, or wood effect on white but many other options are available.

Textured and Metallic Colours.

The powder coating process has advanced significantly in recent years and colours are now available as textured finishes.  You no longer have to have simple smooth to the touch paint on aluminium bifolding doors.  Smart Systems are one company that have introduced their Sensations Range.  This is arrange of metallic colours that have a textured and tactile touch to them.  It is an excellent innovation in powder coating technology that like standard powder coating finishes are highly resistant to corrosion yet far more scratch resistant.

Metallic colours have also found their way to powder coating technology whereby you can now have metal effect doors without opting for anodised finishes.  These colours are available in silver, bronze, blacks, golds and blues, grey and bronze.

Wood effects

Wood effect colours are also now available with aluminium that are not foils and give a truly authentic wood finish compared to the more “fake” appearance of older woodgrain plastic windows.  The sophisticated sublimation process involved in creating wood effect aluminium profiles is becoming more and more popular for those that desire the look of timber, rosewood, oak or walnut without the expense of real wood bifolding doors.

If you would like further information and advice on selecting bi folding door colours, please contact us.

The post Choosing Bi Folding Door Colours appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

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The bifolding door is desirable today for the benefits it offers over traditional french doors or patio doors.  If you are considering a bifolding door, once installed you will benefit from large glass panes, excellent views out into your garden and unlike other doors the ability to slide all the panels back to create one large clear opening.

Interior design, flooring and making the most out of your views can all be enhanced by bifolding doors.

So what else can you consider to further enhance your new bifolding doors?

There are several features in your home aside from the doors themselves, that with careful thought and planning can dramatically improve large and small spaces as well as ensuring you get the most out of your new doors.

Colour

Traditionally in home improvement products, white was the standard colour.  In recent years several shades of Grey have become popular such as RAL 7016, RAL 7032, RAL 7042 which are very popular grey colours for doors in the home.  Others have opted for Black finishes such as RAL 9005.  Depending on the style of home the bifolding doors are being fitted to, there are options to make a bolder statement with the product and choose more dramatic colours.  Origin doors are one company that are offering more dramatic colours for bifolding doors such as Reds, Blues and Greens.

Whilst you may consider these colours too bold, in many properties they will make our bifolding doors a feature of the room and the home.

Bifolding Door Thresholds and Flooring

One excellent feature of bifolding doors is the low threshold.  The small dimensions of the door threshold compared to the much higher “step over” arrangements of patio or french doors makes is more desirable in blending the outside and inside flooring and decking.

If you have a small space where bifolding doors are fitted, it is worth considering using the same type, colour and the direction of the flooring in both the inside and outside spaces.  Particularly when flooring is laid in the same direction it can draw the eye better and make the area appear larger.  This will be particularly effective if you’re using slats made of wood or other material and even if you’re using stone or tiles.

Importantly the low threshold typical in many bifolding doors can help you keep the floor levels the same inside and out giving a more uniform appearance to the whole area.

Making the most of the large glass panes in bifolding doors.

Bring the outdoors indoors and vice versa

If your home benefits from great views of a garden, countryside or other feature it is important to preserve it.  Here, bifolding doors are ideal.  Choosing the right configuration of glass panels will ensure you make the most of whatever view you enjoy.  Bifolding doors are available in several configurations depending upon whether they are a primary or secondary door in the home.  The various bifolding door configurations can be seen here.

Whether you are enhancing an existing property or extending it, the view from a home is considered most important by homeowners, estate agents and property professionals.  This was reinforced in a recent survey again carried out by Origin Doors whereby over 80% of people surveyed considered the view the view from a home an important feature in enhancing their living and their moods.

A patio door will give you much larger glass panels than bifolding doors, but when the bifolding doors are open and all leaves slid back there is no better product that can open up an elevation of a home and make the most of any view.

The post Making bifolding doors work better in the home. appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

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The marketing of home improvements has for many years been consistent in showing how new windows and doors have improved residential properties.  It is often the case that before-and-after photography of houses will be shown to give prospective customers an idea of how properties have been improved with the installation of new windows in aluminium, upvc, or timber.

One feature of housing in the United Kingdom is the broad similarity of building construction.  Typical examples include the the three bedroom bay fronted semi detached, bungalows, town houses and period properties.  With so many similar properties in this country, before-and-after images are something that a customer wishing to purchase double glazing can resonate with. The idea being that the customer’s house will be similar to one they are looking at in pictures.  Additionally, these marketing images give an excellent indication to a prospective customer of the kind of work their local double glazing company carries out.

Origin Bifolding Doors have taken the ‘before and after’ concept one stage further.

Origin Doors, the UK’s leading manufacturer of aluminium bifolding doors have launched a new marketing campaign called Cave to Crib.  This is an excellent marketing initiative that takes the before and after concept and gets the public involved like never before.

Origin invite the public to submit their before and after pictures using their bifolding doors to demonstrate how they have turned an old part of the house, the “cave” into something stunning and completely different – the “crib”. Already many members of the public have taken part submitting their before and after shots for a chance to win £500 of John Lewis vouchers.

The Origin Cave to Crib marketing concept bring several advantages to the company and the general public

Have you transformed your property into a new living space? Origin Doors invite you to enter their Cave to Crib competition.

Every systems company of which Origin can be regarded as one, needs to build up comprehensive image libraries for use by their marketing department.  This competition is an excellent way for Origin Doors to reach a wider audience and gain valuable photography of property renovations, bifolding doors, home extensions and any other type of home improvement where their market leading aluminium bifolding doors can be marketed.

Another benefit of the campaign is the greater awareness it can bring to the general public.  With social media now being very active in the home improvement sector on Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook and other platforms the online presence of before and after images has a wider reach nationally and internationally.

The public through marketing campaigns such as Cave to Crib are able to see property renovations outside their local area which extends the knowledge base on home improvement products still further.  For example regions such as Surrey and Great London may have more ambitious home renovation projects than areas in the north, but these renovations can now reach wider areas and provide inspiration for prospective customers.

Are you interested in taking part in the Origin Cave to Crib Competition?

Origin is running the campaign on twitter under hashtag #cavetocrib. It can also be found on

Pinterest  and their Facebook page .  If you have converted a tired extension, shed or other part of your home into a new flexible and usable space, it would be worth taking part.

Typical examples have so far included the replacement of old sliding patio doors with brand new bifolding doors, complete home renovation projects, outbuildings that have been converted into additional living spaces and much more.

The post Origin Bifolding Doors launch new Cave to Crib competition appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

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Bifolding doors are complex pieces of machinery, with very precise engineering and intricate  design behind them.  They use a system of guides, locking systems and other components to create doors that can swing, slide and fold, yet remain secure and with long service life.

Bifolding Doors have their own terminology which we explain in this article

There are several different bifolding doors in the marketplace, but the home improvement sector uses standard terminology to explain to consumers the various features and components of bifolding doors.  In this article we explain the various features of aluminium bifolding doors and the terminology used in their hardware and general operation.

Bifolding Door Terminology Explained.

The Lead Door

There are several different bifolding door configurations available.  Doors will either slide back all together in one direction, others will opening in opposite directions (three sliding to the left and three to the right) or having a lead door that hinges on the one side with the remaining leaves sliding in the opposite direction.  The lead door is particular useful if you have no other door going out into your garden or patio and when the doors are closed can be used as a normal swing door.

The Main Handle

It is the lead door that will normally have the main multi point locking and lift up handles fitted.  This is referred to as the Main Handle whereby the handles are lifted to engage the rods and hooks of the multi point locking system and will also have a key cylinder to lock the doors with the key.

Slave Handle

The Slave Handle is fitted to the secondary sliding folding door leaves that engages the locking shoot bolts or rods for that particular door.  It will normally not have a key locking arrangement as flush bolts are normally used to engage these leaves in the closed position. Slave handles should not be used to pull the doors along the track or into the closed position.

The door hinges

These are a critical component of bifolding doors that enable the lead door to swing and the folding sliding leaves to fold and stack.  There will either be two or three hinges fitted depending upon the door design and the size of the bifolding door.

The ‘D’ Handle

Many high quality systems such as Origin Doors as one example use a D handle that is used to bring the doors together when closing them.  This is a durable, high quality handle that can take the weight of the doors to bring them into the shut position and then enable the slave handle to lock the doors.  Many systems such as Origin Bifolding Doors recommend that the slave handles are not used to pull the doors shut. For doors that open out you will find a D-shaped handle to pull the doors closed.  For open in doors, simple pushing of the frame until the doors are shut is sufficient.

The track

This is the aluminium profile at the top and bottom of the bifolding doors that will either take the weight of the gearing on bottom hung doors with guides at the top or in reverse where the doors are hung from the top and guided at the bottom.  Either system uses high quality rollers and guides to enable bifolding doors to slide smoothly.

The magnetic catch

When your bifolding doors are slid back and folded or stacked together, they will be fitted with some kind of holding mechanism that keeps the doors together folded.  This will often be a magnetic catch. This catch is simply intended to keep the doors together with reasonable magnetic force.  It is not designed to withstand high winds or gusts.  Often the customer may have the expectation that it should prevent the doors coming away in high winds but unless some firm method such as a hook and eye arrangement is used the magnet is not designed for this.  The lead door must remain attached to the magnetic keep when the doors are open and in operation.

The threshold

There are generally two types of bifolding door thresholds available, standard step over threshold and the lower type. Often you will find that only the standard step over has any degree of weather resistance with the low threshold being used for doors fitted internally as room dividers for example.  We recommend you speak with your bifolding door specialist to explain the differences between the two thresholds or our own article about thresholds.

Bifolding doors will also have components typical with windows and regular doors such as cills and trickle vents.  If your doors require other options they are available.  Contact us for more information on the Origin Doors shown in the images for this article or general information about bifolding doors.

The post Bifolding Door Terminology Explained appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

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Anyone designing a property extension will know that many decisions are based on design compromises, usually working around space limitation or regulatory requirements.  Bifolding doors are the No.1 product installed in home extension work, and now you can explore the added advantages of corner bi fold doors to add something extra to your project. The open corner arrangement gives a completely new dimension to bifolding doors and is well worth considering.

What are open corner bifold doors?

Whilst the concept of bifolding doors on a corner is not new, traditionally there has been a structural corner post that is static.  When the doors are slid back on each side, you will often see the corner post remain in position.  But what if you want a completely open corner?

Origin doors have for many years been supplying their bifolding doors with the open corner arrangement.  Their clever design on bifolding doors means that you can create a full opening round a corner with no static corner post and give a completely different view from normal. The system works by connecting the corner post to one side of the corner.  The main set of doors will slide back as normal.  You then unlock using the locking flush bolt arrangement the corner post and the set of doors on the return.  All doors are now opened and including the corner post which has moved with the set of doors it is connected to. The construction of your extension will require a cantilevered arrangement on the roof to provide the necessary structural support to the building.  This need not be complicated.  With the right advice from your architect, builder or structural engineer, this is easily designed and constructed.

Corner bifolding doors are available in many configurations.

You can have a flexible open corner that can consist from two to six or more leaves on the one side and one or two or more on the other; depending on the size of the structural opening and what is being constructed.  The doors will all have matching hardware and hinges. What you will notice is a very smooth unlocking of the corner post and the doors but one that is also highly secure.

In the closed position the sight line of the corner post is only 82mm which does not add significant bulk to the aluminium door and frame profiles when the doors are closed. The moving corner post on bifolding doors is not available with every system as it is with Origin Doors. Many of the other mainstream systems are unable to offer this flexible arrangements.

The you tube video below shows the Origin bifolding doors with moving corner in operation.

If you would like more information about constructing a moving corner post to your extension and opening up the entire corner of your build, please contact us.

The post Have you considered open corner bifold doors? appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

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There are many aluminium window companies in the UK.  These vary from simple installation firms to those that specialise in the design manufacture and supply of aluminium windows, aluminium doors, conservatories, bifolding doors for the residential market. In fact, when it comes to aluminium windows, the consumer does actually have quite a lot of choice.

If you are looking for new aluminium windows your first visit may be to your local window company.  If however you are seeking something specific or you have a particular “look” in mind, how do you go about finding the right aluminium window for you?

What aluminium windows are available in the UK today?

There are a wide variety of aluminium systems available to suit simple window replacements and the high end home.

The aluminium windows you will see in your local window showroom will be provided by Aluminium Systems Companies.  These are large, often multinational companies that specialise in the design and extrusion of aluminium window profiles.  These profiles, hardware and accessories that go to make a completed aluminium window or door are then supplied to a network of manufacturers that supply the window installation companies or some may even make and install themselves.  Click here to read more about Aluminium Systems Companies.

The most common window systems available in the UK today can be grouped together to help you compare.  Some window systems are considered “high end” owing to their design, engineering and flexibility.  These are chosen by architects for the finest homes and developments of high specification apartments.

Others are more mainstream and form the majority of the windows you will see in your typical window showroom.  There are also smaller or lesser known companies that may not have the larger market share but still design and produce some excellent specialist windows.

The following window  brands are considered high end in terms of design or capability and reflected in the pricing.  These enjoy an excellent reputation with  architects  and designers seeking the best engineered and most flexible window products to meet specific design requirements.  It is these that are also often chosen for Grand Designs type homes.

• Schuco
• Kawneer
• Reynaers
• Metal Technology

The below window brands are of excellent quality but are considered more mainstream and typical of what you will find in many window showrooms.

• SAPA
• AluK
• Smart Systems
• Senior Aluminium

There are many other window systems available in the UK that have a smaller market share or concentrate on serving other markets.  Click here for a list of other aluminium systems companies

Where do my windows come from?

Windows are today manufactured in advanced factories utilising the latest in cutting, machining and assembly methods.

With so much choice available in the UK for aluminium windows and doors why can’t the homeowner see many “makes” of window products in one place? In other home improvement products such as kitchens, bathrooms, wall and floor tiles or bedrooms, a customer wishing to view will have greater choice in the range of products from different manufacturers on display.

In choosing a kitchen for example, the customer may see kitchens from Magnet, Howdens, Symphony, Poggenpohl or Smallbone all in one showroom. With aluminium windows and doors, often the customer will rarely see more than two, maybe three product ranges from different manufacturers.  With some smaller double glazing firms it is just one.   This applies to PVCu as well as aluminium.

In understanding how choice is presented to the consumer, one needs to understand the supply chain in aluminium windows and doors and where windows come from.

Where do double glazing firms get their windows?

There are generally two types of double glazing company supplying aluminium windows to the consumer.

• The double glazing company that does not manufacture and buys all it’s products in from trade manufacturers or trade counters
• The double glazing company that manufactures and installs it’s own products.

Whatever type the window company is there are several factors that determine what “make” of window will be offered to the end user.

Bought in products

There are over 14000 window companies active in the UK today.  These range from the very large fabricators supplying the double glazing showrooms, medium sized fabricators, trade counters, those that manufacture and/or supply only and those that only install.

The vast majority of the typical double glazing showrooms in the high street and on retail parks do not manufacture but choose to buy in ready-made windows and doors.  Whilst already manufactured these windows and doors are never held in stock sizes.  Unless they are mass produced in volume such as for new build developments by house builders, windows and doors will always be made to order or made to measure.

Therefore there is little difference to a consumer if the windows they are buying are bought in or made on the premises.  The trade/supply only market in windows and doors is very active in the UK home improvement market, testament to how this type of supply works well.

For the company that buys in all the products it sells, the choice of product will depend upon the trade manufacturer they choose to buy from. Several factors will determine this such as:

• service levels from their chosen supplier
• the price of the bought in product and what margins it offers the retailer
• the diversity and flexibility of the overall door and window suite such as contemporary and traditional looking windows
• what types of installations it is suitable for such as crittall replacement windows or direct fix replacements
• the sales support packages, quality of end user literature and technical information to enable the company to market and sell the products.

Aesthetics is also relevant as is quality and features of the window. Different windows can appeal in various ways.

Manufactured Products

To a company that manufactures and installs its own aluminium windows and doors, similar factors to bought in windows will also apply.  When a company decides to make it’s own products it will also consider:

• The cost of the raw material as aluminium profile can vary in price from system to system.
• The ease of fabrication. If a window is easier to make, there are greater margins to the manufacturer.
• What assistance is offered by the systems company in providing tooling, training and support.
• Service levels from the systems company.  If over time the manufacturer experiences late deliveries, incorrect material or general poor service this will impact the service they provide to their own customers.  They have to protect their own business interest and may look elsewhere.

In recent years aluminium has enjoyed a resurgence with more and more people realising the advantages of aluminium windows over PVCu.  Many  companies are now manufacturing more than one aluminium window system to capture market share and appeal to a wider customer base.

Window companies choosing the right window system to sell will also consider their local market.  Certain areas in the country have more Crittall Windows, or windows that require dummy sashes or perhaps are in an area with Mock Tudor type homes that require black and white windows.  Other areas consist of many new build homes.  Such factors will be important in choosing the right window system that can replace the old windows whilst retaining many of their original features.

 Window Guarantees and Remedial Work

In choosing what window system to provide, window companies will also look at their experience of the product.  Many window companies listen to the feedback from their experienced window fitters and surveyors.  If a fitter has ongoing problems installing a window, is finding it hard to glaze or prone to ongoing operational issues post-installation these could be valid reasons for not selling it.

Experienced window companies will monitor service calls and guarantee work to a product.  After all, if a window company is expected to guarantee window installations for 10 years, they have to buy in products that will be low maintenance. Guarantee or service work costs double glazing firms a lot of money!

Why don’t window companies sell many window systems?

There are several reasons for this.  The typical double glazing firm that mainly carries out domestic home improvement work will want to keep things simple with a basic product range.  These will employ  double glazing salesman – the more products he has available the harder it will be to sell.

Every window system is different technically and the ability to know all the aspects of many systems can present itself as a challenge for many window companies. They therefore choose to keep it simple with less systems on offer.

There are other more specialist window companies that not only do domestic window replacements but also work on commercial developments and bespoke homes.  These window companies are more likely to have a greater product knowledge and offer a wider range of window systems.  They will know that one system cannot meet every requirement every time.  They will therefore use their experience in working with their customer to provide the most suitable product for the application.

Our advice is this.  If you are happy with simply “new windows” to replace your old wood or pvc windows then the mainstream systems on offer will generally meet your needs.  If you are looking for something specific for a home extension or have a particular design brief in mind it is worth researching the market and seeing what other systems are on offer.  Contact us for help and advice.

Common features in aluminium windows.

There is a wide choice of aluminium windows available so it is worth doing your research.

With many aluminium window systems available in the market, does it really matter to the consumer what product they buy? Is the reality more simple in that most aluminium window systems look the same?

Window Aesthetics

It is true that most modern window systems are designed around a typical frame profile which for direct fix installations or for the replacement of old windows is typically 70mm or 75mm frames front to back.

The mainstream aluminium systems companies offer windows with this frame depth and options such as 50mm or 55mm variants for fitting into hardwood subframes or stone mullions. Additionally, there are square, profiled, ovolo or chamfered outer frames. Similarly with aluminium vent/sash sections most systems companies offer flat, profiled, square, ovolo or chamfered. If you compare many window systems side by side it is often difficult to differentiate one from the other.

Today, most common window systems share typical and similar features with very few window systems having something so unique and instantly different to each other.

There are always exceptions to this rule with some very sophisticated window systems such as Schuco Systems, Reynaers or Kawneer.  These types of windows can be manufactured on a more bespoke basis.  Additionally they are available with specific acoustic, bullet and blast resistance if needed!

Similarly, most systems companies offer Crittall Replacement Windows, tilt and turn, reversible windows, windows for high rise or heavy duty applications, internally or externally beaded windows etc.

Window Finishes

Most Aluminium windows will be polyester powder coated.  There are over 200 possible colours available in powder coated windows including metallic, textured and wood effect colours.  Windows are also available with different colours inside and out.

With so much colour choice available, consumers are exploring the use of bolder colour schemes.  If your windows are for a coastal or property that is particularly exposed, you can specify your windows with a more durable polyester powder coating that will be guaranteed for longer against the elements, salt or other contaminants.

Window Security

All modern window systems available today will meet the relevant industry standards for security.  Whether these meet British Standard BS7950 or Secured by Design, you can generally be confident that windows will utilise the best in locking systems, handles and overall window security.

Window U Values

A U value is a measure proving how how energy efficient a window is  including the glass.  This is to comply with new Building Regulations that came into effect in October 2010.  Windows will either use U Values or Window Energy Ratings similar to the energy ratings found in domestic appliances .

Modern Aluminium Windows today are available in A, B and C Window Energy ratings and with very low U Values.  Some people may consider the overall energy rating of window as very important, others will simply choose the window that looks the best even though it may only be available with a C Rating.

Glass Options

Glass Technology as improved dramatically in recent years.  You have a choice of using different types of glass around the home providing varying levels of light control and general comfort.  Glass today can help you with Heat Retention, Privacy, Noise Control, security, self cleaning properties and much more.

So can a consumer see many makes of windows all under one roof?

The short answer is probably not. The majority of double glazing firms will only deal with a limited range (as explained above). For a consumer to see the full range of aluminium doors and windows this means hours of research on the internet and visits to multiple showrooms. And lots of questions to eager sales people.
Alternatively, if you do want to be put in touch with aluminium window suppliers and manufacturers that can offer a wide range of aluminium systems, please contact us.

A consumer who chooses to research the many aluminium window systems on offer has several choices:

• Firstly, contact the systems companies directly and ask for a list of approved installers in the area that provide that system.
• If you have a specific product in mind, speak to a reputable and experienced double glazing firm that has access to other trade manufacturers and may be able to source that product for you.
• Speak to an architect. They will have worked with many of the aluminium systems companies already.

Is there is a “best” aluminium window?

There is no best system window product although some are better designed and engineered than others.

There are some window systems such as Schuco Systems and Reynaers Aluminium Systems that are widely used in high end homes and premier construction projects.

However the same can be said for other aluminium door and window systems such as SAPA, Metal Technology and AluK that are also widely specified by architects as well.

Whilst it is true some have better design features or greater engineering behind them, most residential windows from any of the leading systems companies will be perfectly suitable for residential applications. Aesthetics may vary from system to system but generally each meet the current standards of security, thermal efficiency and weather performance.  Your budget will also be a deciding factor.

Commercially there are many more factors in supplying aluminium windows and the products vary greatly from system to system, hence the involvement of architects.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you’d like more information about purchasing aluminium windows.

The post Aluminium Windows Buying Guide appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

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Buying Double Glazing from Reputable window companies and being a good customer yourself.

The customer is becoming more savvy, more aware, more discerning. The door and window industry is changing and those “traditional” double glazing salesmen are becoming a dying breed. Nowadays there is much in the media, particularly on television about rogue builders, dodgy double glazing companies and what the consumer can do to protect themselves.  But […]

What is an Aluminium Systems Company?

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? The end user buying aluminium […]

The team at Aluminium Trade Supply were asked to provide some marketing help for a replacement windows company.  Our client was a long established retail window company with an existing website. They were already active in their local market but owing to increased competition from other window companies they wanted a fresh new website to improve their marketing.

The first stage in these types of projects is to undertake a thorough investigation of the client’s existing website.  As is quite common it as quickly discovered that the website was written on an unnecessarily complex content management system.  This meant any changes to the website content, or updates could only be done by the existing website provider.  This lead to delays and expense.

Additionally, our analysis provides vital information about how Search Engines view the site and whether there are any technical issues with how they access the site. 

In this particular case the client had no access to information about visitors to their website. This was a serious oversight on behalf of the existing marketing company which meant that they had no idea how many visitors the site was attracting, or what those visitors were looking for.  There was no presence on social media and the content had not been updated for many months.

Building a New Website for a Window Company

The team recommended the creation of a new website, specifically to address the above issues.  The client was initially concerned that they simply did not have the time or resources to dedicate to completely rewrite the website content across a large door and window product range.

Aluminium Trade Supply were therefore instructed to create a brand new website including several customer related features.  As part of the brief we were also to write technical content about the client’s product range.  Leaving them free to manage their business.

The website design was created around the wishes of the client to design a dark themed site with a high quality feel and one that would instantly show to visitors exactly what the company was about and the home improvement products it provided.

We created on behalf of the client in-depth content of a sales and technical nature about:

• PVCu windows
• Aluminium windows
• Timber Windows
• Composite Doors
• Aluminium bifolding doors
• Sash Windows
• Timber Doors
• Conservatories, Orangeries and Glazed extensions.

The client already possessed a comprehensive image library and this was used to create an image rich website.  All images were professionally taken and were of actual installations the firm had done. Our content centred around this benefit.

Additionally we monitored the types of enquiries that were already coming into the existing website. Knowing that some customers are wary of double glazing firms and not wanting endless sales or follow up calls, we created a number of soft sell and passive website features.

A Website focused on conversion:

• A “call me back” facility enabling customers to specify when they would like to be contacted.
• The correct deployment of analytics software to facilitate comprehensive visitor reporting.
• A soft sell brochure download facility where by minimal details of who downloaded the brochure were built into the website enabling a passive follow up approach to the customer at a later date.

We also worked with the client to create informative articles to give their prospective customer confidence that they were dealing with a professional and expert window company.

We created articles about causes of condensation, articles comparing aluminium products to PVCu and timber and other content rich pages all demonstrating expertise in their chosen sector.

As a consequence of this work we were able to provide our client with a professionally designed website, that forms a major part of their marketing efforts.  We provide monthly analytics reporting and have helped our client achieve a significant increase in traffic and quality of leads received.

The post Marketing Help For Window Company appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

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Two leading aluminium trade supply fabricators have reinforced the continued growth of aluminium in the residential home improvement market.

Two leading trade manufacturers have reinforced the continued growth of the aluminium sector for the residential market.

CDW Systems and Customade are both Gloucestershire based aluminium manufacturers of long reputation and standing.  Both companies manufacture a range of high quality fabricated aluminium windows, doors, bifolding doors and commercial systems to the trade.

The Growth of the Residential Aluminium Market continues.

Customade UK have expanded their manufacturing premises and taken on new staff to meet the increased demand for aluminium products.

The company has invested in additional 1,500m2 factory and additional storage facilities.  It has also created additional jobs by investing in a dedicated aluminium Customer Service Team recruited to deal with the increased sales, general enquiries, service and estimating.

Andy Thomas, Customade’s sales and marketing director, says

We are absolutely delighted to have seen such a rapid rate of growth in the aluminium side of our business. We have increased production to more than 300 aluminium windows and 35 bi-fold doors a week and are well on course to achieving 50 doors a week by the end of 2014. With strong growth and healthy projections, we knew that it was the right time to expand our operation and take on more staff to increase production rates, speed up fabrication times and further improve quality.

 Aluminium manufacturer CDW Systems Ltd also remains confident.

CDW Systems Limited has been established for over 20 years manufacturing a rage of aluminium systems such as Smarts, SAPA, Senior Aluminium and AluK.

Insight Data, market analysts were commissioned to carry out an aluminium growth report, polling over 500 aluminium installers throughout the UK.

The report provided a valuable insight into what customers expect to see from their aluminium supplier with the majority wanting to purchase from an experienced supplier and one that offered better lead times and improved levels of service.

The bifolding door market remains dominant.

Aluminium bifolding doors remain the dominant product testament to how trusted aluminium is for bifolding doors compared to plastic

Over 70% of those polled reported that the most installed product remains the bifolding door as well as aluminium windows.

The domestic sector remains the largest chunk of the market, but this is to be expected bearing in mind the majority of those polled would be residential installation companies that may not carry out commercial work.

Customade is reporting an increased growth in bifolding doors manufactured each week and CDW Systems who offer a variety of bifolding door products also report increased sales of bifolding doors.

The “aluminium renaissance”

The growth in aluminium has been ongoing for several years now as customers realise the advantages of aluminium as a replacement window and door material.  Whilst there are still many home improvement firms that continue to offer a limited and restricted range to their customers such as plastic windows and composite doors only, the forward thinking companies are embracing the aluminium market and all the advantages the product has to offer.

Not only has there been an increase in double glazing firms now choosing to supply and install aluminium windows, but there has been an increase in the number of companies choosing to now manufacture aluminium or new companies setting up to fabricate it.  This is also good news for the systems companies and sales of bar length material.

Jerry Webb, Managing Director of CDW Systems commented:

We have been operating in the aluminium sector for over twenty years now and take an active interest in the direction it is taking. As a sector it held out well during the recession and there has been a shift towards more domestic aluminium installations.

We wanted to take the temperature of the industry going forward and see what installer sentiment looked like. The results of the report are interesting and suggest that there is optimism going forward. It’s also clear that lead times and service are an issue for installers and this will give suppliers food for thought.

Aluminium systems now offer total solutions for homeowners wishing to add value, slim sight lines, high strength and excellent aesthetics to their homes.  The previous reputation of aluminium windows as a cold, white or silver window and needing a hardwood subframe is very much in the past and the growth of aluminium windows and doors is set to continue.

The post Leading Aluminium Manufacturers reinforce growth of aluminium. appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

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When a prospective consumer visits a double glazing showroom they may only see one or two window products.  They may come away feeling that whilst they liked the window they saw, they didn’t see it quite matching in with their property.

AluK launch a new suite of residential aluminium windows and doors to meet the needs of old and new properties.

A challenge facing sales people when dealing with consumers is to make them aware that many aluminium window and door systems are designed around meeting the needs of particular properties. Whether your customer’s property is a traditional house, a modern or recently built property or one with steel windows fitted there are windows and doors to suit it.  One such company that offers a diverse range of profiles to suit any property is AluK.

AluK (GB) has launched its new residential suite of windows and doors.

The new collection of aluminium fenestration products from AluK consists of a complete suite including:

• Aluminium Windows
• Aluminium Entrance Doors
• Sliding Patio Doors
• Bifolding Doors

Aluminium Windows

Whatever the property there are a wide range of window profiles to suit it.

With their aluminium window range AluK have catered for the needs of both traditional and modern properties by offering a suite that suits these different sorts of homes.  The aluminium window range offers an excellent mix of both sculptured, chamfered and ovolo profiles that suit the more traditional property.  It also offers the necessary slim, flat and featured profiles that suit more contemporary properties, new builds or homes built a decade or two ago. All windows come with the option of single or dual polyester powder coated colours, are certified under Secured By Design and integrate perfectly with door products. Windows come in new Traditional, Modern and Panoramic ranges. The traditional and modern ranges offer the aforementioned wide range of profiles depending on the type of installation.  The Panoramic range is a brand new range to meet the needs of modern properties seeking large glass areas and offered uninterrupted glazing to a height of 2 storeys.

Aluminium Doors

AluK aluminium doors are widely installed throughout the UK in many homes and developments of flats and houses.  These are reliable, tried and tested doors that offer very high security, excellent aesthetics and good thermal qualities.

Aluminium Sliding Doors

The popular and durable range of sliding and bifolding doors is enhanced.

The AluK sliding patio door has for many years been a firm favourite amongst double glazing firms supplying quality aluminium sliding doors.  Despite the increase in the popularity of bifolding doors, patio doors still very much have their place in the market. This particular sliding door benefits from a lift and slide option and double or triple tracks that offer the widest possible openings with doors slid back and options as to which leaves actually slide.  Six panel configurations are also possible. Added to the range are new patio doors that are very cost effective, offer minimal sight lines and a choice of colours and locking options.

AluK Bifolding Doors

The AluK bifolding door is one of the most popular bifolding doors sold in the UK today.  Instantly recognisable by its innovative design, pop out slave handles and slim lines it stands the test of time as one of the most stylish and well performing bifolding doors in aluminium. Russell Yates, Managing Director, AluK says:

With the launch of the AluK Residential Collection our partners will be able to offer their customers innovative, high performance products, supported by an extensive gallery of images, information on window and door styles, colour options and glazing configurations to help their customers find the perfect style for their home.”

The new range of windows and doors from AluK offers consumers real solutions if they are seeking aluminium windows and doors to complement their own property and again demonstrates the versatility, strength, slim slight lines, long life and vast colour choices available with aluminium windows.

The post New Range of Residential Windows and Doors from AluK appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

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Despite the rise in the popularity of aluminium windows and doors and some reported statistical decline in sales of PVCu windows, aluminium windows are still subject to myths and incorrect assertions.

Aluminium Windows will be more expensive than their PVCu counterparts but it is worth understanding why.

This website offers a free service to help homeowners and the trade source the best suppliers of aluminium windows.

Howeer it would appear from the diversity of the emails and comments received from members of the public that customers are still being told  untruths and are being given wildly inaccurate information by some window companies regarding aluminium windows.

Many of these myths leave the customer believing they shouldn’t have aluminium windows.

Some of this misinformation is due to the customer being given information about a perceived high cost of aluminium windows and other negative feedback by the window companies regarding their performance, colour and suitability as a replacement window for the home.

If you are of the opinion that aluminium windows are somehow prohibitive we offer some impartial and independent advice to help you make an informed choice.

Dispelling the cost myths about aluminium windows

We have recently helped customers who contacted the website seeking help having had very expensive prices on aluminium windows for their homes compared to PVCu. Here are some comments from customers we have helped, typical of the kind of information and high prices some companies are providing.

In this comment it would appear the window company in question was  either trying to command a high premium for aluminium or the Company was trying to dissuade the customer from buying aluminium on price alone:

I have got quotes for both Upvc and Aluminium – Difference is about 200% in terms of cost £3k for PVC, £9k for Aluminium. It’s a 2 bed house with 9 windows 1 french door!

This comment suggests that the customer was told aluminium windows were not thermally broken.  Does this comment also imply that the customer was advised by the window company that somehow aluminium windows didn’t have a thermal break and were therefore illegal?

Do all aluminium frames in the market for domestic use and supplied by local window suppliers have to be ‘polyamide thermally broken’ by law? There is great variation in quotations that I have received, up to more than 100%!!

This customer comment was from a customer that clearly wanted aluminium windows for her house renovation. Yet for some reason she is being advised to forget about aluminium windows being told they’re unaffordable.

I’ve bought a house that needs a complete renovation and would love to have aluminium windows.  I have been told to forget about it since they are unaffordable and I’m finding it hard to get prices on the internet.  Can you please point me in the right direction as to where could I find reliable suppliers in my area?

This comment is typical of a frightened a customer thinking she had bought the wrong windows:

Is it true that it has been illegal to sell externally beaded windows since 2004. I have just had a representative from Pembertons telling me that the company that I used 3 years ago shouldn’t have sold them to me. Personally I think there is a possibility that he is not telling the truth.

These types of comments are all examples of inexperienced window companies or window companies that are somehow trying to dissuade the customer from buying aluminium.  Of course we’re not suggesting that any of these companies deliberately mislead their customers in order to sell a particular product, it’s more likely that lack of experience and/or training are the culprit.

If you have received similar information from a window company you have visited, please contact us and let us help you.

How much should aluminium windows cost?

There are several factors that affect the prices of aluminium windows.  For the purposes of this article, using a typical two or three bedroom home requiring a generally “standard” window installation the typical price difference should be an uplift of between 40%- 60% compared to upvc.

We know of many window companies that will have a greater uplift than this.  Our information comes from companies such as Cheam Windows who say:

We regard aluminium windows as an equal part of our overall range of windows and doors and not as a costly upgrade or reason to charge more for the product.

There will of course be other factors affecting prices such as installations considerations, access, trims or special cills required, but generally this should be the price difference between aluminium and plastic windows by window companies that understand and sell aluminium correctly.

Comparing like for like

The Major advantage aluminium has over pvcu is simple. It is Aesthetics. Compare the sight lines of the SAPA Aluminium Window above to a typical plastic window below

As with any product comparison what are the differences between the two products? In the same way as a luxury car is substantially more expensive than a budget car, is it a fair comparison when the quality, build and specification are so different?

An uplift of 100% or more for an aluminium window may be accurate if it is being compared with a very cheap upvc window!

There are differing prices and variations in quality on PVCu windows as well.  Some upvc window systems are very cheap to buy and others such as the Residence 9 product are a luxury window at the better end of the PVCu window market and justifiably so.

Therefore, if you are seeing substantial differences between PVCu and aluminium window prices this could be a reason why.

The supply chain will also affect the price you pay.

The other factor that can affect the price you pay for your new aluminium windows is how they are sourced and the supply chain.

In the same way many other domestic, personal or other products  are advertised as bought direct from the manufacturer therefore saving you money, the same can apply to windows. The less parties involved in the supply of the product, the cheaper it can be.

The window company that buys its windows direct from a manufacturer will usually sell windows cheaper than a window company that buys their windows from from a supplier that doesn’t manufacture such as a trade counter who bought the windows higher up the supply chain.  The more suppliers involved in the supply chain the more mark ups and profit margins will be in place before the consumer receives their final price.

Again if the prices of aluminium compared to PVCu appear very high the supply chain could be a reason why. Contact us and let us put you in touch with alternative suppliers that can could offer better prices.

Are you being dissuaded from having Aluminium Windows?

One has to question the motives of any window company that advises a customer who “would love to have aluminium windows” to “forget about it”. How would any customer feel walking into a BMW car showroom and be told forget about it and go buy a another model!

The majority of window companies are professional, ethical and are in business to do the best they can by their customers.  However if you are being dissuaded from aluminium windows with any negative comments our many years experience can give you some reasons why.

Why a window company may not want you to buy aluminium windows

If you are receiving negative feedback about aluminium there may be several reasons why.

• The typical commission only self employed double glazing salesman typical of many double glazing firms simply doesn’t understand the product and wants you to buy the product he can sell. This may not necessarily be the right product for you.
• The window company only offers PVCu windows and in an effort not to lose a potential sale will dissuade you from aluminium.
• Some window companies that sell aluminium perceive the product as deserving of an additional premium or price hike.
• Some window companies whilst offering aluminium do so with an element of reluctance owing to the differences in the ordering process or longer lead times compared to mass produced PVCu.  They may try to make their lives easier recommending the product that suits them not you.
• The profit margins on pvcu are generally greater than aluminium owing to how cheap the product is to make and buy in.

Any window company that understands aluminium windows, should demonstrate with professionalism, honesty, expertise and listening to your wishes, the differences between aluminium and upvc and allow you to make an informed choice.

Why are aluminium window prices hard to find online?

Double Glazing like other home improvement products are impossible to obtain recommended retail prices on.  If you wish to buy a particular consumer product such as a car or a computer you generally will have an idea of what the price of that product will be.  The sale of replacement windows unfortunately does not work in the same way.

The windows you will purchase for you home, whether aluminium, PVCu or timber are all made to order.  There are no stocks of ready made windows or doors in warehouses waiting to be shipped.  There are many factors that will determine the price you are quoted.   This is understandably a source of frustration for the customer.

Obtaining some indication of what new windows should cost is not helped by the larger national home improvement companies either.  Some of these companies leave the final price you pay in the hands of the double glazing salesman and the price he feels he can command for the product.

For example a large National company can quote you £3000 for a new front door but give you a 60% discount on it.  So is the retail price of the door £3000 or £1200?

By comparison many independent local window companies rightly choose to simply offer the best prices they can avoiding these seemingly fantastic discounts and quotes you the most realistic price they can.

Another reason for not publishing prices online is not to lose the “sales process”.  It is not just double glazing that does not provide prices online, other forms of home improvements do as well preferring to give indicative prices and work with you on closing the sale on a one to one basis.

Dispelling more myths about about aluminium windows

There are other myths about aluminium windows that this website can dispel and give you factual answers. All of these can be backed up by technical facts and documentation.

Condensation

Modern Aluminium Windows utilise the latest thermal break technology seen here by the black strips separating the aluminium sections

You may hear that aluminium windows are prone to condensation. This was once the case many years ago before the introduction of thermal break technology.  Previously thermal break technology was based “pour and cut” or resin thermal breaks.

Today modern windows utilise latest technology polyamide thermal break which has substantially improved the thermal performance of aluminium windows compared to older systems.  Another substantial benefit of polyamide thermal breaks is that aluminium windows can now be different colours inside and out.

What is a Thermal Break?

A thermal break is where the aluminium to aluminium contact between the external and internal faces of a window is interrupted to bridge the cold gap that can occur .  A thermal break is part of the construction to minimize heat or cold transfer.

Aluminium Windows require hardwood subframes.

This is simply untrue.  All modern aluminium window systems are now available with Direct Fix frames (typically 70mm or 75mm front to back) that remove the need for any hardwood subframes.  There are however windows available with slimmer depth frames such as 50mm that are designed to fit into existing or new hardwood subframes and importantly to match properties that aesthetically need them.

Aluminium Systems companies are well aware that certain properties lend themselves to having hardwood window surrounds so for those that wish to retain their existing hardwood subframes and hardwood cills, there are new aluminium windows to suit.  There are also aluminium windows to suit stone mullions!

Aluminium Windows are available only in white or silver.

Again this is not true.  One of the huge advantages of aluminium is the sheer choice of colour.  There are over 200 colours available in aluminium windows.  One only needs to look at the coloured aluminium doors in shops, offices, retail parks, schools and hospitals.  If coloured aluminium is possible for commercial buildings, it is possible for your home.

Aluminium Windows are only suitable for commercial buildings.

Aluminium windows and doors have been used commercially for many years because architects and building designers have long understood the advantages aluminium windows offer in high use buildings and particularly with commercial doors.

Strength, slim light lines, colour choice, structural integrity and the ability to cover large spans are all advantages aluminium offer over upvc.  It is rare to see any commercial building with PVCu windows or doors and rarer still to see PVCu facade glazing.

Today’s modern aluminium windows have been designed to accommodate the many different designs typical in commercial buildings compared to the fairly standard type window in British homes.

Aluminium windows for the home not only combine all the advantages offered to commercial buildings, but they are now designed with profiles to match the needs of the homeowner available in contemporary and traditional frames, ovolo, chamfered and profiled sections and many other features that make them ideal for the home.

This also extends to maximum security, high strength and for the modern Grand Designs type home, the ability to create far larger windows than PVCu can. If you are a fan of property renovation programmes like Grand Designs when did you last see a PVCu window or door fitted?

 Summary

It should be stressed that the vast majority of the home improvement and double glazing industry is highly reputable and professional.  However every window company varies in its knowledge, experience and capability.

A company that may artificially inflate prices or give false information shouldn’t instantly be regarded as untrustworthy but one that may not possess the knowledge to talk to you about all windows and doors not just aluminium but PVCu. timber, fibreglass windows, composite windows and steel.

If you require impartial and independent information about aluminium windows, doors, bifolding doors or other products for you home, please contact us.  Our service is free.

The post Dispelling Myths about the cost of aluminium windows appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

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Bifold door installation is essential to the proper working of the product.  In fact it is without doubt the most important aspect of bifolding doors.  Something that is acknowledged by the majority of experienced home improvement companies, suppliers and fitters.

Bifolding doors all require expert installation and especially in complex arrangement such as this open corner Origin Bifolding Door.

Bifolding doors by their very nature are designed to slide and fold using a complex system of rollers, guides, tracks and special door hinges.  It is the complex hardware arrangement and differing opening and closing action of bifolding doors that makes a precise installation absolutely essential.

For bifolding doors to work properly for many years to come, they need to be expertly installed.

Often bifolding doors will be ordered in many  different configurations such as all doors sliding to one side.  The middle doors may act as traditional french doors with the remaining leaves sliding in opposite directions. These differing bifolding door styles are mean doors need to be absolutely plumb, square, levelled and property adjusted.

The vast majority of experienced and reputable double glazing firms are all too aware of how important the precise and correct installation of bifolding doors is.  An incorrectly installed and badly functioning door will not only cause frustration for the customer but until the customer is satisfied with their operation can also cause delays in payment.

There will also be ongoing costs to the window company if they are being recalled back to the property to sort out the problem.

It is also important to remember that some bifolding doors are sold through trade counters or through supply only companies to builders and other tradesmen selling bifolding doors.  Often product problems that are no fault of the door can arise through inexperienced installers or lack of quality installation information being provided by suppliers.

Public demand for bifolding doors is increasing – highlighting  the importance of correct bifold door installation.

Window companies continue to experience increases in the sales of bifolding doors and many of these are employing new staff to fit them.  How do they ensure their fitters are trained in professional bifold door installation?

Origin Doors are the leading bifolding door manufacturer and supplier in the UK, providing their market leading aluminium bifolding doors through their network of nationwide installers. They understand their market and the importance of providing the right product training and support.

Origin are aware that If a door is badly installed and causes problems the customer will perceive the brand negatively.

Origin Training covers important aspects such as service issues, fork, hinge or lock replacements.

Origin’s installation training programme is yet another way the company supports its installation partners and improve the quality of service offered to the end user.

These excellent initiatives supporting their dealers ensures  the present brand reputation of high quality, well designed and high performing bifolding doors remains strong.

Their ‘Fitter Fitter’ programme that trains their installers in the best, most efficient and precise way of installing  Origin’s aluminium bi-folding doors.

It is a free, full one day course enabling new and existing bifolding door installers and suppliers to not only ensure they are installing the product as it should be, but also ask the highly experienced Origin Technical Team any questions.

3 Pane bifolding doors are typically 2.5 metres wide or more and are used to replace existing aluminium patio doors.  The training programme involves installing a basic 3 set sliding folding door product in a dedicated rig but obviously larger bifolding doors such as four, five or six pane arrangements can be explained.

Origin doors come with a unique 20 year guarantee that relies on expert installation to be honoured.

The Origin bifolding door is the only one in the UK presently with an industry leading 20 year guarantee.  The doors come with their own unique serial number enabling the company to track down the product should any issues arise with it in the future.  This is also important as homes are bought and sold and any new owner will wish to continue getting the very best from their bifolding doors.

The Origin fitter training programme is important to ensure their installers are trained correctly in bifolding door installation to ensure the product continue to perform long into the future and so that Origin can continue to honour their industry leading 20 year guarantee.  It also gives accurate training on hardware replacement, hinge adjustment, ensuring the doors are accurately plumb, level and square and much more.

Very importantly, installers are also given a demonstration of how bifolding doors are manufactured start to finish. Knowing how bifolding doors are manufactured also gives the installer greater product knowledge.

David Ginger of Origin Frames says:

As a British manufacturer, we are dedicated to supporting our trade agents up and down the country. The Fitter Fitter training has been introduced to provide in-depth product information and installation advice to our trade partners, to ensure end users have a high quality of installation to match the doors.

Since launching the Fitter Fitter training in late 2013, we have already seen a 23 per cent reduction in technical installation queries, which is a great result.

Upon Completion, Origin Installers receive Accredication

You are assured of an excellent bifolding door product and installation where you see the Origin Logo

Approved Installer Status and certification is given upon completion of the course and the relevant promotional material to be displayed in Origin Showrooms and on vehicles and other promotion material used by window companies.

The correct installation of bifolding doors and training programmes such as this from Origin is one way of ensure customers remain happy with their product, window companies are trained in the right installation and above all continues to strengthen the reputation of quality window companies and quality products.

If you would like further information on local installers of high quality Origin bifolding doors, please use the contact form below.

The post The importance of bifold door installation appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

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What do you do if you have older double glazed windows and doors that are generally working well, but one or two of your windows need replacement parts?  What if your windows have been damaged through burglary or other reason – are replacement parts for old double glazed windows available?

Older double glazing such as patio doors can often cause problems when replacement parts are needed. What can you do?

The Aluminium Trade Supply website is often contacted by building contractors, window companies and members of the public seeking help with replacement parts for older aluminium or PVCu double glazed windows.  Often these people will have perfectly good double glazing installed that is over 10 years old.

In this article we will give some insight into the issues regarding older aluminium windows and doors and what you can do to replace the parts without having to replace the whole window.

Why are replacement parts for old double glazed windows difficult to obtain?

Knowing What System is installed.

There are several reasons why finding replacement parts for old double glazing can be difficult.  By far the biggest reason is not knowing what system or make of window is installed.

Unlike most consumer goods which have very clear branding on them, with double glazing this is virtually impossible.  This problem is made worse if you purchased the property with the windows installed and did not purchase them yourself.

A further issue is that windows and doors utilise many industry “stock parts” for example Hoppe Handles on Doors, Winkhaus Handles on Windows, Cotswold Architectural or Securistyle Friction Stays or Titon Trickle Vents.  Often these accessories will have some name or brand on them but this applies to the component itself not the whole window.

So how can you find out what system has been installed?

The only way is really by a process of elimination.  Either you have to establish the window company that installed the windows and if they are still in business they should be able to tell you the system installed.

Most high street double glazing firms will shy away from such work so unless your local double glazing company is an absolute expert and has been trading for many years, they will be unlikely to help and probably reluctant to take on the repair work.

Another option is to employ the services of a window and door maintenance company to see whether they can help.  Window and Door maintenance companies that specialise in window repairs, glass replacement etc will over the years have seen most window systems.  Whilst not guaranteed they may be able to identify the system by looking at it.  Some window systems such as Monarch Aluminium Windows and Patio Doors are instantly recognisable by their profile design and types of handles fitted.

What type of window or door components become obsolete and cause the problems?

Window and door components can be split into two district categories – profiles and accessories.

There are specialist companies used by the trade to source replacement locks and handles.

With window profiles, if the window system has been superseded the following profiles no longer be available:

• missing window beads (that hold the glass in place)
• damaged window sections such as sashes or outer frames
• damaged cill sections
• missing cill end caps (often plastic but manufactured to suit the window cill)
• Weather bars on aluminium doors
• Plastic clip-in pieces often used on the perimeter of the outer frame or door leaf.
• Flipper or bubble gaskets that seal windows and doors or woolpile.

For window accessories, the following are typical of being hard to replace and hard to source:

• Window handle keys
• Window handles
• Broken Trickle Vents
• Door handles and handle backplates
• Failure or window or door multi point locking systems
• Damaged door gasket particularly on older patio doors that are made around the glass and not beaded
• Snap on screw cover caps for window handles

My windows are guaranteed for 10 years, why am I being told replacement parts are not available?

At the time you purchased your double glazed windows they were the current product and rightly guaranteed for 10 years.  What your double glazing company cannot control are changes in legislation and product enhancements carried out by the Systems Company that designed the window.

The Building Regulations applicable to windows and doors are constantly changing.  This means that windows need to be more thermally efficient.  For many window systems, meeting these regulations can mean a complete redesign of the system that can render your reasonably new windows “old”.

This is not the fault of the window manufacturer or installer but simply adapting the product to meet the changing needs of Building Regulations and other legislation.

Another reason can be a simply product update.  As car manufacturers will facelift models from time to time, and as any product is updated as part of the company keeping ahead in the market, so windows and doors are updated and redesigned.  Many systems companies will aim to keep some window profiles or hardware consistent to save money however if they don’t, this can be a reason why parts may be hard to find.

My powder coated aluminium windows are damaged. Can the powder coating be repaired?

Yes.  There are specialist on site powder coating repair companies such as Eurosite Finishers that specialise in the recoating of powder coated aluminium.  If the damage is minor, simple touch up paint available from reputable powder coaters will suffice but the original RAL reference the windows were powder coated in will be require in order for the touch up paint to match.

You must also consider that through lack of routine cleaning and ageing, some powder coated finishes will have discoloured so you may wish to consider having them professionally repaired on site.

Is it true that through lack of replacement parts I need new windows?

Older apartment blocks are typical of problems finding replacement parts such as window handle keys as properties change tenants or owners.

This will depend on the nature of the problem and who you seek to assist you with it.  It is often the case that for general window repairs people will often call their local double glazing firm first.  Many of these companies simply do not want to get involved with products installed by other people.  This is understandable if they are dealing with a product they’ve not fitted, have little experience with and will be obliged to guarantee in some way.

Our advice as mentioned is to seek the advice of a company that specialises in double glazing repairs and window or door maintenance. They are much more likely to have access to a wider source of replacement part supply.  They will also have seen a wider range of windows and doors making identification easier.

If your windows and doors have been discontinued and replacement profiles are needed, then it is regretfully quite likely that new profiles cannot be sourced and you will have to replace the window.

If your window or door needs new locks, gaskets, handles or other accessory, there are specialist companies such as Duffells that many in the trade use to source replacement parts and such companies should be approached first.  They might be able to help you.

We hope this article has given you information and an insight into replacement parts for older double glazed windows and doors. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any further information.

The post Replacement Parts for Old Double Glazed Windows appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

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KAT has been a leading name in the manufacture of bespoke aluminium, timber and PVCu products for over 15 years.  As a specialist manufacturer of windows and doors in all three leading materials KAT UK now provides its Design Partners with a large product range, technical and marketing support and excellent service. With manufacturing operations in both the North and South of the UK, KAT UK operates a nationwide Network of  KAT Design Partners.

But what is a KAT Design Partner?

These are specialist and highly experienced window companies dealing directly with consumers.  Working with KAT they are reinforcing the premier KAT Brand as well as working in partnership to ensure end users receive the highest quality products and the best possible customer experience.

Could you benefit from becoming a KAT UK Design Partner?

KAT offer a range of exclusive benefits to Design Partners including leading aluminium products from ALuK and Schuco

If you are looking for a highly experienced, reliable trade fabricator with a complete range of product that many other fabricators choose not to supply such as timber and PVCu, you may benefit from becoming a KAT Design Partner.

With aluminium being at the forefront of the home improvement market, KAT offer aluminium products from the two market leading systems, AluK and Schuco.  The range comprises high performance windows, bifolding doors, sliding patio doors, triple track aluminium patio doors and residential entrance doors.

KAT are now one of the leading aluminium suppliers in the UK with an excellent reputation and brand and you could benefit from becoming one of their exclusive Design Partners.

A KAT Design Partner brings many advantages.

Not only do KAT UK Design Partners benefit from high quality industry leading products, but these products enjoy excellent sales in the home improvement sector and could significantly benefit your business.  AluK is arguably the leading residential brand in the UK today with an excellent range.

The AluK Windows are suitable for all types of properties including traditional, modern, new build and to suit the replacement of old Crittall Windows.  Aluminium  sliding and bifolding doors are one of the best systems you can buy benefiting from excellent aesthetics, high quality construction and good design.

The Schuco brand is internationally recognised and installed in the most prestigious homes and commercial buildings.  Now Schuco are making substantial impact in the UK home improvement market with their brilliantly engineered bifolding and sliding doors.  These slim, architecturally led and highly attractive products lead most systems available by being able to be constructed taller and wider than other typical systems as well as being suitable for automation if required.

If you are looking to give your business a competitive edge as well as offer a range for the upper end of the market and top the discerning homeowner, selling the Schuco brand manufactured by KAT will benefit your business as well as adding a product with an excellent name and reputation to your product portfolio.

Simon Richards, Sales and Marketing director of KAT says:

Our new corporate style is all part of our shift in emphasis to market KAT to the consumer which includes considerable product development across the entire range. We recognise that our customers need exclusive products and protected sales areas and that’s we will give them, with our exclusive Design Partner product range. We will build our network of Design Partners very carefully over the next 2 years and the opportunities ahead are exciting.

We believe that not only do we have a very exciting and complete aluminium product range, but that we can also offer installation companies more in the way of support and expertise. We like to think of it as the KAT difference

What other Products can you benefit from as a KAT Design Partner?

KAT also provide the following products:

• Box sash windows in timber and PVCu
• Sliding patio doors in timber, PVCu and aluminium.
• Sliding XL Patio doors in aluminium and PVCu including the Magnaglide supersize PVCu patio door which can accommodate a 6 metre span with only two sliding sashes.
• Triple Track Aluminium Patio Doors
• Bifolding doors in Timber, PVCu and aluminium
• Casement Windows in Aluminium

As KAT Design Partner, you also benefit from unrivalled support.

KAT UK are a nationwide fabricator of high quality and market leading home improvement products.

KAT UK Design Partners benefit from protected areas, high quality leads and the very best in technical and marketing support.

There is a brand new consumer focused website as well as a premier range of consumer marketing material, a high quality 24 page consumer brochure and separate colour programme. KAT also offer showroom support by way of point of sale materials that includes product samples, hardware and product boards and banner stands. Marketing materials are available branded and unbranded too.

You will also benefit from detailed installation guides, technical and sales assistance on their range of products as well as on site technical training if required. product assistance and both sales and on site technical training.

With many companies now entering the trade supply market, few can match the wide range of products and support offered by KAT UK. If you are interested in becoming a Design Partner or purchasing KAT aluminium, pvcu or timber products, please contact our website.

The post The Sales Opportunities as a KAT UK Design Partner appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

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The marketing team at Aluminium Trade Supply were approached by a client who was setting up a new business. Our client was experienced within the hardware supply industry but had not previously run his own business.

After several years with his employer he had made the decision to start his own company supplying door hardware, automatic entrance systems, shopfronts, window ventilation systems and tele flex gearing.

As with any business the client knew that a professional looking website creates the right first impression. Additionally it must provide quality information about the full range of products.

Being a new business, and a new website, it is important to manage the online marketing to ensure that the site quickly starts generating traffic (and leads) whilst avoiding the dangers that accompany over exposure. We worked closely with our client to ensure that we fully understood the type of traffic he needed.

We were delighted to help this new start up business with their website. We were fully aware that a start up business consisting of an owner and one member of staff could not dedicate the time needed to create all the content for their website. In this case there are hundreds of products to showcase across several categories.

By the time we were instructed the business was already trading. So it was vitally important that the website was created and made live as soon as possible.

After an initial meeting to confirm website designs and layout, all that was required from the client was information on the makes, types and range of products and we were left to do the rest.

In creating this website we carried out the following:

• Sorted out the domain and hosting arrangements
• installed a custom build website
• Created all the detailed and in-depth website content
• Prepared all the detailed product information on the comprehensive range of hardware the company was selling
• Created the image libraries, categories and product descriptions
• Created appropriate social media accounts and linked them to the main website

The client’s website now enjoys regular customer enquiries and ranks for the important search terms the company wishes to appear for.

On a monthly basis we work with our client in sending out monthly newsletters and product promotions. We also prepare multiple case studies, regular news content and technical articles every month. In creating this ongoing content, all we need from the client is some basic information and we do the rest.

Our experience across all areas of the fenestration industry means we are able to work independently with minimal demands made on the client. This is particularly useful to a start up company with a very busy working day.

Our active involvement in the window and door industry and our knowledge and expertise makes us ideal for the small or medium sized business. We have the unique advantage of “speaking the language” in our sector.

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