New PVCu Vent from Newdawn

In the height of summer, efficient ventilation in a conservatory is vital to allow large volumes of hot air to escape qulckly. Conservatory roof manufacturer, Newdawn & Sun, has redesigned its PVCu roof vent for simpler installation and more effective operation.

Available in white, the PVCu roof vent is a welded frame product that glazes into a polycarbonate panel. The vent is supplied in a retail display package and includes a brass telescopic opener, sealant and instructions.

Installation is easy using snap-in beads since primary sealing is taken care of with a butyl sealing strip already in situ. The polycarbonate-compatible silicon supplied is used as a secondary seal and cosmetic finish only.

Tel: 01789 764444
Email: mailto:sales@newdawn-sun.co.uk
Web: http://www.newdawn-sun.co.uk

Lock Into Indigo's Patio

With an elegant appearance, purpose designed midrail, smooth sliding action and a 10 year guarantee on both the door and the lock, the pvc patio door offered by Indigo Products Limited is suitable for use in porches and conservatories.

The patio door is available ready to fit in 2, 3 and 4 panel options, with a contemporary style handle offered in white or gold to enhance the wide range of finishes.

Designed to improve security the lock has four hooks in opposing pairs, (2 up, 2 down), to prevent the door being lifted, as well as an additional, built in, anti lift feature. A single piece keep, with U track, provides greater penetration for the hooks, whilst the locking lever drives the hooks strongly into a one piece striker, which in itself creates additional stability and security. In addition, options for both internal and external locking, are available and an integral mishandling devise on the lock prevents damage to the striker.

'It's simple to fit, with an easy knock in bead to help save time on site, which makes Indigo's patio door a good all round choice', the firm says.

Tel: 01922 743202
Email: mailto:sales@indigoproducts.com
Web: http://www.indigoproducts.com

Chubb - More Than a Bolt out of the Blue

Chubb has added new dimensions to its high security lock range. Chubb has launched a substantial 20mm deadbolt on the 3G and 3K series. This is 70% larger compared to the existing 14mm products.

The advantage of the 20mm deadbolt is that there is a greater engagement into the frame side of the door, which increases its protection against a forced jemmy attack.

Building on this launch, Chubb extended its range of high security locking solutions with the new 20mm 'U' series BS 5 lever mortice locks, this being 40% larger than the 14mm products, in both deadlock and sashlock variants.

The most recent addition is the Chubb 4L67 20mm BS Rim Lock. Not only does the 20mm BS Rim Lock with automatic deadlock when the door closes, it incorporates a 10 disc Ava Cylinder System, for a higher level of security.

All of the Chubb 20mm deadbolt products exceed BS3621:1998, as well as being accredited to Secured by Design as 'Police Preferred Specification' and are recommended by both the police and insurance companies.

Tel: 01902 366911
Email: mailto:chubb@locksinfo.co.uk
Web: http://www.chubblocks.co.uk

Elumatec Introduces Vertical Eighthead Welding by Sturtz

'Just when you thought that frame production was becoming really fast and
efficient, Elumatec UK Ltd pushes the parameters back again with the massive
power of the Sturtz SE-VSM40/26-8K-B Vertical Eight Head Welder' says the company.

With a list of features even longer than its name, the Sturtz Eight Head Welder (for short!) utilises four angled and four transom welding heads to process a variety of welding combinations simultaneously. This may include four corners and two transoms, or two complete squares, and any such combination.

The eight heads travel on precision ground rods and bearings, driven by programmable AC frequency motors, to operate on no less than 8 axes with precision timing systems for fast and accurate positioning speeds.

The unique clamping and fixing system, which offers a combination of ease of use, speed and flexibility, travels at a 90/450 angle parallel to the heater plate, on linear bearings, The pneumatic clamping system is designed with low pressure loading and high pressure welding cycle parameters. Bolt-less contour blocks allow quick and easy changing of profiles, and four stepper motors adjust the transom fences.

The control systems are complex and powerful, and yet simple to program and operate, with pre-programmed individual settings for melt and cooling times to suit different profiles. The Sturtz Eight Head Welder features a 150 profile programming capacity, with routine maintenance aided by software-selectable heater plate inspection cycles, Teflon change and locator reminders, and troubleshooting diagnostics in the unlikely event of something a little less obvious occurring.

Controls, based around a Pentium-equipped PC with a TFT colour screen for clarity, are mounted in a NEMA 12, dust tight, air-conditioned operator console for ease of maintenance access and long component life. Solid-state electronic control components including independent, programmable temperature controllers, and digital displays for each head to provide contact feeds to the CPU, are also features that ensure reliable and durable performance.

The Sturtz Eight Head Welder is designed for higher output manufacturing
operations and, whilst it is an excellent standalone machine, it is at its best when
combined in an automated welding and cleaning line. It is designed to work
seamlessly with Sturtz automatic handling equipment feeding any one of an
impressive range of CNC corner cleaners.

Tel: 01908 580800
Email: mailto:sales@elumatec.co.uk
Web: http://www.elumatec.co.uk

Veka In-Line Patio Door by Goliath - Now in Woodgrain

'Since its launch just over a year ago the Veka In-Line Patio door has become a firm favourite amongst installers everywhere. The uncompromised security and smooth, light and reliable action has set the standard for this type of door.' the company says.

Now The Window Works Ltd, part of the Goliath Group and a Veka fabricator for
over 15 years, has further broadened the appeal of the Veka In-Line Patio Door by offering it in three woodgrain finishes, with the profiles foiled in Goliath's own factory to ensure quality.

Rosewood, cherry and mahogany are available, with the option of woodgrain outer and a brilliant white inner if preferred. All are manufactured to ensure that no unsightly white gaps are visible to detract from the woodgrain surfaces.

As with all Goliath Group products, the In Line Patio is offered to trade installers as a result of listening carefully to the demands of homeowners. 'We found that people loved the Veka In-Line Patio Door, but increasing numbers wanted woodgrain,' says Steve Hancox, MD of Goliath. 'We have the facilities to foil profiles so we manufactured one - and our customers love it!' he added.

The woodgrained Veka In-Line Patio has been added to a complete range of windows, residential and patio doors manufactured for the trade by The Window Works Ltd.

Tel: 01282 716611
Email: mailto:salesenquiry@veka.com
Web: http://www.vekauk.com

Kolorplas Tudor Window Takes Off

The Tudor Window from Kolorplas is proving one of the company's most popular styles.The classic black and white Tudor is just one of a comprehensive collection of window designs available from the PVCu fabricator and colour coating specialist.

'From our experience demand for Tudor windows is relatively high, but the number of companies offering a black frame profile is very limited. So by offering this option we seem to have plugged a real gap in the market,' explains Kolorplas Sales and Marketing Director, Chas Hollis.

Kolorplas offers a Tudor Window in both the WHS/Halo 70mm Eclipse and technically advanced Esthetique profiles. External Georgian bars can be added for a traditional look, together with specially treated blackened lead which is less shiny to recreate a more authentic aged effect. A highly decorative leaded design called Queen Anne, is also available.

A standard Tudor Window consists of a black frame with black transom, mullions and cill with white sashes. It can be supplied in a satin finish or a black and white timber effect and the interior can be left white or be coloured as required.

However, there are numerous combinations along these basic lines. For example, if a woodgrain effect is specified and coloured for the exterior, the selected woodgrain finish, such as golden oak or mahogany, could remain uncoloured on the inside.

The Tudor colour combination is suitable for all window types - casement, vertical sash, bow, bay and even French doors. Kolorplas's recently introduced profile bending service can also be applied for a more individual and distinctive look. Kolorplas can accept any profile system for coating and all colour coated products come with a 10 year warranty for adhesion and colour stability.

'There are millions of Tudor or black and white timber windows throughout the country. Owners of such properties often haven't replaced them because white or wood effects have tended to be the only options in PVCu. With black and white coatings on standard PVCu profile for the same cost as a woodgrain finish, or an extra 20-25% for a timber effect Tudor window, Kolorplas is helping to open up this huge, largely untapped market to installers,' concludes Chas.

Contact: Chas Hollis
Tel: 01235 516703
Email: mailto:sales@kolorplas.co.uk
Web: http://www.kolorplas.co.uk

Strikers, Keeps and Buckets

The lockmaster keep range from Paddock has been further enhanced for doors with shootbolts needing fully adjustable keeps with die cast tidy boxes. Both single and double door applications have been catered for, along with the latest profile designs as well as drainage issues!

The keeps with top adjuster plates and final fix holes fit every major profile and will eliminate unsightly holes drilled in profile.

Email: mailto:sales@paddockfabrications.co.uk

Groupco Adds PN Systems to the Range

Groupco has added to its range of the PN UNI system from A/S Peder Nielsen Beslagfabrik of Denmark. A separate PN division has been established within the Groupco operation to handle the PN products, which Groupco regards as a highly significant expansion of its product range.

Suitable for many modern PVCu, aluminium and timber window systems, the PN UNI range includes top swing and side swing 180deg reversible window fittings which allow cleaning from inside. The casement reverses outside the building and these fittings are proving increasingly in demand for the UK market; not least for restricted access locations. The range also include hinges for projecting top and side hung windows.

Designed mainly for timber windows, the PN COMBI 500/900 systems are also now available from Groupco. The COMBI system includes fittings for a wide range of window types and, like the UNI system, all requirements for emergency egress, child restriction and cleaning can be met by the various configurations available for different window designs.

The full range of PN UNI top swing products are held in stock and are available for next day delivery nationwide through Groupco's dedicated PN Hotline 01733 390914

The Mila Master: A 3D Flag Doorhinge That Lives up to its Name

With 2000 British Crime Survey statistics showing burglars were more likely to target doors, homeowners are increasingly purchasing doors to provide extra security. With this in mind, Mila has introduced a heavy-duty flag hinge that has looks to match its performance.

The Mila Master has been designed to provide tough, heavy-duty operation for inward and outward opening doors of up to 100 kg, and features hinge pin removal protection as standard. It has a substantial appearance that will give confidence to customers that their door is up to the job, but retains good looks with clean lines that are available coated in white, gold or brown.

The Mila Master is easy to install and, more importantly, adjust when fitted to either square or bevelled profiles. Full adjustment can be carried out in three diredions with the door fitted, simply by using a 5mm allen key. Two sizes of door packer are included with each hinge, to cover sash thicknesses from 14mm to 20mm.

The Master hinge has been fully tested to pr EN 1935: 1999 Grade 2, with details available in UKAS accredited test report number 628 PCT. The product is classified in category of use Grade 4, designated severe.

Tel: 01327 872511
Email: mailto:sales@mila.co.uk
Web: http://www.mila.co.uk

Piper’s New Range of Composite Doors

Recently Piper Windows, based in Kent, made the decision to manufacture their own 'Armourdoor' range of fully composite doors, and a new division of Piper Windows has evolved.

The company intends to employ their ideology of continuous development to this project and ensure that by applying current technological advances they supply a product at the highest quality available.

Piper’s propose to overcome the inherent maintenance problems associated with timber doors by manufacturing doors using a self coloured material: glass fibre, which is not easily affected by the weather. It is an obvious solution to the problems associated with natural timber especially with the added ability to mould a natural grain appearance into the surface.

To gain structural integrity the doors are filled with CFC-free low-density rigid polyurethane foam. This not only gives the door superior strength it enhances the insulating properties far in excess of a standard timber door.

The glass fibre foam filled composite door is supplied pre-hung for a perfect fit, it will not shrink or rot and is self coloured so no painting is required. Maintenance free, the door is ideal for social housing landlords.

The door offers high insulation and acoustic performance, and its traditional wood appearance will not warp, swell, crack, dent or splinter.

The assembly sequence involves applying glass fibre skins onto a laminated timber sub-frame and then filling the interior void with polyurethane foam.

The foam is injected into the core of the door leaf from a low pressure-dispensing unit via an application lance. The lance is inserted into a hole at the bottom of the subframe, the void is filled with liquid foam and the door is then held in a hydraulic press during the curing period.

The door leaf is then trimmed to size, and edge sealed with an aluminium strip making the leaf more durable, unlike some other manufacturers who simply apply a glass fibre resin to the edge of the leaf which can eventually crack and let in water. The door is then glazed and hung into a PVC frame. A variety of locking mechanisms and ironmongery are available subject to client’s requirements.

Until recently Piper’s bought up to a thousand composite doors per annum for use in their commercial operation. More than ninety percent of sales are to housing associations, local authorities and other social housing landlords.

The market has seen steady growth for the last five or six years and it is envisaged that sales of between three and three thousand five hundred per year will be achievable within a three-year period.

Email: piper@piperwindows.co.uk
Web: www.piperwindows.com

New Product Launched to Fire Protect Rain Skin Cladding.

A new product, Venti-Flam, has been launched by Wright Style which it claims effectively and safely eliminates the danger posed by fire spreading from floor to floor behind an external rain skin cladding system.

External rain skin cladding is now a major aesthetic feature in many new or refurbished buildings. However, the risk of fire spreading behind the rain skin, either by fire passing through a window within the system, or by travelling undetected between the cladding cavity and the structure, has also long been recognised as being particularly dangerous.

Until now, this risk has been managed by using mineral fibre slabs or pressed metal steel barriers, installed at regular intervals within the cladding cavity. Whilst this may prevent the spread of fire, it also prevents ventilation, pressure equalisation and drainage of the rain skin system, as well as adding to the overall cost of installation.

Venti-Flam offers a simple alternative, allowing for full ventilation throughout the cladding system - offering lower maintenance costs and a longer lifecycle for the overall system.

Instead of permanent non-ventilated barriers, the Venti-Flam system offers a range of aluminium profiles that are designed to line window and door apertures and to be fitted within the rain skin support grid. The profiles incorporate ventilation slots and high expansion seals, designed to react to the presence of fire and to create an immediate firebreak. This then isolates the fire and prevents it spreading from floor to floor, or from window to window opening.

The Venti-Flam cavity fire barrier system is available for differing cladding cavity sizes, from 30mm (Venti-Flam VB30) to 40 and 50mm (Venti-Flam VB40), whilst window and door reveal depths up to 230mm can be accommodated.

Venti-Flam offers a complete rain skin fire barrier system, and can be modified to meet all cavity requirements.

Venti-Flam requires no pre-treatment and can be cut and fixed on-site with the use of simple slide-in brackets.

Being aluminium, Venti-Flam is both lightweight and simple to install and is extremely cost-effective in combination with high-performance cladding systems.

'Venti-Flam's simplicity is also its key strength,' said Lee Coates of Wright Style Ltd. 'The system effectively offers complete passive fire protection but, in the absence of fire, also allows for pressure equalisation and drainage.'

Contact Lee Coates
Tel: 01380 722 239
Email: mailto:info@wrightstyle.co.uk
Web: http://www.wrightstyle.co.uk

Rosy Future with New Woodgrain Effect from John Fredericks

John Fredericks Plastics, UK trade fabricators of PVCu windows, doors and conservatories, has launched another new woodgrain effect on its Rustique range of doors, windows, patio doors and tilt and slide windows.

The new rosewood woodgrain effect, which has been launched in response to popular demand from customers, is available on both brown and white profiles across the company's Rustique moulded profile range.

Designed to appear like wood, but without the maintenance, the new woodgrain effect is also available on all ancillary items, such as cills, extension pieces, bay couplings and external Georgian glazing bars, to ensure that customers have a comprehensive product range.

The Rustique range, which has been designed to offer a more traditional appearance, also comes in a choice of white, cherrywood/white and cherrywood.

'Each door and window in the Rustique range is rigorously tested for quality, performance, security and safety. Delivered direct to the customer, the range is easy to install and carries a comprehensive performance guarantee.' says the company.

Contact: Mark Dicconson
Tel: 01422 314100
Email: mailto:mdd@johnfredericksplastics.com
Web: http://www.johnfredericksplastics.com

Shade Solutions for Summer Problems

In the summer, the conservatory can become the most used room in the house, but problems with heat and glare are a potential warm weather hazard and people are increasingly looking for innovative shading solutions to help them make the most of their conservatory, says Thomas Sanderson, manufacturer of pleated conservatory blinds.

The third part of this research series conducted by Thomas Sanderson shows that pleated blinds enable people to significantly increase their conservatory use and make the most of their valuable extra room even on the hottest of days!

Householders are demanding more from their total living space and looking to integrate the home and garden to create more functional and attractive space. In the summer months particularly, people want to get out in their gardens and enjoy hot sunny days, but at the same time are becoming more aware and safety conscious of the harmful effects of the sun.

'90% of customers surveyed agreed that their overall use of the conservatory increased due to the installation of Thomas Sanderson pleated conservatory blinds with almost everyone surveyed confirming that they regularly use the room every day as an additional, functional room.' says the company.

'Heat and glare can send the temperature soaring, particularly in a south facing conservatory. A conservatory dressed with blinds will provide the perfect spot of shade whilst remaining a part of the garden, whether you want a lazy sun lounge to open out onto the patio, or a sunprotective play den for the children.'

The benefits of advanced fabric technology are apparent in one of Thomas Sanderson's most popular solar reflective ranges, SolarTex, which has a non-metalised thermal coating on the back on the fabric. This means that solar glare and efficient temperature control is managed without the problem of unsightly stains often caused by the metalised coatings used on other blinds. SolarTex fabrics can also be wiped or washed clean so continue looking and feeling as good as new.

For added shading flexibility Thomas Sanderson has launched its remote control blind system PowerPleat Multizone. Newly developed for 2002 and exclusive to Thomas Sanderson, this advanced system provides flexibility and shading control, all at the touch of a button.

Tel: 0800 220 603
Web: http://www.thomassanderson.com

UltraSpan - For Conservatories as Large as your Imagination

Ultraspan, the specialist commercial division of the Ultraframe Group of companies, has launched a new generation aluminium portal frame system, which enables the easier realisation and construction of large-scale conservatories and glazed structures.

The 'portal frame' system from Ultraspan facilitates and increases the potential roof span of a structure, without the need for additional support columns. The system complements and supports the complete range of Ultraframe roofing systems and - because it is lightweight, easy to erect and modular - it is a quick, efficient and effective way of constructing large scale glazed buildings.

Within environments such as leisure centres, swimming pools, health clubs and the like, a number of design solutions are available to the designer, engineer or specifier. Large span glazed portal frame structures lend themselves - regardless of other construction benefits - to any number of uses from pool enclosures, catering and dining facilities, meeting and function rooms, display areas and other 'communal' spaces such as hotels and restaurants looking for additional space.

Portal frame glazed installations have benefits of speed and cost over more traditional building options. Such structures - given the pre-assembled or 'kit' form of their construction - lend themselves ideally to fast track projects, offering a reduced level of disruption on site compared to other methods. The advent, and engineering performance, of large span portal frames for conservatories means that size is not an obstacle to their uptake. Necessarily, the cost of such structures compared to traditional extensions or new builds is significantly less too.

The frame elements are purpose-designed and extruded from aluminium for Ultraspan - delivering a light and space-maximising slimness of section. Hidden bolt fixings make for a cleaner design finish, while connection fixings are fabricated from aluminium rather than steel. The overall effect is to produce large span glazed structures that are larger, lighter and easier to erect. The system is designed to comply with any reguirements of the Building Regulations. All sizes are derived from patented sections, providing span widths of between 5.5m and 10m and bay widths ranging from 2.25m to 3.75m. The system is suitable for roof pitches between 15 and 40 degrees.

Special attachments, flush fit connection details and hidden bolts make it easy for the system to abut existing buildings, while the structure can be configured to incorporate three or five facet Victorian or Georgian end sections. The system is also flexible enough to support all Ultraspan glazing options, including a Lantern roof.

All welded base plates and ridge connections come prefabricated for rapid assembly. To simplify the use of the system even further, a structural calculation service is available to all customers as well as an installation service and on-site assistance facility.

The Ultraspan portal system is supplied with or without side frames for flexibility, while a bespoke design service is available for non-standard structures. Ultraspan also manufacture and install larger span portals in steel sections.

The benefits of this system can be seen at the new winners and trainers' enclosure at Haydock Park racecourse. A recent Ultraspan project, the expansive glazed structure has created a light and airy space incorporating racecourse facilities and a hospitality arena.

Based around a large Ultraspan conservatory, built on a portal frame, the structure allows light to flood into the space, while the lantern apex provides ventilation as well as being an attractive design feature.

Tel: 01200 452254
Email: mailto:sales@ultraspan.co.uk
Web: http://www.ultraspan.co.uk

GO TO PRODUCT INDEX

RETURN TO HOME PAGE