Installer Feb 1 - profinder.eu

February 2013
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Bifold Doors | Vertical Sliders | Patios | French Doors | Triple Glazing | Tilt & Turn | Conservatories | Orangeries

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Stand 1-330

ReadTheInstaller online – www.profinder.eu
Forward
Features
Contents
March 2013
• Doors part 1
• Hardware
• FiT Show Guide
• Health & Safety
April 2013
• Doors part 2
• Bi-fold & Sliding Doors
• FiT Show Issue
May 2013
• Vertical Sliders
• Roofs & Roofline
• FiT Show Review
June 2013
• Conservatories
• Energy & Recycling
• Glass & IGUs
• Lead Generation
July 2013
• Aluminium Systems
• Hardware
• Ancilliaries
August 2013
• New Business
Opportunities
• Doors
• Orangeries/
Exterior Buildings
4 Comment
7 News
11 Certass Column
Both Certass and The
Installer were extremely
pleased to act as
sponsors of the 2012
National Home
Improvement Council
Awards – a report.
14 Cover Story
The last thing that trade
fabricator Pioneer
Trading wants you to do
at The FIT Show is hang
around its stand – find
out why on page 14.
10 FIT Show News
Booking your trip? All
the details you need.
21 Feature – Conservatories
Steve Halford
asks are you selling
conservatories
consumers want?
And Joe Martoccia
answers questions on
the future for the market
27 Feature – Blinds & Shutters
Looking for that ideal
bolt on product? We’ve
a blinding answer.
27 Feature – Door Handles
BS 8300 with regard to
the cross-section of
lever handles and pull
handles explained.
31 The Technical Article
A new rendering system.
33 Products & Projects
TheInstaller is now sent digitally to 20,000 readers

Read TheInstaller online – www.profinder.eu
Comment
theInstaller
February 2013
Profinder Magazines
Editor
Brian Shillibeer
Assistant Editor
Cathryn Ellis
Editorial Office
The Studio, 47 Hillside Avenue,
Elstree & Borehamwood, Herts
WD6 1HQ
T.020 8381 5511
F.020 8386 4725
E.installer@profinder.eu
Publisher:
John Roper
E. john.roper@profinder.eu
Advertisement Sales:
Steve Anthony
T.07967 585475
E.steve.anthony@profinder.eu
Advertisement Sales:
Tony Bond
T.07767 626786
Email: tony.bond@profinder.eu
Business Development:
Alan Austen
T.07854 403535
Email:
alan.austen@profinder.eu
Advertisement Sales,
Classified & Special Projects:
Mehreen Haroon
T.07814 209789
E.mehreen.haroon@profinder.eu
Head Office and
Advertisement Production:
T.01255 673311
F.01255 678364
E.chris.sims@profinder.eu
theInstaller Vol 17 No 2
Published January 2013
Copyright © Profinder Magazines Ltd 2013
theInstaller is the official
journal of:
Minimum Technical Competencies – A great opportunity or
just another bureaucratic burden? That’s the question that
many people are asking and it is one answered here by
Gary Overton of ProSkills.
This year sees the launch of the Minimum Technical
Competencies (MTC) for the Glazing and Fenestration
industries as part of Department of Communities and Local
Government (DCLG) Competent Persons Scheme and Green
Deal.
I’m sure that there may be some who view this as
unnecessary bureaucracy – you’re already time served
craftsmen, so what have you got to learn or prove to
anyone? Indeed in some cases this may well be true.
There will also be others who will undoubtedly do as little as
possible to comply with the new code. Let’s be clear that this
perfectly fine – but they won’t do anything to improve their
knowledge or skills – they will just comply.
But in reality technology has moved on at pace over the last
few years and if they reflect they will hopefully
acknowledge that skills needs have also moved on during
that period – so what was good enough some years ago
may not be good enough now. In these difficult times a
discerning and demanding public often expects more, as
many seek value for their money and awareness of the
environmental, security and safety issues of their homes
becomes increasingly important.
So perhaps this is the time to use the MTCs as an
opportunity to invest in those new skills and qualifications
that will take your business to a higher level and assist you
in maximising the benefits that Green Deal and
professionalism will bring, to open up new markets and
customers and to give you a strong base to prosper in the
up-turn when it eventually arrives.
There’s a wise old saying that I’m sure many of you will
have heard that if ‘you always do what
you’ve always done, then you always get what you’ve
always got’. gary.overton@proskills.co.uk
Opinions expressed in theinstaller
are those of the contributors and do not
represent editorial policy. The publisher
charges for the use of editorial pictures.
Brian J. Shillibeer, Editor
#theinstallermagazine or installer@profinder.eu
4 | Editor’s Comment | theinstaller

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“
The question isn’t do we care. I know
we all care. The question is do we care
enough to actually do something?
”
Britain’s PVC-U industry has a lot to
be proud of. We make great products.
Our windows, doors and conservatories
not only look great, they are also
extremely durable. And they are 100%
recyclable. In fact, PVC-U out-performs
rival materials such as timber across
the board - particularly where it
really matters in areas such as energy
whole life costs.
Our products are fantastic. Our products aren’t the problem. The problem is we no
longer bother to tell anyone just how good they are. As an industry we’ve stopped
threat to our future prosperity. I’ve been in the windows industry for 25 years.
I started out as an installer. I now run a successful fabricating business, Crystal
Direct. I care about the future of the industry. And I’m prepared to put my money
where my mouth is.
This isn’t about promoting my own business. I want to create a platform that will
bring fabricators and installers together to promote PVC-U. I don’t wish to exclude
systems companies or anyone else who wants to support the campaign. However,
we cannot rely on anyone else to do this for us. Installers and fabricators are
Fabricators and installers have a vital role to play and a vital interest at stake - it’s
time we stepped up to the plate.
material. We also need to challenge the inaccurate and misleading claims put
about by manufacturers of alternative materials who, instead of improving their
own products, would rather spread scare stories and misinformation about ours. My
asking for your support.
in helping to promote PVC-U, please visit or email
me at Martin@pro-PVC.com
Martin Randall, Chairman, Crystal Direct
PVC-U

news
Get Onboard –
GreenDealLaunched
On 28 January, the Government
launched the Green Deal – an
initiative that means homeowners
can reduce their bills by making
energy efficient improvements, at
no upfront cost.
What is the Green Deal?
Basically, it is a new type of loan,
which aims to make sure that your
customers are better off thanks to
lower energy bills.
Under the Green Deal, a ‘Green
Deal Provider’ loans the up-front
costs for your customers to make
energy saving home improvements.
Then, over a set period of time – say
15-20 years they pay the loan back
through their regular electricity bill.
Their combined regular repayments
and reduced bills should be less than
their previous energy bill, thanks to
the energy savings. This is known as
the Green Deal ‘Golden Rule’.
With the news that energy costs
will continue to rise steeply in the
years ahead, customers will see
even bigger savings from energy
saving measures.
Who pays the loan
If your customer moves home, the
new property owners will then
repay the rest of the Green Deal
loan through their electricity bills
but they will also be enjoying the
savings from having an energy
efficient home.
Which home improvements are
covered by the scheme?
Dozens of energy saving measures
are included in the Green Deal. Active
measures, such as lighting, reduce
the amount of energy used, whereas
passive measures, such as replacement
windows and doors or insulation,
prevent heat from being wasted.
Active Measures
• High-efficiency condensing boilers
• Energy-efficient lighting,
• Solar panels or even a wind
turbine
Passive Measures
• Super energy-efficient windows
• Loft insulation
• Internal and external wall
insulation
How do I get involved with the
Green Deal?
If you are interested in finding out
more about The Green Deal, you
can follow these simple steps:
1 Find a ‘Green Deal Approved’
energy Assessor. The Assessor will
visit your customers’ properties,
assess their home energy usage
and make energy saving
recommendations. The Assessor
provides a report detailing the
energy saving measures that meet
the Green Deal requirements.
2 To find a Green Deal Approved
Assessor visit www.gov.uk/
greendeal
3 You will need to help your
customer produce a ‘Green Deal
Plan’ which includes the costs of
installing the various measures and
how much the repayments will be.
The Green Deal Provider will then
organise the work and the finance
arrangements. i
With thanks to the Electrical
Contractors Association
Door-Stop International has won another
Construction Marketing Award – this year for Best
Campaign under £25,000.
The composite door manufacturer has always been
applauded for the strength and effectiveness of its
marketing but this very successful campaign shows the
importance of working ‘smart’ rather than ‘expensive’.
By identifying and targeting the right people, Door-Stop
increased the effectiveness of its campaign, leading to a
remarkable increase in sales.
With a budget of under £13,000 the campaign has so
far led to 40 new customers and brought in business
worth over £1.87 million a year. That’s a return on
investment of 14,000%, making a significant contribution
to Door-Stop’s sales – currently running at 8% over target
for the year. Combining direct mail, targeted postcards,
discount vouchers and efficient data collection and
monitoring via smart phones, backed up with
endorsements from existing customers and a visit from a
Door-Stop sales representative, the campaign impressed
the CMA judges. They described it as ‘a well thought out
campaign that has delivered impressive results, exceeding
initial objectives and delivering very good value for money.
All well measured with smart objectives’.
MD Nick Dutton comments: “The CMAs are a
national measure of excellence in construction
marketing and we’re delighted to receive this award.
The campaign shows that with careful planning, it’s
more effective to address marketing to a targeted
audience than to spend vast amounts. It’s good to have
our team effort recognised.” i
Pictured: Steve Bissett of Door-Stop (centre) receives
the Construction Marketing Award for Best Marketing
Campaign under £25,000
theinstaller | News | 7

news
What’s the Green Deal?
An A4 guide setting out the terms
of the Green Deal and how it will
work is now available from the
Double Glazing and Conservatory
Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS).
The leaflet explains the scheme in
‘Plain English’, gathering all the
relevant, most recent information to
provide a quick reference guide for
anyone interested in learning more
about the Green Deal. With answers
to the most frequently asked questions,
it covers the various stages of the process
and includes details of assessors and
providers confirmed so far.
The leaflet also explains the Golden
Rule, which ensures that the cost of
Green Deal projects can be met by the
projected savings on energy bills – a
condition all installations must meet
in order to qualify.
Tony Pickup, Founder of the
Glazing Ombudsman Scheme,
comments: “Installers are swamped
with information on the Green Deal,
from all directions. We’ve put this
leaflet together to cut through the
confusion and provide a reliable, clear
and user friendly guide to what
promises to be a major element of the
industry over the next 20 years.” i
Polyframe has opened a fifth factory in Portadown, Northern Ireland.
The company has taken a strategic decision to move into the Irish
market with an extensive range of products and is also keen to take
advantage of the easy access to Scotland.
Polyframe will take over the 45 000sq. foot manufacturing plant from Turkington
Windows in early February and commence fabricating Rehau Tritec 60mm and
Rehau Total 70 chamfered products. Polyframe are keeping on the existing staff, with
Ian Young taking on the role of General Manager for the new business. This will
ensure the continuity of the business as the new profile is introduced and launched to
the Irish markets.
Polyframe Northern Ireland MD Dean Rinaldi comments: “Not only is our product
offering one of the most comprehensive in the industry but with our marketing support
proving to be highly successful to the trade, the overall package to the
customer is, in my opinion, unbeatable.” i
Steve Clarke, General Manager of
The Fuelcard People, has reminded
users of vans and other light
commercial vehicles that freezing
weather is never permanent: “Summer is
really not that far off,” he says, making the
point that time passes faster than we
realise, to show how easy it can be to
overlook some infrequent tasks.
“You can’t forget about insurance,
MOT or Road Tax,” he told TheInstaller.
“But it’s easy to put off the annual fuel
card review.”
He points out that fuel card benefits
change. He comments: “The market itself
is dynamic – today’s options are not the
same as a year ago.
“The Total fuel card is just the most
obvious example of change. A year ago
it was the best choice for many road
users. Today, it doesn’t even exist. The
only way for a van user to be confident of
having the best possible deal on
refuelling is to check every major fuel
card brand, at least annually. Some,
unfortunately, seem emotionally tied to
suppliers that don’t cover every major
brand.
I don’t understand why anyone
wouldn’t want to compare everything
available before making a vital,
potentially expensive, fuel card choice.”
Clarke concludes: “The Fuelcard
People may not be able to help with the
weather but we can examine every major
fuel card brand to find the best possible
deal for van users.” i
Network VEKA has received very
positive feedback regarding the
recent sales training workshop
presented by sales ‘guru’ Paul
Clifton.
Paul’s past workshops have been
described as ‘entertaining,
humorous and very insightful’.
Following national recognition
and several awards presented in the
1990s, he wrote the book ‘What
master salesmen know that the
average salesmen don’t’.
24 installer members attended
the one-day workshop at Network
VEKA HQ where Paul explained
how his customer-friendly approach
enables him to convert an
astonishing 82% of his newspaper
and showroom leads into sales. The
workshop showcased Paul's seven
essential skills to helping more
customers choose you over your
low-priced competitors.
Network VEKA MD John Ogilvie
explains: “We were delighted to offer
our membership the chance to hear
Paul Clifton present his sales
workshop.
“It went extremely well and the
attendees were given some great
advice on setting themselves apart
from the competition in a very
positive light, which is really what
Network VEKA is all about.
“It was also another good
opportunity for installers to gather
together and discuss their own
experiences and sales ideas with
like-minded people – an added
benefit of being part of an
organisation like ours.” i
8 | News | theinstaller

news
Capstone Doors has announced that it is opening a
brand new Macclesfield based facility from which the
company will offer a comprehensive, dedicated
composite door prepping service.
The 12,000sq. foot base includes a CNC machine in
addition to edge banding equipment and a new paint
plant that will allow virtually unlimited colour options.
The company can provide all glass options (including two
cassette systems) across all door profiles including the
standard 44mm offering the 68mm slab and fire doors. A
Capstone spokesperson told TheInstaller: “Our
commitment is to ‘revolutionise’ service levels for
prepped doors just as we have already done for blanks.”
Significant investment also includes a substantial
increase in stocks of door slabs to ensure the company
can fulfil its service pledge of next day delivery for orders
placed before 1pm for most of the UK.
Stock in Capstone’s warehouse is palletised on racks
and bar coded for quick retrieval. Between 18 and
20,000 door blanks are kept in stock at any time in the
UK, available in any quantity.
The doors are characterised by an embossed oak
woodgrain in a range of colours. The doors are available
in five core designs, which can be purchased in up to
four widths and nine colours, including the 30-minute
fire door. i
The Hope 66 cycling epic
for GM Fundraising will
arguably be the hardest
test yet, with the riders
and support crew facing
2,616 miles across the
iconic Route 66 from
Chicago to Santa Monica
in just 14 days.
Leaving Chicago, the route heads south to St Louis and then
on to the plains of middle America. On day 5, riders will then
be tasked with completing 100 miles in the heat with a gradual
uphill incline into Amarillo. The lofty elevations and stunning
landscapes of New Mexico will be next up on the agenda for
the team, before a day in the desert of Arizona.
The final challenge lays with the ascent of the Southern Rocky
Mountains to an altitude of 8,143 feet, before plummeting into
the suburbs of Los Angeles and on to the spiritual end of Route
66 at Santa Monica pier, California.
Gary Morton, founder and chairman of GM Fundraising
comments: “More than ever Hope House needs our to help
support terminally ill children and their families and every penny
raised will go directly to them. So your support and generosity
will be overwhelmingly appreciated.” i
To pledge your support go to
www.justgiving.com/teams/hope66
theinstaller | News | 9

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and where TrustMark ® comes as standard*
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the
column
The NHIC Awards
Both Certass and the leading glazing industry publication – The Installer – were extremely
pleased to act as sponsors of the 2012 National Home Improvement Council Awards
Certass is an active
member of the NHIC
which, since 1975,
has become extremely
influential in
Whitehall. The event was initially
hosted by Nick Raynsford MP
who had to leave prior to the
award presentations because of
a particularly active day in
Parliament. He was replaced by
Lord Dykes – a former senior
Conservative MP, now a Liberal
Democrat member of the House
of Lords. The event itself was
held at the Gladstone Library,
One Whitehall Place, London,
SW1 on 29th November.
The NHIC maintains a close liaison
with Government, local authorities,
housing associations,
private householders and landlords
as well as product manufacturers
and service providers.
As the renovation, modernisation
and improvement (RMI) industry’s
mouthpiece, it is
concerned primarily in raising
home improvement standards,
reducing carbon emissions, and
saving home energy running
costs.
The Awards 2012
Before heading around the corner
to Parliament, Nick Raynsford
said: “Our thanks must go
to everyone who has taken part
this year, especially the finalists
and runners up, the category
sponsors and all those who
have kindly contributed to this
occasion.
“The importance of raising
home energy efficiency and the
significance of Green Deal op-
portunities are reflected in the
achievements of today’s award
winners and runners up.”
The NHIC Annual Awards are
presented for innovation and
environmental consideration in
the successful completion of
projects and involving energy
efficiency initiatives that help
raise public awareness of
the importance of home improvements.
There were 11 categories for
the awards with windows, roofing
and insulation coming high
up – and Certass, associated
companies and of course The
Installer were proud to act as
sponsors.
Excellence in Glazing
Winner: Nationwide Windows
Sponsor: Certass
A government decision to release
the final tranche of £45m
for Nottingham City Homes’ Decent
Homes programme secured
at least 500 jobs, created 45 apprenticeships
and ensured the
entire housing stock of 28,500
had its windows upgraded.
To date Nationwide Windows
has replaced single glazed windows
with A rated double
glazed windows in 13,700
NCH properties in Broxtowe
and Bells Lane.
The programme has already
had a significant impact including
a 50% drop in burglaries
after fitting Secured By Design
windows, just under £2m savings
on tenant fuel bills, a saving
to NCH of £241,800 due to reduced
burglaries and improved
property SAP rating of 68.
The Installer’s Fabricator
of the Year
Winner: Wakefield Metroglaze
Sponsor: The Installer
The judges were impressed not
only by the energy saving aspect
of this project but also by the innovation
in eliminating the spend
and waste associated with complete
replacement, whilst still
achieving desirable U-values.
Metroglaze upgraded 20yearold
single glazed windows in
properties belonging to Wakefield
District Housing who considered
the existing PVC-U outer
frames still to be sound and so
only requiring the sashes to be
replaced.
This caused the minimum inconvenience
to residents. The
plan is to bring 1,500 homes up
to current Building Regulations
by improving the thermal performance
of the windows – with
25 homes per week being improved.
Sustainability in
Replacement Windows
Winner: Network VEKA
Sponsor: Shermin Finance
VEKA supplies Network VEKA
with technically advanced PVC-
U window systems that can
achieve an ‘A’ rating to eliminate
the cold bridge which causes
condensation. A PVC-U window
frame can be recycled about ten
times; second generation PVC-U
windows continue to look good
and perform well for decades; it
is non-toxic and meets all international
health and safety and fire
regulations. All of these factors
influendced the judges’ decision.
Certass Column | 11

the
column
CompetentRoofer
of the Year
Winner: DLP Services (Northern)
Sponsor: CompetentRoofer
The judges said: “DLP quickly engaged
with the spirit of CompetentRoofer
and their work as
members encompasses everything
that is good about a Competent
Person Scheme. At the
time of its nomination, DLP had
already put through 624 jobs.”
CompetentRoofer charges as
little as £20 for self-certification
of roofing refurbishment works
while local authority building
control departments can charge
anything between £200 and
£400 for notification of roofing
refurbishment works.
Excellence in Roofing
Winner: Denn Flat Roofing and
Landmark Living Roofs working
with Flag-Soprema
Sponsored by: National Federation
of Roofing Contractors
Kemp House, built in the 1960s,
is in the heart of London’s Soho.
It is a refurbished social housing
development comprising residential
tower blocks that now have
flat, biodiverse nature roofs.
Work was carried out, according
to the judges, by an ‘outstanding’
team of roofing
contractors who demonstrated
knowledge, experience – and
teamwork.
Excellence in Insulation
Winner: Renocon Ltd
Sponsor: QANW
There are four 10-storey, 1960s
built blocks of flats on the Gasgoyne
Estate managed by Hackney
Homes in east London. They
were poorly insulated and costly
to run. Now new external insulation
by Renocon, plus other energy
efficiency measures, have
significantly bought down the av-
erage running costs from £3000
to £1000. Plus it noticeably helps
Hackney Homes to meet its carbon
reduction targets.
Secretary for the Tenant and
Resident Association, Veronica
Davis said: “It’s good to see the
improvement of the blocks. It’s
much quieter and warmer since
the works have taken place and
we are really happy.”
Outstanding Social
Housing Development Using
Recycled Land or Buildings
Winner: Lyvennet Community
Trust Sponsor: The Electrical
Contractors’ Association
The ECA says: “This project has
brought together representatives
from an existing Cumbrian community
to create a new community
that although very modern in
construction, remains in-keeping
with the stunning surroundings of
the Cumbrian fells. It has utilised
a range of energy saving and
energy efficient materials and
technologies and yet the new
Stoneworks development appears
to be a typical Cumbrian
village, affording residents with
a sustainable housing in a community
centred around a ‘typical’
village green.
Best House Extension
Improvement
Winner: Lesley Browning and
Duncan Tolson
Sponsors: NHIC Educational
Trust and TrustMark in partnership
with the National Home
Improvement Show
This refurbished basement of a
late Georgian, early Victorian
town house in North London has
turned a dark kitchen/dining
room and an unused utility room
into a flexible living area for
cooking, eating and entertaining.
With the addition of wall insulation
and under floor heating
the home’s energy efficiency
level was significantly enhanced.
Gas safety in Social Housing
Winner: Guinness Partnership
Sponsor: The Gas Safety Trust
All Guinness Partnership properties
with an open flue or concealed
flue are fitted with a CO
detector, whilst the most vulnerable
customers receive an automatic
gas shut off system.
Best Home Energy
Efficiency Solution
Winner: Orangehouse
Renewables
Sponsor: National Association
for Professional Inspectors and
Testers
Orangehouse Renewables is
MCS accredited for heat pump
technologies by NAPIT. One of
its most recent projects was in
the home of a family with a severely
disabled child who
gained greatest pain relief in
warm water. Heating was required
for a new hydrotherapy
pool, domestic hot water and
an underfloor heating system.
The heat pumps were installed
in the garage to maximise the
client’s living accommodation,
especially the requirements for
the child’s wheelchair. The installation
was completed on
time and TheInstaller can confirm
that the client is delighted
with the installation.
The George Plucknett Award
The best overall submission to
the 2012 Annual Awards.
Winner: Lyvennet
Community Trust
Sponsored by: the National
Home Improvement Council i
certass.co.uk
t. 0845 094 8025
12 | Certass Column | theinstaller

cover story
Competitions, iPads
and Makeovers as
Pioneer Mixes
Business & Pleasure
at the FIT Show
T
he last thing that trade fabricator
Pioneer Trading
wants you to do at The FIT
Show is hang around its
stand. In fact anyone
caught loitering will be pressed
into action with a range of fun
activities to find out how fast they
are at beading the company’s
Signature window; how good
their company could look with
the help of Pioneer’s ‘Geek
Squad’ of Internet designers and
branding experts; or how to join
Britain’s fastest growing Home
Improvement Dealer Network.
No local competition
Pioneer is spreading its Signature
Network and looking for installers
who are more than
simply good at selling and
installing windows. Pioneer is
the company behind the Signature
Window, Britain’s most
advanced casement window.
Designed and developed by
Danny Williams, the company’s
‘
MD, the Signature Window incorporates
a host of features that
provides Signature Dealers with
a product that literally has no
local competition.
Listen for the cheering as visitors
to the Pioneer stand compete to be
the Fastest Beader.
Winner takes an iPad!
14 | Certass Column | theinstaller
’
See it, touch it, try it – join the
Dealer Network
The company’s FIT Show stand is
designed to allow visitors to see,
touch and try the Signature Window
for themselves to find out
just how good it really is, as well
as exploring the exceptional
marketing and sales support in
clearly defined areas provided
by Pioneer’s talented marketing
and design team. They will also
explain how it is introducing new
products and opportunities
under the Signature brand to
provide further business opportunities
for dealers, including
Signature Solar.
Face-to-face
“We genuinely have so much to
offer installers joining our Signature
Network that the only way
we can really explain everything
effectively is face-to-face,” says
Danny Williams. “And that is the
joy of a good exhibition such as
The FIT Show.
“But as well as having a huge
amount to tell visitors we also
want them to have some fun too.
So that’s why we are offering an
iPad to the visitor that beads the
Signature Window in the fastest
time. We reckon there will be
tenths of a second in it, that’s
how easy it is!
“Listen for the cheering, that
will be the Pioneer stand.” i
pioneertradingcompany.co.uk

Full information on The FIT Show can be found at fitshow.co.uk
fit show news
FIT Show – A Preview
The ticket entitles you to Free Parking, Free
Wifi and Free Seminars. fitshow.co.uk/getyour-free-ticket
The FIT Show (Fabricator and
Installer Trade is a 3-day exhibition
to be held in April at the Telford
International Centre.
Opening Times:
Tuesday 16 – 10:00-17:00
Wednesday 17 – 10:00-1700
Thursday 18 – 10:00-16:00
Getting There
The International Centre, St Quentin Gate
Telford, Shropshire, TF3 4JH
Road: 15 minutes off the M6
Rail: Direct trains from all over the UK. Less
than a mile from Telford Station
Air: Direct rail link to Birmingham
International Airport
Accommodation
The International Centre features three hotels
in easy walking distance and a variety of
hotels, motels and B&Bs nearby. The
International Hotel, the Holiday Inn are both
on-site and the Grays Hotel & Conference
Centre is located a few minutes
away. The show website
fitshow.co.uk/travelaccommodation
(or go to
fitshow.co.uk and click the
Visit tab) will give you a number of
links but more links can be found
at shropshiretourism.co.uk/
telford/
Free Tickets
Entry to the FIT Show is completely
Free. Simply go to the event
website and enter your details to register. You
will be sent regular updates and eventually,
you e-ticket.
Seminars
There will be a programme of free seminars
designed to offer advice on every aspect of
the business. Key topics will be covered such
as sales training and marketing along with
regulations, standards, installing, training,
and apprenticeships.
Who’s exhibiting
The FIT Show will provide fabricators and
installers throughout the UK with an
opportunity to showcase their products,
services and brands alongside the biggest
names in glass and glazing. Have a look at
the website for a full exhibitor list – and take
a look here for a taster of What’s On – such
as Free coffee and Danishes for early visitors
and who’s showing what.
Next month we will have a comprehensive
guide to exhibitors.
Do you FIT Rehau’s Profile
Rehau’s stand at the FIT show will be very
much focused on its customers as it looks to
strengthen its relationship with installers in
particular.
The company will be revealing something
special for those who ‘fit Rehau’s profile’ and
there will even be a photobooth on the stand
so that customers can have a bit of fun getting
their photos taken and then play their part in
helping to build the Rehau family tree on an
interactive wall. The focus on energy
efficiency will extend across the stand with
the recently launched WER A rated Rehau
Total 70R fully reversible window on show,
as well as the award winning Geneo
Passivhaus certified window system.
Rehau can’t
wait for the
FIT Show
Master Fitter Challenge
The eight fitting teams competing in the finals
of The Master Fitter Challenge at The FIT
Show on April 16 and 17 will all be tested
on composite door sets (pictured above)
supplied by Solidor, one of the UK’s leading
composite door manufacturers.
Solidor products will be used in two of the
four challenges facing the finalists, including
the compulsory Fault Rectification challenge
and the Door Fitting Challenge, both of
which are key disciplines for all professional
installers, but which are often the source of so
many call-backs.
It was the desire to raise standards that
compelled Gareth Mobley, Managing
Director of Solidor, to get involved with the
Master Fitter Challenge as a sponsor and to
have the opportunity to have his company’s
doors used to test the teams: “The
components used, such as the hardware, are
crucial to the operation of the doors. We can
control all of this but then it is down to the
quality of the installation. Backing The Master
Fitter Challenge is a great way to give our
support to raising installation standards.”
Find out what the new Edgetech can
do for you
Andy Jones, Edgetech’s MD comments:
“Edgetech only ever exhibits (on stand 1-350
pictured above) at shows when we have
something new to show and as such, this
year the FIT show will be something special.
2013 signifies a year of change for our
business as for the first time, we have a
strategic multi-channel distribution chain with
theinstaller | FIT Show News |
17

fit show news
Full information on The FIT Show can be found at fitshow.co.uk
crucial element of getting paid when the
customer becomes reluctant to part with their
cash, a problem that every installer has faced
at one time or another.
And when you have watched those lavish
TV commercials from the big retailers have
you ever wondered about advertising your
own business on television? It may not be
such an exotic idea says media specialist
Jonny Kidd, an expert in putting together TV
campaigns for home improvement
companies and another star presenter in The
FIT Theatre.
Sales guru Paul Clifton says
he can convert 8 out of 10
multiple products – all designed to make our
customers’ lives easier with a one stop shop
approach. Having signed a distribution deal
with Bostik, we can now offer customers
entire high performance manufacturing
solutions including spacers and sealants. But
that’s not all. Without giving too much away,
a brand new product will be unveiled at the
show – but you’ll have to come to stand 1-
350 to see it for yourself!”
FIT Show News
With just two months to go until the show,
FIT Events Ltd, the organiser of The FIT
Show, has announced the appointment of
Jason Wootton as sales director - a board
appointment. Wootton has had a career in
the window, door and conservatory
industry, in addition to experience in other
building and construction related sectors
“This is an excellent opportunity,” says
Wootton (pictured above). “I am able to use
the experience I have gained in an industry I
thoroughly enjoy but in a completely different
way. The FIT Show has been a great success
so far and I have joined at the most intensive
time for the team.”
One of Jason Wootton’s first tasks will be to
get to grips with everything the FIT Show
has to offer in enticing visitors to make the
trip to Telford.
18 | FIT Show News | theinstaller
Learn to convert 8 out of 10 leads
There are three big incentives – low cost
accommodation, free coffee and a Danish
for the early arrivers and access to a range
of free seminars including one that promises
to teach attendees how to convert 8 out of
10 leads.
The FIT Theatre located in Hall 4 at The FIT
Show will be a very special feature and
promises to be one of its most memorable
elements. The programme for The FIT Theatre
has been carefully chosen for the power and
impact of the subjects chosen and the ability
of the speakers to engage with and entertain
their audience. Held in Open Forum there
are no walls and no barriers to the Theatre or
the presentations, providing visitors with a
memorable and thoroughly informative
series of snappy half hour sessions each day
from noon.
Featuring speakers and presentations in a
programme that is designed to engage and
inform and involve, visitors will be
encouraged to actively take part in the
presentations.
Presentations made in The FIT Theatre are
designed to ensure visitors have something to
take away and apply in their businesses
immediately. And they are completely free of
charge too!
Expert Speakers
Sales guru Paul Clifton is one of the stars of
the show promising to help get visitors into
the elite league of sales people that convert
more than 60% of their leads with a few
simple, easy to apply tips. His presentation
‘What Master Salesmen Know That
Average Salesmen Don't’ (also the title of
his book), will show how he converts 8 out
of 10 leads and at higher margins too.
At the other end of the process charted
building surveyor, expert witness, writer and
pundit Rod Appleyard will give tips on the
Earlybird pre-registered visitors to the event
will get a free cup of coffee or tea and a
Danish pastry on arrival. Anyone turning up
before 10:30 (the event opens at 10:00 but
the doors to the International Centre will be
open at 9:00am) and showing their preregistration
document will be warmly
welcomed with the hot drink of their choice
and a pastry.
Stop over for the night
Why not choose a hotel room and stay
over for two or even three days at The FIT
Show? There are thousands of rooms to
choose from in and around Telford, with
prices from less than £35 per night. Details
are available on The FIT Show web site
(www.fitshow.co.uk/travel-accommodation)
through the online easy booking facility. But
don’t delay – accommodation is being
taken up rapidly and running out fast. i

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conservatories
Are You Giving
Customers Choice?
Give customers what they
want and they’ll buy from
you. Are you tempting
homeowners with a
choice of conservatories
they want or selling the conservatory
you’ve always sold?
A choice of glazing solutions
Part of the reason conservatory
sales fell over the past 10 years
is because they didn’t do what
consumers wanted or hoped for.
Conservatories that were
unbearably hot in summer and
cold in winter prevented people
using them. Why buy a conservatory
if you can only use it a
few weeks a year?
Glazing technology
Advances in glazing technology
mean there’s no need for homeowners
to put up with extreme
temperatures any more. Zoom
Ready’s range of ‘intelligent’
high performance conservatory
glass keeps conservatories cool
in summer and warm in winter.
Zoom Conservatory Glass –
Relax 365 is available in a
choice of six colour tints and a
self-cleaning option and to make
installers’ lives easier, it comes
as standard with all our conservatory
roof kits.
We know it can be a hassle to
go to one supplier for the roof
and another for the glazing in
search of the best prices, which
is why we offer glass without an
energy surcharge.
As fantastic as our glass is, we
know some homeowners have
more modest budgets than others.
For those with the same
needs but less money to spend,
Zoom Poly-Smart Relax 365 is a
high performance range of poly-
carbonate that keeps conservatories
well-insulated and reduces
glare. It’s a more affordable
option.
Privacy
If your customer lives in a built-up
area, they won’t necessarily
want to be overlooked when
they’re relaxing or entertaining
in their conservatory. Recognising
this, we developed Zoom Privacy
– Relax 365, a range of
acid-etched privacy glass which
gives an opaque, high end finish.
Style and colour
Homeowners have different
dreams and homes come in different
shapes and sizes so a
standard 4m x 4m conservatory
won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.
We’re a nation of wannabe
designers, so Zoom Ready has
unlimited design options so
installers can offer conservatories
in any shape or size to
appeal to all tastes, even the
most unusual!
Homeowners are also experimenting
more and more with
colour. Go back 50 years before
Britain’s homeowners began the
replacement of their original timber
windows and doors with
white PVC-U and it was common
to see coloured windows and
doors.
Over 30 years Britain’s windows
and doors turned white!
Now the trend has come full circle.
Consumers are tired of
white. They are becoming more
adventurous and many want to
make a statement with coloured
windows, doors and conservatories.
A pastel shade can be a more
sympathetic choice for the local
stonework and area. Whatever
the reason, more people are asking
for coloured conservatories
to match their windows and
doors. So we introduced Zoom
Prism. With Zoom Prism, you’re
not just restricted to a few colours
– installers can offer any RAL
colour and set themselves apart
from competitors.
Helping installers sell more
Choice is powerful at the point of
sale for conservatory installers. It
helps them take advantage of
every sales opportunity. But
installers also need to sell trouble
free conservatories. Zoom
Ready has a number of patented
features that eliminate problems
like slipped glazing panels and
leaky roofs to cut the risk of customer
call backs which eat into
installers’ time and profits.
Zoom Ready is fast and easy to
install and a one man fit, so
installers can move onto the next
job quickly without any hassle. i
zoomroom.co.uk t.0845 305 4138
Zoom Ready’s MD
Steve Halford asks are you
selling conservatories
consumers want?
theinstaller | Conservatories | 21

We were amazed at the
number of people who
attended the launch of Loggia
(our then brand new product
which features corner columns
and internal plastered walls and
ceilings) in July of last year – it
was easily the biggest single
company event seen in the industry
for a number of years. That
factor alone vindicated our view
that the industry is looking for
new products to satisfy an ever
increasingly discerning and
demanding buying public. We
have seen some excellent traction
with our retail installers.
Those network partners with a
Loggia showroom model are
easily picking-up the lion’s share
of sales in the early launch
phase. Consumers really do
have to see Loggia to understand
what it is and how it can
enhance their living space.
Our challenge is to provide the
right imagery and sales tools to
help our retail installers sell the
benefits of Loggia and win
orders. We are well on the way
to introducing a new generation
of literature, which shows how
Loggia can fit every price point,
improving a conservatory,
The Future
conservatories
adding to an orangery and providing
a cost-effective alternative
to an extension.
It is reassuring to see some of
our competitors, trying to recreate
what we have with Loggia
with imagery alone. I guess imitation
is the sincerest form of flattery,
however, aesthetics whilst
important, is one thing, but inner
strength and thermal performance
is what Loggia is about,
there is nothing to touch in the
market.
From us to the customer
Providing an end to end solution
is vital to success, delivery is
arguably the most important element.
We have been holding
regular Loggia installation courses
at Clitheroe and to date we
have seen several hundred
installers attend these courses.
The feedback is amazing. For
information on how Installer
readers can enrol, they should
contact the Ultraframe customer
service team.
Other market offerings
The work to carry on perfecting
our three core roof systems,
Ultraframe, Wendland and
The Installer caught up with Joe Martoccia, Sales and
Marketing Director at Ultraframe for his perspective on the
state of the conservatory market, new product innovation,
the G12 awards and what we can look forward to seeing
from Ultraframe at the forthcoming FIT show
Quantal, has continued at a
pace behind the scenes. We
know that there is significant
brand loyalty among installers
and this loyalty should be
rewarded with, faster, easier to
fit systems with a number of variations
delivering high customer
satisfaction and built-in longevity
and performance.
G12 Awards
Winning the G12 award for
Best Retail Promotional Campaign
was a real fillip for us. The
team and our PR consultants,
worked incredibly hard to develop
our retail campaign, we felt it
was critical to begin influencing
the consumer to kick start
demand, ultimately benefiting
our network. This consumer
work continues with a number of
Loggia case studies appearing
in a variety of home improvement
and lifestyle media.
The future
Looking ahead, there is little to
suggest that 2013 will be any
easier than recent years, however,
we believe that continued
product development and innovation
backed by award winning
marketing quality and service,
will help our dealer and
retail installer network take a
larger share of the available
market. We are working on a
number of initiatives designed to
do just that.
Fabricator, Installer Trade
We are looking forward to the
FIT show where we will have a
large presence, showcasing a
number of new initiatives and
products designed to futureproof
our business and that of
our retail installers. And as
usual, you can rely on a surprise
or two from Ultraframe to grab
the attention.” i
trade.ultraframe.co.uk
Pictured: Loggia features corner
columns and internal plastered walls
and ceilings
22 | Conservatories | theinstaller

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conservatories
Synseal has redeveloped its eaves beam from the ground up
to allow companies to extend the loading that 35mm polycarbonate
and 24mm roof glass can be taken to. This
enables break through sizes in Georgian and Victorian conservatory
roofs.
Synseal’s new heavy duty eaves beam and bi-fold door
support now enables its customers to fit doors as wide as 5m. By
adding pre-fitted bolsters fixed to the underside of the leg transom
and hip rafters to deliver added strength, the company can now
offer standard roofs providing spans as wide as 6.5m.
Global roofs are now available in over 22 finishes, including
colour both sides across the entire range, on a five-day
turnaround, and now in the widest range of sizes ever.
David Leng, Synseal’s chief executive comments: “For even
bigger conservatories or glazed commercial structures we
operate our own SkySpace portal frame department. This
experienced team is on hand to take the headache out of these
large structures and just leave you to maximise the opportunities
that this market can offer.” i
synseal.co.uk
The diversity of colour in the TuffX Ambience roof
glass range combined with excellent support
services has proven to be a winning combination
for Evergreen Windows & Conservatories.
MD Judy Gibson-Bevan believes that the high
performance benefits of the TuffX products including
78% heat reflection and true self-cleaning coatings
have given the company a major leading edge. She
comments: “We have been impressed by the options
available to us which has enabled us to be more
24 | Conservatories | theinstaller
When the owners of a tired, polycarbonate glazed conservatory
looked to make an upgrade to a more energy
efficient living area, they chose the impressive
Garden Room roof from Prefix Systems. This product the company
claims, is set to re-define the way we look at extended living
space.
This case study in Manchester involved the removal of a 3.5m
x 3.5m mahogany Georgian conservatory roof that was glazed
in polycarbonate, followed by the installation of the Garden
Room roof by Your Choice Windows from Bury.
Gavin Gillespie, from Your Choice commented: “This was our
first installation of the Garden Room roof and what a joy it was
to fit. This is going to be one of the most exciting products we
have ever launched.” Chris Cooke, a director at Prefix Systems
concluded: “We’ve got a huge interest in our Garden Room
roof, something we’ve spent a lot of time on. The market is
changing and we’re actively looking to take a lead in the market
for extend living areas through the Garden Room and other
new developments.” i
prefixsystems.co.uk
Evergreen moves forward with TuffX
dynamic with concept design and
guaranteed usage for customers. The high
quality of our installations and the products
we incorporate into them has helped us to
further develop a strong reputation for
quality and reliability. As such we have to
be able to rely upon our supplier which we
know we can with TuffX.
“We can pass down the cost effective
pricing we get from TuffX to our customers
which combined with the colour options and
the insulation benefits makes our glass roof
conservatories a very popular choice. Our
completed projects look impressive and the
innovative approach to product diversity
offered by TuffX ensures we can offer
attractive packages to our customers. They
are a supplier that cares about our business
and understanding our building schedules they offer
an excellent delivery service that is always prompt and
reliable.”
Graham Price, MD of TuffX comments, “As the
industry gears up to move forward positively, it is
rewarding to see that innovations we have introduced
are proving to be the right solutions for our customers.
Understanding both our customers and the
consumers’ needs remains our priority.” i
ambiglass.co.uk

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Plantation shutters have been the on-trend, fastest growing window coverings product since 2007.
High average order values and good margins make this product a highly attractive ancillary sale
to businesses within the window and door installation sector. Experienced installers will find the
transition to surveying and installing plantation shutters relatively straightforward.
S:CRAFT have focussed on delivering the best shutters in the market with unrivalled levels of
support for the past 10 years. Plantation shutters are at the core of our business and we have
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The Blindingly
Obvious Add On
blinds & shutters
For many businesses, finding that
ideal bolt on product that they
can add to their product portfolio
is a real headache. Will
investment levels be too high?
Will it require a different skill set
within the business? Will margins
and order values be of interest?
Plantation shutters are an ideal
fit for those who are already
active in the window and door
industry and used to selling and
fitting a made to measure product,
versed in finding the right
solution for different types of
door and window openings and
with access to skilled surveyors
and fitters.
An Integral Solution
Oldbury based Gem Blinds claims to have recently
seen a 30% increase in trade orders for its
integral blinds. Gem, which is part of glass
processor and sealed unit manufacturer, the Glass
Express Midlands Group, was founded by MD Bill
Singh, production director, Peter Singh and marketing
director, Tony Millan. “We are the only manufacturer of
integral blinds in this country,” says Bill. “But what we
have is an advanced integral lifting and tilting magnetic
system, designed for both domestic and commercial
applications and suitable for all household windows,
including bathrooms, kitchens and conservatories.
Bi-folds
The market for Plantation shutters
continues to expand. Fashions
change and with the market for
bi-fold doors having exploded
over the years there is also now
a massive potential for tracked
shutters to provide shading and
privacy solutions for these large
expanses of glass.
Thermal improvement
For those involved in wooden
sash window repair, the benefits
of plantation shutters of providing
both thermal and sound insulation
provide a real problem
solving solution for the consumer.
Studies by Glasgow
Caledonian University found
shutters as having the next best
thermal efficiency after secondary
glazing. (english-heritage.org.uk/publications/ther
mal-performance-traditional-windows/thermal-performance-traditional-windows.pdf)
S:CRAFT is a distributor of
Plantation shutters and are looking
for retail/trade partners to
promote their range. From entry
level mdf shutters to FSC certified
white teak shutters, S:CRAFT has
a wide range including waterproof
shutters for wet rooms and
other high moisture areas. The
firm provides training in surveying
and fitting and also provides
access to marketing materials to
help promote the product. i
t. 01962 794530
“The blinds offer control over factors such as polar
gain and glare,” continues Singh. “Incorporated within
a double glazed, sealed unit, the blinds’ slats are
protected from dirt and damage.”
As well as the magnetic system, the team at Gem
have also recently developed a remote controlled
operation system, allowing easy operation at the touch
of a button.
“We’re an innovative company, so we’re looking at
bringing in new products all the time,” concludes
Singh. i
glass-express.co.uk
theinstaller | Blinds & Shutters | 27

technical article
Getting a Grip on
Door Handle Specs
Figure 15 in the latest edition now gives four examples of lever handle design, including the
The requirements for lever and pull handles are still cause for confusion amongst specifiers.
Jacky R Sinclair, the Technical Consultant conventional round of the bar Guild return-to-door of Architectural design, a curved Ironmongery return-to-door (GAI)s design and a design
outlines the dimensional issues up that they end need of the lever to understand
to enable it to be operated more easily without a tight grip.
Updates to British Standards
and Building
Regulations on the
needs of disabled
people are being
made on a regular
basis. The 2001 edition of BS
8300 gave rise to a number of
concerns which the 2005
amendment did not fully
address. The 2009 revision,
published in February, is therefore
understandably comprehensive.
One aspect that attracted
greater attention is the issue of
dimensions and profiles.
Critisism
There had been criticism of the
previous edition, in particular
because it showed only one
example of a round bar, returnto-door
lever handle. The impression
given was that this was the
only acceptable design. The
absence of any alternatives
prompted specifiers to take the
safe route and stick to what was
clearly acceptable.
The word ‘diameter’ is used in
BS 8300 with regard to the
cross-section of lever handles
and pull handles but it is not
intended to exclude other crosssectional
forms. Ovals and ‘D’
sections for example could be
equally effective, as long as they
provide the key dimensions and
have no sharp edges.
A bit of flair
So it is possible to include flair
and still provide access under
BS8300.
28 | Technical Article | theinstaller
made on a regular basis. The 2001 edition of BS 8300 gave rise to a number of concerns wh
2005 amendment did not fully address. The 2009 revision, published in February, is therefo
understandably comprehensive. One aspect that attracted greater attention is the issue of
dimensions and profiles.
There had been criticism of the previous edition, in particular because it showed only one e
of a round bar, return-to-door lever handle. The impression given was that this was the only
acceptable design. The absence of any alternatives prompted specifiers to take the safe rou
stick to what was clearly acceptable.
-section of lever handles an
handles, but it is not intended to exclude other cross-sectional forms
example could be equally effective, as long as they provide the key dimensions, and have no
edges. So it is possible to include flair and still provide access under BS8300
Figure 15 in the latest edition
now gives four examples of lever
handle design, including the
conventional round bar return-todoor
design, a curved return-todoor
design and a design
cranked up at the end of the
lever to enable it to be operated
more easily without a tight grip.
So why are the dimensions
for levers outlined in BS8300
so important?
•Handgrip zone – minimum 95mm:
Allows whole hand to hold
lever
•45mm from face of door:
Avoids scraping or banging of
knuckles
Figure 15
•Lever section minimum 19mm:
Easy to hold without gripping
•Backset minimum 54mm:
Clears frame-stop on closing face
•Lever either return to door or
with upturn:
Stops hand sliding off and
prevents clothing catching.
So why are the dimensions for levers outlined in BS8300 so important?
Key dimensions
The key dimensions for pull handles
have also been clarified.
The revised guidance moves
away from fixed positions for the
vertical pull handles, giving only
minimum heights for the top fixing
of 1,300mm, and maximum
height of 1,000mm and minimum
height of 700mm for the
bottom fixing, effectively allowing
a minimum 300mm pull handle.
The diameter of a pull handle
remains at 19mm-35mm.
Although a conventional ‘D’
shape is shown, other shapes
are acceptable, as long as they
meet the dimensional criteria.
The fixing height for lever furniture
has also been changed to
800-1,050mm, with 900mm
being the preferred position.
Figure15

technical article
Key to Diagram above
2. Vertical pull handle:
19mm to 35mm diameter
3. Horizontal pull rail to help
people close the door behind
them
4. Lever handle
5. 800mm to 1,050mm
(900mm preferred)
6. Bottom end of pull handle no
lower than 700mm and no
higher than 1,000mm above
the floor
7. The top end of the pull handle
should be no lower than
1,300mm above the floor
(1,300-1,000mm = 300mm).
So, while 300mm is the minimum
length which will enable
the fixing dimensions to be met,
pulls can be 600+ mm long.
Specifiers also need to know
the key dimensions for pull handles
for doors with narrow stiles.
Doors with narrow stiles require
cranked pull handles with an offset
of not less than 50mm from
the door edge.
The standard now specifically
deplores the use of knobs and
small symmetrical turn buttons
(thumbturns) in favour of levers.
Also, where a lever handle
intercepts the viewing panel,
any projecting glazing beads
should not interfere with the
operation of the lever handle or
reduce the effective clearance
behind it.
Finally, the handle should contrast
visually with the face of
door – an LRV difference of 15
points is acceptable. i
t. 020 7790 3431 gai.org.uk
Pictured: The wiggle lever on the lefthand
page shows that design is not
stymied by the revised BS 830 and on
this page above clockwise: a latch
with lever furniture; the sembla lever;
and the curve lever.
theinstaller | Technical Article | 29

the technical article in association with Top 100 Trades
Top 100 Trades is a national organisation looking to appoint the top
companies in up twenty-five different trades across six geographic regions.
Window installation companies are included.
The Installer magazine is proud to be the Official Journal of Top 100 Trades
Windows, Doors & Conservatories. We support and upholds its principles.
Render Unto Clients
Things That Are Good
Not a man known to be over-effusive, Don Waterworth has come across a new (to him)
rendering system that he believes knocks older systems into a cocked hat...
As many readers
will be
aware, I like to
compile periodical
features
on products
that have captured
my attention and stand
out amongst other products in
use in the industry. As always,
when I find one, I research it
thoroughly and make a number
of site visits - it is important that
anything I recommend to the
readers of The Installer magazine
will provide quality,
longevity of service and
enhance works carried out by
our readers.
One such product is ‘K Rend’.
This is a silicone render system
produced in County Antrim, NI.
(K-Rend.co.uk)
The firm has Technical Reps
throughout the UK.
Inspection
I have inspected a number of K
Rend finished properties and in
particular conservatories in the
north of England quite recently.
You can believe me when I say
that the finish, when applied
properly, is outstanding. I
believe the technology behind
the system means that traditional
sand and cement two coat
render with pebble dash or
Tyrolean are outdated modes of
finishing a building.
From the manufacturer
K Rend advise that the product
is low maintenance and water
repellent but allows the structure
to breath all backed up by a
British Standard Kite Mark,
BSBN998:2003.
Rendering per se
With any render system, water
must be taken away from a
building as effectively as possible,
so therefore make sure that
there are no cills with a small
projection or trims or beads
which would allow water to run
down the façade as this could
lead to lichen and algae
growth. (There is an additive
available in K Rend to provide
an ‘algae resistant finish’. I
would recommend doing the
job properly in the first place.)
Take a look at the K Rend system.
You will not be disappointed
with the product, the finish -
or the service and advice provided
by the company…and tell
them I sent you! i Don
Written by
Principal Surveyor,
Don Waterworth
BSc (Hons) FBEng
ACIOB MEWI
Tel: 0800 1954922 Mon-Fri
9am-5pm. Sat 9am-1pm
Tel: 0800 1954922
theinstaller | Technical Article | 31

products & projects
Door-Stop has launched a new set of powerful sales tools, designed to
help retail installers generate more leads – and quickly convert them.
The range of sales aids include a new hardback 68-page portrait book
illustrating many Door-Stop doors in-situ, making it easy for customers to
see how their new door will look. The popular metre-square showroom
posters have also been updated and now feature Door-Stop’s latest photos,
focusing on each benefit of the doors in close-up. As before, they can be
branded with company logos.
Other new items include an A3 foamex swatch that shows all door-leaf colours and frame options and Yale Keyfree
samples. The new materials can be ordered online using the free Key Points that every customer earns when buying
Door-Stop doors. Every customer will receive points to get them started, so they can order the new sales tools
straight away, for free. i
door-stop.co.uk
Solidor’s Recommended Installer scheme is
designed to drive sales leads with installers facing
two options. Option one is to become a recommended
installer and Option 2 is to become a premium installer which
involves having Solidor products on display in a showroom or
similar environment. All installers are then listed on the a consumer
facing Solidor website.
Solidor are harnessing a major Pay Per Click (PPC) campaign
to drive homeowners to the website and then to encourage them
to find their local Recommended Installer. Both Recommended
and Premium Installers are listed and it is made clear to the
homeowner what the difference between the two is.
Solidor will also be using Twitter and Facebook to interact
with consumers with promotions, offers and competitions. There
will also be a range of showroom support materials, door drops
and product samples for
Recommended and
Premium Installers.
MD Gareth Mobley
comments: “This is one of
the most important
milestones for us as a
business and for the
composite door sector as a
whole.
“It’s a big investment by us
for our valued customers and
will be completely free of
charge – it’s our way of
giving them something back
in return for their loyalty.” i
solidor.co.uk
Quickslide is offering the Smart Visifold Folding Sliding
Door System. The doors may be specified to provide the
widest choice of opening/folding options in addition to providing
excellent weather and thermal performance. The full range
of Visifold options is available.
Quickslide also offers Smart Systems’ aluminium Visoglide inline
patio doors, an offering that provides the excellent linear
rigidity of aluminium with the superb finishes and appearance
and high weather and security performance that homeowners
find so attractive with this product.
Chairman Adrian Barraclough says the combination is
unbeatable: “Quickslide has a measurable performance in
respect of manufacturing and customer service and Smart products
are superbly designed and engineered. It is a great combination
that ultimately allows installers to offer the best products
with the confidence they will be right first time and delivered
exactly when they tell their customer they will be there. i
quickslide.co.uk
Flair Plastic Products have just added Kömmerling’s lift & slide PremiDoor patio
door to its product range which is on display at a refurbished showroom in Minworth,
West Midlands.
PremiDoor is capable of some extraordinary measurements, with maximum sash sizes of 3 metres
wide, 2.5 metres high and the option of four sashes. The frame section is 168mm deep and extruded
in the company’s proven, lead-free Greenline compound. The new patio door is designed to let in
more light than a typical bi folding door and is available in a variety of different colours and finishes.
Adrian Keegan, strategic consultant at Flair comments: “This is a genuine alternative to the bi-folding
door system, as there’s more glass and the reassurance it’s been designed by Kömmerling. The 6
metre wide two pane patio door really is the flagship product in the new showroom.
John England of Kömmerling concludes: “Flair are a perfect example of a fabricator that has
switched to Kömmerling and enjoyed profitable growth. Our close working relationship with them
should help continue their impressive sales momentum.” i profine-group.com
theinstaller | Products & Projects | 33

products & projects
effort to secure patio door lever
Synseal has teamed up with hardware suppliers Yale and Paddock to develop a new patio lever that combines
aesthetics, function and security concerns – synseal.co.uk
Synseal approached Assa Abloy (Yale’s parent company that also owns Paddock) to develop a product that will allay any
concerns the homeowners may have in terms of security, while offering a very attractive option.
“Synseal is excited to be bringing this market-leading product
to market,” explains Mark Frain, Synseal’s hardware category
manager. “We have liaised very closely with the industry’s
leading hardware developers to offer something unique to our
customers.
“Not only can homeowners be assured that their patio doors
have the finest hardware mechanisms, they are also among the
most secure.”
The new six-hook stainless steel Yale patio lock with onepiece
striker is available in Chrome, White and Gold. i
Total Glass has completed a major window and
door refurbishment at a sheltered housing scheme
for older people in a conservation area close to Liverpool’s
Anglican Cathedral.
End-of-life timber windows were replaced with 179 fullyreversible
aluminium windows manufactured in a RAL 8017
satin brown finish using the Sapa Dualframe 75 System.
Total Glass also installed the high-performance Sapa
Dualframe Window Wall System in several corridors to
enhance natural light and thermal efficiency in communal
areas. External security was upgraded with new ground floor
entrance doors from the Sapa Stormframe range.
Andrew Sheil, Commercial Projects Manager at Total Glass
commented: “Maintaining the aesthetics in blending the old
with the new met the planning conditions in this important
conservation area and feedback from residents has been very
positive.” i
totalglass.com
Synseal Extrusions will be exhibiting at Ecobuild
(Stand N15) this year, to promote its wide range of
environmentally focussed products and initiatives.
The company has developed a range of plastic thermal reinforcements
(PTRs) for its Legend, Synerjy and Shield profiles
which are made from 100% recycled material and have been
designed to make windows more energy efficient than those
reinforced with steel.
Investing in recycled products such as PTRs can cut down on
window fabrication costs, increase profit, and still meet the criteria
set down by the revised Building Regulations.
Other advantages
of PTRs over steel are
that they eradicate
corrosion problems;
are less expensive
and lighter; are easier
and faster to fit and
looking beyond installation
to the distant
future makes the entire
PVCU frame 100%
recyclable.
Evolve vertical sliding
sash windows have been designed make it easier for contractors
to construct energy efficient homes with traditional good
looks.
Legend window design options include recycled reinforcements,
multi-chambered heat reduction profiles and a lead free
process. i synseal.co.uk
Patio Door Specialists have now taken Kömmerling’s lead-free
PremiLine patio door system on board.
Darren Dimmock, a director of Patio Door Specialists comments: “The
square outer frame, availability of 9 colours from stock and system design
were the primary reasons for the change. We’ve also found Kömmerling to
be flexible to our needs with a very impressive service level and we’re
already working with them on a new and exciting product development.”
Some of these key features Dimmock mentions include the long lasting stainless
steel tracks, ability to achieve large sash sizes and the option of a designer
full length aluminium handle. The square outer frame can be either welded
or mechanically jointed for ease of transportation for large doors, while
colour options extend to white, golden oak, Irish Oak, rosewood, cream,
black, Chartwell Green, Grey and whitegrain. i profine-group.com
theinstaller | Products & Projects | 35

products & projects
new label sticker selling tool
Swisspacer has introduced a ‘Swisspacer Inside’ label to help installers sell
more energy efficient windows.
The new window label stickers carry the company’s distinctive logo and bear
the strapline ‘At the heart of energy saving windows’.
Marketing and Sales Manager Vic De Costa says: “Our new label is a key part
of a campaign to encourage fabricators and installers to ask for Swisspacer. Swisspacer gives the best thermal
performance and it lasts – the energy savings you get now are the energy savings you get in 10 years time. The
labels are a great selling tool for explaining the Swisspacer message to homeowners. Installers can say to
homeowners, ‘look for the label’, signifying top performing, long-lasting windows. i
swisspacer.com
SFS intec has developed its new JB-D window bracket
system with the growing demand in external insulation
on homes and commercial builds in mind.
The system has been designed to ensure the secure setting of windows
over external insulation zones and the configuration counteracts
the heavier loads imposed by triple glazed units. It is verified
by IFT Rosenheim testing.
Nigel Wood, Business Development Manager at SFS intec,
explains: “With a huge focus on Government schemes like the
Green Deal and the Energy Company Obligation this year,
energy efficiency remains high on everyone’s agenda. The
specification of external wall insulation for example, has
increased due to its efficiency in improving a building’s thermal
performance by minimising heat loss and heat gain, reducing
heating costs by as much as 40%. However, this growing
demand has meant an increase in insulation causing the cavities
within the wall’s construction to widen, calling for a new approach
to window installation.”
Using a bracket system, like the JB-D, reduces the likelihood of
the frame sagging or dropping into the insulation zone,
preventing damage and costly financial implications. i
sfsintec.biz
Saint-Gobain Glass has launched SGG Miralite
Revolution, a mirror that has been developed using new technologies
which lower the environmental impact during manufacture,
whilst keeping exceptional durability and clarity.
The low ecological footprint achieved in the production of
Miralite Revolution is a key benefit. 30% recycled glass is used
in its production whilst a reduction of CO 2 has been achieved
through the re-treatment and re-use of water, recycling of metal
residues and cullet recycling. No lead, copper or any toxic
substances are used in the production of the mirror whilst ultra
low volatile organic compound emissions maintain inside air
quality making non-harmful to health. These significant and
measurable environmental benefits may be used in commercial
buildings to help achieve higher BREEAM standards, supported
fully by an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) and Life
Cycle Assessment.
Miralite Revolution offers discernibly improved quality
compared to traditional mirrors whilst also significantly
increasing durability through the improved anti-corrosion
techniques used in its manufacture, making it the best
performing and most robust mirror Saint-Gobain Glass have
produced to date. i
saintgobainglass.co.uk
Dynatech Engineering, manufacturer of Locit window and door cable safety restrictors,
has achieved the requirements set under the new ‘Construction Products
Regulation’, enabling the company to use CE Marking on its product range ahead
of the 1st July, 2013 deadline.
Locit MD Andrew Lane comments: “With the new Construction Products Regulations rapidly
approaching we wanted to be able to support customers and prepare our products. Ultimately,
individuals and organisations manufacturing or installing windows and doors are responsible for
ensuring products carry a CE mark. We wanted to provide customers with as much support as possible
and assure them when using our products, they were tested and complied.
All Locit window cable safety restrictors and door restrictors will carry a CE mark from the end of
March 2013 and should an installer, builder or fabricator require certification proof, they will be able
to obtain documentation directly from Dynatech or Chris Law at Sash Jack. i sashjack.co.uk
34 | Products & Projects | theinstaller

PROFINDER
www.profinder.eu
Tel: 07814 209789 Email: mehreen.haroon@profinder.eu
Doors Folding Sliding
Flyscreens
PVC-U Doors &
Windows
Profile Bending
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• Flyscreen Systems for Windows & Doors
• Insect Mesh for Cladding & Ventilation
Tel: 01454 238288 Fax: 01454 238988
sales@flyscreen.com www.flyscreen.com
Leading the way through Quality and Service
Arched & Angled
Frame Specialists
For more information
call +44 (0)1744 612844
fax +44 (0)1744 694250
or visit www.universalarches.com
To fill this space
Call Mehreen Haroon 07814
209789
mehreen.haroon@profinder.eu
Hardware –
Door & Window
Secondary Glazing
TRADE
MARK
SUMMIT DOUBLE GLAZING
Secondary Windows, Patio Doors,
Residential Doors, Double Glazing
Unit 5, Woodford Trading Est.
Southend road, Woodford Green
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Telephone: 0208 531 7525
Fax: 0208 551 0883
sales@summitdoubleglazing.com
www.summitdoubleglazing.com
www.glass-handling.co.uk
PVC-U Glass Handling & Equipment
www.glass-handling.co.uk • www.glass-handling.co.uk
Specialist Manufacturers of
Standard & Bespoke Glass
& Profile Handling Equipment
A.W.T. Limited, Unit 3, Lodge Road, Radcliffe, Bury, Lancs M26 1AL
Telephone: (0161) 723 1551 • Fax: (0161) 723 5115
Manufacturers of lifting and storage products
for the flat glass and glass processing industry
Tel 01744 889955
www.glassltd.co.uk
email graham@glassltd.co.uk
www.glass-handling.co.uk

PROFINDER
www.profinder.eu
Tel: 07814 209789
For all your access control
and door hardware
solutions
● Electric Strikes
● Deadlocking Bolts
● Waterproof Keypads
● Compact Shearlocks
● Deadlocks & Deadlatches
● Lock Accessories
● Transom Door Closers
● Vortex Magnets
01202 676262
info@alpro.co.uk
www.alpro.co.uk
Access Systems
Email: mehreen.haroon@profinder.eu
To fill this
space
Call Mehreen
Haroon
07814 209789
mehreen.haroon@profinder.eu
Aluminium Systems
Baypole Jacks
Jacking kits for £5.00 each
Systems Duraflex, Swish24/7, Eurocell,
Status, Synseal, Kommerling, Veka
CAP DESIGNS LIMITED
53 Pound Lane Central,
Basildon, Essex, SS15 4EX
Phone: 0844 4772505
Fax: 0871 2214305
E-mail: capjacking@aol.com
Ref: Inst11 Web: www.capdesigns.co.uk
You can buy jacking kits from as
little as £5.00 each (subject to
order). Kits manufactured to fit
most systems with various loadings.
Top and bottom adjustments meet
Fensa requirements.
Shaped Aluminium Windows & Louvres
*Circular *Radial Cornered *Arched *Elliptical
*Gothic *Rectangular *Trapezoidal *Curved-on-Plan
also Aluminium & Stainless Fabrications ‘Trade Suppliers’
by Midland Alloy Ltd., Stafford Park 17,Telford,TF3 3DG
Tel: 01952 290961 www.radialwindows.com Fax: 01952 290441
Aluminium Windows and Doors
Tel No: 01733 555535
Fax No: 01733 897500
Email: info@aluminiumandglass.co.uk
www.aluminiumandglass.co.uk
• Manufacturers of glazed
aluminium bi-folding doors,
windows, curtain walling, patio
doors and roofing systems.
•
• Nationwide delivery
For beautiful colours guaranteed
to last insist on using
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on your
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Tel: 0121 3268020
Fax: 0121 3271507
www.kolorbond.co.uk
email: enquiries@kolorbond.co.uk
Consumables
Order online at www.mywindowmate.co.uk
Fixings ● silicones ● Sealants ● Foams
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PROFINDER WINTER PRODUCT REVIEW
REHAU
rehau.co.uk
TuffX
ambiglass.co.uk
REHAU Total 70 launched
REHAU has launched a number
of new multi-chamber
70mm profiles in the REHAU
Total 70 system which open
up a whole raft of opportunities
for customers. The new
five and six chamber
profiles offer
up to 16% better
thermal efficiency
than can be
achieved with
REHAU’s existing
three chamber
profiles, and crucially
also give fabricators
and
installers the option of using a
wide range of glass and
spacer bar options to reduce
the cost of their finished windows
and doors.
T: 01989 762600
rehau.co.uk
Ambi-Max best choice
for Fairview
Product quality and consistently
reliable service have ensured
repeat business from
Fairview Windows for TuffX
Conservatory Roof Glass.
Since TuffX launched the
Ambi-Max glass roofing option,
Fairview Windows has
installed the superlength units
in a number of bespoke conservatories
in and around the
Cheshire area, using various
glass colours. For Fairview it
has proved a popular addition
as it provides more scope
with conservatory design
www.ambiglass.co.uk
Phoenix phoenixdoorpanels.co.uk Aico aico.co.uk
Make an entrance with
Phoenix Door Panels
Bespoke composite door options
from Phoenix Door Panels
include twin doors, stable
doors and a door and hinged
side panel, plus toplights, etc,
offering installers greater
scope to satisfy even the most
discerning purchaser for all
types of properties. Available
with arguably the largest
choice of glazing designs in
the industry and quick delivery,
all doors are manufactured
to the highest quality
standards in various colour
options and finishes as well as light and dark woodgrain
shades on both sides. info@phoenixdoorpanels.co.uk
T. 01487 740469
Introduced to encourage
widespread adoption of life
saving technology, the new
Aico range has been designed
with sealed in Lithium
batteries, thus largely overcoming
the problem of battery
removal by the resident.
The battery unit is not only
tamper proof but being
Lithium (rather than standard
AA batteries), cannot be used
to replace batteries in other
household devices. The units
are smaller, slimmer and
sleeker - which is sure to suit
all residential environments.
The Test button has also been
redesigned and is now larger
to make testing the alarm easier
than ever before. For installers,
the alarm design has
added benefits as it features a
simple twist on mounting base
which offers numerous fixing
options for ceiling or wall
mounting.
aico.co.uk or contact Aico
on T: 0870 758 4000
CWG Choices alternative2timber.com Aztec Systems aztecsystems.net
No Rotting! No Painting!
No Staining! says CWG
Choices
The ‘Choices’ Alternative 2
Timber range of windows
and doors provides all the
authenticity of wooden windows
and doors without the
upkeep. Strength and thermal
efficiency obtained buy utilising
modern glazing technologies
means they are ideal for
19th century dwellings to
modern new builds.
alternative2timber.com/
choices
Widespand project by
Aztec Systems
A combination of effort between
installer WDC and fabricator
CRS, using the Aztec
conservatory roof system, has
resulted in an impressive 14m
long reverse lean-to verandah
conservatory complete with 5m
long bi-fold
doors. Owner
Sue Meyers
says: “ The suppliers
have delivered
exactly
what I wanted.”
Colin Jones of
WDC adds:
“Achieving the
integrity of the
roof over such a
big span of bi-folds was easy
using the Aztec roof. As far as
we and our fabricator CRS
know, only the Aztec roof can
accommodate up to 5m without
additional structural support.”
t. 0151 678 0691
aztecsystems.net

PROFINDER WINTER PRODUCT REVIEW
Sturge Industries sturge.co.uk Tremco illbruck tremco-illbruck.co.uk
Sturge – the bead chains
for blinds experts – say
that where safety comes first,
(home, school, nursery or
hopsital), customers should
insist on fitting a ‘Control-
Gard’, the company’s
renowned system. Control-
Gard is easy to fit, low cost,
offers stylish design, eliminates
untidy chains or cords
(and their associated
weight), enhances blind operation,
secures against the
wall and is suitable for both
roller and vertical blinds.
Sturge Industries Limited
Blackbrook Business Park,
Narrowboat Way, Dudley,
West Midlands DY2 0XQ
T. 01384 455426
F. 01384 254773
enquiries@sturge.co.uk
sturge.co.uk
The illbruck i3 system for
perimeter sealing of windows
and doors
incorporates a
triple combination
of products to effectively
seal on
three levels: the
breathable illbruck
Compriband TP600 External
Weather Seal works on the outside
junction, while the thermal
and acoustic insulation layer,
closing the gap around the
frame, comes in the form of illbruck
FM230 Window Seal
Foam. Then the airtight illbruck
ME500 Duo Flexible Window
Membrane offers an internal
airtight seal. The high performance
i3 glazing system, developed
by Tremco illbruck for
Passiv Haus projects and other
developments requiring excellent
airtightness, has now
achieved BBA approval, proving
its suitability in service.
tremco-illbruck.co.uk
Brio briouk.com Kenrick kenricks.co.uk
Brio’s Weatherfold
4c exterior
folding
door and window
bottom
rolling system
has been designed
to suit
applications
where the supporting
structure
or lintel cannot
accommodate the weight of
the door panel or where
space in the head is limited.
Weatherfold 4c is available
for panels up to and including
75kgs (165lbs) and
panel heights of up to 3.3m
(10ft 9in).
Sash Jack Ltd
The hardware is available in
satin stainless, polished stainless,
PVD brass and PVD
black with a choice of four
hinge types – non-mortice,
mortice square corner, mortice
radius corner and nonmortice
for composite clad
doors.
briouk.com
sashjack.co.uk
New Locit tilt & turn
window restrictor
The new Locit tilt & turn restrictor
has been designed
to address several common
problems including window
sashes ‘jumping’ and slamming
shut in windy conditions.
The restrictor
is manufactured
from stainless steel
instead of nylon,
eliminating the risk
of snapping or
breaking once fitted
and is specially
designed with precision
cut-outs in the
arm of the restrictor
to hold the window
frame tilt and turn pin securely.
Chris Law, Sash Jack,
M. 07900 891110 or
Andrew Lane, Dynatech
Engineering,
T. 01902 637797
Kenrick Intercepts with
new lock
Kenrick has unveiled its new Interceptor
high security espagnolette
which benefits from twin
adjustable mushroom cams
and a 62mm unhanded diecast
gearbox. Interceptor has
been designed to fit most Eurogroove
systems and for additional
flexibility, is available in
a 20mm and 22mm backset,
7.5mm and 9mm cam height
and in bar sizes from 280mm
to 1400mm. It assists in
BS7950 compliance, is Secured
by Design approved and
comes with a 10 year mechanical
guarantee.
VBH (GB)
greenteQ handle
is Alpha
product
greenteQ Alpha
and Alpha Curve
door handles are
becoming firm
favourites with installers.
Long and short
backplate options,
with sprung
or unsprung
levers, Alpha fits
most locks and the choice of
straight Alpha or scrolled
Alpha Curve satisfies all tastes.
Alpha is available in PVD gold,
polished, satin and smokey
chromes, white and black.
Kenrick
Tel: 0121 553 2741
swilliams@kenricks.co.uk
kenricks.co.uk
VBH (GB) Ltd
Tel: 01634 236 30
sales@vbhgb.com
www.vbhgb.com
vbhgb.com