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Security
with Style at Modplan
'The
latest specification on the residential door range from Modplan
Limited demonstrates the company’s aim to consistently
provide sales and installation solutions that will delight consumers and
keep customers ahead of the competition.’ says sales manager, Chris
Reeks.
‘We know from working closely with our customers that consumers demand
security as a priority from a residential door’ explains Chris, ‘but
they want it without compromising the appearance of their home!’
Combining quality profile from the Veka’s Matrix 58mm system, with
a comprehensive range of panels and glazing options, Modplan offers a
wide variety of styles within the product range, there is a full range
of colour options and low threshold solutions are available for situations
where ease of access is required for wheelchairs or prams.
‘In today’s market many fabricators have been forced to reduce
the size of their product offering in order to achieve cost effective
production,’ continues Chris, ‘but for Modplan, our increasingly
diverse nationwide customer base has meant that choice and availability
is important, so we are constantly developing new competencies and working
practices to achieve innovative and efficient methods of manufacturing
and service.’
Holding ‘sold secure’ approved fabricator status, means that
every door is fitted with the GU door lock, providing the assurance of
enhanced security for the end user, together with the added benefit of
discounted premiums from many insurance companies. Installers are also
able to take advantage of the ‘sold secure’ scheme, which offers
a comprehensive support package. Chosen due to its close ties with constabularies
and insurers, tests for the scheme are equivalent to that for PAS024,
or Secured By Design, but also include a set of human intervention tests
that are more realistic than other approved security schemes, as they
apply methods more commonly used by real burglars.
To
provide the perfect finish, Modplan has recently introduced a new range
of co-ordinated door furniture. The user-friendly lever/lever or lever/pad
handles are elegant in design and can be colour matched to other attractive
accessories, such as doorknockers, as well as to window furniture. All
components have been chosen to provide reliability, combined with a high
quality, smooth finish.
The latest addition to the door furniture suite is a letterbox, which
offers draught proof brush seals, steel pins and a solid form, combined
with a wide opening that will receive even the Sunday papers without any
problem!
‘The residential door range is just one very small example of how
Modplan is constantly trying to achieve our overall goal’, concludes
Chris. ‘Working closely with customers and suppliers allows us to
not only maintain, but improve on our existing reputation for quality
products and service which in turn aids customers in meeting the challenges
of both current and future markets with the utmost efficiency.’
Tel: 01495 246844
Solaglas
MSN Launches SGG PLANITHERM TOTAL 1.3
Solaglas
MSN
has announced the launch of SGG PLANITHERM TOTAL 1.3. This product is
the latest addition to the SGG PLANITHERM brand from Saint-Gobain Glass,
which is a well-established low-E glass brand in Europe.
SGG PLANITHERM TOTAL 1.3 is exceptionally neutral in appearance and has
the superior performance standards that one has come to expect from soft-coat
low-E glass, with optimum U-values of 1.3. These two characteristics enable
Solaglas MSN’s fabricator customers to positively differentiate themselves
from competitors who persist in using hard coat low-E products.
Double glazed unit manufacturer customers have the following additional
benefits:
• A ‘single-stock product’ for both annealed and toughened
use – giving benefits in terms of stock holdings, reduced working
capital, freed up space, simplified logistics and improved glass optimisation.
• A very durable product – which is much easier to handle and
process.
• A full range of thicknesses in both Jumbo and LES sizes, with SSS
sizes to follow during autumn 2004.
• A simple, easy-to-follow DVD training programme which Solaglas
MSN has used itself to train operators in the safe handling of soft-coat
low-E glass.
• Sound advice on the most appropriate equipment, if further investment
is required in order to process the product.
• Technical and marketing support to ensure that the product is understood
and presented to customers to the best effect.
The proposed changes to Part L of the Building Regulations of England
and Wales have now been published in the consultation document for comment
by the industry and subsequent revision as deemed necessary. The combination
of features and benefits of SGG PLANITHERM TOTAL 1.3 make this product
a suitable glass solution for both the current Part L and the proposed
future Part L.
‘A small number of companies are currently making a lot of noise
about the extra passive heat gain enabled by hard coat low-E products.
However, the UK climate is often cold and cloudy, especially during the
winter months. Therefore any benefit gained from heating a house using
the unreliable, weak winter sun is minimal compared to the very real advantages
of having a more insulating product. SGG PLANITHERM TOTAL 1.3 will keep
more of the (expensively generated) heat inside the building, using windows
that look clearer than the hard-coat alternatives.’ says the company.
Email: mailto:solaglas.msn@saint-gobain-glass.com
Web: http://www.solaglas.co.uk
Auto
Controlled ‘Pusher’ System Allows SAP650 to Achieve Fast, Precise
Aluminium Cutting
One
of today’s difficulties with processing aluminium sections is the
need to achieve fast, high output without sacrificing accuracy. Elumatec,
the producer of advanced profile processing machinery, has developed a
solution to this problem: the SAP650 Automatic Saw. Recommended for commercial
and industrial applications, the new machine has a large cutting capacity
aided by an automatic ‘pusher’ loading system, yet also produces
extremely precise cuts.
The
SAP650 has been designed specifically for high volume aluminium processing.
Its electronic loading system automatically pushes the profile bar towards
the saw blade for controlled, accurate processing. For maximum output,
a high spec version of the machine – the SAP 650/15 – offers
a loading magazine for five profile bars and automatic in-feed in the
pusher range, allowing the machine to process without interruption. Extremely
efficient, the SAP650 is driven by a powerful 5.500 watt motor and is
equipped with a 500mm blade as standard for processing profile of up to
6.500mm in length. The speed of operation offered by the machine is extraordinary:
It can process up to 40 metres of aluminium bar per minute at an accuracy
of 0.1mm per metre. Profile is off-loaded via a roller conveyor for maximum
convenience.
The quality of cutting and precision achieved by the SAP650 in addition
to its high output is what makes it unique. As soon as cutting is completed,
the profile is automatically pulled back from the saw blade, avoiding
any surface scratching and producing clean cuts. The saw blade returns
to the 0 position without touching the profile again. Length measuring
for cutting lists is carried out by an absolute measurement system independent
of the main drive and different cutting lengths are programmable on an
individual basis. Feed speed can be easily altered in addition to the
cutting height to achieve extreme precision. For safety and stability,
the profile piece is clamped by both horizontal and vertical devices during
the cutting process.
Both
the saw blade cutting height and profile feed speed can be easily adjusted
to suit the profile size. Cutting lists may be memorised and recalled
for use again. The electronic control console has also been designed with
stability and safety in mind: the PC has a shock resistant flashdisk and
also has a disk drive for conventional data exchange. For full compatibility,
the machine can easily be integrated with an existing production network
by means of a 10/100 Mbit network card.
Contact:
Phil Heavey
Tel: 01908 580800
Web: http://www.elumatec.com
TruSeal
Technologies, Inc. Features Standard and Contour Muntin Bars
TruSeal
Technologies, Inc.,
a specialist in flexible spacer systems for insulating glass (IG), offers
both standard and contour muntin bars for IG window applications. TruSeal
muntin bars are non-gassing painted aluminium that eliminates the risk
of chemical fog between panes of glass. Both standard and contour muntin
bars are available in a variety of standard colours matching popular window
trim colours. Custom colours are available with minimum release orders.
The standard muntin bars with butt seams offer a classic grid appearance
to IG windows. They are typically sold in 12 foot 6 inch lengths and have
a minimum air space of 0.25 inches. Five sizes are available. TruSeal
also provides a pre-cut and pre-notched programme for standard muntin
bars. This programme allows IG manufacturing companies to specify how
they would like the bars to be cut and notched, eliminating a step in
their production process.
Contour muntin bars, also known as Georgian bars, add a rich custom appearance
to IG windows by producing a three-dimensional shadow effect reminiscent
of traditional wood grill bars. In addition to their visual appeal, TruSeal’s
contour muntin bars have welded seams that prevent twisting during the
manufacturing process. Contour muntin bars are sold in 12 foot 6 inch
lengths and have a minimum air space of 0.375 inches.
Email: mailto:kreider@truseal.com
Web: http://www.truseal.com
Even
More Choice for a Stylish Finish
Freefoam
has extended its range of Roofline Décor Mouldings with the introduction
of two new woodgrain finishes available on the company’s Finial mould.
The decorative accessories range includes the Finial (FIN1), a variety
of single-piece décor moulds (FM01, FM02 and FM03), as well as
5m length scalloped decorative fascia boards in two styles (FM04 and FM05).
Already offered in a range of ten colours, including white, leather brown,
deep brown, black, wine red, rustic green, regal blue, storm grey, sable
and pale gold, the Finial mould is now also available in light oak and
traditional mahogany woodgrain shades for even greater choice and flexibility
for homeowners and installers.
It is applied to the pitch of the gable end where the two bargeboards
join to give a neat stylish finish to any roof structure. It also serves
to conceal any gaps or uneven joints often occurring on such jobs.
All solid colour decorative mouldings are covered under Freefoam’s
20 year extended guarantee when registered online at http://www.freefoam.com/guarantee,
and woodgrain products for 10 years, against warping, cracking & discolouration.
For more information, contact Freefoam directly on 01604 759871 in the
UK, 021 4911055 in Ireland, or email mailto:marketing@freefoam.com
Web: http://www.freefoam.com
New
Windowboards from Deceuninck
Deeplas
by Deceuninck has designed the Novasil
window board that offers 'the ultimate finish' to the home. The PVCu hollow
window board complements the extensive range of building products already
offered by the company and is manufactured with a toughened melamine foil
top layer, to withstand the rough and tumble of domestic wear and tear
situations.
With the product’s water and UV resistant qualities, Novasil is proving
popular as an internal cill for conservatories. Robust, light and easy
to handle, the new window board is an installer’s dream.
The product is available in a choice of colours to complement the consumer’s
interior designs including Marble, Natural Beech and Aluminium, as well
as a traditional white finish.
Tel: 01249 816969
Email: mailto:hazel.wilson@deceuninck.com
Hurst
goes ‘Glasgow Style’ to meet Customer Demand
Hurst
Plastics
has turned to the art of the early nineteen hundreds for inspiration for
the company’s new ‘limited edition’ Glasgow Style Collection
of resin glass designs.
Dominated by artists like Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Aubrey Beardsley,
the period was famous for images that feature straight clean lines and
the simple flowing shapes of natural objects like flowers.
‘Homeowners have been asking our trade customers for a range of glass
designs that feature artwork from this period’, said Hursts Sales
Director, Mark Atkinson as he unveiled the collection.
The four new Glasgow Style glass designs are a striking addition to Hurst’s
range of contemporary and traditional panel glazing options and since
their release in August, the new designs have created quite a stir, but
they are only available as a limited edition.
‘If you wish to benefit from what will be the next big thing to be
seen in the front doors of artistic households in your sales area you’ll
have to hurry.’ said Mark.
Tel: 01482 790790
Following
on from the success of the Elite 70 launch last year, Indigo
Products has introduced a ‘Rosewood’ finish to the
suite to provide an authentic real wood appearance.
Indigo was one of the first companies to manufacture the Elite 70 range.
It is a highly engineered window with fully sculptured features, five
chamber profile and co extruded gaskets.
The rosewood woodgrain is available on both internal and external faces
and as rosewood on external and white internal. Indigo has chosen gold
effect furniture to complement the rosewood finish.
Dave Stearman, National Sales Manager at Indigo Products said, ‘I
am delighted that we can now offer our customers this great looking product.’
Contact: Dave Stearman
Tel: 01922 743202
Email: mailto:sales@indigoproducts.com
Is
This the Way all Conservatories Should be Built? - Don Miller Thinks So!
In
recent years the conservatory industry has seen steady growth both in
the supply and fit and supply only sectors. While this growth is clearly
very welcome it is not without its drawback. The main headache for most
companies and DIY customers is getting the building work done. It would
be untrue to say that there are no good builders available or that they
are all unreliable but it is true to say that it is becoming harder and
harder to find a builder that will do the job on time, in budget and to
a good professional standard. As the industry gets busier the problem
will only get worse.
The
unpredictability of using sub-contract or part-time labour to carry out
the work has not only caused Installation Managers up and down the country
to despair but it can often have a very negative effect on the profitability
of the whole project. In some cases the additional costs that are incurred
for ‘extras’ that have slipped past the survey can frequently
create a loss making situation.
Instabuild Ltd thinks it has the solution
to conservatory installation with its steel base and modular wall system.
The product has been designed to look and perform exactly like a conventionally
built system. It comes with a choice of real brick or render finishes.
Manufactured from steel with full insulation to floor and walls it delivers
a U-value of 0.34.
It has been developed over a fifteen years period, conforms, and in some
cases surpasses all current Local Authority regulations relating to conservatory
construction. It comes with a fifteen-year guarantee, can be delivered
direct to site anywhere in mainland UK or Ireland and everything needed
to carry out the installation including full fitting instructions is supplied.
Don Miller, Managing Director of Instabuild said ‘this really is
a superb alternative to a conventional build and every one of our customers
has seen a dramatic increase in sales once they have introduced Instabuild
into their product range’.
One such customer is Greg Cox of Greg Cox Conservatories based in Worthing
who said ‘we all knew about the obvious benefit from using this system
such as the speed of installation and being able to use our regular conservatory
installers do the whole job but the thing I wasn’t expecting is how
much the public love the system. My sales have trebled and the instances
of problems during the installation have just about disappeared’.
‘What surprises most people is that you really can’t tell the
difference between Instabuild and a concrete and brick conservatory base
but with Instabuild you have no mess, there’s no need for skips on
the drive and the whole build only takes a few days instead of several
weeks.’ adds Don. ‘This means lots of happy customers who can’t
wait to tell their friends how good we are.’
The next step in a planned growth strategy for Instabuild is the introduction
of a Registered Installer Scheme. Companies wishing to join the scheme
will be invited to attend one of a series of training days held at the
factory premises in Hereford. As well as installation training there will
also be tips relating to sales, surveying, planning issues and a useful
section that deals with answering the most common technical questions
that are asked by members of the public.
Don Miller said ‘it’s always been our policy to deliver the
very highest quality products to our customers. Therefore, doing everything
we can to assist them in achieving the very best quality installation
is just a natural extension of that policy. I think that there is no reason
why one day all conservatories couldn’t be built this way. But in
order to get people to accept something that they perceive to be a bit
radical it has to out-perform the thing it’s superseding. Our system
certainly does that.’
Instabuild are currently increasing their network of installation companies
throughout the UK and anyone wishing to obtain more information should
ring Don Miller on 0118 975 5490 or e-mail mailto:don@instabuild.co.uk.
Bosch
Multi Construction Bit is a must for any Tradesman's Toolbox
The
Multi Construction drill bit is the latest product from Bosch
Power Tools designed to meet the needs of the versatile professional
tradesman.
Until now, multi-purpose drill bits have often been a compromise between
high-performance and universal application. Bosch has aimed to reduce
this trade-off by developing the Multi Construction bit, which allows
an equal drilling rate in tiles, masonry, concrete, wood, plastic and
metal. It is also suitable for impact use.
Working faster than conventional multi-purpose drill bits, the Multi Construction
features a drilling head with particularly sharp, multiple diamond tungsten
carbide cutters; these are extremely sturdy, even when impact drilling
in concrete. Also a new steep spiral design ensures rapid drilling progress
by quickly carrying away bore dust. It is suitable for kitchen and bathroom
work with hard tiles up to a score hardness of eight, where previously
diamond tools would have to be used.
Bosch training and development manager, Eric Streuli, said: 'The Multi
Construction drill bit is ideal for the general tradesman who does a range
of jobs. It is perfect for cordless drills and even cordless impact drills.
The high drilling rate allows for up to 40 per cent more holes per battery
charge than using a standard masonry bit. It is a must for any tradesman's
toolbox.'
The Multi Construction drill bit is available individually with diameters
from 3.0 to 14.0mm and as a four-part set, containing either between 4.0
and 8.0mm or 5.5 and 8.0mm diameter sizes.
Aztec
Conservatory Roof Systems
has patented its end closure, a formed PVC unit that in one piece double-seals
the structured polycarbonate glazing and secures the sheet into the ring
beam.
The
design means the glazing is locked into the ring beam, preventing it becoming
loose, or even popping out, over time or when subjected to high wind loadings
- a problem with some systems, where the glazing is secured to the beam
only by double sided adhesive tape. The end closure was a key factor in
the Aztec roof system withstanding Building Research Establishment (BRE)
testing to the most extreme weather experienced in the UK.
Additionally, for the end user, the end closure means the glazing is locked
into position and therefore almost impossible to 'pop out' by burglars,
enhancing the security of the conservatory.
Observes Aztec managing director Colin Bennett, 'Too many roof systems
rely on primitive techniques to hold the glazing sheet in place: techniques
which are easily breached. Our patented end closure helps ensure the conservatory
installer and end user has the most secure quality aluminium/PVC roof
system on the market.'
Other benefits of the Aztec system include ridge flashing which allows
the ridge to be flashed prior to capping wall flashing: enables roof to
be fixed to the wall quickly and easily before roof is glazed, flashing
which can be fitted before glazing, glazing beads and caps that enable
each sections to be glazed individually, clip on crest and finial which
prevent leaks as details do not sit in a channel and twin glazing caps
which enable sections to be glazed individually.
Adds Colin Bennett, 'Price is NOT king. A system that is cheap to fabricate
and install often costs more than a better quality system because of hidden
remedial costs in visits to site to rectify problems. Innovative components
in our system give the fabricator, installer and customer a better performing
product, and differentiate it from competitors.'
Tel: 01942 720044
Email: mailto:enquiries@aztecsystems.co.uk
New
Truegrain Composite Door from Laird Security Hardware
Window
and door hardware specialist, Laird Security
Hardware has introduced Truegrain, a range of top specification
composite doors featuring the company’s high security hardware and
developed to provide a high performance alternative to conventional and
other doors used by fabricators and installers.
‘All
the doors throughout the new Truegrain range have an outstanding appearance,
are low maintenance and have exceptional thermal qualities. Durability
and the door’s resistance to warping and criminal damage together
with its ability to meet the highest security standards means Truegrain
composite doors are the ideal choice for replacement and new build applications.’
says the company.
Included within the Truegrain range are traditional entrance doors either;
glazed or unglazed; rebated, flush, 30 minute fire rated and outhouse
or shed doors plus complementary side screens. Available in a wide variety
of styles, colours, woodgrain effects and glazing options, Laird’s
new composite door is licensed by Secured by Design and tested to PAS23/24
standards.
Tough and durable textured composite facings in solid colours or woodgrain
effects, encapsulates and seals a timber and high insulation core. Designed
to take double glazed units, all doors are made to measure and can be
supplied for installation into manufacturers’ own PVCu or timber
frames or ready hung in PVCu frames. They are also available fitted with
a wide variety of ancillary hardware dependent on a customer’s specification.
For optimum security Truegrain doors are fitted with the Saracen high
security two hook multipoint locking system. Laird is so confident in
its new door range that the company has incorporated it under the Saracen
scheme where approved installers can provide a written guarantee of performance
and security. In the unlikely event of a break-in or failure of the product,
Laird will arrange the repair or replacement of the door and pay towards
any losses incurred.
Laird Security Hardware project manager, Kerry Blackford explained, ‘With
years of experience and expertise in window and door hardware products
the move into the door market was a natural step in the company’s
evolution. We are really excited about our new Truegrain composite door
range which will provide installers and home owners alike with an extremely
attractive, practical, durable and low maintenance solution where good
looks, optimum security and weather protection are required.’
Tel: 0121 224 6131
Email: mailto:kerry.blackford@lairdsecurity.co.uk
Shepley’s
New and Improved Inline Patio Range
Shepley
Window Systems
has been further developing its Visage® range, including the 70mm
Inline Patio. ‘The additional benefits to this already comprehensive
product provides installers with an improved patio range that is even
easier to sell and install,’ explains Kevin Meredith, technical manager
of Shepley.
‘The benefits include an improved glazing system making it easier
to bead on site, and optional bevelled or ogee sash and bead to match
windows and doors. The new range accepts 28mm glass units as standard
and is available in a new rosewood finish, as well as the existing mahogany,
golden oak and oak on white effects. And the finishing touch; each patio
is supplied with a comprehensive installation manual to make our installer’s
lives even easier.’
Tel: 0161 339 2433
Email: mailto:james.brisbane@shepley.com
Web: http://www.shepley.com
Shepley’s New Tilt and Turn Mechanism
Shepley
Window Systems
says that its product development team has been keeping busy, to ensure
the company’s products are fully up to date with all the latest building
regulations, trends in lifestyle choices and technical advancements.
One of the team’s latest developments is the new and improved tilt
and turn mechanism.
‘Shepley is launching an improved tilt and turn mechanism as a result
of technical advancements and the availability of a better looking product,’
explains Tony Fry, production director of Shepley. ‘This latest development
will provide our installers with numerous benefits including concealed
hinges which not only look better but make installation easier, a 900
opening restriction to protect internal plasterwork, and easily located
adjustments inside the rebate making it easier to adjust.’
Contact: James Brisbane
Tel: 0161 339 2433
Email: mailto:james.brisbane@shepley.com