Pro Installer October 2014 - Issue 19 | Page 17

17 PRO INSTALLER OCTOBER 2014 PRO NEWS @proinstaller1 Aluminium a foundation for low energy use buildings Leading provider of aluminium architectural glazing systems, Reynaers at Home, says that aluminium window and door systems not only offer top energy efficiency levels, but can also help to add value to a home too. A cost-effective solution for customers looking to sell or wait for a better housing market can be to install larger windows and doors, which lends a fantastic opportunity for fabricators and installers. ‘A cost-effective solution’ Reynaers at Home has a number of aluminium window and door systems that are able to maximise light entry whilst at the same time improve thermal efficiency. Their high performance CS 77 HI+ window system has achieved a Window Energy Rating of A+ from the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC), the present highest level. The BFRC’s window rating system was introduced to meet the need for simple and accurate certification regarding the thermal performance of window products. Windows are rated on an A to G scale based on their total energy efficiency, which allows fabricators to easily choose the most suitable window for their needs. John McComb, Director Technical Services at Reynaers at Home, said: “Our aluminium windows and doors give energy conscious architects and fabricators the ideal system when creating low energy use buildings. The CS 77 HI+ triple chamber system has the highest levels of insulation, thus preserving as much energy as possible. The system can be installed with either inward or outward opening casements and has integrated gasket seals to ensure superior wind and water tightness. The advanced technology brings the Uf Value down to 1.2 W/m2K.” For more information visit www.reynaersathome.co.uk or email homeuk@reynaers. com. HINGE BENEFITS Christopher Burrows, Avocet Hardware’s head of UK sales talks economics, product design and hinges with Clearview. “According to recent reports, the UK’s economy will grow faster than any of the other G7 Nations over the remainder of the year and will soon be back to its pre-recession size. “Property prices are growing and from the point of view of everyone operating in our market sectors, the number of new homes being built is growing significantly. “What this means is that things have turned a full circle and it is once again the features and benefits of a product that make it stand out from the crowd as opposed to solely the price. “This features and benefits led approach was clearly in evidence when we first launched our Affinity Easy Fit 3D hinge back in early 2010. “At the time we focused strongly on its innovative design, which made it quicker, easier and simpler to fabricate and install. Composed of only four parts, its butt design made it perfect for fitting and adjusting in a reveal. “The list of benefits, included; a patented independent compression adjustment to ensure against lateral movement, the fact it was non-handed, its PAS024 compliance and was available in a range of different colours and finishes. “But when the recession hit, and then hit again, all of this went out of the window. House building and sales slowed dramatically and buying decisions became price driven, which really had an adverse impact on top end products such as our Affinity Easy Fit 3D hinge. ‘remember that products like these were designed not the be the cheapest, but the best’ “This was a product that had been designed to stand out from the crowd, with over 22,000 units being snapped up in its first month and in the terms of speed of installation; Garrard Windows saying it saved them an astonishing two minutes on every single door they fabricated. “Today, with the economy growing and the market picking up it is important to remember that products such as these were designed not to be the cheapest, but the best. While the product may cost more per unit, when judged against time of installation, reliability, performance and style it really is the only sensible choice.” For more information on the Affinity Easy Fit 3D hinge and other Avocet products call 01484 711700 or visit www. avocet-hardware.co.uk