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Synseal Launches New Box Gutter Gallows Bracket

The most recent development from Synseal's product development team is the company's own box gutter gallows bracket.

Nick Dutton, Synseal's Sales and Marketing Director, comments on this latest innovation for conservatories:

‘We've always recommended the application of the gallows bracket in our structural guides, but until now we had to rely on an external supplier.

So to make it a more cost effective alternative for our customers, we've invested in new tooling and software upgrades to bring yet another element of manufacturing in house.

This 'made to measure' gallows bracket also results in a perfect fit and colour match for our fabricators.’

Tel: 01623 443 200
Web: http://www.synseal.com

K2 Solution to Problem of Bolster Bar Cover

K2 says that the on-site fitting of Bolster Bar covers is one of the most onerous tasks undertaken by today's Installer. The notching and scribing required at the eaves, boss end and wallplate is difficult, time-consuming and very rarely achieves an acceptable visual appearance without the use of copious amounts of Silicone sealant.

Plus, not even the best craftsman will get the cut right first time. That usually means that the covers, often measuring up to 5m in length and demanding two men, must be offered up and clipped into position many times before an acceptable fit is achieved.

Of course, conservatory system design has evolved with a view to increasing the ease of the installation process for standard roofs. However it still seems that most companies have overlooked the small, yet significant matter of the bolster bar.

Instead, system suppliers have to tried to circumnavigate the issue by developing 'super heavy-duty' glazing bars, which remove the requirement for bolsters, but that tends to compromise glazing edge cover and entail increasing stock holding.

Now, though, installers have the option of an alternative solution. It comes in the shape of the K2 aluminium bolster bar.

Developed as a means of addressing the bolster bar issue, K2 believes its aluminium solution offers greater flexibility and reduces wastage by allowing glazing bar off-cuts to be used. It also incorporates several design features that enhance the aesthetics of the conservatory and that increase levels of efficiency for the fabricator and installer - crucially saving them time and money.

Most notably, K2's bolster bars are fitted at the fabrication stage, being secured to the glazing bars using special self-drilling screws combined with a sealing washer. This eliminates the requirement for additional silicone sealant around the screw to prevent water ingression and maintains optimal structural integrity between both glazing bar and bolster.

In addition, the K2 bolster bar can comfortably span up to 4.5m on polycarbonate glazed roofs and up to 4.3m on those using glass. The bar itself is also stylish and unobtrusive. It protrudes into the conservatory by just 50mm.

At the same time, the inclusion of an end cap allows the bar to be square cut and removes any requirement for scribing, 'birds-mouthing' or mitring. Plus, this discreetly attached end cap is fully sculptured, ensuring visual synergy with the rest of the K2 system.

Building on these inherent characteristics, many K2 dealers are also going a step further by supplying pre-fabricated roofs with bolster bar cappings and end caps already fitted. This ensures that for the installer, the once dreaded bolster bar is now reduced to nothing more than just another glazing bar.

‘Ultimately, at a time when pre-fabricated roofs and all their components are being designed to lessen the amount of time spent altering or adjusting products on-site, the K2 bolster bar stands out from the competition,’ says the company. ‘It's more than a high-quality, easy-to-fit product. It's a benchmark of simplicity, efficiency and intelligent design.’

Carl F Confirms Demand for Advanced Locking Solution

Demand for a breakthrough locking solution introduced to Carl F Petersen’s catalogue of window and door hardware products 18 months ago has outstripped sales expectations. Combining safety and security features, the Fuhr Multisafe 870 has captured the imagination of the market and been hailed a flagship product in the Carl F portfolio.

Designed to be used in both single and double door applications, the 870 provides security with substantial round hardened steel dead bolts that engage into custom designed keeps.

Safety is achieved by enabling the door to be unlocked and opened from the inside in one simple operation by depressing the door lever or, in commercial/multi-residential situations, by a panic release bar - even when the door has been key locked from the outside.

Commenting on the success of the product, Carl F Petersen’s Business Development Manager Bruce Bradshaw said:

‘Predicted sales for the 870 have been considerably exceeded which confirms the UK market’s strong interest in safety and security issues. Products like the 870 from Fuhr offer many consumer advantages as they are backed by the highest quality and service standards. The supplier also benefits from being able to present a strong sales differentiator to their customer.’

The 870 can be used with panic bar emergency exit hardware and, using the correct combination of Carl F products, the lock will meet CE mark requirements to satisfy the European certification scheme for compliance in fire exit scenarios. The single door lock assembly has been certified to EN1125.

Tel: 01536 401155
Email: sales@carlf.co.uk
Web: http://www.carlf.co.uk

Hoppe (UK) Launches new Tôkyô Back Plate

Hoppe (UK), the supplier of door and window hardware, has announced the launch of a new back plate to accompany the Tôkyô handle range.

Roger Benton, Joint Managing Director of Hoppe, explains why:

‘The Tôkyô range is our most popular style of handle and has been our flagship product for the last two and a half years.

This doesn't mean we have to wait until it looks dated before we evolve it to the next level.

Tastes change and our strong relationships with our customers allow us to get insightful feedback on what the market requires. The new back plate is slightly chamfered to add more elegance to an already classic design.

Our customers have come to expect proactive developments across all of our products, and the launch of the new back plate is further proof that we don't let them down.’

Web: http://www.hoppe.co.uk

French Door Bevels Launched as Part of UAP’s Glassmaster Crystal Bevels Range

With an increase in the number of French doors and patio doors being made, UAP has launched a range of glass bevels aimed specifically at that market.

Explaining the reason behind the launch, UAP’s Sales Director John Cross says, ‘We felt that the growing market for French doors and patio doors required something special. These doors have large glass panes and they really needed to be complemented by larger than normal quality glass bevels.’

There are 4 new bevel designs in the UAP Glassmaster Collection and instead of offering these as simple line drawings as is the norm with most suppliers, UAP have had the range made up, bonded onto panels, photographed, and printed in the latest edition of the new Glassmaster brochure.

‘We found that just showing a line drawing of these superb bevel clusters simply did not do the product justice. So we bought a French door, made the bevels and had them photographed. The results are stunning, and we expect to do excellent business with this range.

‘Anyone will fall in love with the sheer quality of the end product. For any consumer who spends say, £10,000 on a new conservatory, an extra couple of hundred pounds making the entrance to it look stunning in itself, is not only affordable, but desirable.’

The Glassmaster brand was established with the launch of Glassmaster Pro 2-in-1 bevel bond adhesive. The subsequent acquisition of Crystal Bevels and the launch of Spanish Ice (the new name for glue chip) further consolidated UAP as a leading supplier in decorative glass products.

Tel: +44 (0) 161 763 5290
Email: uap@btconnect.com
Web: http://www.universal-imports.com

Emplas Conservatories – At the Top of its Game

Emplas Window Systems Ltd has introduced a new range of complete conservatories that are fully glazed and ready to fit.

With over 25 years’ experience in door and window manufacturing, Emplas began supplying conservatories over 12 years ago.

With the grand total of 270 conservatory styles on offer, there are nine standard sizes to choose from available in Georgian, Victorian and lean-to models. Options include both dwarf wall and full height models in white, rosewood, rosewood on light, light oak, and light oak on white designs.

Although plan dimensions are standard, optional designs include additional opening vents, choice of furniture colour and glazing specifications, as well as a choice of roofing material. All have been designed to minimise labour and time spent on installation.

The company says that a major benefit of choosing an Emplas conservatory is the level of technical and marketing support that comes with it. The company offers a full design and technical advice service, and with its own delivery fleet, can ensure a fast reliable turnaround. ‘We have an unrivalled position in the marketplace, with the most complete conservatory manufacturing service based at our state-of-the-art factory in Wellingborough,’ comments Kevin Johnson, Managing Director of Emplas.

‘With such a wealth of experience in the conservatory market, we have the facilities and a dedicated skilled workforce of 120 people that enables us to provide a total solution to all conservatory requirements.’

Incorporating the Ultraframe BBA certified Uzone and Elevation roofing system means the every conservatory is backed by a ten-year manufacturers guarantee.

Synseal's Heavy Duty Hip

Bohle has launched a new sandblasting machine (the S500) to extend its workshop range.

The S500 is based on Bohle's best selling sandblasting machine to date, the S300, but has been designed with an array of additional benefits and features to help ease the overall production process. This new fully loaded machine provides up to 30 different programmable areas of blasting on a single sheet, multi-shading options across the sheet with automatic programming, blast intensity adjustments and an optional second blast gun head, delivering excellence, efficiency and value for money.

Commenting on the launch of the machine, Nelson Graham, Bohle's UK Sales Manager explained: ‘We are extremely pleased with our success in developing the sales of our sandblasting cabinets and are determined to extend the model range, feature options and price points to encompass the full spectrum of our varied customers requirements. Customer satisfaction is our number one priority, and from the excellent feedback reports we have received over the years we can deliver a machine that we know caters for the market's wants, and requirements. We expect the S500 to become very popular given the increasing resurgence of sandblasted glass and more complex designs. The machine's key benefit is the multi facetted programmable features which take away the hand skills in favour of fully automatic blasting.’

Bohle is promising more models during spring next year and has two more, larger automatic systems being finalised for launch within the next few months.

For more information, please call free on: 0800 61 61 51 or visit the Bohle website at: http://www.bohle.ltd.uk

Hodgson Sealants has continued its extensive programme of European fire testing in timber doors and screens to BSEN1634-1:2000 and BSEN1364-1:1999, in partnership with the major fire resistant glass manufacturers. The most recent successful test structure comprised of a glazed single leaf single acting doorset in a glazed screen.

Successful tests were achieved for 30 minutes and 60 minutes with Pilkington Pyrostop and Pyrodur glazed into the door and screen apertures with Hodgson Sealants Firestrip® 30 and Firestrip® 60.

Suitable for use in accordance with the May 2005 publication A Guide to Best Practice in the Specification and use of Fire Resistant Glazed Systems, produced by the GGF, Firestrip® 60 is a new addition to Hodgsons range of Fire resistant sealants and is available in Mahogany and Off white.

Both Firestrip 30 and Firestrip 60 provide a neat sightline finish and offer an economical, low wastage, easy to use method of glazing.

Tel: 01482 868321
Email: sales@hodgsonsealants.com
Web: http://www.hodgsonsealants.com

Infinite Possibilities from Portal Products

Portal Products has expanded its range of GRP and Steel composite doors, PVC-U panels and decorative glass to give customers 'infinite possibilities' according to sales and marketing manager Haydon Statham.

The company has calculated that its new product range, as featured in its new look 'lifestyle' literature, offers installers over 73 million possible combinations, without taking into account the company's bespoke glass design service or range of hardware.

To complement its range of standard glass, Portal Products has introduced new coloured etches and resin bevels to the collection.

'Our customers have never had such choice available to them,' says Haydon. 'In an increasingly tough replacement market, people are going to be sold on the quality of product and differentiation from the neighbours. With Portal doors and panels installers can offer just that; a real difference that the consumer can see.'

Recently, the company launched a range of glossy lifestyle sales literature showing the range of doors and panels in household settings. Consciously avoiding the list and line drawing style favoured by some companies in their literature, Hayden added that Portal Products wanted to give its customers something to help sell the product:

'The brochures are not merely a way of showing our customers the range, but a sales tool for our fabricators and installers to show to their customers. We think it's very important to equip our customers with high quality literature to back up our high quality door, panel and glass options in the field.'

For further information on Portal Products, or to request a brochure, please contact Portal Products on Tel: 01242 267000 or visit the website: http://www.portal-products.co.uk

With ever increasing demand for Gable style conservatories Synseal has taken the step of developing a new seamless and simple Gable support product.

‘It uses the same eaves beam, gutter system, and claddings as the rest of the conservatory,’ explains Nick Dutton, Sales and Marketing Director of Synseal. ‘Using the recently established in-house injection moulding plant Synseal has incorporated a specifically designed 'corner wedge' to make fabrication of the gable frame easier, by removing the need to weld a triangle down to a 0mm point.

Because the moulding is made in house, it matches perfectly with the rest of the conservatory as every visible element of our conservatory is produced from the same in house formulation - not mixed and matched from different companies around the country.

‘The Gable support system enhances the structural stability of the entire building while enabling the gutter to run across the front of the gable side. This cuts the number of outlets and soakaway routes required in half. The Gable support system comes as standard on all of our conservatory kits. Stronger, easier and quicker to install, and better looking, it's a system with all the solutions.’

Tel: 01623 443 200

A Touch of Glass from Hurst Plastics

A handcrafted collection of ornate sandblasted and specially seamed glass bevel designs is now exclusively available through Hurst Plastics, the UK manufacturer of PVC-U door infill panels and polymer doors.

Each panel in this ceramic and bevel glass range is sandblasted by hand using age old traditional techniques to provide a far higher quality finish than a printed ceramic effect.

Designed to offer high levels of privacy, the deeply sandblasted backing designs also allow light to penetrate through clear channels laced with clear cut bevels.

These intricate backing designs are handcrafted within the sandblasted backdrop and make each and every panel unique.

Each panel is made in the UK using only the highest grade of materials available, all of which conform to current British standards.

The range is available in three designs and is the first of many new ranges to be added to Hurst's door panel collection.

For further information on this range or to find out more about forthcoming special offers and new ranges, please contact the Hurst hotline on 01482 790790.

Web: http://www.hurst-plastics.com

Phoenix Announces Composite Door Revolution

Phoenix Composite Doors has announced the launch of a new advanced-composite door.

‘These new doors are the result of a £0.5m investment in research, development and CNC machinery to ensure that the doors not only look good, but set a benchmark for performance and quality in the sector,’ says Chairman, Jivan Patel.

‘The latest technology taken from several other advanced manufacturing sectors has been used throughout the development process of these advanced-composite doors.

‘Our composite door range is unlike any other in the marketplace providing many features including our patented ‘continuous skin’ process. This process addresses the inherent problems of dropping, warping or expanding that many other composite doors suffer from.’

Phoenix has also worked closely with its suppliers to include what the company believes is the finest range of hardware available in the composite door sector.

Jivan adds: ‘not only does the door leaf set a benchmark for performance and quality but we have ensured that the hardware reflects this philosophy too. We won’t accept second best in anything that we do.’

The company has invested considerably in the manufacturing facility to ensure that all orders can be fulfilled within 7-10 working days and the company has set itself an ambitious target of 1,000 doors per week within the first 18 months.

Windowlink has the Advantage

Windowlink, the sales presentation software producer, says that sales software tailored to individual business needs can really save time and money by improving efficiency and profitability. One company putting this claim into practice is Advantage Windows and Conservatories.

Windowlink's development team has worked closely with the Cheshire-based trade supplier to develop a bespoke pricing software package that allows Advantage's trade customers to price orders for windows and doors while in the home, and then automatically produce a purchase order for Advantage with the full specification.

Importantly, the operator knows the exact cost of the job so that, if their customer wants a reduced price, they know how far they can go. The software, based on Windowlink's Focus Plus sales presentation program for windows and doors, also provides the ability to produce quotations, contracts, delivery notes and invoices, enabling the installer to present a much more professional image.

Danny Hague, Advantage's Group Commercial Director (left), with David Hayley from Windowlink (right)

The pricing module has been designed by Windowlink to mirror Advantage's manufacturing software and therefore contains all the relevant product and technical information to simplify the ordering process and reduce errors. Windowlink has also made it easy for Advantage's IT department to set up a personalised package for
individual customers with their agreed discount structure. Once the software is installed on their own PC the installer can create purchase orders, complete with accurate prices, at the click of a button.

The pricing program includes a checklist to ensure order accuracy. Every product element is listed, such as bead type, reinforcement, handles, glazing and night vents, to ensure nothing is forgotten, thereby eliminating mistakes and possible disputes. Looking ahead, the software also offers the potential for Advantage's customers to place orders online direct to the factory, which would put an end to hand written orders and waiting for quotations or order confirmations by fax or post.

Danny Hague, Advantage's Group Commercial Director, believes this latest addition to the company's support package brings its customers into the 21st century: ‘The industry is becoming increasingly IT driven and we didn't want our customers to be left behind,’ he says. ‘Windowlink offers easy to use software backed by an excellent customisation service and friendly training and support, which is exactly what we needed. Indeed, the new pricing software is already proving popular with many of our customers.’

After a customer has had the Advantage pricing package installed, Windowlink can then incorporate their own retail pricing information into the program, together with variable profit margins and fitting costs if required. They can then use the software to produce their own accurate professional-looking customer quotations and related sales documentation.

Advantage says the new Windowlink software will impress homeowners and help its customers close more sales. As part of an ongoing growth programme, the trade supplier is looking to boost its manufacturing output over the next 18 months to 4000 frames and 200 roofs a week. ‘And initiatives like our new pricing software look set to help us achieve this ambitious aim,’ concludes Danny.

Tel: 0870 7701640
Web: http://www.windowlink.com

New Lock from Securistyle Set to be Fabricators Favourite

Window hardware manufacturer, Securistyle Ltd, has launched the Defender High Security Window Locking System.

Now even easier and quicker to fit, the Defender lock offers resistance to corrosion, exceeds BS7950, comes with a 10 year guarantee, and is available with an offset gearbox to allow a variety of handle heights in line with the requirements set out in the Disability Discrimination Act.

The Defender lock consists of a dual locking system, making it stronger and more secure than traditional locking mechanisms.

Nigel Thompson, Sales Director, Securistyle Ltd, commented, ‘A Secured by Design approved product, the Defender lock includes new technology and materials in order to enhance its performance and extend its life.

'Fabricators will see significant improvements in the time it takes to fit and customers will benefit from the longevity of the austenitic stainless steel components.’

Tested to 30,000 cycles of operation, the Defender lock is designed and tested to meet BS 7412:2002 and BS 6375 Part 1 and Part 2 classification for weathertightness.

All Securistyle hardware is manufactured in the UK.

For more information on all Securistyle products please call Maria Fatica on 01242 221200 or visit http://www.securistyle.co.uk.

RegaClean Number 1

RegaLead continues to develop even more specialised cleaners to add to the company’s tools and accessories range, to help customers improve efficiency and obtain maximum adhesive performance from the RegaLead range of overlay materials which includes Stained Glass Art Film, Lead Profiles and UV Curing Adhesives.

RegaLead's latest product is RegaClean Number 1, specially formulated using Isoproponal to provide efficient and cost effective preparation of glass substrates. Fast application and the knowledge that the product will not interfere with the adhesion of IG sealants if applied after conventional glass washing is most important.

Certainly the company believes that the use of retail proprietary glass cleaners, usually of low cost, should be avoided in order to prevent adhesion problems.

RegaClean Number 1 is available in 5 litre bulk containers and 500ml trigger spray bottles. Samples, prices and technical data are available from the RegaLead sales team on 0161 946 1164.

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