Wednesday 31 December 2014

Wishing you a Happy and Prosperous New Year



 Happy New Year from the team at The Door Industry Journal

We will resume our daily blog posts on Monday 5th January 2015



Image credit: © mictoon / Dollar Photo Club





























Wednesday 24 December 2014

Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year


 We are now closed for the Christmas and New Year holiday period and have taken a break from our daily posts until we re-open on Monday 5th January 2015.


We would like to thank our followers, readers, contributors and last but not least our advertisers for their support during 2014.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year from the team here at The Door Industry Journal.



Image credits:
© nito / Dollar Photo Club  (top)
© Maksim Pasko / Dollar Photo Club  (bottom)























Monday 22 December 2014

Garador heats up for winter


Keeping a home well insulated during winter is vital to ensure comfort, cost saving and also to help reduce overall carbon emissions.

However, few realise that an insulated garage can be as important as a well insulated house. This is especially the case for integral garages when there is a connecting door between the garage and the home; or when warmth is required in the garage because it is used for storage or other activities.

Garador now offers a range of insulation options to ensure housebuilders and homeowners can find the very best garage door for every property.

For instance, on their popular sectional doors, Garador offer a Premium insulated option which ensures the highest levels of thermal insulation and structural rigidity. Each 42 mm thick double-skin steel section is evenly filled with 100% CFC-free PU rigid foam with a seal between each section. Garador also offer sturdy rubber weather seals on all sides of the door to help keep the elements out. On the Garador GaraRoll door, the aluminium profiles are filled with a CFC free polyurethane foam to provide good thermal insulation and enhance energy savings.

Garador is conscious of environmental impact and this not only covers the development of insulation for their garage doors but also their manufacturing processes. At their UK factory, the company has implemented a dedicated recycling scheme, where all metals, plastics, paints and packing materials are recycled or reused wherever possible. They have also installed an intelligent energy management system which helps to reduce energy consumption saving many tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.

Find out more about Garador’s full range of garage doors at www.garador.co.uk or call 01935 443701.



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Sunday 21 December 2014

Christmas Sled to Fly at Bonhams Single-owner Carriage Collection Sale

 
One of the world’s finest single-owner collections of Victorian carriages and coaches are to be offered at Bonhams newly announced Carriage Collection Sale on 7 March 2015.

Meticulously collected by a European industrialist, the privately owned collection contains over 150 lots, with some dating back to the 17th century. 
 
The Bonhams sale will be the first time the collection has been publicly viewed, with several lots coming to auction for the first time.
 
1835 Travelling Landau Coach
 
The collection features pieces of great historic importance, such as the ex-Royal British Mews 1835 Travelling Landau Coach above (estimated at £200,000-300,000) – one of the most historically significant carriages to be offered on the open market in many years. 
 
Also in the sale, and perfect for Christmas, two beautifully designed 18th century sleds (below).

18th century sled

Over 30 carriages and coaches will be offered, each from the finest coachbuilders of their day, including Holland & Holland, Guiet& Co, Barker & Co and Van Campenhout. 
 
18th Century Amsterdam Sled, estimated at £4,000-6,000   
 
The coaches will be sold alongside over 150 lots of related memorabilia and three motor cars – an extremely rare 1908Sears Model P Four-Seat High Wheel Runabout, a 1907 Holsman Economy American Buggy and a Brass Radiator Ford Model T Speedster.
 
For further information on Bonhams Carriage Collection sale, visit: www.bonhams.com/auctions


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Saturday 20 December 2014

Ironmongerydirect Targets Increasingly Tech-Savvy Tradespeople with Revamped Mobile Website

Wayne Lysaght-Mason
Managing director at IronmongeryDirect

IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest supplier of ironmongery products, has revamped its mobile website after conducting research that revealed 75 per cent of tradespeople use their smartphone for work.

A poll of more than 10,000 tradespeople by IronmongeryDirect, that challenges the White Van Man stereotype, found smartphones to be the most popular technology device used by tradespeople whilst at work ahead of laptops (56 per cent), tablets (31 per cent) and computer accounting software (29 per cent).

In response to this discovery, IronmongeryDirect’s mobile website has been overhauled with a focus on improving user experience to help tradespeople access its services on the go. The new design was inspired by feedback from over 1,000 customers collected through surveys and face-to-face interviews.

The remodelled site offers customers a better mobile experience with greater support provided throughout the optimised ordering process. For example, the checkout process has been significantly redesigned to make it faster and simpler to add products to the basket and then complete the order. The website now also boasts enhanced product imagery and clearer pricing.

Moreover, tradespeople that place their orders before 8pm will receive next-day delivery, making it even easier for customers to order supplies on the move.

Wayne Lysaght-Mason, managing director at IronmongeryDirect, said: 
“Our research shows that three-quarters of tradespeople now use their smartphone for work, so we decided to revamp our website to make it more accessible to mobile devices.

“The next step was to ask tradespeople what they really needed from a mobile website, and then incorporate what they told us into the final version. So our new site is designed to give our loyal customers exactly what they want, improving the user experience and ensuring they can access our products more easily than ever before.

“With this new offering, we are underlining our commitment to supporting tradespeople in their work and providing them with an outstanding service every time.”

For more information, visit www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk

 
 
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Friday 19 December 2014

Clare Crockett Promoted to Carl F Groupco Marketing Manager

 
Clare Crockett has been promoted to Marketing Manager at Carl F Groupco. She moves from the position of Marketing Executive. Having started work for Carl F, which became Carl F Groupco, as Marketing Assistant in 2008, Clare has risen up the ranks of the company’s management team. 
 
She was first promoted within the organisation when she took on the role of Marketing Executive in 2011. Her qualifications include a BA degree in Marketing Management.

Since joining the company, Clare has been responsible for heading up a number of marketing initiatives including the launch of Carl F Groupco, evolution of the organisation’s 225 page catalogue and web development. She has initiated a successful social media strategy, manages the advertising campaign and oversees the PR programme. Additionally, she takes responsibility for exhibition stand design.

Managing Director John Crittenden advised that the promotion was well deserved and that the career progression reflects Carl F Groupco’s commitment to employee development.

Carl F Groupco Limited
Tel: 01733 393330
For more information visit www.carlfgroupco.co.uk





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Thursday 18 December 2014

Have you read our latest issue yet?



Once again increased support from new and existing advertisers has led to us publishing another 100 page issue

We would just like to remind you, in case you have been busy, that our feature packed Winter 2014 online edition is ready and waiting to be read.

(If you prefer a paper copy see the subscription offer below)

We sincerely hope you enjoy reading some of the features included in this digital issue alongside all the other top quality content we have included in this, our second, milestone edition.

Derek Hibbart, Editor of the Door Industry Journal commented:
"As before, such an achievement has only been made possible through the support of our advertisers, contributors and sponsors who have helped us not only to improve, but also to grow our publication to its present size.

"If you have any comments regarding the content in this issue or suggestions for our next, please email them to us. Whatever you have to say will be most appreciated and acted upon where appropriate".
To read the current Winter issue and a selection of past issues please visit www.dijonline.co.uk . Or if you prefer a paper copy see the subscription offer below.

LOOK AT THIS Seasonal Offer - over 60% off a UK subscription

If you do not currently subscribe to our printed issues, or wish to sign up a colleague, you can do so for only £5.99* for all three 2015 issues via this special link saving you £10.00 on the normal rate of £15.99 - inc. postage.

*UK Only at the £5.99 rate

Europe is £16.99 instead of £26.99 - saving £10

Rest of the world is £24.99 instead of £34.99 - saving £10

Offer ends 31/12/2014.




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Wednesday 17 December 2014

Easy Access Management With Assa’s Cliq™ Range

 
ASSA, part of Security Solutions, a division of ASSA ABLOY UK, has updated the web manager system for its CLIQTM Remote solution.

CLIQ™ Web Manager makes it easier for adminstrators to manage security centrally via web-based software and often eliminates the need to service and monitor locks on site.

CLIQ™ Remote is a solution designed for larger masterkey suites, remote sites and companies with a geographical spread of operations. Providing users with remote access to a building, regardless of location, through a secure web connection.

The new CLIQ™ Web Manager system enables administrators to update authorisations for multiple keys at the same time in a bulk operation. Improvements have also been made in how authorisations are organised and displayed, saving time.

The introduction of a search tool has made it easier to remove authorisations in cases where the user credential lists are long. The filter enables particular cylinders or cylinder groups to be easily located.
 
Nojmol Islam, Product Manager for ASSA, said: 
“Over the course of this year there has been a number of updates to the CLIQ™ Remote system that have made it easier to update access rights. The introduction of the mobile key updater and wall PD has enabled users to update access rights without visiting their administrator.

“The new CLIQ™ Web Manager system now makes it easier for the administrator to change access rights for both small and large organisations, saving them time.

“The system also informs the administrator when the number of access entries in the key exceeds the key’s capacity.”
For further information, visit www.assa.co.uk


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Tuesday 16 December 2014

SWR Spares Online Success…

 
SWR’s new trade website has gone down a storm with customers, with online sales and new online accounts opening at an unprecedented rate.
 
SWR base everything they do on customer feedback and pride themselves on the customer service levels they offer. Their new website has followed this philosophy and has proven a big success.
“We are all really happy with the impact of the new website, and the ongoing customer feedback has really enabled us to get things right. The new improvements are all customer centric, and have made ordering single or repeat stock orders quick and easy for everyone.” enthuses Lisa Bankole.
SWR’s in house development team have created several video tutorials that guide people through the benefits and features of the new site. They have even created a new interactive spring chart, which makes identifying and ordering the correct parts a doddle.
 
Getting Online Now

If you haven’t got an online account yet, all you have to do is register by following the link on the homepage. Failing that, don’t hesitate to contact the sales team who will guide you through every step of the process. With the new site streamlined, easier to use and with quick re-order functionality, it’s hard to see why you wouldn’t make the transition.

Christmas Period

With the Christmas period fast approaching everyone is getting into the Christmas spirit, and SWR are no exception. Every spares order from 15th December will receive a special Christmas choccy. Not to mention that every order placed online over £150* receives free next day delivery.

For more information visit www.swrtradespares.com or call 0800 45 55 55.
 



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Monday 15 December 2014

UK fire doors are not up to the job according to FDIS research

Analysis by the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS) of a sample of assessments* carried out by fire door inspectors has revealed disturbingly common and large scale problems in buildings across the UK.


Identified issues that have the potential to reduce the effectiveness of fire doors to hold back smoke and flames in a fire include:
  • Over 61% had problems with fire or smoke seals
  • More than a third had incorrect signage
  • 230 fire doors inspected had gaps bigger than 3mm between the door and its frame (as specified in BS9999:2008 and BS8214:2008)
  • More than 20% had unsuitable hinges
  • Almost 1 in 6 had damage to the door leaf
Neil Ashdown, FDIS general manager, says:
“These stats make interesting reading showing an average 3.7 faults per door inspected. Fire doors in the majority of UK building stock are not fit for purpose, these are the facts. Compartmentation is the most effective means for providing fire safety and this survey shows how seriously safety is being compromised.’’
 *677 doors were inspected at 31 sites resulting in the identification of 2506 faults.
 



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Sunday 14 December 2014

A Merry Mini Christmas at Barons' Yuletide Classic

1989 Mini 30

A Cherry red 1989 Mini 30, one of 3000 produced in 1989 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of that iconic small car, is to go under the hammer at Barons' Yuletide Classic sale at Sandown Park next Tuesday, December 16th. 

What makes this particular vehicle unique is that it has covered a warranted 137 miles from new; and that was the delivery mileage! The first - and so far only - owner bought the car for his private collection, and the car has been stored in a heated garage since it was driven from the supplying dealer 25 years ago.

It has not been driven on the road since, so has never been MOT'd, and is literally in 'as new' condition. It comes complete with original tax disc, logbook, sales brochure and (unopened) warranty pack and a copy of the book 'Mini Thirty Years On' by Rob Golding, which came with the car courtesy of Austin Rover. The price for this charismatic, pristine little car is £9,750-£11,500.

Mini fans are spoilt for choice in the sale, as no less than six examples are on offer, and all are special in their own way. For rarity value it’s hard to beat the 1977 Vortz Cooper Miglia 1000cc. The car is unique as it was owned by Vortz family members and is a fascinating example of an unusual piece of British motoring history (£6,000-£8,000). 

Also going under the hammer on Tuesday are a 1967 Mini Cooper (£10,000-£13,000), a really splendid 1993 Mini British Open Classic (£9,500-£10,500), a very pretty 1979 Mini Cooper S replica (£4,000-£6,000) and a 1985 Mini City E that has been comprehensively restored (£1,500-£2,500). 

1967 Mini Cooper
In addition to the Minis, Barons' Yuletide Classic features a wide range of classic and collectors' cars to appeal to an equally wide range of buyers. The 1976 VW T2 camper van might just have the edge on the Vortz Cooper in the rarity stakes. There can be few other examples of this charismatic vehicle that have been converted to operate as a cocktail and/or karaoke bar! With drop down side and 6 sq.m opening roof, the T2 comes with bar stools, fridge, sink and on board music equipment. It might not be the ideal T2 to use as accommodation on a surfing weekend, but it would certainly bring the party to the beach – or provide an interesting business opportunity. Estimate £29,000-£32,000.

There’s plenty to choose from for lovers of performance cars. Classic 1960s ‘wind in the hair’ motoring comes in the form of a fine 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII (£28,000-£35,000), while more contemporary potent power is on offer with the 2004 De Tomaso Qvale GTR. One of just 272 built, this is believed to be the only GTR version which features the striking Shelby-style paintwork (£20,000-£25,000).

A little less potent but still offering impressive performance, the fully restored 1974 MkI Ford Escort Mexico – resplendent in its period yellow and black livery – is a superb specimen that would make a fine addition to any collection (£19,000 - £21,000).

The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow has been a popular collectors’ car for many decades, and the 1965 example on offer at Barons is something rather special. Chassis number SRH1020 was hand built on 4th August 1965 and was car number 20. However it is believed that the first eight chassis numbers were all mule and sales demonstrators for Rolls-Royce, making this car actually number twelve off the production line; and possibly the oldest surviving Silver Shadow. Estimate: £9,500-£11,000.


Looking for a ‘starter’ classic? How about a 1972 MG Midget (£2000-£3000) or smart 1970 MG BGT (£3,500-£4,500)? If a classic family car appeals, the 1953 Morris 1000 (£4,750-£5,500), 1971 Morris 1300GT (£7,500-£8,500) or the 1954 Wolseley 4/44, which has been in the same family since new and is priced at £2,000-£3,000, could be just the thing.

Finally, fans of the three-pointed star will find much to please them at Sandown Park, with a wide range of Mercedes-Benz models entered into the sale. From the oldest, a handsome 1961 220SE Coupe with the rare manual transmission (£17,500-£19,500), to more recent examples such as the range of SLs spanning over two decades and 1990s E220 Cabriolets, the German marque is very well represented at Barons.

The sale also includes two rare Opus Editions books - one of only two F1 Opus Champions editions still available and a special limited edition Ferrari Enzo Opus. Autographed by all 22 of the living F1 World Champion drivers – including Lewis Hamilton, Alain Prost, Fernando Alonso, John Surtees, Sir Jackie Stewart, Sebastian Vettel, Nikki Lauda and Michael Schumacher - plus the late, great Phil Hill and Sir Jack Brabham, the F1 Champions Opus carries an estimate of £7,500-£10,000. The Ferrari Enzo Opus has been signed by a host of Ferrari legends and champions and carries an estimate of £6,000-£8,000.

For further information please see www.barons-auctions.com, email info@barons-auctions.com or call 08454 30 60 60.




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Saturday 13 December 2014

Now 250 have successfully passed DHF’s gate safety training course

Two hundred and fifty powered gate installers and specialists have now successfully completed the Door & Hardware Federation powered gate safety diploma training course. With more courses planned, the number of successful trainees is set to rise to 500 by the end of 2015.

The two-day training scheme was launched at the end of 2013 by the DHF Powered Gate Group, in its drive to increase safety levels in the sector. The group represents the leading manufacturers, suppliers, installers and maintainers of powered automatic gates and gate automation equipment.

The training course is aimed at all those responsible for the safety of automatically controlled powered gates including installers, inspectors and those responsible for gate maintenance.

During each course, delegates complete a number of training modules - covering all aspects of gate safety from initial risk assessment through to force testing - in order to obtain their coveted DHF gate safety diplomas. Topics covered include law and regulations, use of standards, risk assessment, testing and inspection, documentation, repair and maintenance.

It is compulsory for all DHF Powered Gate Group to put their personnel through the training scheme. It allows member companies to use the DHF Safety Assured mark which is their customer assurance that specifiers and purchasers have made a responsible and safe choice when choosing and maintaining powered gates.

The diploma course is led by Nick Perkins, DHF training officer. He said: “Raising standards of safety in the industry continues to be the driving force of the federation.

“Thorough and comprehensive training for all those responsible for powered gate safety will underpin our commitment to significantly raising levels of powered gate safety.”

The DHF gate safety diploma training scheme is open to all DHF members and also to non member individuals responsible for installation, assessment and inspection of powered gates. Monthly training courses have now been arranged through to Easter, 2015. 
 
For more information on dates and venues, and to book places, visit www.dhfonline.org.uk/training .




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Friday 12 December 2014

There’s more to Door Closers than Performance

 
Anyone concerned with the design, construction or management of buildings will be aware of the critical role that door closers play in assuring the safety of a building’s occupants in case of fire. They ensure that fire doors close automatically, either at all times or when initiated by fire warning systems, and are held shut against their fire/smoke seals, allowing the door to perform the function for which it is designed.

Whilst performing this vital function reliably is a key factor in product selection, specifiers and managers are becoming increasingly aware of the added benefits that concealed door closers can provide in areas such as safety, risk reduction, reliability and maintenance costs.

Professionals will also be aware of the requirements imposed by the Equality Act to assure unhindered access to facilities for the physically impaired.

Choosing the right door closer for a given application relies not only on assessing the product’s suitability against recognised regulations and performance standards, but also on considering a number of other factors that can have a bearing on the safety, comfort and well-being of the building’s occupants.

Performance requirements
 
The key areas of fire safety and accessibility are governed by a plethora of building regulations, performance standards and best practice guides.
 
Where fire safety is concerned, various requirements come to bear when selecting a door closer, including Approved Document B of the Building Regulations (Technical handbook E in Scotland and Part E in Northern Ireland), BS EN 1154, which governs the performance of controlled door closing devices and BS EN 1634-1, the fire door testing standard. Door closers that are suitable for use on fire doors must carry the CE mark.

With accessibility, parliamentary instruments such as the Equality Act and the Special Education Needs and Disability Act apply in conjunction with Approved Document M of the Building Regulations (Section 3 in Scotland, Part R in Northern Ireland) and BS 8300, which stipulates maximum opening forces for doors on accessible routes.

Finding a door closer that meets relevant fire and accessibility criteria should not be difficult for the majority of applications as most commercially available products will, at the very least, be able to meet the mandatory minimum performance criteria covering the size and weight of doors for which they have been designed.
 
 
Other factors

There are, however, additional factors which should be taken into account when selecting a door closer. These factors can have a significant effect on the ability of the door closer, and fire door, to perform reliably, but also on the quality of the building’s user experience in terms of the safety, comfort and well-being of its occupants, and the aesthetics of the building.

It goes without saying that door closers must, at all times, be able to perform the function for which they are intended. The main reasons for a door closer failing to work are poor reliability and the likelihood of fire doors being wedged open.

Looking at reliability, failure of a door closer can lead to failure of the entire fire door to perform the duty for which it is intended; to keep fire and smoke at bay. In the case of fire, such a failure could be devastating.

Quality of design and manufacture, together with cycle testing of door closers, certainly provide some assurance of a product’s durability, but other factors can have a considerable effect on the ability of a door closer, and fire door, to function at all times.

The need to properly maintain a door closer during its life can impose an undesirable burden on building managers; Powermatic concealed door closers are designed to be maintenance-free and come with lengthy guarantees for added assurance.

Damage limitation

Additionally, if a door closer is damaged, either through some misplaced prank or vandalism, this too can have a detrimental effect on the fire door’s performance, perhaps even stopping the door working all together. In educational buildings and other public facilities, where the users’ duty of care may not be so high, such risks, whether accidental or deliberate, are significant.

Surface mounted door closers, with their obvious control boxes and mechanical arms can present a real temptation for pranksters, whereas concealed door closers virtually eliminate such a risk. Jamb-mounted door closers in particular offer real benefits in this area. Samuel Heath’s Powermatic controlled, concealed door closers are invisible when the door is closed and present very few working parts when the door is open, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage through vandalism.

Wedging fire doors open will obviously prevent the fire door performing its primary function and should be avoided at all times. Despite notices, best practice guides and individual instructions, the practice still goes on, especially in care homes, but also in other facilities.

Recognising the risk, by assessing the needs of a building’s occupants, is the first step in resolving the issue. The solution is either to use hold-open devices or to use free swing door closers, such as Powermatic Free Swing which allows the door to operate manually until the door closer is activated by the building’s fire alarm system.

Risk reduction

There is one further element of safety and risk reduction that is probably not given consideration beyond specialist facilities and that is the risk of a door closer being used as a point of ligature. Sensitive and uncomfortable as the subject might be, the risk should be recognised, perhaps particularly in educational facilities. Whilst full anti-ligature measures would be unnecessary, the risk can be significantly reduced by the use of certain types of concealed door closers. Anecdotal evidence suggests that at least one local authority has replaced traditional box and arm overhead door closers throughout all of its schools with Powermatic concealed door closers in order to reduce the risk of self-harm.
 

Aesthetic appeal

Great looking interiors are not the sole preserve of the designer who wishes to create interiors unencumbered by unattractive mechanical devices. Many health and care professionals recognise the contribution that more homely, less institutionalised interiors can make towards the well-being and recovery of clients in mental health, psychiatric and elderly care facilities.

The highly visible mechanical boxes and control arms that are unavoidable with surface-mounted door closers spoil the appearance of doors and decorative schemes, interfering with the designer’s vision. They can also result in interiors which have a functional rather than comfortable ambience.

Powermatic concealed door closers are jamb-mounted and present no such problems. Totally concealed when the door is closed and hardly noticeable when the door is open, such door closers offer the ideal solution for a wide variety of applications where aesthetics and comfort are valued.

Making the right choice

When selecting the right door closer for any fire or non-fire door situation, the first task will always be to ensure that the product meets the relevant performance requirements in terms of fire safety and accessibility. Once these criteria have been satisfied, other factors should be taken into consideration which can enhance the safety, comfort and well-being of the building’s users, and it is in such areas that Powermatic concealed door closers become the natural choice.



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