Pro Installer May 2016 - Issue 38 | Page 4

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PRO NEWS

MAY 2016 PRO INSTALLER
www . proinstaller . co . uk

VBH STOCKS LATEST TILT AND TURN

Hardware specialist VBH now stocks Titan AF , the latest tilt and turn system from Siegenia .
Titan AF is available in both surface fit and ‘ Axxent 24 +’ concealed hinge options , and has versions to suit PVCu , timber and aluminium windows with sash weights of up to 150Kg . Titan AF has been designed with the manufacturer , installer and end user in mind . The hardware clamps into the Eurogroove prior to screw fixing and VBH advises that the ‘ click-on ’ coupling feature makes the hardware extremely easy to fit . The security level can be easily upgraded from ‘ basic ’ to RC-1 , RC-2 or PAS24 level by changing just a few components .
The system features KoPi- Bo roller cams that act as a standard roller cam or a mushroom cam depending on the striker plate used . It is height adjustable to automatically compensate for
clearance tolerances and expansion and contraction in the window frame caused by dramatic temperature fluctuations . As KoPiBo cams have a roller action the closing action of Titan
AF windows is very smooth regardless of how many locking points there are . Each AF window includes a Sash Lift Roller to ensure the sash locates into the frame smoothly and correctly . This , coupled with the KoPiBo cams , reduces wear and tear and ensures that the user enjoys easy operation even after many years . The concealed hinge solution features Axxent 24 + hinge components . Axxent 24 +’ s low stack height helps overcome air gap clearance issues but does not adversely affect the hinge ’ s strength . Sashes weighing up to 150Kg can
be accommodated without the need for extra support . This ability to carry heavier sashes with minimal hardware is becoming more desirable with the emergence of triple glazing and as designers favour larger , therefore heavier , windows to bring added light into buildings . Fitting of Axxent 24 + is further speeded up by the fact that no jigs are required . The hinges simply locate into the frame corners . VBH Marketing Manager Gary Gleeson said : “ Titan AF has been tried and tested in continental Europe before Siegenia developed
the tilt before turn , or TBT , version used here in the UK . The Axxent 24 + hinges are a brand new development . Their load bearing capabilities and compact size , along with the fact that no jigs are required to fit them are sure to gain a lot of admirers amongst fabricators , installers and specifiers . “ We ’ ve built our business on supplying our customers with the best solutions for their needs and this is clearly demonstrated by the top quality TBT options that we can offer .”
For more information on the VBH range call 01634 263300

Welsh call to scrap Severn Bridge tolls

Plans by the UK Government to halve the Severn Bridge tolls when the bridges come back into public ownership are very welcome , but do not go far enough , the Welsh Liberal Democrats Assembly Member for South Wales West , Peter Black has said .
Mr . Black believes that the tolls should be scrapped altogether once the bridges are transferred back to government control . He believes that having a tax on entry into Wales is hitting local businesses and undermining its economic growth . “ A Welsh government report found that scrapping the Severn Bridge tolls would boost the South Wales economy by around £ 107 million a year ,” said Mr . Black . “ That is a saving for the average commuter of around £ 1,536 a year . The direct toll costs imposed on businesses are estimated to be £ 47 million ( excluding VAT in 2009 prices ), with £ 34 million ( including VAT ) paid by consumers . “ The annual cost of running the bridges is around £ 15 million . The current operating costs are £ 12 million a year , made up of maintenance and toll collection .
In addition the Highways Agency spends an average of £ 3 million a year on latent defects . “ There are no toll roads or toll bridges in Northern Ireland and there have been no toll bridges in Scotland since 2008 . The cost of maintaining their bridges comes from the public purse in the same way as the rest of the UK road network . “ It is only right that Wales has the same benefit for our major artery into South Wales and I call on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to go the extra mile and abolish the tolls altogether from 2018 .”

Installers Benefit From Guarantees

In 2016 , Freefoam installers have recorded up to a 26 % increase in work registered for its Lifetime Guarantee . Installers from around the country are seeing the benefit of offering a 50-year guarantee on all white roofline products . One of the strongest weapons in any tradesperson ’ s armoury is the good old-fashioned guarantee and Freefoam installers have one of the best in the business at their disposal - an enhanced 50-year lifetime guarantee .
Why 50 years ? Firstly , Freefoam has data built up over a 20-year period via testing and accelerated ageing tests , advanced technology and trouble-free experience from Ireland to Germany and north of Scotland to the south of France where scorching sun and sizzling UV light soon find the fault lines in roofline products . Secondly , Freefoam know that products can deliver over that period of time . Lead free advanced tin based formulations , for example , do not suffer pinking or other problems and other formulations also have extra TiO2 to withstand high-intensity destructive UV light . Lastly , 50 years sends a clear message to customers that the business stands by its products over the long-term .
If you are a building professional interested in finding out more and becoming a Registered Installer visit www . myfreefoam . com or contact 01604 683865