The Door Industry Journal: October 2025

Friday, 31 October 2025

Premier-Line: A Sectional Garage Door Range That Delivers on Every Level

In a market where installers face increasing pressure to deliver both quality and speed, JDUK Door System’s Premier-Line newest sectional garage door range has quickly established itself as a standout choice amongst UK installers. Proven to consistently perform time after time on site.

Supplied exclusively by JDUK Door Systems nationwide, Premier-Line sectional garage doors are a product of obsessive design to exceed installer needs and is the refinement of luxury. It is a product that recognises what really matters to trade professionals: a quicker, easier installation, a high-spec finish, and reliable, long-lasting performance that also exceeds homeowners’ expectations.

Engineered for Efficient Installation

JDUK’s Premier-Line design starts with the installer, not as an afterthought, but as the core priority. The system includes pre-assembled vertical tracks, pre-tensioned springs, and pre-drilled fixing holes as standard. This isn’t just a nod to convenience. It’s a commitment to efficiency that can turn a full-day job into a much shorter, more manageable fit.

Even for larger openings, the range offers thoughtful engineering. Doors up to 5500mm wide can be fitted with side tension springs rather than traditional torsion systems, streamlining both the fitting process and the space required overhead. These details add up - not just in time saved, but in repeatable, dependable outcomes that reduce stress on site.

Jason Wade, Sales & Marketing Director at JDUK, explains, “Premier-Line was developed with real installers in mind. Everything from the fixings to the spring setup is aimed at reducing time on site and removing the guesswork from installation. It’s about giving trade professionals a product that respects their time and their reputation.”

By simplifying the fit without compromising on quality, Premier-Line creates space for more jobs to be packed into every week, or simply fewer headaches in the ones already booked.

Strength, Style and Everyday Reliability

But speed is just one part of the equation. Premier-Line’s insulated panel construction means it also delivers on thermal performance and structural integrity. For garages used as workshops, storage spaces, or with internal access to the home, this can make a noticeable difference to temperature stability and energy efficiency.

Durability comes built in. The range features IPG powder-coated finishes that protect against UV damage, corrosion, and general wear over time. The matte-textured finish not only looks premium, it also provides a practical layer of defence against fading and scratching.

Further reinforcing its long-term credentials is Premier-Line’s patented smart connection system, which incorporates ball-raced bearings to keep operation smooth while reducing wear and protecting the rollers from moisture and dust, ensuring that the door performs reliably long term.

Installers benefit from easy installs and fewer callbacks. Homeowners get total satisfaction and peace of mind. And the door continues to operate exactly as expected, year after year.

Broad Appeal and Premium Finishes

It’s not only the functionality that sets Premier-Line apart. The range offers one of the most extensive colour and finish options on the market.

With over 45 RAL colours available as standard, from soft neutrals to darker contemporary shades, the range caters to both traditional and modern properties. For those seeking more precision, JDUK also provides bespoke colour-matching to premium paint brands like Farrow & Ball, Dulux and Little Greene. This ensures seamless visual coordination across external house features, a key selling point in both refurbishment and new-build settings.

Panel designs range from smooth to ribbed styles, and optional glazing configurations allow installers to offer doors that suit a wide range of preferences. The addition of powder-coated tracks and hardware, either in matching white or a chosen colour, elevates the overall finish, offering a consistent, design-led look that homeowners increasingly expect.

Jason continues, “Homeowners now expect more than just functionality, they want a garage door that looks and feels like part of the house. With our Premier-Line range, installers can offer a premium aesthetic without adding complexity to the job.”

Built for the Trade, Backed by JDUK

Every door in the Premier-Line range is supported by JDUK’s full-service trade support model. This includes dedicated technical help, installer resources, marketing materials and colour swatches - all designed to make specifying, quoting and selling easier.

The result is a solution that doesn’t just work on paper, it works in practice. It installs quickly, performs reliably, and supports healthy margins for the trade without compromising on quality.

Jason concludes, “The feedback from the trade has been incredibly encouraging. Premier-Line is a product that gives installers a competitive edge, builds customer trust, and reduces stress on site. That’s why we continue to invest in its development and support.”

Premier-Line isn’t about gimmicks. It’s about quiet consistency, the kind of product that shows up, fits smoothly, looks great, and lasts. In a trade environment where every detail counts, it’s proving to be the dependable choice for those who take their reputation seriously.

To explore the full Premier-Line range, request a trade brochure or for any further information, contact JDUK Door Systems; sales@jdukltd.co.uk or call 01924 472 924.

www.jdukltd.co.uk

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Thursday, 30 October 2025

Abloy UK calls for greater awareness of compliant access solutions amongst Health and Safety Managers

Security expert Abloy UK is calling for greater awareness of compliant access control solutions amongst Health and Safety Managers, to ensure workers across critical infrastructure, commercial facilities and high-risk environments are protected and secure.

Many businesses are putting themselves at risk of financial loss and reputational damage due to lack of understanding of safety legislation and compliant access control. With this in mind, Abloy is highlighting the need for greater understanding of the role access control has within health and safety strategies.

Fatalities and injuries in the workplace remain a serious concern, as according to the latest figures, 124 workers and 92 members of the public were killed in work related accidents over the last year. Additionally, more than 600,000 injuries were reported, leading to 33.7 million working days lost and £21.6 billion in costs to the UK economy.[1]

In some cases, these incidents involve unsafe access to hazardous or restricted areas, including plant rooms, electrical infrastructure, maintenance zones or escape routes that have been misused or blocked. Whether intentional or accidental, unauthorised access to these locations creates significant safety risks for both workers and the public.

For example, in industrial and commercial environments, individuals entering confined spaces or machinery zones without the correct training or authorisation can be exposed to life threatening hazards. In public spaces, unsecured emergency exits or staff only areas can lead to safety breach, vandalism or misuse during evacuations.

David Rock, Market Development Manager, at Abloy UK, explains: “These insights highlight the need for increased awareness around access control in life safety management. Every time we reduce the chances of someone being in the wrong place at the wrong time, we lower the risk of injury, improve compliance and protect organisations from disruption.”

It is recommended that life safety access control includes systems that can restrict access to hazardous areas and manage permissions in real time. For example, Abloy’s electromechanical eCLIQ solution offers complete control over which key cards can access certain areas. This can be integrated into permit to work procedures, ensuring that only trained, competent individuals are able to access the correct areas.

Not only this, but eCLIQ offers traceability, tracking and audit trails, allowing for a complete overview of who accessed certain areas, including more remote locations, and when they did so. Having this capability offers a more organised approach to health and safety, allowing organisations to have complete insight into movement patterns and identify potential breaches before they escalate.

By creating a verifiable record of all access events, organisations can more easily investigate incidents, demonstrate compliance to regulators and provide evidence during audits. This also supports a culture of accountability, as employees and contractors are aware that their access history is recorded and monitored.

By using a solution like this, access rights can be granted and taken away easily, which is important if an individual’s training has expired and they are no longer allowed to have access to a certain area or machinery. It is also useful to have this feature if key cards are lost or stolen, which aids the protection of both staff and public, deterring unlawful behaviour and removing threats in high-risk environments.

Compliant escape door systems (EDS) are essential for a successful health and safety plan as they allow for safe, compliant escape during emergencies. In normal use, an EDS maintains security to prevent unauthorised entry, but when triggered by a fire alarm or power failure, it releases instantly to provide a quick evacuation route.

This capability is important for safeguarding both employees and members of the public, as delayed or blocked exits can significantly increase the risk of injury or loss of life. Escape routes always need to be functional, even in the event of a technical fault or power outage.

When managing electrically controlled escape door systems, it is important to refer to NCP 109 Issue 4. It includes enhanced guidance on compliance to support a safe and secure approach to controlling escape doors. The issue mandates that access control systems on escape routes must comply with European Standards, specifically EN 179, EN 1125 and EN 13637.

Meeting legislative requirements, EN 1125 and EN 179, not only ensure legal adherence but also demonstrates a proactive commitment to occupant safety and emergency preparedness.

EN 13637 also needs to be considered, particularly when electrically controlled escape doors are present. As the standard is relatively new, it is important that Health and Safety Managers understand the need for greater control of escape doors and routes, without compromising on safety or the ability to escape in an emergency.

Including EDS within a wider access control plan helps to maintain site security in everyday operation while guaranteeing unrestricted escape when needed. This means that safety is not compromised for the sake of security and vice versa.

By integrating solutions like eCLIQ and the Abloy EDS, organisations can create an intelligent, layered system that prevents unsafe access, enables rapid evacuation and meets the most stringent safety standards.

Industry support is available, the Abloy Academy offers training for those who want to become more proficient in the latest compliance legislation, safe locking strategies and integrating access control into wider safety management plans.

Through training, individuals like Health and Safety and Facilities Managers can gain the knowledge needed to specify the correct systems and implement solutions that actively reduce risks while strengthening compliance.

David Rock concluded: “People tend to forget that health and safety isn’t just responding to incidents, it’s about preventing them in the first place. Too often, organisations only look at access control and escape provision after something goes wrong.

“By taking a proactive approach and implementing a preventative strategy, you can protect your people, meet compliance requirements and avoid the costly consequences of inaction.”

For further information on products and services available from Abloy UK visit www.abloy.com, email info@abloy.co.uk or call 01902 364 500.

[1] https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/overview.htm

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Wednesday, 29 October 2025

Personalised Garage Doors Like Never Before

Hörmann UK is once again setting new standards in design flexibility and customer personalisation with the launch of its Duragrain Motif Collection. This innovative, creative development offers homeowners the ability to transform their garage doors with striking, design elements that enhance the aesthetic appeal of any property.

Available on LPU 42 L-ribbed sectional doors homeowners and designers can choose from over 80 exclusive motifs featuring cityscapes, landscapes, vehicles, abstract graphics, and bold graffiti art, plus stunning X-Large designs that feature large-scale imagery of textures like stone, concrete, and timber.

The addition of a Custom Print option allows customers to upload their own images – a favourite photo, artwork, or branding – and see it come to life. This personalised printing technology provides high-resolution, UV-resistant finishes that are both durable and visually stunning.

The new motifs are available via the Hörmann online configurator, an intuitive interface where users can select from preset designs or upload their custom visuals. The configurator enables visualisation of door designs, allowing customers to see exactly how their chosen image will look on their garage.

The introduction of Duragrain Motif sees Hörmann continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in garage door design, delivering both technical excellence and artistic freedom.

www.hormann.co.uk

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Tuesday, 28 October 2025

New Fire Door Hardware Installation & Maintenance Logbook

In support of greater fire safety standards, Allegion UK has announced the launch of its new Fire Door Hardware Logbook, a practical guide designed to assist responsible persons with hardware installation and maintenance.

Allegion unveiled its latest customer resource in line with this year’s Fire Door Safety Week, with an aim of drawing attention to two of the most prominent problem areas of fire door safety in improper installation and inadequate maintenance. Allegion’s new logbook addresses the common issues in these areas and offers accessible guidance on essential compliance requirements whilst simplifying documentation and record-keeping for those tasked with upholding the integrity of fire door systems.

With an inuitive format covering detailed installation guidance and quarterly maintenance checklists, the logbook acts as a hands on resource for responsible persons and provides comprehensive walkthroughs for each of the critical elements of fire door hardware, including overhead door closers, panic and emergency exit hardware, electromagnetic hold open devices, seals, locks, latches and door furniture. The launch reflects Allegion’s ongoing commitment to raising standards within the fire door industry.

Pete Hancox, country manager at Allegion UK, comments: “As the industry continues to address fire door compliance and building safety, the significance of accurate fire door hardware installation and competent maintenance procedures can’t be overstated. Our new Fire Door Hardware Logbook is both a valuable tool and a reminder for building owners, facility managers and responsible persons that fire door safety continues to require attention following the specification process.

“We’re proud to add another invaluable resource to our library of support tools as we take a proactive step towards improving awareness and education on installation and maintenance. The launch coincides with fire door safety week and presents us with an opportunity to amplify crucial messages, as we look to support best fire door safety practice and positively contribute to safer buildings across the UK.”

To download a copy of Allegion’s ‘Fire Door Hardware Installation and Maintenance Logbook’, visit: www.allegion.co.uk/en/resource_centre/product_catalogues.html

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Monday, 27 October 2025

Installer Insights: What Specifiers Should Know About 3 Star Cylinder Locks

The Door Industry Journal speaks with Craig of The Perspicacity Life — a working locksmith and respected voice in the security hardware space — to get his practical take on 3 star cylinder locks. While many of our readers are already well-versed in TS007 and high-security hardware from a specification standpoint, this series aims to shift the lens to what happens on the ground — and how those experiences can (and should) feedback up the chain...

But first, a bit about Craig and his background...

Can you tell us about your background — how long have you been working as a locksmith, and what does your typical workload involve?

I started locksmithing at the age of 14 years old and even did my work experience as a locksmith at 15. I was fortunate to live next door to a well-established locksmith who enrolled me with the "Master Locksmiths Association" and this is where my journey began.

I then worked full time locksmithing learning how to open, repair, replace locks on aluminium, wood and uPVC doors for residential and commercial customers. Over the next few years i became very proficient at locksmithing and even completed jobs on my own. I passed the MLA BLI exam at just 18 years old and this was a massive milestone in my locksmith career. I was the youngest locksmith ever in the UK to pass this exam and i had now earnt the title of "master locksmith". Having the title master locksmith is special as this accreditation is a benchmark of locksmithing excellence in the UK and it shows that you have passed the written and practical examination set out by "The Master Locksmiths Association". In 2009 i then set up AA Lock and Key locksmiths in Bristol became an MLA approved company and started to build my reputation in Bristol and all surrounding areas.

Now 16 years later i have completed thousands of jobs and earnt a 5-star reputation in Bristol, gaining a massive amount of regular repeat work, word of mouth and new customers, at this point in my locksmithing career i have over 23 years' experience in locksmithing and security. My typical workload is around five high quality jobs a day mostly reactive locksmithing where a customer has a failed uPVC or composite door lock and they are unable to secure their property, non-destructive entry lock-outs, lock fitting, repairing, changing, when customers move home and lock and security upgrades including 3-star lock fitting.

I have now started "the perspicacity life" a national locksmith marketing company promoting local locksmiths across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

What prompted you to start The Perspicacity Life, and what kind of conversations or issues are you trying to spotlight through it?

The main aim of "the perspicacity life" is to connect customers with high quality local independent locksmiths. Locksmiths who join tpl will also generate more high quality local leads and this is imperative if they wish to grow their locksmith business and hit financial goals. I can speak confidently on this as I have done it and scaled locksmith businesses and I really know what it takes to dominate.

In your experience, where is the biggest disconnect between how security products are specified and how they perform in real-life installations or repairs?

The biggest disconnect here is between the security product and the customer. To sell a lock or security product the "brand" would pitch to locksmiths via trade shows, cold calling, account managers, locksmiths would buy the product and then sell to the customer. The issue is customers will not pay premium price for a product they simply don't understand and locksmiths don't have time to show specs and options on every single job that needs completing.

For example: If I get a call and get asked to attend and replace a front door euro cylinder, I have budget, one-star, 3-star diamond standard locks on the van at my disposal, I can tell you most customers will simply pick the cheapest option. If I show and explain the options normally the customer will pick a different option.

If you were to ask locksmiths the difference between 1-star and 3-star euro locks i think you will also find most locksmiths are not one hundred percent sure, then there is TS007 which is a separate UK security standard for door hardware and locks. Then there is a diamond standard for 3-star locks which have performed above and beyond during testing by sold secure, are you now confused? As I can tell you locksmiths and customers are.

This leads to lack of sales by locksmiths and lock brands as consumers just are not asking for something they don't know they need. The trouble is euro locks are also the most popular lock out there fitted to millions of doors right across the UK. Fitting budget or inferior euro locks can leave your house open to burglary due to budget locks do not have the latest anti bump, pick and snap resistance and they definitely have not been tested. In my professional experience this disconnect needs to be looked at moving forward in 2025 and beyond.

From your perspective on the front line, what are the most common issues you see with doors that already have 3 star cylinders fitted?

Customers don't always like the fact their 3-star lock has keys that are not easily duplicated or the cost of replacement keys is high. I have seen a high failure rate of 3-star locks in 2025 as generally the general public don't know what to lubricate their lock with and i have seen some cheaper 3-star locks hitting the market that definitely have quality issues.

Do you often see examples where a 3 star lock has been undermined by poor installation, incorrect fitting, or misaligned doors — and how preventable are those problems?

No I have not seen many issues, however I have seen 3-star locks fitted with the anti snap side on the inside and the retaining screw tightened with an impact driver and way overtightened.

How big a role does correct cylinder sizing play in maintaining the actual security of a 3 star rated lock — and is this often overlooked during specification or supply?

I would always recommend that the 3-star lock fits flush with the handles externally and ideally internally. The main reason for this is if the handles are snapped you want the least amount of euro lock on offer to attack or manipulate, this will give your door maximum security, here is the exact way to professionally measure your euro cylinder lock.

Have you been called out to break-ins or attempted burglaries involving 3 star cylinders, and what can we learn from how they performed in those scenarios?

I have been called out to an attempted burglary on a house with a 3-star lock fitted but lock was damaged but entry not gained and the lock did it's job. 3-star euro locks generally perform very well keeping your property safe if attacked even locksmiths can have difficulty with various branded 3-star locks from time to time. Locks are designed to keep you out and the 3-star euro locks are tested by sold secure and are the best of the best.

Are there particular 3 star cylinders or brands that stand out to you — either for being especially installer-friendly, or for creating headaches on site?

The process for fitting all 3-star locks is the same but some locks are more secure and reliable in my opinion. 3-star lock brand leaders currently in 2025 are Apecs and Mul-T-Lock.

In your opinion, does combining a 1 star cylinder with a 2 star handle perform just as well in practice as a dedicated 3 star cylinder — or are there real-world differences worth noting?

Both of these options are really good. Most customers choose just to upgrade their lock to 3-star standard usually as this is normally more cost effective and quicker and something sometimes they may even undertake on their own.

Do specifiers and fabricators always consider long-term maintenance or servicing of cylinders — and how might better planning here benefit the whole chain?

When door manufacturers supply door and frame sets they very often come with 3-star euro locks which is excellent. The only issue is very often customers don't know where to obtain the security keys from and what lock lubrication to use recommended by the lock brands. This can cause issues with lock operation and life span of the lock long term.

How well do end users — whether commercial or residential — understand what a 3 star rating really means in terms of day-to-day security?

3-star rating is not well known by commercial or residential customers in general.

Have there been cases where you've advised against fitting a 3 star cylinder — and what were the practical reasons behind that decision?

If a customer is against having security keys and wants easily obtainable keys, I have opted to fit 1-star euro locks which are a good basic level of security and also suit customers budgets.

What’s one common specification or supply decision that, in your view, needs rethinking based on how things actually play out during installation or repair?

When choosing a brand of 3-star euro locks to fit it is very important to pick a brand that has quick ordering, delivery, warranty process to ensure the process is slick and easily repeatable. Locksmiths have a lot of choice in 2025, so the bar of expectation is high.

Do you think there’s enough dialogue between manufacturers, specifiers and the people who install and maintain their products?

What could improve that feedback loop? In my opinion some lock brands need to listen to locksmiths a little more when faults and failures are pointed out with products. Brushing off well known faults pointed out by locksmiths will only cause lock brands and manufacturers more problems with warranties and failures in the future, leading to a distrust in the product and inevitably this will cause a complete lack of sales.

Looking ahead, do you see 3 star cylinders becoming the default standard — or will there continue to be a place for mixed approaches depending on the context?

The door and hardware industry has moved to installing 3-star euro locks as standard on all new door and frame sets in 2025, but with the lack of knowledge on the 3-star lock specifications by consumers it is preventing sales in the UK.

www.theperspicacitylife.co.uk

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Sunday, 26 October 2025

TIME-CAPSULE 1982 MERCEDES-BENZ 500Sl UNEARTHED WITH 42 MILES FROM NEW

SLSHOP has unearthed a time-capsule 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500SL in factory new condition that has never been registered or driven on UK roads, showing only 42 miles since it left the factory over 42 years ago.

The immaculate right-hand drive vehicle finished in Blue Green Metallic is unrestored and loaded with every available factory option. SLSHOP believes this to be the only original, unregistered 500SL (R107) in existence outside of the Mercedes-Benz Museum, Stuttgart.

Purchased new on the 30th November 1982 by Mr Hough, a successful watchmaker for £24,400 (over £87,000 today), the vehicle was trailered to his home in Gnosall, Staffordshire where it was meticulously preserved in a heated, de-humidified garage for 42 years. With obsessive attention to detail and unique watchmaking skills, Mr Hough created a hallmarked sterling silver Mercedes-Benz badge still proudly accompanying the vehicle.

Vehicle details that you would have found in a Mercedes-Benz showroom in 1982 include:

• Original factory stickers throughout the vehicle

• Waxoyl present on the engine and exhaust

• Optional extras to the tune of £2,331 (£8,360 today) including air conditioning, heated seats, ABS, leather, rear seats and metallic paint

• Not a trace of corrosion

• Original sales documentation from Carols of Wolverhampton and Incomplete V55/5 registration forms

Sam Bailey, SLSHOP Founder and Managing Director, said: "This 500SL is the closest reflection of the original R107 SL blueprints — a reference point for our technicians and a benchmark for the wider Mercedes-Benz community who continue to preserve these wonderful machines.

"We first learned of it 15 years ago, when Mr Hough approached me at the NEC Classic Car Show, and we agreed that one day SLSHOP would become its custodian. This car will never be offered for sale and instead, we are creating a dedicated climate-controlled space where this remarkable time capsule will remain on display as a lasting tribute to Mr Hough’s passion."

The 500SL will be placed on display at SLSHOP’s Warwickshire headquarters, ensuring this untouched piece of automotive history can be admired by future generations. The vehicle will also appear at Mercedes-Benz World for a limited public showing in partnership with Mercedes-Benz UK.

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Saturday, 25 October 2025

Simon Monks welcomed as new Group Sales & Marketing Director

UAP Ltd, the Manchester-based door hardware specialist, is welcoming industry expert Simon Monks as its new Group Sales & Marketing Director.

Simon said: “I was drawn to UAP because of its ambition, growth plans, and reputation for innovation, with products like the Armasmart and Kinetica ranges driving progress in the industry. In such an exciting time for the business group, I can’t wait to get stuck into shaping its future alongside the stellar team.”

Monks joins UAP with almost two decades’ experience in the door and fenestration industry, including spearheading sales and marketing strategies. He has previously risen through the ranks at different hardware companies, moving from sales to the C-suite. He has spent ten years in directorship positions — seven as Managing Director — with experience in fenestration markets both in the UK and overseas.

Steve Cox, Managing Director of UAP, said: “Simon has joined us at an integral stage of our growth journey. His market knowledge and industry standing are exceptional, and his leadership and customer skills are key additions to our team.”

www.uaplimited.com

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Friday, 24 October 2025

Blending Function and Style with Folding Door Hardware

Folding door systems go beyond the means of traditional hinged doors and can offer greater flexibility, accessibility and superior visuals whilst maximising the usable space of a room. Folding doors can be applied in a variety of settings too, with interior applications focusing on aesthetics, space efficiency and sound insulation and exterior systems prioritising the flow of movement, thermal performance and enhanced natural light.

To translate design ideas into viable, functional spaces requires an understanding of how different folding door systems are configured and their suitability for projects. In operation, a folding door will call upon its hinges and hardware to slide multiple panels along a track system, stacking them to one or both sides. With that, there are two key operational methods to consider.

Top hung systems are commonly found in interior applications and are designed to suspend panels from a head track for seamless operation, also reducing the need for a continuous floor track which can be an issue if a space has underfloor heating or ceramic tiles already installed. Bottom rolling systems, on the other hand, are ideal for projects where the overhead structure may not be strong enough to support the complete system.

Decision makers must also review the primary design variations of folding door systems. For instance, a Multifold 30 system - known as an inline system - is simpler to understand as panels typically share the same centreline as the top track and channel. Whilst being easier to install, these systems may not always be compatible with rebated frames.

In contrast, Interfold systems - known as an offline system - typically has panels on a different centreline to the top track, allowing doors to open away from and back into a rebated frame. This option is better suited to external systems to improve weather resistance, as well as for internal systems that require acoustic, thermal or light reduction on one side compared to the other.

www.allegion.com

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Thursday, 23 October 2025

Timeless and on-trend: Why black hardware makes a bold statement

From kerb appeal to cohesive interiors, black hardware blends style with practicality for every setting. Francesca Brittain, marketing manager at HOPPE (UK) explains why black hardware is here to stay.

Each year, trend forecasts spotlight the new “colour of the year” intended to inspire fashion conscious customers. As 2025 draws to a close, colours have ranged from Dulux’s optimistic yellow “True Joy” to Pantone’s earthy “Mocha Mousse”, while for 2026, Valspar’s “Warm Eucalyptus” is a soft sage green with grey undertones and Dulux has gone for a “Rhythm of Blues.”

But among these ever-changing shades, one colour remains a design constant: black. And it can be the ideal choice for door hardware.

Style starts at the front door

Research from the Homeowners Alliance shows two-thirds of home buyers consider kerb appeal important and over half identified a well-maintained and attractive front door as a key factor.

To make curating a cohesive entrance easier, the suited range from ARRONE, a HOPPE brand, offers a selection of matching ironmongery including door and window handles, knockers, letter plates and numerals in a range of finishes including black. Anthracite grey is also an option if a slightly lighter shade is preferred.

Ideal for both contemporary and traditional door designs, the range supports new build and renovation projects alike. Whether paired with pastel tones, classic neutrals or the nature-inspired hues anticipated in 2026, black hardware delivers contrast and definition.

There are also practical advantages such as showing up less dirt and reducing the appearance of finger smudges.

Stylish and cohesive interiors

Inside the home, the theme can continue using coordinating internal door hardware to create a consistent design language throughout a property. It can also be the perfect complement to on-trend black taps, cabinetry and light fittings.

The Dallas handle in satin black from HOPPE is set on a mini rose and its angular appearance makes it ideal for modern interiors.

For a softer appearance, the more rounded Los Angeles brass handle in satin black is also available.

For full coordination, hinges, locks and latches are also available in black as well as the recently launched AR720 inline and AR722 cranked espagnolette window handles, which have been designed to suit the volume windows market.

Smarter commercial buildings

Black isn’t just for homes. In commercial settings, black hardware creates a premium feel and pairs well with modern office décor. It’s also an increasingly popular alternative to traditional stainless steel or white finishes.

Door closers are vital for fire safety and help prevent the spread of smoke and flames in the event of a fire. While serving a practical and potentially life-saving function, that doesn’t mean that it can’t also be aesthetically pleasing. A black door closer will blend in with many designs and will provide a sleek and stylish look to commercial premises or office buildings. The ARRONE AR1500 slim line rack and pinion door closer is available in eight different finishes including black.

Similarly, panic and emergency exit hardware, such as the AR880 panic bolt, AR882 latch, AR883 push pad and AR886 outside access device, is available in black – helping to maintain design integrity while meeting safety requirements.

Navigating with colour and compliance

Nylon hardware is a practical and economical solution ideal for schools, leisure centres and healthcare settings. It is easy to clean, warm to the touch and available in 10 colours – including black – which can help with wayfinding when used thoughtfully bearing in mind the visual contrast and light reflectance value (LRV) according to British Standards BS8493:2008 and BS8300.

While colour trends may change from year to year, black hardware will deliver a timeless appeal for secure entrances and stylish interiors.

www.hoppe.co.uk

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Wednesday, 22 October 2025

The Everyday of Fire Door Safety

Kirk Smith of Allegion UK reviews a dangerous inconsistency in fire safety, outlining why fire doors deserve the same respect as the other day to day items people use around their homes, work and places of leisure.

Whether it’s boiling the kettle, charging your phone or changing a lightbulb, it’s second nature to be cautious when handling a potentially dangerous object. The common appliances, technologies and commodities found around our homes and places of work can pose risks and from an early age we learn to identify these dangers. However, there’s another everyday item that often gets overlooked and doesn’t receive the same level of attention: fire doors.

Fire doors and their hardware are purpose built to prevent the spread of smoke and fire in an emergency and are a key element of any building’s passive fire protection system. Though, despite their crucial role in safeguarding our lives, and the fact they are used just as frequently as many of the other everyday objects in our built environment, fire doors are all too often neglected, misused and poorly maintained.

Whilst individuals are likely to study the safety features of their personal products and learn how to correctly use them, why is this not the case for fire doors and their hardware?

Kirk Smith of Allegion UK discusses this risky contradiction:

“Safety measures are an integral part of our lives, and many of us are vigilant when it comes to personal responsibility and how common items should be operated and looked after. As observant people, we review the condition of our charger wires, we blow out candles and matches when we’re finished with them and we closely check product reviews for the appliances we buy, all to reduce the chance of faults and fire and the danger it presents to the buildings we reside in. And when a product doesn’t perform as it should, we act.

“It would appear then that we live in a culture obsessed with functionality and safety, yet there is a worrying knowledge gap when it comes to the world of fire door safety. Whether it’s in our homes, places of work or public buildings, fire doors are used millions of times every day and are meticulously designed to serve as life-saving barriers, protecting property and people in the event of a fire. Though they play an ever present role in our day to day, many that walk through them fail to recognise the significance of a fully compliant fire door and what makes one effective at saving lives in an emergency.

“Fire doors are often the first line of defence against fire and smoke and maintaining their integrity is critical to us all. When closed, a certified fire door will typically compartmentalise a space for 30 to 60 minutes, preventing the spread of smoke and fire and providing occupants with an opportunity to escape. Conversely, an ineffective fire door system can fail within minutes, and an open one is considered useless in a fire. During the closing action, a fire door relies on its hardware, calling upon hinges, locks, latches and door closing devices to secure it firmly in place. In a fire situation, not one of these components can fail and as such, doorsets are rigorously tested to ensure they meet necessary standards, conforming to UKCA and CE certifications and FD ratings.

“We’re not simply talking about a safety feature; fire doors are a legal requirement in all non-domestic premises and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). However, individuals are less inclined to check whether they meet the right condition or standards once installed. Perhaps it’s a case of visibility, where a broken or exposed wire screams danger, a fire door simply blends into its surroundings until it is needed. Questions also remain over accountability and competence, with many unsure on the responsibilities associated with keeping fire door systems operational. Regardless, where building owners and designated responsible persons bear the legal responsibility for fire door compliance, everyone has a role to play in ensuring fire door safety.”

Routine responsibilities can save lives

In many cases, improved awareness and communication towards fire door safety can help mitigate risk. As many maintain a level of scrutiny towards other everyday items, it’s clear that a greater understanding is needed concerning fire door use and compliance. But what more can be done to ensure fire doors and their hardware receive the same level of attention and care as our other everyday belongings?

Kirk Smith continues:

“The first step is about fostering and filling knowledge gaps. What does a compliant fire door look like? How should one operate? And what is its role in my building’s fire safety strategy? Just because a fire door is visually present doesn’t mean it will work, especially if it has been neglected, misused or its fitted with hardware lacking the correct certification - a fire door certified for domestic use may not be suitable in a high-traffic commercial setting, for example. The industry must look to bridge the gap by providing resources and support tools whilst reminding people that fire safety is a shared responsibility.

“Where the use of uncertified hardware can compromise the effectiveness of a fire door, it’s also important to recognise that a building’s fire doors will not perform as intended unless essential hardware has been correctly specified, installed and maintained. Routine maintenance checks are crucial, and responsible persons are urged to assess the certification, gaps, seals, hinges and closing elements on fire doors on a quarterly basis, ensuring they are maintained in an efficient state and in good working order.

“Though, in any circumstance, occupants should be encouraged to report damage and propped open fire doors. In higher risk buildings where many rely on shared fire safety systems, it’s vital that people feel comfortable to communicate concerns and, more importantly, know who they can turn to when a fire safety issue arises. Just as we wouldn’t ignore the smell of gas or exposed live electrical wires on show, you shouldn’t ignore a faulty or improperly used fire door. With this in mind, basic routine fire door safety practices can include:

· Keeping fire doors closed

· Locating fire door signage and recognising emergency escape routes

· Checking hardware and intumescent/smoke seals are in good working order

· Reporting damage on fire doors and their hardware

“Whether we recognise it or not, fire door safety is embedded into the way we live, work and play and it is wrong to overlook fire doors until we need them in an emergency. Instead, we must strive to create a culture, one that is centred around greater awareness, shared responsibility and competent action. Simply put, it’s time to give fire doors the same attention as the items that entertain and convenience us.

The support that Allegion UK can provide

Allegion UK works closely with reputable bodies such as the GAI, BWF-FDA and DHF and as a conscious member of the supply chain is committed to supporting customers throughout product specification and the necessary installation and maintenance procedures thereafter. Allegion has a wealth of customer support resources, including its newly downloadable ‘Fire Door Hardware Maintenance and Installation Logbook’ which has been designed to address common issues in these areas whilst offering accessible installation guidance and comprehensive maintenance walkthroughs for each of the critical elements of fire door hardware.

www.allegion.com

Sources:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ukca-marking-conformity-assessment-and-documentation

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ce-marking

https://www.firesafe.org.uk/fire-doors/

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