Product Launch: ERA

NOT JUST A SMART TECH LOCK GLASS NEWS REPORTS ON ERA’S UNVEILING OF THE FUTURE OF KEYLESS ENTRY

Smart tech, keyless entry and remote window locks. Glass News has seen a definite demand from homeowners looking at the growing number of smart tech options now available, to help increase security and asthetics to our doors and windows. Having recently visited ERA’s head quarters, we were introduced to a new launch in smart tech – TouchKey, a versatile door security solution……..

TouchKey has been independently tested to BSI’s new Smart Residential Locking Device standard, which was developed in conjunction with ERA and combines the BSI Internet of Things (IoT) Kitemark with TS 621 for mechanical security with smart locking. A complete door security solution, TouchKey combines a smarter security door handle, an auto-firing multi-point lock, and an anti-bump security cylinder. Suitable for fabrication with composite or timber entrance doors, TouchKey provides multi-factor authentication for residential door access and is the only system of its kind to combine five different entry methods into a single door handle. This includes fingerprint access, the smart home app, geolocation technology, voice-activated entry, and manual key override. Featuring advanced fingerprint technology, up to 50 different fingerprints can be stored directly within the handle to provide users with instant access to the property. When used with the ERA smart home app, TouchKey can be unlocked with a single touch locally or remotely via the addition of an ERA alarm hub. Digital e-keys that have timed access can also be assigned to individuals, such as family and friends, via the app. Voice command can be utilised via the app to unlock the door on approach, without having to physically use a smartphone.

With geolocation technology, the system can remotely unlock via Bluetooth as a trusted digital e-key grants access to the individual once they are within range of the property, without needing to physically use their smartphone. For ultimate peace of mind, TouchKey also contains a hidden manual key override, with three keys supplied as standard. Containing dynamic smart technology that is combined with mechanical hardware endurance, TouchKey delivers the ultimate standard for security and convenience. The first class mechanical hardware includes a two hook multi-point lock with a central deadbolt, that fires six locking points when engaged, to automatically secure the door on closing. The anti-bump security cylinder works in conjunction with the TouchKey smarter handle and TouchKey multi-point lock to deliver ease of application, whilst simultaneously providing resistance against forced entry.

An ergonomically designed extended thumbturn with light torque also ensures the door is easy to operate, with a single turn simultaneously retracting all locking points for ease of egress. Upon leaving the property, the door closes automatically and locks securely behind the user for all important peace of mind. The smarter handle is built for endurance and security, with the addition of a forged steel backplate and hardened plates that prevent potential attackers from removing the handle to access the lock.

The TouchKey handle also delivers on aesthetics, featuring a sleek, contemporary design that is available in Fab&Fix’s patented Hardex Chrome and Hardex Graphite finishes, complementing over 200 products within the Fab&Fix range, including hinges, letterplates and knockers. Helen Downer, President of Tyman UK & Ireland (ERA’s parent company), explains: “TouchKey provides fabricators with the next generation in smarter door security, and because it integrates with the wider ERA Protect smart ecosystem, it presents door manufacturers with cross-selling opportunities, whilst providing additional security for customers.

“For over 180 years, ERA has been designing, manufacturing and supplying traditional hardware that provides the highest possible standards of security. TouchKey combines our extensive expertise in mechanical hardware with the very latest advances in smart technology to provide a revolutionary system that sets a new standard for keyless entry.” ERA, one of the UK’s leading home security and fenestration component providers, is revolutionising the expectations and capabilities of keyless entry with the launch of its versatile door security solution, TouchKey.

For further information on ERA’s diverse portfolio of security products, including its smart security offering, visit www.eraeverywhere.com or contact the sales team on 01922 490 000 or email info@eraeverywhere.com.

Thanks to the whole team at ERA for inviting Glass News to the launch of TouchKey. Compliments to the chef’s and the welcoming hospitality!

GARNALEX & SHEERLINE – INNOVATION PARTNERS

GRANADA’S SECONDARY GLAZING HEALS LEAKY WINDOWS AT ARCHITECT’S PRACTICE

The Prestige range of aluminium Bi-Folds is renowned for its stylish aesthetics, design flexibility and exceptional thermal performance. The background to the Prestige range development is just as impressive, especially the innovation partnership formed with Winkhaus UK. When Sheerline initiated their development program, they invited the Winkhaus Technical Team to support from their Bifold profile design stage onwards. Through the various phases of development the Winkhaus Technical Team supported system design, including optimum positioning for the lock and the development of a bespoke solution based on the Thunderbolt™ locking system, for the new Prestige Bi-folds. With the design completed, Winkhaus further supported with a series of development days in conjunction with both the technical product and Winkhaus Laboratory teams, to prove the security requirements to PAS24. Winkhaus Senior Product and Technical Manager George Smith advises; “Development days are an important part of the bespoke support we provide for our innovation partners. They often shorten development times by identifying areas of improvement or validating designs prior to testing, providing partners confidence to embark on what can be expensive and time consuming test programs”. Mike Rushen – Winkhaus UK Sales Director; “Supporting our partners with their innovation programs is one of the added value services that differentiate Winkhaus. We take great pride when chosen to share an innovation journey, which is why we continue to invest in this key solution service expanding our technical and product teams further, building on the extensive experience already in place”. To learn more about how we support partners with their innovation programs or the wider range of products and systems available from Winkhaus UK, please contact 01536 316 000, email enquiries@winkhaus. co.uk or visit www.winkhaus.co.uk

GLAZERITE EXTENDS PORTFOLIO FURTHER WITH LAUNCH OF ALUMINIUM

The Glazerite UK Group is set to boost its product portfolio with the addition of an aluminium range. The move has been designed with its installers in mind as the leading trade fabricator seeks to expand its offering and support customers to leverage new opportunities.

From January 2023, Glazerite will offer installers access to the Senior Architectural Systems (SAS) aluminium product range of casement and Tilt & Turn windows, as well as bi-folding and patio doors. Rob Brearley, Glazerite’s Group Managing Director explains: “Our uPVC product range is one of the broadest in the industry. We recognise though that the market for windows and doors is ever evolving and by adding aluminium to our portfolio, it gives our installers access to another solution that appeals to today’s trend-conscious consumer.” The addition of the SAS range of aluminium products enables the fabricator to test the market amongst its customer base with the assurance the profile is crafted with the same high-quality finish Glazerite’s customers expect while adding further options to its portfolio that will suit every customer budget. Rob adds: “Aluminium is a high-growth market and one that we’ve wanted to explore for a while. By partnering with SAS on its supply, we can gauge the market initially across our existing customer base and better understand its potential.” www.glazerite.co.uk

Architects at a Warwickshire practice were so impressed with Granada’s secondary glazing system that they decided to get it installed to improve thermal efficiency and reduce energy costs in their own premises.

Jonathan Holland Architects, based in a Grade II listed property in Kenilworth, serves clients throughout the UK and around the world for a wide range of commercial, public and private projects. After inviting a Granada Glazing specialist to present a secondary glazing CPD session, they quickly recognised that their building’s original single-glazed and draughty windows were not up to the job and that their working environment could benefit from additional thermal insulation.

Single glazed windows are highly conductive, letting in unwanted cold air during the winter and too much heat in the summer. Studies have shown that up to 70% of the heat from buildings is lost through single-glazed windows, leading to higher energy bills to maintain a comfortable inside temperature. Installing quality secondary glazing provides excellent thermal insulation that reduces heat loss by up to 65%. Low-E glass is often the best choice for this extra internal glazing panel as the special coating reflects heat back into the room. Secondary glazing is also far less expensive than full window replacement and frequently the only option to improve thermal efficiency in historic or listed properties. Granada Glazing’s specialists fitted eight secondary glazing units in total: four Balanced Vertical Sliding Units, three threepanel Horizontal Sliding Units and one two-panel Horizontal Sliding Unit - all with 4mm toughened Low E glass to reflect heat back into the rooms.

Designed specifically for traditional box sash windows, Balanced Vertical Sliding Units blend in seamlessly with the internal décor and are undetectable from the outside, maintaining the character of a building’s external appearance. Robert Cottam, Commercial Sales Manager at Granada Secondary Glazing, said: “We initially heard from the team at Jonathan Holland Architects back in February 2022 when they requested that a member of our team pay them a visit to deliver one of our secondary glazing CPD sessions. “It became apparent as the session progressed that the company’s HQ may well require a secondary glazing install. Operating out of a listed building, the customer found themselves in the familiar position of being unable to complete a full window replacement due to planning restrictions. As heating bills continued to rise in line with the ongoing energy crisis, it had quickly become obvious that something had to be done to address the leaky windows. “Our proposal comprised a mixture of our vertical sliding and horizontal sliding units designed to match the décor of the primary windows. Low E glazing was chosen to offer the team at Jonathan Holland Architects the best possible thermal performance and improved comfort.” Suitable for all property types, Granada’s slimline aluminium secondary glazing frames can be powder coated in over 200 RAL colours. Virtually invisible, they blend in with any interior décor. The Granada Glazing product range encompasses hinged, sliding, vertical sliders, including tilt back, and lift-out options. Granada Glazing partners with architects and specifiers on the design, manufacture and supply of high quality commercial secondary glazing for all sectors and building types across the UK. For more information on the Granada Secondary Glazing range, please call 01909 499899, visit www.gsecg.com or email info@granadaglazing.com.