The Door Industry Journal: March 2019

Sunday 31 March 2019

Legends to Ride Again at The Classic

The star-studded World GP Bike Legends will be back out in force at this summer’s Silverstone Classic (26-28 July), fronting an enlarged motorcycle showcase at the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival.

Featuring multiple world champions such as Wayne Gardner (AUS), Freddie Spencer (USA) and Raymond Roche (FRA), the presence of World GP Bike Legends has become a major draw at recent Classics and their welcome return for the fourth successive year is certain to be another massive crowd-pleaser.

Even more so as World GP Bike Legends will be helping to power an awesome new bike zone, MotoWorld, putting a spotlight on the world of motorbikes with a commitment to the development of bike content through this exciting new joint initiative with the organisers of the Classic.

Visitors will once again be treated to the stunning spectacle of some of the most beautiful looking – and sounding – racing bikes blasting around the full Grand Circuit ridden by some of the sport’s top names from past epochs. What’s more, fans will be able to meet their heroes with autograph and photo sessions between the dramatic track demos.

“There’ll be the traditional warm biker welcome,” promised Gardner, whose improbable life story from a 5-dollar dirt bike to the 1987 500cc World Championship title has recently been made into a critically-acclaimed movie.

“We always love to impress, inspire and entertain at great venues such as Silverstone – so it is wonderful to be back on the incredible Classic bill for a fourth year in a row.”

Furthering the Classic’s appeal to motorcycle fans, World GP Bike Legends will be based alongside a number of other notable two-wheeled attractions within the event’s all-new MotoWorld.

Located right at the heart of the huge festival, MotoWorld will also be home to an exciting new Ride Live feature where participating motorcycle manufacturers will be invited to offer visitors a not-to-be-missed opportunity to test ride their latest showroom models. Its introduction follows the successful launch of a similar Drive Live initiative for car manufacturers at last summer’s record-breaking Classic.

Also confirmed for the new bike zone is representation from DirtQuake, the flat-track motorbike festival taking place at Arlington Stadium near Eastbourne on 9-10 August.

“By popular demand we’ve seen the motorcycle element increasing year-by-year at the Classic – as a result we are now giving it a proper home within our ever-growing display areas,” explained Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic CEO.

“The idea is for Ride Live to provide enthusiasts with a fabulous chance to experience some of their dream machines while the return of World GP Bike Legends will be a massively popular attraction. Many of these riders represent a golden era for the sport when the bikes were brutal and the ‘legends’ really were true heroes.”

Whether fans of two or four wheels, all those attending this summer’s Classic are guaranteed three days of unrivalled retro racing spectacle enhanced by fun-fuelled family entertainment.

This year’s action-packed 21-race track programme features special anniversary races for Bentleys, Capris and Minis plus evocative showdowns for classic era Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3 single-seaters all together on the same race-card for the very first time.

As well as including unlimited access to both race paddocks plus trackside grandstands, tickets also provide admission to the majority of the funfair rides, infield attractions, interactive activities and amusements for all ages. Also included are the evocatively vibrant live music concerts on both Friday and Saturday evenings, this year honouring the 50th anniversary of the seminal Woodstock festival in 1969.

Full details of all tickets (which must be purchased in advance) – as well as hospitality packages and weekend festival camping – can be found on the official www.silverstoneclassic.com website.

Moreover, those purchasing tickets before the end of March can take advantage of an Early Bird initiative offering significant savings.

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Saturday 30 March 2019

Commtel announce arrival of 4G to TelGuard and Optimus Entry Systems

June 2019 hails the arrival of 4G across the TelGuard and Optimus product ranges. Added to this huge advantage is a new look for both brand’s top selling products.

TelGuard’s ML Solo Plus & Optimus’s E1k, may look very similar, but there are some subtle differences that some engineers and owners will want.

Both have new super strong back-boxes, that include a cushion seal, down light system and an attractive two-tone design.

Also, they now come with Horwood quality sound and enhanced network coverage utilising the latest programming options, including a free to download app.

Commtel’s service has become an industry standard bearer for quality and engineering support, all of which is backed up by a life time commitment.

The new 4G interface, is also being made available across the whole of TelGuard’s comprehensive custom-built range.

To find out more about the range of products available, visit - commtel-uk.com

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Friday 29 March 2019

Postal Workers Win Fight for Letterbox Height Change

Perhaps the position of the letterbox isn’t the first thing that springs to mind when designing a door.

But for the UK’s postal workers, letterbox height is of huge importance – as openings positioned at the bottom of doors can cause serious physical problems, due to the back strain caused by repeatedly bending down to deliver mail. In fact, back injury is the primary cause of sickness in the Royal Mail, which recorded nearly 17,000 back-related absences last year alone.

Low-level letterboxes also present a security risk, as it’s possible for thieves to reach in and steal letters and packets that are sitting close to the opening. ‎

Both the Royal Mail and the Communications Workers Union (CWU) - which represents UK postal workers – have been campaigning to have minimum letterbox height guidelines enshrined in law.

The Irish government set a precedent for such a move back in 2001, when – after sustained pressure from postal workers and many injury claims - it outlawed the use of low-level letter boxes in the front doors of all new homes.

And it looks like the UK will soon follow suit.

After concerted lobbying of MPs, government ministers, local authorities and developers, the issue rose to parliamentary prominence in January when a Private Members Ten Minute Rule Bill - sponsored by the CWU and Royal Mail - was presented to the House of Commons. This received the support of all parties.

As a result, the Building Regulations Advisory Committee, which advises the Secretary of State on building regulations, has formally endorsed the call for change and will include the issue within the formal review of UK Building Regulations later this year. This means that a minimum letterbox height for new doors will soon become law.

CWU National Health and Safety Officer Dave Joyce is delighted with the news, saying that:

“The Government has this target of a million new homes to be completed by the end of 2020 and large developments with Low Level Letter Boxes are a nightmare for postal workers. The Union has had to tackle the problem by challenging builders piecemeal when they install low level letterboxes in big numbers without the force of law behind us and this news couldn’t have come at a better time.”

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Thursday 28 March 2019

The Spring edition of the DIJ is here!

Spring has sprung and I hope you’re enjoying the nice weather that has come with it. Unfortunately, things are still somewhat clouded in our sector by the uncertainty surrounding Brexit.

But one thing you can be certain of is that spring means the latest issue of the DIJ is with you.

And we’ve been doing a bit of seasonal cleaning and updating of our mailing database, adding lots of new recipients, so you may be reading this magazine for the very first time.

But, whether you are a new reader or old, here’s a peek at what’s inside:

Find out more about Hormann UK, as it recognises a significant business milestone by celebrating its 40th anniversary (page 6)

How women are succeeding in our male dominated industry (page 10)

Discover the range of innovative new products in the AlluGuard range, launched recently to its dealers (page 34)

The lowdown on the upcoming MLA Expo 2019 (page 36)

Castle Doors Group is on a mission to revive the Wessex brand (page 43)

Find out why Aluroll’s exclusive Teleco control panel is quickly becoming an industry favourite (page 51)

Discover the ten reasons why Woodrite is so happy to promote Accoya garage doors (page 52)
The secrets behind one of the world’s fastest growing industrial door manufacturers - BMP Doors (page 76)

Jewers takes a trip Down Under - on the Canberra Metro (page 86)

Hinge protection problems, solved. Four ways you can avoid an issue that’s too often overlooked (page 100)

That should be enough to keep you going!

I hope you enjoy this issue - I’ll be with you again in the summer.

Derek Hibbart
Editor

www.dijonline.co.uk

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Wednesday 27 March 2019

Secureroll Colour Range Expands as Chartwell and Moss Green available on Compact Doors

Aluroll’s Secureroll roller garage doors are renowned for their large range of standard colours.

Rather than separating the colour offering into different price bandings, as is commonplace in the marketplace, all 21 solid colours and painted wood effects are available within the standard door price. Better yet, solid colour doors come with matching box and guides at no extra cost.

Of those standard colours, a handful are available on the Classic (77mm profile) door only. Those included Chartwell Green and Moss Green, which were previously unavailable on the Compact (55mm) door. As colour trends shift, Aluroll had observed an increase in demand for these colours across both profiles.

Close supplier relationships allow Aluroll to constantly review their colour offering to give installers and end users the widest possible choice. As a result they have ensured Chartwell Green and Moss Green are now available on both Compact and Classic doors.

A slightly longer lead time may apply for the Compact door, although the Aluroll sales team will be able to provide an estimated delivery date at the point of order.

The Classic door still benefits from additional non-standard colour options too, including wood laminate finishes and the option to colour match any RAL reference using Aluroll’s in-house powder coating facility.

For more information visit www.aluroll.co.uk or email sales@aluroll.co.uk to request up-to-date resources, including the Secureroll colour sheet and price list.

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Tuesday 26 March 2019

TECTUS® GLASS: Winner at the Architectural Ironmongery Specification Awards

SIMONSWERK UK are pleased to announce that the new TECTUS Glass has been awarded ‘Best new product design and innovation 2019’ at the Architectural Ironmongery Specification Awards. Organised by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers and in conjunction with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

The category is new for 2019 and has been created to celebrate new door and window hardware products, allowing advancing technologies to be fully showcased and recognised.

The winners of the AI Specification Awards were announced on Thursday 21st March at the OXO2 in the OXO Tower building in London. Industry professionals gathered to identify and reward excellence in the specification of architectural ironmongery.

TECTUS Glass - Flush glass doors in the limelight

The New TECTUS Glass provides aesthetic and functional solution for the minimal, flush-fitting installation of glass doors. The completely concealed hinge system creates a flush door structure for interior rooms.

The design of the hardware solution is elegant and minimalistic. TECTUS TEG 310 2D makes sure that the door leaf lies in the same plane as the hinge and the frame. The hinge system carries load capacities up to 80 kg. The overall installation is extremely easy as no glass preparation is required.

The concealed hinge system gives the glass door unprecedented transparency and lightness, for contemporary interior design concepts. The patented hinge technology is barely visible and provides a reliable and durable function due to the stable hinge properties.

The hinge technology is suitable for 8 and 10 mm glass doors in interior constructions for high-quality residential and heavy-duty projects with timber, steel and aluminium frames.

Comprehensive hardware solution for glass doors

The new glass door solution from SIMONSWERK includes not only the TECTUS Glass hinge system but also a magnetic latch and handles as an alternative to standard components. The closing magnet and the strike plate on the frame provide a contactless and silent closing process which can be adjusted to the desired latching strength of the door.

All components of the new solution have a minimalistic design and are therefore suitable for use with modern timber interior doors.

Complete information on the new hinge technology and the whole product range can be found at www.simonswerk.co.uk

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Monday 25 March 2019

Project Specification Group redefines service offering

Project Specification Group, a unit of ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland, has redefined its capabilities in light of its recent rebrand.

After the unveiling of its new name, Project Specification Group is taking the opportunity to shout about its new and improved service offering.

With a new Project Design Team made up of dedicated and experienced Project Design Consultants, Project Specification Group can support customers at every stage, from design and specification, to installation and ongoing maintenance.

With such a wide range of capabilities, the Project Design Consultants can source and supply all door and ironmongery requirements, seeing a project through from start to finish.

What’s more, throughout integration with the ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland’s BIM-enabled product specification tool, Openings Studio™, the Project Design Team is able to accommodate any building design, delivering high quality and design-led solutions.

Brian Sofley, Director for Project Specification Group, comments:

“We are constantly evolving our capabilities within a wide range of sectors and are positioning ourselves at the forefront of door opening and ironmongery innovation and technology.

“From industry-changing solutions in Openings Studio™, to door furniture that fuses form with function – Project Specification Group can help at any stage of a project. We can even help support and develop a digital twin of a client’s doorsets on any building project and develop cost effective and tailored associated BIM integrated doorsets, complete with images.
“By offering tailored solutions from our bespoke product ranges, our customers are guaranteed both quality and style whether they are looking for doorsets, ironmongery, access control or custodial solutions.

“In fact, our versatile and design-led door opening solutions have been incorporated into some of the country’s most prestigious buildings and landmarks, meeting the needs of customers, whether they be architects, facilities managers or end users.”

To find out more, please call 0845 071 0882 to speak with an experienced ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions Project Design Consultant, email ukspecification@assaabloy.com or please visit www.assaabloyopeningsolutions.co.uk.

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Sunday 24 March 2019

Thornley Kelham offers Stunning Fully-Restored Lancia Aurelia B20GT Series 3

Cotswolds-based concours restoration specialist Thornley Kelham is proud to offer this beautiful Lancia Aurelia B20GT Series III for sale. With over 1,200 man hours spent on metalwork alone, no detail has been overlooked in returning the car to its original glory.

As restoration specialists with an expert understanding of the intricacies of the Lancia marque, Thornley Kelham has revived this Series III to exacting factory standards - with exceptional attention to detail. Finished in its factory-original shade of ‘Amaranto’, with cream wheels and a light grey interior, this concours-worthy classic also has the desirable upgrade of a ‘Nardi’ floor change transmission.

Thornley Kelham has carried out some of the most renowned Lancia restorations in recent years and is particularly known in Aurelia circles for two ends of the restoration scale – the unique period Mille Miglia/Le Mans racer of Giovanni Bracco, and the now-famous limited-edition Lancia Aurelia ‘Outlaw’.

As industry leaders in Lancia restoration, Thornley Kelham restores and rebuilds concours-winning vehicles within its 32,000sq/ft workshop based near Cirencester. With purpose-built engine, metalwork and paint shops, the restoration team is able to carry out every last detail of any restoration to exacting standards.

Covering over half-a-century of automotive history, Thornley Kelham’s restorations routinely see them revive vehicles as varied as 1920’s W.O Bentleys (3, 4½, 6.5 or 8 litre) and a Mercedes Benz 300SL ‘Gullwing’.

Lancia only manufactured 720 examples of the Series III, with this car being one of the last twenty. According to the original logbook, this Series III Aurelia was imported into the UK in January 1963, having originally been registered in Italy. All numbers match to this document, as does the specification of the car.

The previous owner collected the car post-restoration and immediately embarked on a 2000 mile-round Alpine trip; returning the car for its first service with only a minor oil leak. The car has been tried and tested throughout its post-restoration life and has proved itself as a reliable and capable Aurelia as they were in period.

An incredibly advanced vehicle when launched, Thornley Kelham’s extensive experience in, and understanding of, all series of these innovative cars gives them the knowledge to set them up perfectly.

Having covered just over 5,000 miles since the restoration, and following a recent service, this 1953 B20GT is the perfect automobile for grand touring, classic rallying and more.

This stunning Aurelia one of six classic Lancias currently available at Thornley Kelham, full details of which can be found here: www.thornleykelham.com

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Saturday 23 March 2019

Capital Entrance to Crossrail Link

GEZE UK has provided a capital entrance to a new station that is part of London’s new Crossrail network.

Abbey Wood is a pivotal station on the south eastern stretch of the new Elizabeth line and provides overground and underground rail connections to central London and beyond.

The new station has been developed by architects Fereday Pollard in organic curved lines, using natural materials. Its light and airy feel is enhanced by two GEZE bi-parting ECdrive automatic sliding doors doors which are incorporated in a glazed fascia, over which hangs the eaves of the great arched timber roof.

ECdrives have been specifically designed for use in busy areas, making them ideal for a continuous flow of footfall with large numbers of people who need to enter or exit simultaneously. The drive uses GEZE’s activation technology to open the doors automatically, allowing travellers to access the station’s concourse through left-and-right-hand entrances, quickly and safely.

A practical and effective entrance was deemed essential for the smooth running of the station, encouraging people to cross the threshold and identify their platform with ease, thereby preventing bottlenecks and assisting the delivery of seamless rail services throughout the day.

The doors, which were supplied through Vitrine Systems of Surrey, were installed with pivot protection screens which allow them to slide into ‘pockets’ - an extra safety feature which reduces the risk of fingers getting caught during operation.

Sales and marketing director Andy Howland said:

“It is a real honour to be involved in this project which in itself if part of an awe-inspiring feat of engineering. We are delighted that GEZE products will be opening doors to this station which will play a pivotal role in the success of the new Elizabeth line when it opens.”

For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door closers call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk

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Friday 22 March 2019

Yale and Force 8 continue Stable Partnership with New Bespoke Lock

The longstanding partnership between Yale and Force 8 has been strengthened after Yale developed a stable door lock for the company, enabling its range of stable doors to gain PAS24:2016 accreditation.

The bespoke lock delivers impeccable security, featuring a hook and anti-lift pin on both the top and bottom leaf, along with a combination of hook and deadbolt centre cases. The new lock has been carefully designed to complement both modern and traditional stable door styles in the Force 8 range.

The project came about due to the long-established relationship between the two companies. Leading window and door manufacturer, Force 8, has been using Yale’s Mantis multipoint door lock for over 15 years and it was the quality and reliability of this lock that led Force 8 to turn to Yale in its search for a new stable door solution.

“The Mantis multipoint door lock really is a first-class solution, so we felt confident that Yale would be able to produce an excellent stable lock as well,” explains Dennis Sumner, Managing Director at Force 8. “We’re delighted with the result because it scores equally high marks for security and style, which is exactly what we were after.

“We often look to Yale when it comes to the security of our products and find their locks and service to be very good. As well as the new stable door lock and the Mantis lock, we also use the Yale Platinum 3 Star cylinder, various Yale door handles, and the Yale Elite Escutcheon.”

With its new Yale stable lock, Force 8’s GRP foam-filled stable door has successfully achieved PAS24:2016 accreditation. This demonstrates that it has satisfied a range of criteria, based on extensive testing, to prove it can resist common methods of attack from burglars.

Pete Niblock, Area Sales Manager at Yale Door & Window Solutions comments:

“We are always happy to develop bespoke solutions that meet our customers’ exact needs.

“Force 8 are a longstanding and valued Yale customer, and we took pride in working closely with them to develop a solution that looked great with their stable doors while also delivering the highest standards of security.”

Established for 30 years, family-run Force 8 is one of the leading manufacturers and installers of windows and doors in the Stockport and Cheshire area.

To learn more about Yale DWS and its product range, visit www.yaledws.co.uk. For more information on Force 8, visit www.force8.uk.

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Thursday 21 March 2019

P C Henderson Release New Husky Soft Stop Sliding Door Hardware

Sliding and folding door hardware manufacturer, P C Henderson, is pleased to announce the launch of its latest innovative hardware solution to the market.

The company’s new Husky Soft Stop product caters for sliding doors weighing up to 100kg and comes complete with dual soft close and open – providing a next generation product to the company’s existing Husky sliding system.

P C Henderson’s existing Husky sliding system has become renowned in the industry as a reliable, cost effective sliding door solution for interior applications. The company has built on this success by developing Husky Soft Stop – a far superior version of the product boasting a built in dual soft close and opening mechanism.

Andrew Royle, Sales and Marketing Director at P C Henderson, commented:

“Soft stop mechanisms in sliding door hardware solutions are becoming expected as standard in the industry. We’ve taken one of our most popular and dependable systems and created a next generation version - whilst still upholding the robust and high quality manufacturing standards which has made it so prevalent today”.

The system comes pre-assembled and is concealed within the track upon installation – providing an extremely minimalistic finish. Purposefully developed in five kit variants for different weight ranges, the product is tuned to ensure optimum performance and smooth operation every time – whether operating a 10kg or 100kg door.

“The system catches the door in its final moments of travel and gently pulls it into its final position. What this results in is an extremely sophisticated system which also provides a host of practical benefits - zero slamming, silent operation and improved product longevity. The product is also one of our easiest systems to install – the soft stop damper comes pre-assembled so there’s very little for the installer to do”, continued Andrew.

Husky Soft Stop is available for wooden and metal doors, providing dual soft close and open for doors weighing up to 80kg and soft close only for doors weighing up to 100kg. The kit is supplied with everything required to hang a sliding door – only the track must be specified separately – providing customers with the freedom to cater for any opening width. For bi-parting doors, two kits can be used together.

View more information at www.pchenderson.com

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Wednesday 20 March 2019

Make DHF your first Port of Call when Selecting a new Garage Door

With the market awash with a never-ending range of products, choosing the perfect garage door for a property can be overwhelming.

In addition, in recent years, garages have evolved from a place to park a vehicle to an ‘extra space’ for the family, with many now used as areas for storage, work or exercise.

Together with this change of use, has been the transformation of garage doors themselves. Originally constructed from wood, today’s garage doors are widely available in a vast array of materials such as aluminium, fibreglass, steel and composite.

Further considerations such as colour, insulation requirements and specification - such as a roller door - can also add confusion to the mix.

Gary Brooks, Managing Director of AlluGuard Roller Garage Doors, and Chairman of DHF’s Garage Door Group, has worked in the sector for more than thirty years, during which the industry has gone through tremendous change.

“Thirty years ago, 98% of garage doors were the traditional ‘up and over’ model. We have transitioned from these, to sectional garage doors and roller doors. Market change is owing to a number of factors, namely, that land is now at a premium and consumers have shorter driveways and restricted space, making the ‘up and over’ style of garage door a more limiting choice.

“Trends have changed over time and automation has also played a huge part in that,” he continues. “In the 1980s, an automated garage door was extremely expensive. Today, this choice is more affordable. 70% of domestic garage doors in the UK are now automated, compared to just 1% when I started out in the industry.

“And what we are also seeing is a considerable level of choice. Thirty years ago, a list of models and prices very comfortably covered one side of A4; now, our choice of garage doors is easily 8-10 pages long.”

Marketing manager at Hörmann UK, David O' Mara, adds that the manufacturing of garage doors has changed in a number of ways, which in turn, has impacted both the market and how consumers perceive the product:

"Over the years, the manufacturing of garage doors has become more geared towards health and safety, primarily for the benefit of the workers and end users. Plus, there is a greater importance placed on products that contain low U-values, as these are now highly sought after by consumers.

"With such a significant shift in modern lifestyle as well, the products that are available today are so much more diverse and nearly always adapt to modern industry buildings and homes. These reasons combined mean that products are now manufactured with the environment, sustainability, and the safety of the end user in mind more than ever before."

“Gone are the days when a garage door was simply a means to shut away the car,” explains DHF (Door & Hardware Federation) Commercial Manager, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens.

“Today, they combine form and function, can add kerb appeal as well as value to your home and be operated by means of a fob, albeit within sight of the door. Technology has enabled these developments, and is likely to increase options, but of course, with the transition from manual operation to machine, the very necessary subject of safety and compliancy comes into play.”

Tamworth-based trade association, DHF is a not-for-profit organisation for companies associated with Locks & Building Hardware; Doorsets; Industrial Doors & Shutters; Domestic Garage Doors and Automated Gates.

Tracing its history back to 1897, it has more than 450 members and is the ‘go to’ place for technical advice and training, in a bid to raise standards across the industry.

Central to those standards is a safe and compliant product, with DHF working tirelessly behind the scenes to eradicate non-compliant rogue traders to improve the quality and safety of garage doors on the market.

“There are so many benefits to using a DHF member,” explains Patricia.

“Each and every one of our members has the means to meet technical competence and is kept completely up-to-date with the latest legislation, especially the added legal requirements under the Construction Products Regulation and for automated garage doors, the Machinery Directive. They will also maintain public and employer liability insurance and comply with all appropriate health and safety regulations.

“Most importantly, every member of the Garage Door Group will have undertaken the relevant DHF training course, which provides delegates with a greater understanding of legislation affecting the safe design, supply, installation, maintenance, and repair of domestic garage doors. At the end of the course, members will have increased knowledge of the safety standards and the documentation required for installation and CE marking.

“Whichever garage door you choose, it is essential that it is installed by a competent person who has been properly trained,” says Patricia. “Incorrectly specified, installed or poorly-designed doors can lead to serious injury and damage to property. We would urge homeowners not to take unnecessary risks when it comes to safety and to use a company that is a member of the DHF. We work closely with trading standards and are fully committed to upholding the ideals for which we have become renowned.”

DHF - www.dhfonline.org.uk - 01827 52337

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Tuesday 19 March 2019

The Brio Style Council -Options for Architects

Dave Newton of Brio looks at developments and trends in exterior and interior door openings

With such a high demand for internal and external bi-folding and straight sliding doors in both domestic and commercial settings many architects are continually challenging themselves to come up with designs that are getting ever closer to the ‘cutting edge’.

According to David Newton, General Manager at Brio UK, that means manufacturers of sliding and bi-folding door architectural hardware need to keep pace, if not outstrip, the architect’s need for creating innovative product that can transform anything they design on paper into reality.

David Newton explains:

“At one end of the scale there is a call for glass doors with ceiling inset runners that that give the appearance of the door floating elegantly in the space – creating a physical yet ephemeral acoustic barrier – while at the other end there is demand for a rustic, even industrial, robustness that makes a feature out of fixings on barn-like partitions, where they actually become an integral part of the design.

“And, of course there is still a need for sliding and bi-folding doors of wood, aluminium and composite materials, with or without glass, that make the most of the available light while offering variety in how the space is used.”

Basically, the options open to architects when designing doors and windows are wood, steel/aluminium, composite and glass – or a combination of those. But what architectural hardware is best suited to the job of moving the finished product?

According to Newton this is where a good working partnership with a quality solution provider really pays off for architects. A leading architectural hardware manufacturer with a large range of fixings for all types of door creates a whole world of choice, and one that goes the extra mile for customers, takes on specification for them and is prepared to be flexible makes things a whole lot easier too.

Architects need a manufacturer partner which will ensure the correct architectural hardware is supplied. We work in partnership with the marketplace and are dedicated to producing bespoke, made to measure quality products.

He cites a project undertaken by a joinery firm commissioned to make sliding doors for a leisure centre according to the architect’s specifications and deliver the wood, facias and trim to site for the contractor’s joiners to assemble there. The area taken up by the sliding doors exceeded 13 metres and bought in 10 x 1in boards and laminated them together to make each 63mm door.

They made their own oak laminate because, although there is ready laminated product, it is only 3-4ft in length, which was no good for that project. The doors were supplied to site with Brio Stainless Steel Timberoll sliding door gear teamed with Timberoll Brass tracks. This was the ideal combination for the area and the doors work beautifully, gliding effortlessly with just a fingertip push.

The creation of Zero Clearance Glass by Brio was in response to a need for recessed ceiling fittings for ‘floating’ glass doors and it’s not just top and bottom gear that needs to be innovative and fit for purpose. Locking mechanisms and hinges are all part of the complete package and they have to be top standard too. Brio never stops innovating.

For example, the 286 Dual Point Lock for Weatherfold 4s with timber or aluminium panels has been developed as an optional for alternative to using flush bolts on panels. Aesthetically it’s better on the eye, as well as being easier to operate, as there is no bending down or reaching up to lock or unlocks the door which is the downside of flush bolts. This makes it very friendly with regards to disabled access.

At the end of the day, door hardware needs to be aesthetically pleasing, durable and reasonably priced. Architects and specifiers will always demand products that tick many boxes – visual appearance is important, as well as durability of the product but in the main they will be looking for a product that looks good, and, can also offer years of trouble-free use. This is true whatever the material they are made from.

Brio is a global company focused on bringing adventurous ideas to life, converting the conceptual thoughts of our customers into exciting reality. I sincerely believe the Brio range of quality, well designed product combined with expert technical resources makes us a world leader in design and quality.

For more details on the BRIO product range visit www.briouk.com

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