24 minute read
Hardware
CARL F GROUPCO REPORTS INCREASING DEMAND FOR PULL BAR HANDLES Q-SMART TAKE UP GROWS
Leading independent hardware supplier Carl F Groupco has reported that sales of its pull bar handle ranges have doubled in the past year. John Crittenden, the company’s Managing Director, said: “Contemporary designs are a clear trend in doors at the moment. We see this reflected in sales of our pull bar handles, which make a strong contemporary style statement.”
Carl F Groupco is renowned for having the strong product inventory needed to meet all product trends. John commented: “We have long-standing relationships with Europe’s most innovative manufacturers. It means we have the flexibility and competence to ensure our ranges always reflect current market trends in this dynamic industry, as the increase in demand for our pull bar handle shows.” The company offers Yale Elite T-Bar Pull Handle. Manufactured to the highest possible standards using 316 stainless steel, the handle suites perfectly with the Elite Escutcheon and Elite Central Knob for a seamless design solution. The handle is available in two fixing versions, back-to-back fix or bolt fix. A cranked design is also available for applications where increased frame and hand clearance is required. The product comes with a 25 year anti-corrosion guarantee (subject to correct installation and maintenance) and a 10 year mechanical guarantee. Also available are Hoppe ARRONE Pull Handles. With a stylish brushed stainless steel finish, the handles are available in inline and offset (cranked) variations and 700mm, 1400mm or 2000mm bar lengths. Bolt through or back-to-back fixing options are available to suit the application, with all fixing screws supplied as required to suit timber doors. The range stocked by Carl F Groupco covers door thicknesses of 44 – 54mm in a variety of lengths to suit the desired look. The handles suite with key wind up or automatic door locks such as the FUHR 833 or Yale AutoEngage. Carl F Groupco is one of the fenestration industry’s longest-standing hardware suppliers. With distribution centres in Peterborough and Cumbernauld, it operates nationally, including the Scottish Highlands and offshore islands. Its customers appreciates that the business goes beyond order processing and is a proactive hardware partner focused on solving problems, offering advice and finding solutions. Of course, at the heart of its offering is a reliably impressive product range that gives customers what they need. Its range of pull bar handles is the perfect example. Tel: 01733 393 330 www.carlfgroupco.co.uk www.smartsecure.co.uk www.carlfdirect.co.uk
Hardware manufacturer VBH, the company behind the greenteQ brand, has announced that customers who have added the Q-Smart electronic door handle to their door furniture options have seen increased sales recently.
Q-Smart is a stand-alone product that enables the user to gain entry to their home without the need of a traditional key. Instead, they can use their fingerprint, contact card or a phone app to gain entry. Locking is carried out by simply lifting the lever. Temporary or permanent ‘keys’ can be sent to anyone from anywhere via the smartphone app, which is ideal for granting access to carers, or when family members need to be let in unexpectedly. Companies who buy Q-Smart have the option of joining the Q-Smart Network, which is a list of companies that end users are directed to if they contact VBH for a Q-Smart quote or installation. VBH advise that they have invested in direct marketing of Q-Smart to help provide free leads to the network’s members.
Activities have included localised advertising and telesales campaigns, advertising in well-known national consumer titles, and even sponsorship in the 2022 British Touring Car Championship. Gary Gleeson, marketing manager at VBH says: “The vast majority of our products mean absolutely nothing to the general public as they are just components on a window or door. Q-Smart is an exception, though, as it is a stand-alone item, and anyone can easily see what it does and what benefits it brings. “With that in mind we decided to support our customer base by carrying out some B2C marketing, in a similar way to what we do with our Q-secure consumer security guarantee. We have picked up quite a few sales as a result, which is great for us and great for the members of the Q-Smart Network. “Many customers have built on the work that we are doing, and have installed a Q-Smart in their own showroom. They are reporting that Q-Smart really is an attention grabber. We would recommend that installers talk to us about getting a sample in place as soon as possible.” Companies wishing to join the Q-Smart Network should email VBH at marketing@vbhgb.com or send them a Tweet @vbhgb.
QUICKSLIDE’S LEGACY GROWS WITH EXCLUSIVE VS TRICKLE VENT SOLUTION
Since its launch in line with the revised Building Regulations earlier this year, Quickslide’s exclusive new trickle vent solution for sash windows has become the preferred method for Document F compliance across the fabricator’s marketleading range of Legacy vertical sliders.
The Glazpart modular vent - that allows for full compliance in one sash window - is exclusive to Quickslide, who were heavily involved in its design to ensure it fully complements the heritage aesthetic the leading window and door fabricator’s name is synonymous with. “The Legacy VS carries all the beauty of a traditional design, combined with modern industry thinking that enables us to offer a cost effective, compliant window that doesn’t compromise on aesthetics,” said Managing Director Ben Weber. “We’ve worked tirelessly and have done amazing work designing our Legacy VS with features such as runthrough sash horns, timber-looking joints, astragal bars and a deep bottom rail. But the requirement for compliance to the revised Document F meant that we then had to develop a new vent solution to complement all of this. One that avoids use of multiple individual trickle vents, which would quickly spoil our windows’ heritage aesthetic, or placing vents in the head of the outer frame to avoid the associated issues that would bring. We’re pleased to say that the new modular vent offered by Quickslide comfortably fulfils the brief on both looks and compliance.” To provide installers across the nation with a compliant product that will prove attractive to buyers, the vents are woodgrain and colour-matched as standard. Even bespoke coloured windows will come with matching vents. For comfort, a unique closing mechanism on the internal side allows for adjustable ventilation. “At Quickslide we’re committed to providing our customers with world-class products and so being involved in the design and application of this vent and being the first to be able to offer it to our customers gives us a real sense of pride,” said Ben. "We believe this new trickle vent is the only continuous vent out there that allows for full compliance in one sash window. We’d certainly challenge installers to ask their VS manufacturer if their windows do the same?”
Since the beginning of July trickle vents have been included as standard in all Quickslide’s vertical sliders, providing Trade Partners with the means to comply with the new Building Regulation requirements for ventilation at no extra cost.
“For those customers who are willing to pay more for VS windows for the right visual impact, we don’t want to only meet them half-way by supplying a product that adheres to regulations but doesn’t look the part,” Ben explained. “As a result, all our welded vertical sliders over 775mm in width now comply with the new requirement to achieve 8000 EA in one single window, and we’re really excited to be leading the way with this.” www.quickslide.co.uk
UAP TO LAUNCH ULTRA-SECURE ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCK
Following five years of research and development, UAP is gearing up to launch an ultra-secure electronic door lock, enabling access via a smartphone App.
Manufactured for timber, aluminium and composite doors, the IONIC is the first in a series of ‘smart’ products set to be launched under UAP’s Fullex-ai brand. Simple to install and easy to use, the electronic lock is suitable for domestic properties, student accommodation and social housing. Ideal for factory fitting, the IONIC can be adjusted to different door sizes with a design based on the Fullex Crimebeater lock, which is engineered to provide longterm reliability and security. Featuring an integrated power supply and wireless charging, the IONIC enables a door to be opened and closed using Bluetooth on a mobile phone. To provide flexibility for users, the lock can also be opened using a fob, a push button on the inside, a thumb turn, or an override key if there is an emergency. To allow even easier door access, the fob can be paired with the App and offers the most advanced security encryption on the market.
“We know that many people are concerned about keyless car theft and could have similar worries about an electronic door lock,” said David Jennings, Chief Executive Officer at UAP. “To overcome this, the IONIC fobs can’t be cloned, and the codes can’t be stolen by intercepting the signal. We achieved this by manufacturing every fob with two million rolling codes, which means that every transmission is unique and there are more than four billion unique codes.
“We’ve also built additional security authentication into the App with face recognition so if a user loses their phone, no one can access it.”
Further enhancing security, door access logins can be managed via a mobile phone and the App enables users to see who has opened the door. An infinite number of door openings can be registered by the App and up to 1,500 on the lock itself. With a simple interface that hides complex technology, the App has several access functions. In addition to large, bright buttons for unlock and lock, the operator can set up new users and a wide range of time settings. “If regular access is required for a cleaner or carer for example, the homeowner can set the other user’s App to open the lock between certain times,” explained David. “It’s also possible to set up one-time-only access for workmen and to add and delete users at the press of a button. “These customisable settings provide a very simple and flexible solution, especially for owners of rented holiday accommodation such as Airbnb properties.” A wireless unit, which fits easily to a door frame, connects to a control system, which is used to power the IONIC. Customers can either use a USB wire with a plug or a power pack to charge the lock via this system. If there was a power cut, a charged lock can operate for up to four weeks without a power supply. Available in anthracite grey, chrome and white, the IONIC has been designed with a modern and minimalist appearance. UAP has also created a mechanism which enables the lock to be paired with rose handles further improving aesthetics and allowing handles to be matched inside a property. Specialist doorset company, PDS, is the first company to test the IONIC. Ben Davies, Technical Compliance Manager, said: “The IONIC is really simple to use and that's one of the major positives about it. The App is easy to download and it’s very simple to set up the users and the fobs. “More people are opting for modern door designs and specifying lever on rose door handles where the lever is fixed to a circular plate. As the IONIC is compatible with this design, architects, interior designers and homeowners have much more choice and flexibility when opting for an electronic lock.”
Concluded David: “The IONIC is just the start of UAP’s Fullex-ai journey and we’re excited about its potential. We’re confident that its unique, patented design will become the standard for all electronic multipoint locks and in the long term, could even set the benchmark for all locks that go into solid frame doors.”
The IONIC is scheduled to be available by the end of the year.
OPEN YOUR DOOR WITH THE TOUCH OF YOUR FINGER
UAP LTD TAKES THE RISK OUT OF SELECTING FIRE-RATED IRONMONGERY WITH NEW FIREMONGERY RANGE AND POS
UAP Ltd, the UK’s foremost independent supplier of ironmongery products and door locking systems, has launched a complete range of Firemongery fire door products designed to help customers select the right certified solutions in three easy steps.
Firemongery is the UAP brand that specialises in fully-tested and certified ironmongery and locking products for use in compliant fire door installation. The new range is designed specifically for builder’s merchants, trade counters and wholesalers as a complete solution, with a fully-stocked POS (point of sale) unit. The unit features a unique ‘Pack Selector’ decision tree, providing customers with all the information they need to select and purchase the right items, and UAP has also created an interactive Pack Selector tool for the range on the company’s website. Restocking across the range is available with next day delivery. David Jennings, CEO of UAP Ltd explains: “We have designed this Firemongery range specifically for builder’s merchants and trader counters, enabling them to provide both the products and guidance their customers need to take the risk out of selecting fire-rated ironmongery with our innovative Pack Selector.
“Whether a builder is installing fire doors across several properties or a homeowner is upgrading a single door, ensuring that the ironmongery meets both the relevant compliance requirements and the practical needs of the occupier is very important. This range has been developed as a pick-up-and-go solution for builder’s merchant environments, with right first time product selection. The accompanying POS is both eye-catching and informative to help inform customers and attract sales.”
Comprising robust, fully tested products selected by UAP’s experts, the Firemongery range includes eight different packs, six of which are boxed with the remaining two in Euro Card/poly bag packaging. The compact, easy-toassemble POS display unit has been designed to accommodate four units of each pack and UAP is offering a fully stocked POS for almost half the retail value of the products, with informative leaflets and a counter-top display unit included in the price. David Jennings continues: “Both professional tradespeople and DIYers are extremely nervous about selecting the right fire rated products so there is a real opportunity for builder’s merchants and trade counters to help them select the right products and have confidence in their choices with our new point of sale and Pack selector approach. “We have designed the Firemongery POS to be both practical and
informative. With a mixture of shelves, hooks and a leaflet dispenser, everything fits neatly on the robust unit. Meanwhile, the question and answer Pack Selector means that product selection is straightforward. And, of course, the Firemongery products offer the quality, value and compliance customers expect from a UAP brand.”
TOTAL HARDWARE DELIVER ON THE LATEST DESIGN TRENDS
With the trends in composite doors moving towards contemporary aesthetics, installers are seeking out hardware that supports the shift. The Superior 25 Stainless Steel Pull Bars from Total Hardware tick all the boxes.
Chris Pell, General Manager at Total Hardware, said: “Hardware is an integral part of the aesthetic of an installation. When it comes to contemporary composite door designs, our Stainless Steel Pull Bars are the perfect finishing touch.” The Superior 25 Stainless Steel Pull Bars have a contemporary ergonomic design. Plus, as part of the Superior 25 range, they are part of a range of fully suited hardware, enabling fabricators and installers to deliver a sleek and coordinated installation. They are versatile too. There are three fixing options: single through fixing, single face fixing and paired fixings. There are also inline, offset and square variations and they come in six lengths from 400mm to 1800mm. Chris comments: “Customers are increasingly choosing the single face fixing option, which opens up opportunities for different handle styles on the interior and exterior of doors.”
The Superior 25 Stainless Steel Pull Bars benefit from Total Hardware’s commitment to quality. They are made from high quality, 316 grade stainless steel for superior corrosion resistance. The coating has been tested to BS.EN: 2007 Grade 5 and they have a 25 year coating guarantee. The Superior 25 Stainless Steel Pull Bars are part of Total Hardware’s comprehensive range of products across all price points, which includes its own high-quality hardware ranges. Alongside its Superior 25 range, which is aimed at the premium end of the domestic door market, there is the Quantum range, which is aimed at installers that want to differentiate their own product range. The company also stock a 1200mm inline pair of square effect pull handles for next level aesthetics.
Customers also benefit from Total Hardware’s commitment to service. It works hard to maintain high stock levels to ensure it can keep pace with demand. The company also invests to ensure it can offer rapid turnaround times from quotation to despatch. This includes reliable next day deliveries nationwide.
Chris concludes: “As trends move away from traditional composite door designs to more contemporary styles, it is vital to ensure your portfolio delivers what your customers need. Our Superior 25 Stainless Steel Pull Bars combine sleek contemporary aesthetics with the quality and durability these handles demand. They are the perfect addition to any contemporary door portfolio.” Tel: 0113 243 2255 www.totalhardwareltd.co.uk
STAINLESS STEEL BEATS ZINC IN CARBON FOOTPRINT ANALYSIS
New independent analysis commissioned by Mila has revealed that not only is stainless steel door hardware more durable than zinc diecast, but it also has a lower carbon footprint.
That, Mila says, is a powerful message for fabricators and installers to take to all those retail customers who want to buy more sustainably, and to the commercial market, where there is so often a requirement to achieve carbon reduction targets. The analysis, carried out by consultants Tunley Engineering, revealed that annual carbon emissions for a Mila stainless steel door handle are only 17% that of a Mila zinc die cast equivalent. In part, that is because stainless steel products have a lifespan which is typically five times longer than zinc, meaning that the carbon emissions can be averaged out over a longer period. But, more significantly it comes from the fact that the emission factors for producing zinc are 60+% higher than they are for steel, and there are more energy intensive processes required to manufacture in zinc rather than in steel.
Richard Gyde, Mila’s Managing Director, says the figures support the company’s ongoing efforts to encourage as many customers as possible to migrate from buying and fitting zinc to buying and fitting stainless steel. He said: “We’ve massively expanded our range of Supa™ stainless steel hardware products over the past three years and we’ve seen sales almost treble as a result, to a point where they now account for more than 45% of all the door hardware we sell.
“Obviously, stainless steel has long been the first choice at the upper end of the retail market for composite, timber and aluminium doors, and increasingly in the commercial and social housing sectors where the enhanced durability can guarantee fewer costly remedials, But we’d like to see it become the default option for all doors so that remedials and hardware replacements because of failures in finishes essentially become a thing of the past. “As well as the environmental and durability benefits, we’ve worked hard to bring down costs on our Supa™ range. As a result, for lots of customers, the price differential between this and zinc will be negligible.” Mila’s Supa™ stainless steel hardware includes door handles, letterplates, pull bars, escutcheons and door knockers – the vast majority of which are available in either SS304 extreme or SS316 marine grade material for coastal and high pollution areas. The entire range has been independently performance tested for corrosion resistance to BSEN1670 Grade 5 and has sailed through more than 1000 hours in a salt spray test, enabling Mila to offer a 25-year surface finish and mechanical operation guarantee. The choice of suited finishes includes polished or brushed stainless, and polished or brushed PVD gold to suit virtually any contemporary or traditional door design. For details and a quotation on Mila’s Supa™ range, visit: www.mila.co.uk/the-stainless-steel-edit/
CLEARSLIDE PATIO DOOR GEAR IS SET TO GROW
Hardware manufacturer VBH, the company behind the greenteQ brand, has forged a strong reputation as a supplier to specialist patio door manufacturers. The greenteQ range includes hardware and furniture solutions for aluminium bi-fold and lift/slide patio doors and, most recently, PVCu inline sliding doors.
VBH advise that the greenteQ Clearslide lock has been well received by manufacturers of Deceuninck, Kömmerling, Rehau and Veka PVCu sliders since its launch. The lock and keep are manufactured from hardwearing stainless steel, and both are covered by a 10-year guarantee. Eight sliding hooks and two anti-lift pins ensure that Clearslide locks provide a very strong connection to the frame. The lock meets the requirements of all relevant security standards, and is covered by Kitemark KM727991 (Building Hardware used in Windows & Doorsets.
As a consequence of this, VBH have added Clearslide to the Approved Hardware list for its Q-secure PREMIUM consumer guarantee. This means that Q-secure installers can offer a guarantee of up to £8000 on their sliding doors. Clearslide can be operated by the greenteQ standard Alpha Patio P-Handle with its 10year guarantee, or by the Coastline stainless steel handle set that is supplied with a 25-year surface guarantee. The handles are interchangeable so upgrading when required is easy. VBH Business Development Director, Rob Norman, says; “We do great business with Clearslide on the four profiles that we launched with, and have had many requests from users of other PVCu systems who want to use the lock on their doors. We’re busy developing further solutions that will satisfy these requests and expand Clearslide’s reach. Watch this space.”
Get in contact with VBH on 01634 263263, email info@vbhgb.com or send them a Tweet @vbhgb.
CARL F GROUPCO SUPPORTS NEW HOLIDAY PARK PROJECT
A range of hardware solutions supplied by Carl F Groupco has been used on a new prestigious holiday park development. The project carried out by trade, retail and commercial fabricator Total Window Services in Hull involved the installation of new windows and doors in the reception, convenience store and restaurant buildings at the High Farm Holiday Park in Yorkshire.
The windows and doors in the reception and convenience store were straightforward but, with its four large door apertures, the newly constructed on-site restaurant needed something different. Jonathan Neale, General Manager at Total Window Services, explains: “Our customer required a solution that was easy to use and offered exceptional security. They thought bifold doors would be the answer, but, when they saw the Smart-Slide patio door from Aluplast, which utilises the Roto Inowa Sliding Door Hardware System, they changed their minds.” He continued: “The innovative Smart-Slide doors were designed to accommodate wide door apertures so could easily accommodate the 3.5-metre-wide openings on this project. The Roto Inowa Sliding Door Hardware System meant the doors would be straightforward to operate, something that was particularly important as many of the client’s guests are elderly. Security and functionality are also excellent and, overall, the Smart-Slide doors have more than delivered on this high-end project.” The Roto Inowa Sliding Door Hardware System was supplied by hardware distributors Carl F Groupco who added the system to its impressive stocked range in 2020. Total Window Services has worked exclusively with Carl F Groupco for their hardware requirements since January 2021 and, in that time, has developed a mutually strong relationship. Carl F Groupco is a major stockist of Roto hardware, and Julie Warner, Carl F Groupco’s Roto product manager, said: “The Roto Patio Inowa range is a prevalent choice for new build installations like this one. It meets the stringent requirements of the BS EN 13126-17 rain and air impermeability tests and can achieve PAS 24 compliance with its secure locking points in the mullion, V-locking cams and its lockable handle with drilling protection.” The hardware solution also offers exceptional functionality which made it ideal for this project. It comfortably slides sash weights of up to 200kg with minimum effort as the sash movement is perpendicular to the frame profile. Furthermore, roller bearings mean that it is not necessary to lift the sash. Soft functionality also gently brakes the sash when stopping in the open or closed positions, ensuring safe operation every time. Jonathan concluded: “The customer is delighted with the finished results and they’ve had great feedback from their guests too. They appreciate how smoothly the doors run and are pleased with the weatherproofing provided by the unique closing mechanism.” The Total Window Services team pride themselves on attention to detail on every project, something their 100% customer satisfaction attests to. As the feedback shows, the company’s exacting attention to detail was more than evident at High Farm Holiday Park thanks to Carl F Groupco and the innovative Roto Inowa Sliding Door Hardware System. Tel: 01733 393 330 www.carlfgroupco.co.uk www.smartsecure.co.uk www.carlfdirect.co.uk
SMART TECHNOLOGY FOR DOORS MADE SIMPLE, SAYS COASTAL
Hardware manufacturer Coastal Group says incorporating smart technology into homes is becoming more and more sought after by the end user, starting at the front entrance door.
Coastal’s BLU-e smart access system has been designed to make doors smart without the worry of difficult and time-consuming configuration and installation. Combining the company’s HAB15 316 stainless steel pull handles with ekey’s dLine smart access technology, customers can now be offered ‘a new age of entrance doors’, says Coastal.
This intelligent access system allows the door to be opened in the following ways: • Fingerprint - The Austrian-made ekey system allows only authorised persons access to a property. • Remotely - The ekey bionyx app allows front entrance doors to be unlocked whilst away from home using a smartphone. • Alexa Voice Command – The system also allows doors to be opened by voice command. And to ensure maximum security, confirmation of a 4-digit code is required. Coastal says this provides numerous benefits to the homeowner: maximum security provided by a fingerprint scanner system and smart experience, with no worries over lost, stolen or forged keys; the convenience of opening the door from any location remotely; and simple touch operation means it only takes one hand to unlock and open the door. Ideal for when the homeowner has their hands full with shopping bags. Loren Jenner, Coastal’s managing director, said: “We’ve made installation of the BLU-e system simple. It’s delivered as a complete ‘pre-wired’ package with all the components required to connect to the power supply. Housing the scanner unit within the Pull Handle means you don’t have to find an additional location for it on the door, speeding up fitting time.” Coastal’s ML3120 (Winkhaus AV3 premium autoLock) works in conjunction with the BLU-e pull handle set, activating as soon as the door shuts. The system is flexible, allowing you to choose whether to put pull handles on both sides of the door or a pull handle on the outside and a lever handle on the inside.
BLU-e is part of a suited range of door furniture, allowing a consistent aesthetic across doors and windows.
For more information or a free live video demonstration, call 01726 871 025 or email marketing@coastal-group.com.
