The Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) is an established trade association that does excellent work in helping the architectural aluminium sector and encouraging the use of aluminium in construction.

Like this very website, the Council for Aluminium in Building has done sterling work in informing, promoting and educating about the many advantages of aluminium.

The Council for Aluminium in Building is a leading Trade Association representing companies from the entire aluminium supply chain.

The Council for Aluminium in Building has helped the fenestration sector.

There are several trade associations that set up to support the interests of the fenestration industry at various levels.  The CAB is the largest aluminium in building trade association, being formed 20 years ago.

Members of the CAB are very diverse representing well the wide range of businesses, technical expertise, supply and knowledge that exists in the overall aluminium in building supply chain.

The voice of the CAB is an authoritative one that works to promote its mission, aims and objectives, not just to the media but to organisations, standards agencies and other professional bodies that in some way play a part in construction.  Even Government offices have benefitted from what the CAB has to say.

You will also find the CAB heavily promoting the environmental and sustainability message of aluminium as a construction material that is far superior to upvc.

What kind of companies are members of the CAB?

With over 100 members representing more than fifty different products, services and categories involved in fenestration, the Council for Aluminium in Building has an excellent cross section of the aluminium supply chain.

Membership includes the major aluminium systems companies, leading hardware suppliers, well known consultants, technical experts, established fabricators, professional installers and other specialist companies.  Most of the best known brands in architectural aluminium want to be CAB members as do leading powder coating companies and well known people in the fenestration sector.

Can membership of the CAB help you?

If you are in any way involved in the supply chain for architectural aluminium membership of the CAB could benefit you.

One major advantage of the Council for Aluminium in Building is it’s knowledge base and expertise. This website often hears from manufacturers, systems companies and leading hardware companies that have had a difficult issues relevant to construction or products that they have needed help with.  These have reported that the CAB has provided answers, assistance and routes to solutions.

Standards, regulations, good working practices and procedures are far more involved in commercial work than domestic double glazing.  The CAB is very well placed to advise its members about these complex issues as well as producing excellent technical documents and other useful publications relevant to aluminium in building.  If you need help and assistance about CE Marking, Secured By Design, British and European Standards or Building Regulations the Council for Aluminium in Building will be able to help you.

With the CAB working on education, information, specification, professionalism and training in our industry as well as the advantages of aluminium it is the leading Trade Association.

CAB Professional Seminars and events are also held nationally.

RIBA, the Royal Institute of British Architects hold Construction Products Division seminars that are promoted by the CAB.  Additionally there are numerous regional meetings, events and conferences held all over the UK where members can gather to learn and gain important information about matters that affect them and the industry today.

The post The Council for Aluminium in Building appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

The Aluminium Trade Supply Website has already helped many homeowners looking for the correct aluminium windows to replace their old crittall or steel windows.  So many houses that were built with Crittall Windows have their character and charm because of the window style they were originally built with.

If you are fortunate enough to live in one of these beautiful typically British houses, consider your Crittall Replacement Windows carefully

It is these original windows that are part of the overall look of a character property.  But what do you do when these old windows need replacing? What can you do to provide all the advantages of modern double glazing without compromising on the look of the property?

With nearly 30 years experience in the door and window industry, we have the knowledge and experience to help you find the right product. And with access to a whole range of systems and many reputable, professional and expert window companies throughout the UK we can also put you in touch with the right installers in your local area. Our service is free, impartial and independent.

Here is how we helped one homeowner based in Surrey.

PVCu window replacements such as these fitted to a house previously with old metal windows have created chunky windows with thick frames and mullions that look nothing like the originals

We were contacted by a customer looking for suitable aluminium windows to replace her old metal windows.  When you may have a budget to stick to, aluminium can still provide the best solution when provided by a company that does not charge a premium for them.  The homeowner had also considered going down the upvc route and had looked at some upvc windows that are marketed as slimline.  But even these slimline PVCu windows were too thick in their sight lines.  The property had already been fitted with old Monarch Aluminium Windows elsewhere.

Fitting PVCu windows in a character property where the original windows are so important to it’s appearance cannot replicate the slim frames, mullions or transoms of the original windows.  Many people have opted for the cheapest option but have compromised their property and some would say, decreased its value and character.

With some simple advice and bearing in mind the customer had a budget to keep to, the SAPA Crown 52mm system was the best solution.

We recommended a professional local company that would provide the right product.

With access to professional and expert companies all over the UK, we recommended UK Windows Surrey that we knew was experienced in aluminium crittall replacement windows.

The windows provided was powder coated in Gloss White RAL 9910 gloss and features slim direct fix outer frames that meant a direct to structure window without the need for a hardwood subframe.  Flat vent sections and slimline mullions and transoms.  The SAPA Crown System was one product that was right for this particular property.

Sashes in old metal windows are important and the new window replacement must try and keep with the original aesthetics.  The Crown Window from SAPA has minimal projection and in conjunction with the ultra slim mullions available with the SAPA Crown casement window helped retain many of the original sight lines.

In line with most quality aluminium systems, the new windows features high security locking tested to Secured by Design, locking handles and the right glazing bead that replicated the original putty lines of the old windows.

An externally beaded window does not mean an insecure window.

If your double glazing salesman somehow tells you that externally beaded windows are not secure, you are being misinformed.  Externally beaded windows today undergo the same testing as internally beaded windows in line with current standards.  This particular system has a glazing bead that locks into place and is further reinforced by an internal glazing gasket that means the external bead cannot be removed unless the internal gasket is removed first.  This makes for a very secure window.

What do you think of the finished installation?

The original metal windows were fitted within hardwood subframes and needed replacing

As the before and after pictures show, the new window is slim, flatline in appearance and has given this homeowner new aluminium windows that are very secure and energy efficient, using high specification double glazed units. And the testimonial from the homeowner to our expert aluminium door and window website confirms this.

 

New SAPA Crown Windows were fitted with direct fix profiled frames and slim flat sashes.

Just to say that everything went well and the window is a very good replacement for the wood framed Crittall window that we had.

UK Windows Surrey’s workmanship is very good and they were very knowledgeable about aluminium windows. Their prices are also very competitive – I have in fact recommended them to a friend.

I would also say that the Crown Windows are a very good match for the old Monarch Windows, and are a good compromise solution if one can only afford a direct fix to brickwork, as they have a nice solid outerframe which is reminiscent of the old wood frame, yet still having a sufficiently slim profile. I know there are slimmer aluminium frames out there which are closer to the look of the old Crittals and which look great with a hard wood frame, but that would have cost rather more than what we could afford!

So thank you very much for putting a good local company in touch with us – I nearly went down the UPVC route, but am so glad I did not!

The post Providing Homeowners with Crittall Replacement appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Did you know that if you buy commercial doors with standard or budget door closers simply changing to a higher specification and better quality door closer can resolve many site issues, as well as helping you meet current Building Regulations and Standards?

Do you currently install commercial doors? How do you know you are complying with current Building Regulations and The Equality Act? Take our survey and find out

If you buy-in commercial doors from a trade manufacturer how do you know whether the commercial door closer will be the right one?  You can take our survey and find out!

Today, you have a huge choice of door closers.

What you may not know is that there are many different brands of door closers.  Trade manufacturers of commercial doors, will of course aim to give you a quality door closer.  It is already well known that cheap door closers whilst keeping the cost of the overall door product down, must also be reliable.  The manufacturer will want to avoid having to provide replacements and you as an installer will want to avoid the service calls.

On this website, you will find a lot of content regarding compliance to current Building Regulations and the Equality Act.  This is a legal framework and not simple recommendations or good working practices.  With the door closer being a key component of a commercial door how do you know you are providing the right one?

Next time you order a commercial door, are you being provided with the right closer?

With concealed overhead closers, also known as transom closers, these are generally available in a variety of strengths.  The typical manufacturer of commercial doors will choose the right strength closer to match the overall size of the door they are required to make, and in most cases this is deemed as being sufficient.  Those of you that are already installing commercial doors will know on site whether the door is easy to open and close with that strength of door closer.  It is important to remember that typical door closers are fixed in their strength.  This means a Strength 3 closer is fixed at that tension and there is no adjustment.

Where your door closer could cause you problems.

With doors that are being installed in nursery schools, old peoples homes or shops, you may have experienced the owner of the building calling you back and commenting that the door is hard to operate for some users.  What was your solution? In most cases your response was to either say that the door closer strength was correct for the size of door or you may have replaced the door closer with a weaker strength one.  If you opted to change the door closer, this cost your company money in labour, parts, fuel and administration.

What your trade manufacturer of doors can’t know.

With most door installers choosing to buy unglazed doors from their door manufacturer, typically they will be provided with the glass sizes by the manufacturer to order their toughened glass units.  What your door supplier won’t know is what glass you are fitting in that door.  Laminated glass is much heavier than toughened and adds to the overall weight of the door and it’s ease of use.  This puts extra strain on the door closer.

Door handles are another component that can affect the operation of your door.  With many doors now being fitted with full height stainless steel handles on both sides, these are solid and heavy handles.  The weight of the hardware and combined with the glass weight all add to the overall weight of the door that the closer needs to control.

Even if your doors are being fitted to a new or existing lobby, air pressure can also affect the door closer operation and add to the tension that is felt with that door is opened or closed.

So how can you make sure your door closer takes all these factors into consideration?

These concealed overhead or transom closers may all look the same but they all differ substantially from high quality closers

The simple answer is, unless you do all the necessary calculations beforehand, it is highly unlikely you can know on a completed and installed door whether the standard door closer that has been provided with your door is the right strength and taking into consideration the glass, hardware, air pressure and weatherstrips on a door.

Those technically minded can consult with torque curves, glass weight calculations, obtain the weight of their chosen door handles and even conduct air pressure calculations.  The simple fact is nobody will do this.  They will simply order a commercial door using a standard order form.  The trade manufacturer will expect you to provide them with the information they require to make your door and you expect your door manufacturer to provide you with the right product.

Even if you are ordering a glazed and complete product, it is unlikely your door supplier will carry out those calculations for you.

So what about a door closer with adjustable power and strength?

The DORMA RTS87 Profile Transom Closer is one product that has adjustable power from Strength 1 up to Strength 4.  This means there is one door closer whereby you can adjust the power on site and following installation  that will take into account the above factors your door manufacturer won’t reasonably consider.

This adjustable door closer whilst costing more than your typical door closer will overcome these issues without the need to replace the closer body where you discover the standard closer provided does not produce an easy to open door nor one that can help to meet the required opening forces of Approved Document M and BS8300.

Why is this important?

The first advantage is that with an adjustable strength closer, you will not have to have the inconvenience and extra cost of going to site to to change your closer body again for a weaker or stronger model.  This is an advantage for a door installer and keeping good will with your customers.

Where many ignore the current Building Regulations and Accessibility requirements, this is one door closer that can help comply by simply adjusting the opening and closing forces to meet your requirements. The door closer is also CE Marked and meets BS EN 1154.  BS EN 1154 the British and European Standard on correct product type for use, testing, product performance standards, corrosion resistance and other factors that is a current standard in use today.

So next time you order a commercial door, why not pay a little extra for a better quality closer that has more features, will reduce site issues and help you comply with current legislation. SAPA Building Systems and AluK Systems are two systems companies that presently offer commercial door systems using a high quality door closer.

The post Choosing The Right Commercial Door Closer appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

A Cheltenham Resident living in an end-terrace home constructed in 2005 has replaced his composite material front door with an aluminium front door.  All the 2, 3 and 4 bedroom houses on this high quality development of 90 houses built by Crest Nicholson have virtually identical style front doors.

Before. The original front door had two tiny vision panels that let in virtually no light.

The new front door was installed and is a dramatic departure from the solid composite doors on the rest of the development.  But why did this homeowner change his front door?

Lack of light is a problem in many new build homes.

Typical of many new build homes, the original door was one of the modern composite material doors that are fitted by developers all over the country.  If you have ever purchased a new build home you will know that you have some flexibility when you choose options for the inside of the home such as your choice of flooring, tiling, kitchen and so on.  However when it comes to the windows and doors, developers decide on the type and most purchasers of new build homes simply accept what the developer chooses.

New build homes are often criticised for lack of light as highlighted recently by the Royal Institute of British Architects.  The homeowner whilst always being happy with his choice of home was frustrated with the lack of light.  He says:

I bought the property knowing it would have little natural light because of the small windows.  I asked the developers if I could have more glass in my original door and they said no.  It seems to me, the cheaper the house the less light you are given. The downstairs of the house originally consisted of the front door opening into to a small hallway with the downstairs WC and kitchen at the front and the sitting room at the back of the house that only had French doors and no windows in the room.

I decided to remove all the internal walls to create a completely open plan kitchen/living area downstairs and added a PVCu conservatory to the back of the house to give me an extra room.  I was frustrated with the lack of light still coming into the home and added a further window in the lounge knocking through the side wall.  But developers use such small windows in modern homes and the kitchen window I have at the front of the house was simply not letting in enough light.  The original front door made it even worse with two tiny obscure vision panels at the top.

Changing the dim lit front door was the answer.

Grey powder coated aluminium front door with controllable integral blind.

With the front door now opening into a completely open plan home, it became apparent that a new door was needed in a style that would allow much needed extra light into the home.  The homeowner had already decided he didn’t like the upvc French Doors at the back as they were too chunky in appearance and he didn’t want another white plastic door like the rest of his house.  Nor did he want a new composite door in a different design.  He added:

I looked at composite doors but knew that I wanted a contemporary looking door with as much glass area as possible.  The doors on offer didn’t provide me with this option even in their contemporary styles and I definitely didn’t want what many window companies were offering me which was another panelled door with more glass.  But it wasn’t just the light issue.  I just thought a slim fully glazed front door would look so much better than what I had before.

Aluminium Trade Supply provided him with advice and a solution.

The new aluminium door now benefits from a large glass area and an integral blind for controlled privacy and light.

A powder coated grey aluminium door with integral blind was the solution.  Not only would this give the homeowner the contemporary door style he wanted, but with an integrated controllable blind within the toughened double glazed unit, he would have total flexibility in controlling the light and privacy coming into his home.

The new door features safety glass, a multi point locking system with security cylinder, discreet door hinges and a door handle in polished chrome.  There were no security concerns in choosing a fully glazed door either as the safety glass and high security locking was sufficient and no different to any other door.  The lack of letterbox was not an issue either the option of a letterbox in the bottom rail of the door was always there but the customer was happy to add a letter box to the adjacent wall.  He concludes:

Since I had the door installed, my neighbours have all come round to see the difference it has made and they love it.  Other residents on the estate have stopped by and asked me where did I get it, how much it cost and how fantastic it looks compared to their own doors.

When I started looking for a front door, every company I contacted tried to sell me a composite door.  Others, when I told them exactly what I wanted were not interested.  The window company who I eventually bought it from was also sceptical at my choice and the advice of the Aluminium Trade Supply website.  They again tried to steer me towards a typical panelled door, but I persisted.  They now agree that it offers me the solution I wanted for a contemporary door that controls light into my home.  The installers themselves also commented that this was the first time they had ever fitted an aluminium door in this design as a front door to a house.

The door cost about £300 more than the price of a new glazed panelled door and the extra money was well worth it.

This is one of the many solutions aluminium doors can provide to all types of homes.  If you would like further information on where to buy, please contact us.

The post How an aluminium front door provided natural light with privacy appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

In choosing hardware for doors, whether internal or external, there is a huge choice of products available.  With door sets requiring closing devices, locks, panic hardware, door handles, hinges, fire protection and automation, it can often be difficult to see a wide choice of products in one place.

Dorma have an innovative way of bringing their complete working product range to you.

Product literature and other marketing materials can rarely show you how door hardware works in actual use and in real life situations.  If you are specifying hardware for commercial doors or internal doors how can you see these products in action and why is this important?

Choosing Door Hardware is not just about aesthetics.

Our website contains a lot of information about how doors today must comply with accessibility and fire regulations.  Therefore when you are considering hardware for commercial doors it is important to think about:

• How these doors need to comply with Accessibility
• Fire Regulations and Emergency Escape
• How to choose hardware that will reduce building maintenance costs
• Doors that are easy and functional in use.

All of these factors make choosing the right hardware and seeing how it works in real life situations is important. For example, your chosen door handle may be too narrow or not have enough projection to make it suitable for disabled users or those with dexterity problems.  Your door closer may be too heavy for it’s intended use, or your chosen panic bar may only be suitable for timber doors and not aluminium.

Dorma have an innovative way of bringing their showroom to you

Dorma UK Ltd, have an innovative and unique way of bringing their range of door closers, access control and other hardware to their customers, specifiers and architects.  The Dorma Showbus has been part of their customer service package for a number of years and is an eye catching mobile showroom that is available for use.

The Dorma Showbus is a fully mobile comprehensive showroom that offers you a completely different way of viewing door hardware, access control, door automation and architectural ironmonger all in one place.  It’s available for all types of people to view and gain a greater understanding about how door hardware is so important in buildings.

What will you see on the Dorma Showbus?

Door Closers and automatic doors can be seen in actual working environments

Step on board the Showbus and you will see hardware, glass, automatic door and door closing solutions.

Door Hardware

These comprise a full range of concealed and face fixed door closers, floor springs, electro magnetic devices, door furniture, panic bars and locks. All of these are fitted and functioning for you to be able to see how they can help doors lock, close and provide valuable safety features. See all of these in actual working environments.

Glass Fittings

There is a wide range of metal patch fittings for toughened glass doors such as locks, door handles and furniture and door rails.

Automatic Doors

The showbus features three types of automatic operators that can demonstrate sliding, swing and low energy door operators to help you gain a greater understanding of how simple door automation can provide solutions for ease of access and compliance with the Equality Act.

This is an exciting and completely different way for anyone involved in the specification, manufacture or installation of doors to see exactly how efficient hardware is in use and to gain expert advice from the consultants that accompany the showbus.

Who can benefit from having the Dorma Showbus come to them?

Trained Consultants can provide estimators, surveyors and installers information about the right products to use.

For anyone involved with doors to public buildings, you will be able to learn something from viewing the showbus.  If you are an architect, you will gain valuable information the next time you are specifying hardware for a building.  Door installers  can gain a lot of information about door closing devices and how they can help you meet the Building Regulations and Equality Act.  Anyone involved in estimating, surveying or building management can also learn a lot about door hardware from a simple handle to comprehensive access control systems.  With all of these products you can ask questions and come away with the right information to help you sell and install doors that are compliant, functional, attractive, safe and secure.

For those involved in specification you can request a Continuing Professional Development Course that gives invaluable training to estimators, surveyors, installers and specifiers.

The Dorma showbus can be pre-booked to visit your premises.  If it is too large for your own outside space, it can be pre-booked for when it is next in your area.  Contact us for further information.

The post How Dorma help you specify the right door hardware appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Whatever the commercial building, there is a requirement for doors to have access control. What is an access control door system and why is this important?

All types of buildings from apartment blocks to offices have a need for access control.

Access control in simple terms is a method of controlling, restricting or monitoring people, goods or items in a building. Whether this is simple in and out access or how people or items move around a building it can all be referred to as access control.

It is not just door hardware that provides access control.  Turnstiles, security gates, ticket barriers, bollards and vehicle barriers are all types of access control.

Why is access control beneficial?

For doors, being able to control who enters or leaves a building can be very important.  For example we have all seen the commercial doors that lead into petrol station shops.  These are all fitted with a simple access control system that can control the flow of people for example during night time hours when generally you cannot enter the shop to pay.

It is a simple electric strike or magnetic lock that provides control of the door to restrict authorised exit.  Access control is far more valuable than simply locking a door as this can be controlled from elsewhere in the building and not at the door itself.

Where else is access control important?

In IT rooms that house servers you may wish to control who has access.  Many offices will simply issue keys but access control systems can monitor who has been into such a room, how frequently and at what times of the day.  For buildings concerned about security, protection of data and equipment, access control systems provide far better monitoring of staff and how rooms are used than traditional systems.

Stock rooms are also another area where access control systems can provide solutions.  Where staff have access to company property, an effective system of monitoring access can save a company money in lost property and stock such as stationery and office equipment.

For security in the event of unauthorised access or exit, access control systems provide the larger building important information about doors that cannot be seen.  Good examples are fire doors that are intended for emergency exits only but where some people may use them as a quick exit out of a building.  Access control systems can raise alarms and information about doors that are being used without permission or inappropriately .

Even if we live in a flat or apartment, the main door to the building that restricts who can gain entry or exit is one type of access control we are all familiar with.

Dorma is one company that can provide access control for any type of building.

Dorma UK is already a trusted company in the field of door controls, automatic doors and door hardware.  We work with them on this website to highlight issues such as accessibility, compliance and providing the right door products for the applications.

In the field of access control, security is very important and needs to be considered at the design stage of any new building.  For existing buildings that either come under new ownership or are undergoing a change of use or refurbishment, there is a lot of door hardware designed to be retro fitted to existing doors to quickly and easily change their use, function and enhance their security.

In access control, there is a range of product ranging from a simple electric lock to full electronic fob, ID card systems and readers that offer far more than simple mechanical locks or other products.

The capabilities of access control systems are endless.

There are many sophisticated ways of accessing and controlling doors with modern technology

From a small shop looking for something more than a simple door lock, to a complete hospital, school or other office building, access control systems can now offer many features and functions.

Typical innovations using modern technology include linking to fire or intruder alarms, connection with CCTV systems, ultimate control and immediate changes as needed.  Access control systems such as those by Dorma can also be used across more than one site or set of buildings too.

All types of doors can be adapted with access control such as wood, metal, composite materials and even doors made entirely of glass.

The post What is an Access Control Door System appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Whether you are comparing prices for aluminium, PVCu or timber windows there are many factors involved in how double glazing prices are calculated.  So in this article we are going to consider the cost differences when buying new double glazing.

What should you expect to pay for double glazing in a typical house?

The three materials that will typically be on offer are aluminium, PVCu and timber.  Prices for double glazing in PVCu, aluminium or timber can vary substantially from company to company.  If you also consider the big discounts offered by the national firms and check whether these are genuine discounts or just clever pricing the price variations can be even more dramatic.

Given the range of pricing options and special offers, such as “buy one get one free offers”or “back of the house free if you have new windows in the front of the house” it is no wonder the consumer can feel confused when considering the cost of new double glazing products.

How much does double glazing cost?

So lets consider a hypothetical three bedroom house where all the windows and the front door are being replaced. Included in the project are french doors to the rear and a single door to the side of the property.  Some rough prices for the complete job are:

• PVCu windows and doors between £11,000 to £13,000
• With aluminium windows and doors between £15,000 and £17,000 (typically a 40-60% uplift on PVCu)
• Timber between £20,000 to £24,000 (typically a 100% uplift on PVCu)

The quality of the product, local labour rates and property specific challenges will affect the prices suggested above.  Pricing verses quality will also be affected depending whether the supplier only installs windows, or manufactures them.  However if you have had a quotation for aluminium windows and prices have been substantially more than the indicative uplifts please contact us and we may be able to help you.

What is the real cost of double glazing?

Single window replacements may incur minimum order charges.

Every window company prices their products differently.

If you are only looking to replace one or a few windows in your property it is likely the costs will be similar from company to company.  The margins in smaller jobs are not as good as larger installations.

If you are only looking to replace one window or one door some window companies will also charge a minimum price or a flat fee for just one window.  Typical charges can be about £500 for something like a bathroom or toilet window even though the cost of that product will be substantially less.  Whilst charging a minimum order value may seem unfair, it is important to remember costs that window companies have to incur even on a single window installation.  These can include:

• the window company has to guarantee that product for 10 years.
• the costs of a surveyor in establishing the manufacturing sizes and installation requirements.
• the cost of one or a team of two fitters to replace the window
• administration costs such as purchasing, invoicing, FENSA registration etc.
• the costs involved in coming out to repair or do work under guarantee.

All of these costs have to be borne by the window company and rightly have to be charged to you the customer in some way. It is fair to say a single window installation is often not a profitable one for a window company.

On the other hand, if you are replacing all your windows and doors there are opportunities for the window company to offer you better deals.  For example some doors could be sold at a much lower price or at cost to make the price of the whole project more competitive.  Ultimately it is down to the individual company to make a commercial judgement on any prospective new window installations and price keenly to secure your business.

Are discounts on double glazing real?

It is important to know that the independent and local double glazing firms will mostly have a dramatically different pricing structure from the national firms.  It is unlikely that you will see the big discounts or incentives to buy there and then with the local window companies.  Rarely will you see 50% or  free window discounts with the local companies and whilst some discount will normally be available other companies simply stand by their products, their pricing and importantly their brand.

When buying new windows and doors, the reputation of the firm and the quality of the products and the installation will be as important a factor as the price of the windows themselves.

It is also highly likely that finance arrangements, interest payments attached and other charges will over the period of the finance agreement negate any big discount you may have received, therefore it is important to do your sums and make sure that if you are buying double glazing on finance that the sums stack up and you are not over paying.  It may be worth looking at other way of financing your new windows instead of committing to a finance agreement from a window firm.

You will get a better service from a local company than a national firm and this is reflected in the prices.  The local reputation of double glazing firms matters a lot as so much work comes from local recommendation and local repeat business.  One very important fact is that the owners and staff of local double glazing firms also live locally! Establishing a good name in the area is critical.

The way the products are sold you will also find different between a national and a local company.  You will rarely find “reasons” to commit there and then with a local firm. The vast majority will simply advise you in the best way they can, prepare their quotation and leave you to make up your mind.  Of course, all quotations will be followed up to gauge interest and get feedback but it is unlikely you will be put under pressure to buy there and then.

Why are there cost differences between aluminium, PVCu and timber windows?

Look carefully at any discounts, buy one get one free offers or any other incentive to secure your business and you will often see that these offers relate mainly to the PVCu window.  Why is this?  Simply explained, the margins in a mass produced PVCu window often manufactured by huge companies turning out sometimes 1000 windows a week enable bigger markups to provide a big discount.

It is unlikely you will ever the same offers given for aluminium or timber windows.  These windows are never mass produced, remain specialist in the way they are made and are rarely subject to big incentives to buy.  The manufacturers of these windows are much more specialised, the ordering process can be different and delivery dates are longer on aluminium and timber window and door products.

The big discounts are simply not available to premium products such as aluminium and timber window and will be much smaller.

Beware the window company that offers a hefty premium for anything that is not PVCu.

Many window companies only offer PVCu windows. Others offer a limited aluminium or timber product range but will rarely show these products in a showroom preferring to sell PVCu.  These two types of window companies will often put a premium on their aluminium and timber windows, but why is this?

With profit margins are greater on PVCu windows it is often the case that some window companies will want you to have the most profitable and easy product.  The window company and the salesman that sells plastic doors and windows may not have the knowledge or experience on all materials available and will sell what is easier for them.

PVCu window prices are instantly available and these windows can be priced in the home. With aluminium and timber prices these often have to be obtained from the manufacturers and can’t be instantly priced.  This means for some double glazing salesmen they have lost the opportunity to quote you there and then and get you to commit quickly.

However if you find a window company that is expert and knowledgeable on all materials, this window company will generally have fairer pricing.

Let us help you find a competitive local installer

If you are looking for experienced window companies that can offer a complete product range and fair pricing, please contact us and we can put you in touch with quality window companies local to you.

The post What influences the cost of new double glazing? appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Look through any bifolding door brochure or any bifolding door company website and you will find plenty of messages about the benefits of bifolding doors and how they can transform your living spaces, create masses of open space from the outside of your home to your patio or garden.  The messages from home improvement magazines, websites and the double glazing industry point to the bifolding door being the must have in any type of home.

Doors such as these white powder coated Origin doors work well in many types of houses.

It is true that bifolding doors are hugely popular in the UK. They add an extra dimension to any home, can add value and are a striking feature of homes today.   The bifolding door message is one of “modern living” but how can you incorporate a bifolding door in a traditional or even listed property?

Will bifolding doors in traditional properties work?

Homeowners who buy traditional properties do so for the character features and the period living feel these older houses give.  So if you are about to embark on a renovation project in a character property and want bifolding doors what should you consider without compromising all the original charm of the house?

Variations of bifolding doors have been around for a very long time but in typical British homes they were never installed as part of the original sash windows or French doors.  Bifolding doors can be fitted to any home but the choice of design and importantly the choice of material is even more relevant and important if you wish to make sure your new bifolding doors blend in with your home and do not look like an afterthought.

It is also important to remember that bifolding doors are generally fitted to new openings.  If you are fitting a bifolding door to an existing opening you must make sure that that structural opening is plumb, square and the important threshold is also modified if needed.

Contemporary extensions on traditional properties.

Many older properties have already had extensions attached to the back that are far more contemporary than the front of the house.  This is fine in many cases as when correctly designed, these new extensions can blend in and work with the overall back of the property.  However in traditional houses with no extension where french doors need to be replaced with bifolding doors it will be important to look at the original window detailing and aesthetics and look to see how you can recreate these with your new doors to create a uniform look.

Of course the provision of a modern product can work with an older property but this will largely depend upon the overall design of the home and whether a modern bifold door can work with the property if it is done right.

Timber bifolding doors will be the best option for an absolute match as you can have glazing bars, astragal bars and other features custom made into your bifolding doors.  With aluminium or PVCu this is much harder to achieve.

Aluminium and PVCu bifolding door systems today generally do not have the range of ancillary profiles to create traditional glazing features offered by astragal bars or georgian bars.  You can of course have bars inset within your double glazed units but these do not look right on bifolding doors and should be avoided.

Some systems such as Smarts offer bifolding doors with deep bottom rails designed to replicate the deep rails found on original timber products and these are one option to consider.   Timber will be your best option if you want your doors to have the bar design found in your existing and original sash or casement windows.

Sunflex, Timber Windows.com and other companies offer timber doors that come with accessories to recreate original features of timber windows.

Bifolding doors to match existing Crittall Windows.

There are few bifolding door products in steel but specialist manufacturers do exist.  Steel bifolding doors tend to be used more commercially owning to additional fire rated properties and companies such as Schuco Jansen may be able to provide an ultra slimline alternative.  Steel will be even slimmer than aluminium but it is important to ensure the sections match up well with any existing steel window frames.  The steel bifolding door will be the most expensive option.

If you are set on an authentic option, French doors are a very good idea. “French doors remain a classic product and suit the period house,” admits Chris Wood of Lomax+Wood. “French doors are architecturally the more aristocratic product for the purist concerned with correct sightlines, as opposed to the more brazen bi-folding door addition to the rear of the house.”

The best of both worlds – timber and aluminium.

There are products such as the bifolding door by Senior Systems Hybrid range that consist of aluminium on the outside and wood on the inside.  These are an option to consider if internal aesthetics are important and you will gain the benefits of long lasting powder coated aluminium externally that can be finished in any colour you like, including matching Farrow and Ball colours if required.  Internally there are various wood options available.

Consider Budget and Aesthetics with bifolding doors for traditional homes.

For most period properties timber doors may be more suitable as they can be customised to match existing glazing bars in windows. (Image courtesy of Home Building and Renovation)

It is quite likely that timber doors will be the most suitable for the period home.  Whilst this will be the most effective way of getting the look you require owing the bespoke nature of working with wood, it will probably be the most expensive option.  Aluminium is available in wood effect sublimated colours that are a really authentic looking wood alternative compared to woodgrain foils found on plastic doors.

Here is our checklist when considering bifolding doors for older properties:

1. If your home is largely timber windows and french doors, consider timber doors with astragal, Georgian or glazing bars to match any in your existing windows.
2. Ask if your aluminium bifolidng door is available in wood effect and with deep bottom rails as this provides a more authentic appearance.
3. Avoid bars in double glazed units.  They look cheap and are not right for bifolding doors.
4. Ensure any existing openings and floor levels are level as this is essential for the correct operation of bifolding doors.
5. Consider hybrid systems consisting of wood internally and aluminium externally
6. Check whether chamfered or ovolo profiles are available with your aluminium bifolds as they replicate the appearance of wood better.
7. Contemporary doors can work well with traditional properties if design, colour and the overall installation is done right.

The post Bifolding Doors in Traditional Properties – what to consider appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Bifolding doors have been used in Europe for many years in commercial premises such as restaurants and bars.  The warmer climate lends itself brilliantly to the al fresco culture typical in Europe and here bifolding doors in a variety of materials are hugely popular.

Extending your restaurant or other venue to incorporate bifolding doors can add value to your business.

Often the bifolding doors found in overseas premises do not have the need for thermal breaks or high insulation, they are simply there to be opened up and create an opening and welcoming environment for customers. If you have a coffee shop, bar or restaurant, how can bifolding doors benefit your premises?

Bifolding doors should be considered for cafés, bars and restaurants

One major advantage of using bifolding doors in commercial buildings and particularly those serving food and drink is how they can open up the space for customers.  Consider the difference between a normal shop with tables and chairs simply placed outside it and the difference this will make when placed in front of bifolding doors in front of a fully open front elevation.  Instantly the premises look larger, look busy and far more inviting.

If you are fortunate to be extending your commercial premises, then a corner bifolding door arrangement would be ideal.  Corner bifolds and especially open corner bifolding doors will not only offer even more benefits of space but an extension will increase the number of covers.

Bifolding doors can also give you other revenue streams

In this restaurant bifolding doors open up the space but are not the primary entrance door. These are located either side.

Transforming your premises with bifolding doors could open up your business as a suitable venue for parties, wedding receptions and other functions.  As these doors will create a seamless transition between the inside and outside spaces, they are ideal for public functions where many people mingle and want to enjoy both inside and outside spaces at the same time without having fire exit doors or other types of doors to walk through.

These open spaces allow a DJ as one example to be in inside the building yet the music can be heard outside.  Waiting staff are more visible, customers are all sat together and flexible configuration of inside and outside spaces mean you can set up the entertainment area to suit each individual function if needed.

Our top tip for installing the right bifolding door to your premises

Undoubtedly, bifolding doors are a very useful addition to your business but there are several things to consider.

The important point to remember is that domestic quality bifolding doors whilst suitable for commercial buildings should not be used as the main entrance doors with which to gain access to the premises.   This is because the hardware found on bifolding doors is not designed to meet current building regulations for entrance doors to non dwellings.

Therefore bifolding doors in commercial buildings are secondary doors and not primary entrance doors.  These doors are there simply to be opened up when required but the premises should also have a main entrance door such as a commercial door that will meet current standards for access, fire exit and heavy duty use.

Aluminium, PVCu or Timber?

Aluminium is the more durable material which is why you mostly see aluminium doors such as Origin doors, AluK and Schuco doors installed in commercial buildings.  PVCu or timber can be used as these will not be primary entrance doors.  You can read more about what is the best material for bifolding doors or contact this website and we can assist you further on the right bifolding door to suit commercial premises.

The post Bifolding doors for restaurants and bars appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

If you are thinking about a new extension incorporating bifolding doors, it is quite likely you will want your new doors to open up your entire space and offer a seamless link between the inside and outside of your home.

A stunning extension by Hartley and Hartely in London and how french doors and bifolding doors can work together. (Image courtesy of IQ Glass Amersham).

This is typically how most bifolidng doors are installed and it is their intended use.  If your bifolding doors are not your primary rear doors and you also have french doors or side doors then this is even more of an advantage.  But what can you do if you are extending your rear elevation and want the best of both worlds? French Doors with bifolding doors?

French doors with bifolding doors work well together.

IQ Glass based in Amersham have created a stunning rear extension  that brings bifolding and french doors together.  Rarely are bifolding doors with french doors seen in this configuration.  So what are the advantages?

This dramatic new extension has been enhanced with aluminium french and bifolding doors and aluminium frameless glass skylights.  Using dark grey/black powder coated aluminium with satin stainless steel hardware the bifolding doors and french doors are separated by the structural columns.

Whilst the entire rear elevation is not opened up like it typically would be on such an extension the reason we believe this type of renovation works is the height of the doors in aluminium.

This sun drenched elevation is also enhanced by how the shadow lines created by the door mullions and structural columns create a great effect on the hard flooring used in this particular development.

Aluminium doors can be made taller than PVCu doors.

The bifolding doors are approximately 2300mm high and the French doors extend past this height to nearly 3 metres in height.  This gives an “entrance feature” appearance to the back of the property with the doors being much taller than the sliding folding doors.

The advantages of aluminium are evident in that doors in aluminium can be made much taller and wider than their PVCu counterparts.  This does away with costly toplights often used in PVCu doors because the doors can only be made at maximum heights.  Some window firms will attempt to bulk up the doors using extra hinges but the effect is not the same as PVCu door hinges are fatter and far more intrusive than the more discreet hinges found on aluminium doors.  Schuco is one company that can even do invisible door hinges on their doors.

Both bifolding doors and French doors benefit from ultra low thresholds to still create a smooth transition from the inside to outside spaces. The doors also feature toughened glass units of high specification as well as multi point locking throughout.

French doors incorporated into bifolding doors is possible.

Six panel bifolding doors with three leaves sliding in opposite directions.

It is possible to make the centre leaves of bifolding doors work as French doors to achieve a similar effect to this extension.  The Origin doors in this image feature a double door arrangement as one example.  It is important to remember that bifolding doors having French centre doors can only be achieved with qual number doors such as four or six.

With bifolding doors you will open up the entire glazed wall by opening the centre leaves as normal double doors and then slide each door back.  French doors in bifolding doors also work well as access doors if you wish to simply gain access to the outside space without having to slide all the doors back.

Despite the popularity of bifolding doors, French doors also have their place in modern extensions as demonstrated here by IQ Glass.

The post How French Doors and Bifolding doors can work in harmony appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

If you are about to start a renovation project or looking to change your windows and doors then there are many reasons to consider aluminium for your replacements.  Modern aluminium windows and doors offer several advantages, such as:

• High security
• Very slim sight lines
• Excellent thermal performance
• A choice of traditional or contemporary appearance
• Aluminium windows are suitable for any kind of home

However despite the advantages of aluminium many window companies prefer to sell upvc windows.  Partly because upvc is the product with greater margins or the one that the company is more comfortable selling.

Saying that, there are also companies that happily sell PVCu, aluminium and timber windows alongside each other.  They have the confidence, the experience and the product knowledge to explain the differences between the various materials and help you reach an informed choice on what will be the best for your home and your budget.

What are the myths about aluminium windows?

If you are getting quotations from any window company and they attempt to dissuade you from buying aluminium windows or doors in any way at all, then this should flag up a warning that they are biased towards an alternative product.  If you ask the question of your typical home improvement firm, “what about aluminium?” there should be factual and accurate information about them.

Every window and door has its place in the market and is fit for purpose.  Therefore no window company should attempt to rubbish a product in any way at all.

Here are our top five “myths” that you may hear about aluminium windows.

1. Aluminium Windows Condensate

The high insulation of modern aluminium windows creates energy efficient windows and when used with the right glass.

This is simply no longer the case.  As modern PVCu windows have had major advances in their thermal performance over the years, so has aluminium! No window can ever eliminate condensation nor should any window company tell you that they will.  There are many reasons why windows condensate.

Aluminium windows today can achieve the same and even lower U values than PVCu or timber windows.  It is all down to product, design, window and glass specification.

2. Aluminium Windows Require Hardwood Subframes.

New SAPA Crown Windows were fitted with direct fix profiled frames and slim flat sashes. Hardwood subframes not required.

It is true that some aluminium windows are fitted to existing or new hardwood subframes.  However this does not mean that if you already have wood frames in your house they need to remain.

There are countless “direct fix” window systems available today that were specifically designed to replace existing hardwood subframes.

However if the hardwood surrounds around your windows are a feature of your home, it makes perfect sense to retain them.  There are also countless window systems designed to fit into hardwood frames, stone frames or stone mullions.

3. Aluminium Windows are externally beaded and therefore less secure.

Externally beaded aluminium windows are just as secure as internally beaded and have the certification to prove it.

This is arguably the worst myth surrounding the security of aluminium windows.  With sophisticated testing institutes such as Secured by Design, British or European standards surrounding window security and other performance standards if an externally beaded window has passed these tests (and most have) then they are secure.

Modern technology and window design now enables externally beaded windows were the beads cannot possibly be removed from the outside without internal gaskets being removed first and external window beads lock securely into the window through simple engineering and great design.

However if you remain unconvinced, aluminium windows are available externally or internally beaded.

4. Aluminium Windows are more than twice the price of PVCu

If you are receiving high prices for aluminium windows contact us for help and advice.

The pricing of windows is a subjective matter given the wide range of offers, discounts and reasons to buy within the double glazing industry.  There are many companies that choose to up sell aluminium windows as some kind of premium over PVCu.

By comparison, window companies that specialise in aluminium sell windows and doors as standard products not as premium windows or reasons to up sell.

Aluminium windows will cost you more but the quality to cost ratio is good value when you consider what goes into making an aluminium window and that a metal as a raw material will invariably be more expensive than a plastic.

The price of your aluminium windows will depend on many factors such as:

• Where does your company buy them from?
• How experienced are they at them?
• Is aluminium their standard product or an upgrade?
• Do they want you to buy PVCu as they know the product better and the margins are greater?
• Some PVCu windows are very cheap indeed  and this can make the additional cost of aluminium even greater.

If you are receiving quotations for aluminium windows and the markups over PVCu are substantial, contact us for recommendations on other firms to consider local to you.

5. Aluminium Windows are only used commercially

Architects have appreciated the advantages of aluminium windows such as these by AluK for over 40 years

Aluminium windows have been used commercially for well over 30 years now because the advantages of slim lines, high performance, durable polyester powder coatings and high strength have been appreciated by architects for decades.

Aluminium window and door sales have been growing year on year for the last 10 years or more whereas PVCu sales have been declining.  One only needs to look at the sheer popularity of aluminium bifolding doors and the dominance of aluminium products on home renovation shows to realise homeowners are discovering the advantages of aluminium windows.

Let us help you find your ideal aluminium windows

With nearly 30 years experience, we can help you choose the right window or door, at the right price and put you in touch with local aluminium window specialists that can help you.  Contact us if you would like more information.

The post The top 5 myths About Aluminium Windows. appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

When it comes to entrance doors or back doors for the home the consumer is faced with a lot of choice.  Do you choose from PVCu, timber doors or composite doors?

What you might not know is that aluminium doors can also provide credible options compared to composite doors, PVCu doors and timber doors.  If you are currently in the market for new doors there are good reasons why you should consider them in aluminium.

Aluminium doors can be made wider and taller than their PVCu counterparts.

A SAPA casement window design with matching aluminium door. Here a pvc door would show bulky hinges and thicker profiles.

Generally, most aluminium doors can be made much larger than their PVCu counterparts.  With most systems doors can be made up to 2500mm high or taller if required and up to 1200mm wide or more with some more sophisticated systems.  This means you do not have to have sidelights and toplights added.

This means you benefit from using the entire opening as a door and this could also work out cheaper as adding toplights or side panels to doors adds to the overall cost.

More glass and less visible frames with aluminium doors.

An Smarts aluminium front door fully glazed with integrated blinds giving you privacy and natural daylight.

Did you know that aluminium is two and a half times stronger than PVCu? If you opt for an aluminium door you not will not only gain from having a much slimmer door but one that can actually support bigger sizes and more visible glass area.

For you this means a more attractive, aesthetically pleasing door that is more attractive and gives you more glass area with less visible frames.

Aluminium doors give you discrete or even invisible hardware.

Schuco doors are available with no visible hinges. This door can open in or open out. Hinges are totally hidden between the door and its frame.

The hinges typically used on composite and timber doors are far bulkier and more intrusive than with aluminium doors.  This is because PVCu frames found in composite doors and PVCu panelled doors need reinforcement and bulkier hardware to support the weight of the door leaf.  This is not the case with aluminium which is slimmer and needs no reinforcement for hardware to have a suitably strong fixing point.

The hinges found on aluminium doors are ultra slim and with some doors such as those made by Schuco, you can even have completely invisible hinges. Such are the advantages of aluminium doors.

Aluminium doors can integrate better with windows.

Typical 30’s style home door with sunburst glass and beautifully replicated in powder coated matt white aluminium with gold hardware. The oak cills are also made of aluminium!

If you are already having aluminium windows installed in your home or have a porch, screen or other glazed feature that needs both windows and doors, aluminium doors are all designed to couple and integrate with windows.  This means you do not need a composite or PVCu door that will look different from your windows.  Modern aluminium window and door systems are designed to couple together if needed creating uniform and matching screens.

This is not the case with composite doors where it is a completely different product by a different manufacturer.  If you are already having aluminium windows installed you can match their slim lines perfectly with an aluminium door that was designed from the outset to work with them.  With some systems you can even have side and rear doors that match your bifolding doors.

Aluminium doors give you more colour choices and colour matching.

Black powder coated aluminium windows & entrance door in wood effect aluminium to create the traditional design.

Polyester powder coating is the most advanced and durable way of coating aluminium profiles.  Not only do you get over 200 colour options but these are further added to with textured, metallic and even different colours inside and out. You can even have wood effect doors in aluminium as well.

If you are considering a PVCu or composite door even in a different colour, as the coating processes between plastic and aluminium doors are completely different you will not get an exact colour match even if the RAL colour references are the same! With powder coated aluminium doors and powder coated windows you are guaranteed an exact colour match.

Aluminium doors provide more design options.

An AluK aluminium entrance door enhanced with timber accessories to provide a unique door

Composite doors and PVCu panelled doors are designed around panel slabs in set designs.  Whilst there is a large choice of door designs, did you know with the number of midrails, bottom rails, mullions and transoms available for aluminium doors you can create your own specific design? This will give you the option of designing your own door that is unique to you and not part of a stock range.

Aluminium doors are more flexible.

If for example you need a cat flap in a front door, this is harder to fix to a solid core or grass reinforced plastic composite door and once done can look out of place.  Aluminium doors provide multiple glass and panel options meaning if you require modifications, they can be carried out on order, in the future or even taken out altogether.

The post 7 reasons to use aluminium doors appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Many home extensions and renovations are designed to be contemporary in their appearance and boast large windows and doors.  This is reinforced by the various home renovation programmes where the finished project will often demonstrate large sliding doors and more recently large opening and fixed light windows.

Many modern apartments and houses now call for bigger opening windows as shown here with a SAPA Dualframe Window

If you are considering large windows there is a choice of aluminium systems to choose from.  With many of the leading systems companies having a range of casement windows to suit both traditional and modern homes, extensions or other projects these may require large pieces of glass fitted to bigger windows than normal  With some window systems, already large opening windows can be made even larger as some systems offer a  “heavy duty” sash or vent section (the part of the window that opens) to enable big square top hung casement windows or side hung windows to be manufactured.

So if you are looking at big glazed screens with large opening windows what are the typical sizes available to you?

What are the minimum and maximum aluminium window sizes?

In this article we will use the standard casement window offerings from some of the leading aluminium systems companies such as SAPA Building Systems, AluK Systems, Smart Systems, Schuco Aluminium Systems and the new Origin Aluminium Window.  There are of course many other window systems available, but these are the most widely used products in residential properties in the UK today.  Some of these systems are available with either a commercial or residential suite but for the purposes of this article we are looking at typical residential systems.

If you are looking to construct a bespoke screen or are looking at ways of having the largest possible opening windows, then the following chart will be useful.

*All sizes given are opening light sizes and not overall window sizes.

*Information given is a guide only with approximate sizes based upon specific hardware.  Advice should be sought with your supplier as to the feasibility of large opening windows within your own project.

5 Things to consider if you are thinking about large windows

1. The larger the window, the heavier it will be.  Most systems companies whilst offering minimum and maximum window sizes have conditions based upon the overall “sash weight”.  It is very important to remember that friction hinges or friction stays are what hold the opening vent to the outer frame and it is these hinges that take up all the weight, stresses and downforce when the window is fully open.
2. The choice of glass will also affect the overall weight of the window.
3. The larger the window the larger the projection outwards.  This is particularly the case on top hung opening windows that have the handles at the bottom and project outwards.  Some of these aluminium systems can create very large windows indeed and you will need to consider how far out a large window will actually open.  In many cases such large windows are fitted with restrictors to prevent them fully opening outwards with a release function on the windows to enable to open out further.
4. Many fixed windows are possible at overall areas of approximately 5 square metres but this is dependant upon the individual window design and maximum sizes of glass possible.
5. There are many aluminium systems available and some systems companies can even create bespoke windows therefore always seek professional advice as to what windows will best suit your own wishes or contact us and we can give you further information.

What is better for large windows? Aluminium or PVCu?

Particularly above bifolding doors there is a need for large aluminium windows as shown here by the Origin Window.

It is already well known that aluminium has inherent strength which is why it is the preferred choice for windows in modern construction projects.  Aluminium has been used commercially for many years already as commercial buildings will typically have larger windows and glazed screens than most houses.

Aluminium windows are typically two and a half times stronger than PVCu.  What this means for the customer is that whilst aluminium windows have much slimmer sight lines than any timber or PVCu window they can actually support substantially larger panes of glass and glass areas even with their much narrower frames.

Therefore using aluminium for your windows not only gives you slimmer stronger windows but larger windows with more glass to look through and arguably more attractive windows with less visible bulk.

The post Aluminium Window Sizes appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Fitting a front door or shopfront to commercial premises is a very different proposition to fitting residential doors.  Whilst it is understandable that the small business owner would contact their local double glazing firm in the first instance, they could be creating a significant problem for themselves.  That being said it is difficult for the small business owner to make sure that they are fitting the correct product, and complying with relevant legislation; such as building regs.

This article is going to explain why we believe that aluminium doors for shops is the right solution; and also explain why uPVC doors may not be appropriate.

Whatever your business, aluminium doors give you long life, flexibility and ease of use.

Why residential doors and windows are not suitable for shops.

There is good reason why doors fitted in homes and doors fitted in commercial premises are different.  There is also good reason why experienced double glazing firms will not sell you doors that are also fitted in our homes.  But don’t just take our word for it.  Next time you are in any high street, retail park, school or hospital, look at the external doors and you will see that these will mostly be made of aluminium.

To most buildings that are not dwellings and buildings are that are correctly designed and specified, it is an aluminium door you will most often see fitted.  But it is not only large chains, shopping centres and retail parks that benefit from aluminium doors, even small shops such as newsagents, hairdressers, small stores and many more should consider aluminium doors that are fit for purpose. Here is why:

Aluminium doors are designed for high traffic.

Busy restaurants with high traffic need a reliable and safe entrance door.

Consider how many times you use your front door at home. Even if you have a large family your front door may be opened and closed twenty or thirty times a day.  Now consider the people that will pass through the door of not just a busy high street chain store, but also a privately owned shop. If you operate any kind of business that serves the public, you will have substantially more people passing through your door.

The local double glazing firm that is quoting for a standard residential or domestic entrance door is quoting you for a product that is simply not designed for high traffic use. Whilst the PVCu door can easily be fitted and will work, the hardware that is fitted to typical doors we find in our homes is simply not designed for high traffic use.

Aluminium door hardware is designed for heavy use and large numbers of people.

This is an excellent example of a pvcu door with impractical handle and one that will be unreliable in the short term.

Let us take the lever handle with multi point locking fitted to most modern doors in our homes that we are all familiar with.  This handle will normally consist of a lever handle inside and out that we lift up to lock the door.  In a domestic setting these types of locks are ideal and what they were designed for.  However when these types of doors are fitted to any kind of shop in a matter of weeks you will find the lever handle dropping, the door being difficult to lock and often dropping, bowing or needing adjustment.

This is not the hardware that is not fit for purpose but merely that it is not designed to stand up to the heavy demands placed on a domestic quality entrance door in a heavy duty shop environment.

Some double glazing firms will attempt to beef up a typical domestic door by fitting additional hinges and some will fit two hinges at the top of the door instead of one in an attempt to make the door stronger in some way.  This does not work longer term.  Where PVCu doors are fitted to shops, these are subject to ongoing service calls because the hardware persistently fails or falls out of adjustment.

Aluminium doors give shops more options and greater customer convenience.

Aluminium doors can open in or out as well as in and out

Domestic entrance doors are only designed to open in or out.  Aluminium doors to shops are designed to open in or out as well as in and out.  Again it is correct design and correct hardware that enables doors to perform more functions than a typical PVCu door.  You may want to give your customers the flexibility of pushing or pulling open a door and it is the concealed closers provided on aluminium doors that give you flexibility in how the door opens.

Very importantly aluminium doors that open in and out can be changed as often as need to only open one way throughout the life of the door.  This cannot be done with any kind of PVCu door and if you want to change the opening action of a plastic door, the entire door and frame needs changing.

Aluminium doors are flexible and versatile.

Fire exit doors provide the final escape route out of a building. They must be easy to operate and require no prior knowledge of how they open.

Perhaps you own a shop such as a jewellers or other shop dealing with money, high value goods or a shop where you need to have control over who gains access to you premises.  Aluminium doors can be provided with access control, fire exit systems, buzz entry systems, swipe cards, key pads or simple push to open handles.  Whatever your premises, whatever your requirements you are guaranteed that there is hardware available to perform exactly the right function.

Additionally aluminium doors provide flexibility should your needs change.  Perhaps you are embarking on a renovation of your shop and are changing colours.  Simple changes to your aluminium doors enable you to change the handles to a different colour, change the locking systems by only replacing one component and not an entire door.  With specialist on site powder coating services you can even change the colour of your shopfront without a complete replacement.

Even better if you opt for an aluminium door to your shop you have the option of making it open either manually or automatically.  This is an excellent way to cater for both able bodied and disabled people at the same time.

Aluminium doors provide valuable safety features

An Anti-Finger Trap Stile is essential on doors used by children

In schools and other areas where children are using doors, aluminium doors can be fitted with safety features to protect children, the elderly and to prevent injury generally.  One such feature is the “anti-finger trap”.  On many commercial doors you will find an anti finger trap fitted to the hinge side of a door that protect fingers from being trapped in the door as it closes.  For any responsible shop owner an anti finger trap gives you peace of mind.

Whilst it is not a legal requirement it is good working practice to now fit shops to any public building with some form of anti finger trap device.

Aluminium doors for shops can help stay on the right side of the law

If you own any kind of shop or provide any kind of service to the public, are you aware of your legal obligations.  With current legislation in force you have a responsibility if you operate any kind of business serving the public . Aluminium doors provided with the correct hardware enable you to provide entrance doors that are compliant with current Building Regulations and the Equalities Act.

Aluminium doors provide decades of service

The hardware, handles and overall design of aluminium doors is such that shop doors can provide decades of reliable service.  It is well known that some doors fitted with quality door closers have been in operation for 30 years in some cases and are still providing reliable service with only minimal routine servicing.  There are no PVCu doors fitted in shops that have lasted anywhere near this length of time.

Therefore, whilst an aluminium door will be more expensive than a PVCu door you will benefit from long life, minimal service calls and warranty work, increased customer convenience and provide doors that are easier to use for the disabled.

The post 7 Reasons why aluminium doors are best for shops appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Casement windows are the most common type of window whether as an existing or a replacement window. But if you have ever travelled abroad you will have seen many houses and apartments with inward opening windows.  Should you consider these instead of outward opening windows?

What is the difference between inward and outward opening windows?

Doors will frequently open inwards so why not windows?

Both inward and outward opening windows are constructed in similar ways but the differences begin in how the window open.  For outward opening windows, these are positioned over the outer frame or window mullion if there is one. For inward opening windows these are positioned on the inside of the frame.

In other countries, the use of each window type actually varies according to climate.  In colder countries such as Scandinavia you will often find outward opening windows like here in the UK but the trend in warmer countries is towards the inward opening.

Weather affects the choice of inward or outward opening windows.

We must remember that in warmer countries there is a requirement for shutters and often flyscreens. Flyscreens in particular help prevent mosquitos from entering the room at night when you still want your windows open.

In order for these to work effectively, it makes sense for the opening sashes to open inwards so that the shutters and flyscreens can work effectively from the outside.  It also makes sense to have these outside as you can still open your windows even with the shutters or flyscreens are shut.

What looks better? Inward or outward opening windows?

We believe what makes a better looking window is a matter of personal choice but it can be argued that inward opening windows from the outside may  a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.  With modern windows all hinges are now hidden thanks to the use of friction hinges instead of traditional window hinges. Inward opening windows can provide a cleaner appearance as the opening sash, very much like an inward opening door is hidden behind the frame.

Inward opening windows will give you the advantage of having a Juliet balcony arrangement, window boxes with flowers and provide a more continental feel to your home.  But they will also prevent you from putting anything on your internal window cills if you open your windows frequently.

Living with inward opening windows

Rare in the UK, but available from AluK, Reynaers and others,  inward opening windows are suitable for landings and restricted spaces

The huge advantage of inward opening windows is that they can be cleaned from the inside.  This may be an advantage to high level windows.  It is unlikely also that inward opening windows can be caught by gusts of wind, but as modern friction hinges have an element of resistance today, this risk is much less.  But nonetheless outward opening windows can be caught by the wind.

Curtains and blinds may be another reason you may not want to have inward opening windows.  However this is a subjective matter.  With millions of opening inwards windows in Europe and throughout the world, these houses will also have curtains and blinds. Therefore how much of an inconvenience this really is is down to personal preference.

If you already have inward opening doors with curtain behind you will already be used to moving the curtains out of the way when you open your doors.

Living with outward opening windows

Outward opening windows with fixed mullion. Floating mullions are also available.

Owing to outward opening window being set against their own rebate, weather performance is somewhat better on outward opening windows with less risk of water or driving rain settling on the profiles as they would on an inward opening window.  Again this will depend on how exposed your own windows and doors are.  This may not be an issue if your own home is not particularly exposed to the elements.

The UK Window Market is unique in many ways

Many of the windows we replace today often replicate the original windows.  Therefore if you are replacing old outward opening windows, the temptation is to replace them with the same.  However depending on your home, depending upon whether you wish to be different inward opening windows may provide an option.

Whilst many of the aluminium door and window systems supplied in the UK today are designed and created by European companies that offer an internal opening window not every systems company will offer one in the UK so contact us and we can put you in touch with companies that do.

Ultimately the choice will depend on how you use your windows and your own personal preference but there is no reason why you shouldn’t give inward opening windows consideration.  Contact us for help and advice.

The post Inward or outward opening windows appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Bifolding doors are the most popular home improvement product today with many original sliding patio doors and French Doors being replaced by bi folding doors.  So the obvious question is which is better, bi folding or sliding doors?

Bifolding doors are fantastic for connecting inside and outside spaces and creating open corners such as these Origin Doors

Most home renovations now have bifolding doors as part of the design brief because homeowners building an extension or renovating their home are choosing Bi-fold doors or considering them as part of their project.

Are bifolding doors right for your home?

Whilst many want bifolding doors in their homes, how do you know if they are right for you?

Patio doors have also advanced significantly in recent years and these are now available in many different types of configurations and options that could also make them suitable.

What to consider when choosing bifolding or patio doors

If you are embarking on any kind of renovation project it is important to talk to your builder or your architect as well as your home improvement firm. Experienced professionals will be able to give you the right information on what kind of door option best suits your needs as both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Schuco doors whether sliding or folding can be made up to 3 metres high

Often we might desire one product but the practicalities of it mean other factors will need to be considered. Of course, the design of your project, the space you have available and the all important budget will also be factors.

We have created a list of things to consider with both sliding doors and bifolding doors in aluminium.  There is no real “disadvantage” to any product as ultimately you have to choose what is best for your own needs, but the table below provides some information on what you can consider.

What is best? A bi folding door or patio doors?

Patio doors will give you larger glass areas when closed than bifolding doors. Ultra slim Artline by SAPA

There are other factors to consider when deciding between a sliding door, patio door or a bifolding door  .  The choice of material will be important but talk to your local home improvement firm and make sure you are given the right advice on both products.  Bifolding doors are popular and some firms may choose to sell you these over sliding patio doors highlighting the obvious advantage often cited that bifolding doors will create the seamless transition between your inside and outside spaces.

However it is important to consider the British climate and that for the majority of the time your doors will be shut. The obvious advantage of sliding doors is that there is much less visible aluminium than bifolding doors and that patio doors can be made substantially wider than folding doors.  Therefore if maximum glass area is important to you patio doors may be the better option in this case.

If you would like further information, advice or simply wish to ask a question, please contact us.

The post Choosing Bi folding or Sliding Doors appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

To many people the home improvement industry is tainted by years of bad press caused by rouge operators. Even recently there have been reports by Which? Magazine and television programmes highlighting the plight of homeowners plagued by bad workmanship. Sadly this applies to the double glazing industry as well as the wider home improvement industry.

This bad reputation even extends to individuals with the double glazing sales profession being derided and people selling double glazing being regarded as untrustworthy.

How did this reputation come about and what can be done to change it?

The double glazing reputation

Homeowners looking for new windows and doors today have more choice than ever before.

Examples of poor workmanship and bad installations of windows by smaller firms coupled with the sales tactics of the larger double glazing firms are largely to blame for the negative perception of double glazing.

Whilst the media has not reported as negatively as in recent years, it is important to remember that it is not only double glazing but home improvements generally that have been subjected to the bad sales tactics, “rip off pensioners” approach and questionable business ethics.

Home insulation, Solar Panels, Intruder alarms, driveways, landscaping, builders and many others have all tarnished the overall reputation of home improvements in some way and not just double glazing.

What can be done about bad workmanship by window installers?

It’s probably safe to assume that local authority trading standards officers are not going to go out of their way to proactively deal with the problem. At best they only have the resources to react to complaints. And any attempt to introduce stricter regulation would probably be resisted by the wider industry anyway.

Logically therefore it is likely that any effective control is going to come from some form of self-regulation. One suggestion made on the Doubleglazingblogger site is that manufacturers restrict who they supply their products to. This solution would do nothing to solve the problem and may even stifle the industry. And here’s why.

Trade Manufacturers are in the business of selling windows.

The vast majority of window companies buy in their products and do not manufacture anything.

The majority of double glazing firms do not manufacture their own windows and doors. They place orders with trade fabricators who then supply the product. Whilst DGB’s efforts to highlight this issue from within the trade should be applauded, his suggestion is simply not practical.

Who would pay the increased administration costs, appeals and disputes over who gets rejected and who gets accepted to do business with a fabricator? Would installation companies be willing to stand a price increase in the name of “cleaning up the industry”, inevitably those costs would be passed on to the consumer?

Aside from the specifics there is the general point that no right minded trade fabricator will control who they sell their products to. To discriminate against a particular window company simply won’t happen. It is no different to refusing to sell any product to any customer.

Many trade fabricators are already cautious of one man bands, small window firms, man in a van type window companies. If, like many trade suppliers they operate a credit scoring system before supplying products to any potential customer and the window firm does not pass the credit checks the trade fabricator will still willingly and happily supply them windows as long as they are protected financially. It’s that simple.

There are plenty of well known trade suppliers of fabricated windows and doors that this website knows or has worked with that operate strict payment controls.  These include pro forma invoices, payment in full with order or payment in full before delivery to companies that are either perceived to be less then reputable or those that do not pass their credit checks.  Better still for the  manufacturers, many have long term customers they have been supplying for many years on this basis.  A window manufacturer won’t turn away an order large or small. What they will do is simply ensure they don’t lose money in any way and simply cover themselves.

This is simple business common sense that is applied by any business in any sector that is concerned about payment for their goods and is in no way exclusive to the window industry nor is it a problem only faced by the window industry.

Do trade fabricators really care who they sell windows to?

The answer is no. They are in the business of selling products to the trade. As long as the manufacturer is confident they have made windows as ordered, they are of the right quality and they have provided their customer with the right supporting information such as CE Marking, installation instructions and other information, their work is done. What happens to their windows after this is outside their control and not their problem.

Let us also remember that window manufacturers are also in competition with other manufacturers and to suggest that an otherwise paying customer should be turned away is naive.

Is the reputation of a window manufacturer harmed by selling to bad installers?

No it isn’t. Anyone experienced in the door and window industry that has ever called upon a manufacturer or systems company to attend site when problems with installations have occurred will know all too well that if that manufacturer of windows, doors or their glass has made their products correctly they will walk away. Simply put, they’ve done nothing wrong.

There is an argument that persistent bad installations by the same installer may cause a supplier to consider whether they wish to supply them but this is the exception rather than the rule. In simple terms suppliers have no control over their customers or the reputation of their customers and nor should they.

Is this sour grapes by other window companies?

Suppliers, manufacturers and those actively involved in the home improvement sector will be very aware, at a local level especially, that there is much competition from other window companies. It is rare nowadays for manufacturers to offer “territories” to their existing customers like systems companies and trade suppliers used to.  The market does not react well any more to people favouring one window company over another and offering exclusivity.  There are window companies that wish their products were only available to them in their area and no other installer.

Double glazing discounts are one area that gives the industry a bad reputation and increases competition amongst installers

Window companies frequently complain to their suppliers and others that they are losing work to who they might perceive as smaller, less reputable, always cheaper and for these, competition is a thorn in their side and they don’t like it.  Nobody likes losing work to other people.

In home improvements especially and where homeowners will frequently obtain several quotations, window firms are frequently irritated at losing work to their competitors because:

• Their competition sells the same product as them at a cheaper price.
• They don’t like their suppliers selling their local competition windows when they’ve been dealing with them longer?
• They cannot understand how their competition can make any money selling so cheap.
• They put in a lot of work as an individual or business to try secure the work only to have their quotations passed around their competitors in an effort to drive down prices.
• They may be justified in perceiving local competition as less reputable and may even have rectified the mistakes of their competitors.
• Their competition often buys in the same products they sell cheaper than they do.
• They simply believe that they are better than their competition and don’t like losing work to them .

Is this mainly a PVCu issue?

In some areas yes, but not exclusively.  What we do know is that those involved in aluminium installations, commercial aluminium work and those companies that set themselves aside from the mass produced PVCu window are in many areas detached from this perceived problem but not exempt.

Aluminium products are generally at the same price point with obvious exceptions.  PVCu windows are drastically different in price from product to product.  You will never see high end aluminium products, bespoke glass work, commercial or any specialist work outside of PVCu subjected to the fantastic discounts, offers to buy on the night and huge competition evident in the PVCu window sector. With plastic window prices so competitive all round selling plastic windows is hard.

Look at many cases of bad installations and terrible customer service and often it is PVCu window related from those buying windows at the cheapest price.  This is understandable considering the dominance of plastic windows today however those not active in this part of the market won’t often be involved.

It is the historical reputation of large double glazing firms and the mass production of PVCu windows that has played a part in the negative perception of the home improvement sector.  But we must remember that it is not just double glazing that suffers from bad workmanship by cowboy companies.

Aren’t controls and certification already in place?

The double glazing sector already has professional representation and countless industry bodies set up to help, advise, support and of course, make money from it’s members.

With organisation such as DGCOS, The Glass and Glazing Federation, Insurance Backed Guarantee Schemes, FENSA, CERTASS and of course British and European Standards these help maintain standards but cannot ultimately police the entire sector and it is naive to suggest they can.

But as with any professional organisation or badge, this will never completely do away with bad double glazing firms that may also be members of these organisations.

So what is the solution to rogue double glazing firms?

Ultimately we must remember it is the homeowner that makes a buying decision who to place their business with. If they choose to employ a bad company then caveat emptor – buyer beware. Double glazing firms themselves on their own websites often inform their customers on “things to look out for when buying windows”, “choosing the right window company”, “top 5 things to do before you buy windows” and countless sources of information.  Today there is really  no reason not to have done your research.

Many consumers are driven by the lowest price and not the highest quality. If price somehow leads them to the cheap window company  that results in problems post installation then that is their choice and it should be respected. They have a choice where to buy and who from.

It is a fact of life and fact of business that there will always be good firms and bad. But somehow attempting to control the supply chain when those involved in it are in no way responsible for bad installation of their products is not the answer.

In our view the best solution is probably an educated consumer making informed decisions without being placed under pressure. It is however accepted that our solution is no more likely to happen than DGB’s.

The post How can the home improvement industry clean up its act? appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

A typical aluminium entrance door installed to many commercial buildings.

Aluminium Commercial Doors are the correct product to install in any retail or high traffic environment.  This is because the doors themselves and the hardware used on commercial doors has been tested and designed to ensure that it continues to perform despite the many people that can pass through a door installed in a shop or school in any given day.

One item of door hardware that is subjected to heavy usage are the door handles.  Particularly with door pull handles these are obviously the first point of contact for anyone about to push or pull open a door.  However it is important that door handles are the correct sort and fit for purpose.

What are the common types of handles for commercial doors?

Pull handles for doors come in many different types such as straight, cranked, pole handles, D handles, offset handles and many others.  The variety of handles available is there to ensure that whether you desire a glazed or panelled door, a timber or metal door, there is a handle to suit it.

Typically these handles feature single side fixings where there is a handle on the one side only or back to back fixings where there are handles on both sides of a door.  Door handle fixings will depend upon the door they are being fixed to and when ordered are requested with either fixings for solid, hollow or metal doors.

Door handles are generally designed as universal handles to suit all types of doors rather than one particular system.

The door stile affects the type of handle chosen

On a single door that closes onto a frame the wrong handle such as this straight pull type can cause problems for the user

One feature found in many commercial doors in aluminium is the narrow door stiles.  These can vary in size from approximately 60mm for narrow stiles up to 100mm for wide door stiles.   Door stiles vary in size to be able to accommodate the different types of locks with varying backsets available as well as the many types of lever and pull handles.  The size of the door stile is also a contributory factor in what type of pull handle is the most suitable.

These narrow stiles can mean that on a single leaf aluminium door the stile and the incorrect type of handle can be very close to the outer frame of the door and on double doors that the handles on both the left and right hand door will be too closer together.  This potentially can cause a finger trap situation.

On these double doors notice how the handles are too close together resulting in a possible finger trap situation.

Therefore choosing the right handle to suit the stile of a door is very important to avoid injury to the user and ensure that the door handle is suitable. As shown by the image here a typical set of commercial double doors has straight pull handles which are too close together for comfortable use and can result in a finger trap situation. The risk is increased if the doors open in as well as out as is the case on many shops.

Cranked handles are recommended on narrow stile doors.

For narrow stile commercial doors a cranked handle that projects out into the glass line is preferred.  If straight pull handles must be used then a wide stile would help the potential finger trap situation.  The responsible and informed specifier or door installer must be aware that if straight pull handles are chosen, the building user should be made aware.

What else should you be aware of for aluminium door handles?

An example of a door with the correct cranked handle in a contrasting colour.

The correct diameter of handles for commercial doors must also be considered. Generally handles that are less that 25mm diameter are also not recommended on commercial doors for ease of use and for those with dexterity problems.

In order to meet the requirements of BS8300 (Part of the Equality Act 2010) handles are also recommended as warm to the touch and in a contrasting colour to the door.  Warm to the touch is any type of non metal handle such as nylon coated.

If you are specifying doors with internal panic bars and external handles and these panic bars are the type with concealed vertical rods, care should be given that when the handle is fixed to the door the handle fixings do not foul the panic bar mechanism.  Here the use of a wide door stile may be preferred.

So whilst a handle may be chosen for its aesthetic or visual appeal, it is important to remember that on many commercial doors with narrow door stiles it may actually make the door harder to use.

The post Choosing the right handles for commercial doors appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

Flush Sash Casement windows are different from traditional casement windows in that the opening sash is recessed into the frame to create a flush uniform appearance. This is different from typical windows where the window opening sash overlaps the frame sections of a window and appears to sit on the outside.

The flush sash or timber look window such as this excellent PVCu example by Liniar is popular but there are now aluminium alternatives.

Flush Sash or Timber look casement windows have been around for many years in timber and more recently in PVCu. Companies such as Residence 9, Liniar and others all offer excellent quality PVCu flush casement options.

Where are flush casement windows suitable?

Flush casement windows are ideal if you have old timber windows and are keen to retain the original aesthetics of the wood windows where the sashes sit in the frame and not outside them.

They also fill a gap in the market for those whose budget does not stretch to the additional cost of real wood windows but still want a traditional looking alternative. The PVCu windows are ideal but what is the alternative if you either don’t like PVCu windows generally or you are aware of the benefits of aluminium windows?

Are Aluminium Flush Casement Windows available?

If you are looking for an aluminium flush casement alternative to your original wood windows there are presently have two options available.

Senior Systems are one designer of aluminium and wood hybrid windows.

Hybrid windows are a combination of aluminium outside and wood inside. These again are at the top end of the price range but offer a fantastic window whereby you have all the advantages of powder coated aluminium outside and the warm tactile feel of real wood on the inside.

Aluminium Flush Casement Windows

These are still relatively new to the market and presently only available by Origin the leading manufacturer of bifolding doors. The Origin Window is the first all aluminium flush casement window and unique within its particular sector.

What is best? Aluminium or PVCu casement windows?

Origin are the first to offer an all aluminium flush casement window.

As with any purchase of new windows, customers will have certain criteria, such as budget, performance of the window and overall aesthetic appeal. The Origin Window replicates the traditional and much loved lines of 19th Century styled wood windows but is also suitable for contemporary properties. If the overall look of a flush casement window appeals to you then no matter what type of property you have it will suit your needs.

Sight lines of aluminium flush casement windows

Aluminium Windows generally are chosen for their superior strength, ultra slim sight lines and the advantages of polyester powder coating which is far superior to the PVCu plastic gloss finish.

With aluminium flush casement windows you will get thicker sight lines than a typical slim aluminium window but these are designed to replicate original timber windows which were never intended as a slim window.

Therefore whether you choose a flush casement window or a typical slim casement where the sashes overlap the frame will be down to personal preference. Some properties may suit windows with thicker sight lines perfectly, others may not.

It is important to remember that aluminium windows and doors are preferred by homeowners and architects designing or renovating many contemporary homes owing to its flatline modern appearance. Flush casement windows may be ideal in such scenarios.

Aluminium windows have one huge advantage over pvcu

All modern windows whether aluminium, timber or PVCu, come with their own guarantees and how long they will last. What has long been accepted is that the powder coated finish found on aluminium windows will last much longer and look better for longer. But why is this?

PVCu flush casement windows will either come in the standard PVCu white profile or in a choice of foils to achieve the real wood appearance. They are also available as coloured windows achieved again either by using a flat surfaced coloured foil or via a wet paint process.

The advantages of powder coated windows have been appreciated for over four decades

By comparison, aluminium windows are polyester powder coated. This is a finishing process that has been used commercially on aluminium windows, doors, screens and much more for over 40 years.

This powder coated finish has stood the test of time and even windows and doors that have been installed and in regular use for over three decades continue to look good.

Technological advancements in powder coating technology also means that aside from the typical 15 or 20 year guarantees available as standard, there are also powder coated paint finishes that can have special guarantees for severe or coastal environments, city centre environments as well as special guarantees if windows are being installed around swimming pools or areas with chlorine and other contaminants. This is a huge advantage over PVCu and PVCu foiled windows.

What about wood effect aluminium windows?

The inside of a wood effect aluminium window with mechanically joined mullion.

If you desire wood effect aluminium windows, these are available with a wood effect finish that can be considered superior to the foiled finish of PVCu.

Wood effect aluminium windows are available from many manufacturers that utilise the very latest in sublimation technology. This “dye transfer” technology is an improvement over foiled plastic windows for several reasons:

1. Most PVCu foiled systems cannot apply the foil to the internal faces of the windows such as those seen when the windows are open. Aluminium windows can.
2. The process used in aluminium windows is a very durable paint finish and not a foil
3. If you are looking for matching windows and bifolding doors these are often not available from many of the PVCu systems
4. Should the wood effect finish on aluminium be damaged, it can be repaired much easier than a foiled window.

If you would like further information about flush casement windows or timber look windows in aluminium, please contact us.

The post Aluminium or pvcu casement windows? appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.

The Monarch Patio Door, also known as the Monaframe Patio was arguably the most successful aluminium patio door of it’s time.

The Monarch Patio Door is one of the most successful sliding aluminium doors.

Designed by Monarch Aluminium (now SAPA Building Systems) it was a thermally broken and non thermally broken sliding patio door that was available in several variants including direct fix or the Monarch Patio Door fitted into a hardwood subframe.

The Monarch Patio door can be seen in homes, hotels and other types of buildings all over the UK and many are still performing faultlessly thanks to excellent design, reliable hardware and the backing of one of the best known aluminium systems companies in the UK.

How was the Monarch Patio Door made?

The Monarch Patio Door was loved by door installation companies that did not manufacture. Monarch Aluminium supplied the door either as a made to measure kit or an oversize kit designed to be cut down to size.

The enormous advantage of this method of supply was that the regular local window company could order a made to measure patio door and assemble it at their own premises. The obvious advantage of this was that they were buying the patio direct from the supplier and cutting out the trade fabricator and his margin.

The cost of the glass was also kept down as again the window company did not need to buy a glazed door from their supplier with a markup on the glass as well as the patio door.

The result was a competitively priced aluminium sliding patio door and one that offered excellent margins to the installer. Even a small team of one or two people were able to buy the patio door, buy their glass, assemble the product and go install it.

Monarch Patio doors were assembled around the glass.

The fabrication manuals and installation instructions provided by SAPA Building Systems were excellent. With details, drawings and advice anyone could manufacture a quality patio door.

One reason for this was that it was manufactured around the glass.

With the glass toughened unit placed on a suitable bench or surface, the sliding panel components were placed around the glass and the product bolted together. This wrap around glazed arrangement can present a problem.

How do you replace the glass on a Monarch Patio Door?

This is a common question from the many people that contact this website.

“I had Monarch Aluminium patio doors installed in 1998 which still work perfectly.
However one of the glass panels now has developed a large crack and I need to replace the glass”.

The main disadvantage of not using glazing beads is that should the glass need replacement, the sliding panels need to be removed, taken apart and the glass replaced. This is much harder than a window or swing door whereby the glazing beads can be removed with the window in situ and the glass replaced.

By comparison the modern equivalent of the Monarch Patio door, SAPA Building Systems’ Crown Patio door is a combination of the two.

Therefore if you have to replace the glass on Monarch Patio Doors you will need this done by someone that has the skills and tools to take the sliding panels apart and re-assemble.

Installers of SAPA Crown Windows may be able to help

It is quite likely that a local supplier and installer of SAPA Windows and Doors would previously have been a supplier or manufacturer of the Monarch and Monaframe Windows and Doors.

Therefore they will probably still possess the knowledge and possibly the original technical manuals to carry out this work for you.

Another source of repair may be your local and established firm that carries out double glazing repairs. With masses of these doors sold over the years it is likely they will also be familiar with them.

What else should I be aware of?

As with any product you are taking apart and re-assembling, making sure it is done with care is vitally important. Consider that the chevrons, cleats, bolts, screws or fixings found in windows and doors may be over 20 years old with some products and as such they may be prone to wear or damage.

The glazing gasket that wraps completely round the double glazed unit before the aluminium profiles are applied may also be subjected to damage, cracking or tearing.

Any competent installer should be aware of factors such as these and take the appropriate action.

If you require any further information about Monarch Patio Doors, Monaframe Doors or Windows, please contact us.

The post Monarch Patio Doors and their glass. appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.