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AUGUST 2013 PRO INSTALLER
PRO PRODUCTS
www.proinstaller.co.uk
IT ALL HINGES ON SPECIFICATION
Security has become a strong selling feature for installers, with much emphasis on high-security locks. However, as Ben Penson of ERA explains, choice of hinge has an equally important part to play in designing a doorset that will meet PAS 24 standards.
A key requirement of a hinge is durability – bear in mind the number of opening and closing operations a pedestrian door will have to withstand compared to most windows – so strength should be a given.
A hinge that cannot bear the weight of the door or handle the demands of traffic will, over time, begin to fail and result in costly call-outs. Additional service costs are the long-term effect of the wrong choice of hinge; the short-term effect could be failure to perform to current standards. Hinges are integral to the security of a doorset – but it is important to realise that security is not inherent in every hinge. The PAS 24 enhanced security test standard certifies that a door, frame, lock and hardware set has withstood a series of physical tests, based on common methods of burglary, so choice of hinge is as important as choice of lock. Hinge specification can also impact on profitability and ease of installation. Tempting though it might be to shave cost, a cheap door hinge can arrive, literally, as a bag of bits, which could take up to ten minutes to assemble before you can even begin to fit it to the door. This multiplied over the number of manufactured doors will more than negate the original cost saving. A hinge like the ERA Ultim, on the other hand, is presented in a pre-assembled pack, comprising the three parts, enabling frame and sash side components to be
fitted separately, saving time in fabrication. The Ultim is designed specifically to meet the PAS 24 security standard for PVCu doors, offering four screw port fixes into the sash reinforcing chamber which provides optimum security if the door comes under attack. Another security feature is that the anti-lift feature is only accessible when the door is in the
open position – once closed, the door stays secure.
For more information on ERA call 01922 490060 or visit www.era-security.com. For Grouphomesafe products and companies, visit http:// www.grouphomesafe.com/.
New residential door low threshold option
Hardware specialist MI Products has launched a new low threshold for all types of residential doors, making access simpler for the disabled, elderly and parents with pushchairs.
Suitable for open in or out residential single or double door options, the new ergonomicallytested threshold reduces the step height to just 20mm – one of the lowest effective heights in the industry. This makes it perfect for those with restricted mobility or for use between main living accommodation and conservatories or other extensions. Thermally-broken to meet thermal bridging and insulation requirements, the threshold is available with optional clip-in internal auxiliary ramps making it ideal for use with carpeted, tiled or wooden floors. Non-slip surfaces ensure a safe grip in wet conditions. Compatible with many different frames and door materials, the threshold conforms to Part M of the Building Regulations and is tested to PAS 23 & 24 and BS 6375: Part1: 2009. MI Products has a Registered Design on its residential door system. MI Products Director Ian Searle commented: “Our low threshold products have been speciallydesigned and developed to help installers save time and improve their profits by being straight cut with no routing or end milling required.” Contact MI Products on 02476 305 943, email [email protected] or visit the website at www.miproducts.co.uk
Energy-efficient façade for awardwinning conference centre
An energy-efficient aluminium and glass façade for a new award-winning conference centre in the historic town of Heidenheim in Germany has been created using curtain walling, window and door systems from Wicona.
This complex development, which also includes a new hotel and an underground car park, is located near to the Hellenstein Castle. The transparent areas of the façade were created using Wicona’s WICTEC 50HI stick curtain walling, which has narrow 50mm sight lines both internally and externally, and the HI option delivers enhanced thermal performance, achieving a U value of 1.2 W/m2K . The system is one of the first aluminium façade systems to achieve passive house standards, realising U values of up to 0.74 W/m2K. Wicona’s highly insulated WICLINE casement windows are fully compatible with the WICTEC curtain walling and were inserted into the façade for a seamless finish. The WICSTYLE door system was used for the entrance areas, fitted into curtain walling and as a standalone door. This product offers the advantage of an identical appearance, and the same design and technology whether it is an open-in or open-out system or an emergency exit door. Visit www.wicona.co.uk, email [email protected] or call 0845 602 8799.