STEEL WINDOWS AND SCREENS DELIVER STYLE TO ENHANCE INTERIOR DECOR A SIGNIFICANT SHIFT TO THERMALLY EFFICIENT BI-FOLD DOORS

Jeremy Phillips, CDW Systems’ Group Chairman, discusses the rise in thermally efficient bi-fold doors.

The popularity of bi-fold doors has increased over the many years of their existence. Now, with the rise of aluminium as a strong and stylish alternative to PVCu, they are even more in the spotlight.

There is another reason for an increased uptake in bi-fold interest – thermal efficiency. Once upon a time, such doors were notorious for leaking heat from underperforming double glazing and the various joints used in their construction. Not now. Today’s bi-folds have very low U-values, offering superlative heat retention while keeping out draughts.

Strong yet comparatively slim steel frame sections are well recognised amongst architects for offering excellent light transmission, while the slender sightlines are also ideal for allowing windows to “bring the outdoors in.” However, contemporary systems available from members of the Steel Window Association (SWA) can also play a pivotal role in influencing interior fitouts.

The unexpected property boom from the pandemic included people adding extensions or improving their homes and saw SWA members responding to high demand for both classic and contemporary steel windows, doors and interior screens. In fact, the latter has proved ideal for creating home offices or sub-dividing living spaces without significantly cutting light reaching deep plan areas; while introducing an aesthetic often described as industrial but also sophisticated.

Getting the best from these versatile, highperformance systems does, though, require careful consideration of both potential suppliers and between the multiple systems available which offer a choice of performance as well as appearance.

Ethan Blackman, Contracts Coordinator for long-established SWA member, Cotswold Casements, comments, “In terms of the way projects are specified, normally we get clients (property owners) being directed to visit our showroom by their design consultants once the decision to utilise steel frames has been made, so that they can decide on items like ironmongery or type of opening light.”

“While a lot of our clients have already decided that they want the slim sections and large pane size that steel windows offer, they still want to view the past projects to help visualise how their own properties might turn out. There are a lot of nice- looking buildings on our website including commercial buildings! Normally they will send us their architects’ drawings detailing what they are trying to achieve. We will then respond with CAD drawings and a quote.”

“We’ve also invested in a new CRM system which enables everyone involved in a contract, including the client and our production team, to keep track. Plus, we have new window making software – all of which helps improve the customer journey, and the turnaround time.”

Interestingly, there is a perception in the market that the vast majority of steel doors and windows are produced in black, but while it is a popular colour, Cotswold Casements is one of the SWA members seeing a lot of interest in Anthracite and other shades of grey, as well as brighter colours, like Cotswold Green, white and even the stark ‘Industrial Patina’ finish. The latter is proving particularly popular for warehouse and barn conversions, along with heritage buildings generally.

Property owners and professionals can use the “Find a member” facility on the SWA website to identify a manufacturer in their locality or offering the particular area of speciality that their project requires, in order to obtain a steel window package produced to a high standard which will be correctly installed.

The SWA offers UK wide coverage with member companies able to carry out the full range of contracts from the repair and restoration of heritage windows through to the installation of major fenestration packages in contemporary commercial, residential and other types of developments.

For further information on the Steel Window Association or if you’re interested in becoming a member, please visit www.steel-window-association.co.uk.

There’s no doubt that the market is very much leaning towards ever-increasing ways of saving energy In part, this is driven by the Government’s to cut fuel inefficiency by 2025, but also because of increasing inflation and the costs of heating the average home.

It means all of us in the sector are having to think much smarter and more quickly too, which is a good thing because it drives innovation. At CDW Systems we have introduced a new bi-fold door - the AluK Luminia F82 – to our range due to increasing consumer and trade demand for a high-end product with excellent thermal efficiency.

Over the years we’ve had enormous success with the versatile BSF70 bi-fold from Aluk but we want to make sure we can offer customers an upgrade if they want a more high-end aluminium bi-fold door. It won’t take over from the BSF70HI, but there will certainly be a demand for it due to its better sightlines and its thermal properties, which is its biggest USP. As fabricators, it’s also never been a more important time for all of us to listen to our customers, especially when they need guidance on areas such as thermal efficiency. They need to know about compliance, and thanks to our industry experience and knowledge we understand the high standards set by industry in terms of product, specification, and compliance.

Established in 1992, CDW Systems is one of the UK’s longest running aluminium specialists in the trade supply of aluminium window, door, and curtain wall products.

For more information visit www.cdwsystems.co.uk or call 01452 414853.