LANCASHIRE TRADE FRAMES CELEBRATE 20 YEARS IN BUSINESS

As an industry, we have talked ourselves into believing that we don’t need triple glazing to comply with Building Regulations, and that ‘clever doubles’ are more than sufficient.

In fact, we have talked ourselves out of pursuing volume triple glazing production because triple glazed units would be too heavy, they would put too much pressure on the hardware, they would cost too much to transport, or they would need specialist lifting equipment on site.

But that’s set to change.

By now, you would have heard about the Future Homes Standard (FHS), which is due in 2025. We are still waiting for the exact figures, but we expect that windows and doors with a glazed area of more than 60% going into newbuild homes will need U-values of 0.9W/m2K or lower.

We’ve known that these performance requirements were on the cards for some time. So, it really shouldn’t come as a surprise that the different elements that make up a window will have to perform better, including the sealed unit. And because the best performing double glazed units can’t achieve anything lower than 1.0W/m2K, then an increase in demand for triple glazing is almost certain. This shouldn’t be a cause for concern. The only thing that stands in the way of widespread triple glazing is lack of preparation and investment.

Our most popular width of Thermobar is 20mm for a standard double glazed unit. We are installing new lines and storage facilities to manufacture and distribute Thermobar in 12mm, 14mm and 16mm widths in preparation for the increase in demand for triple glazing. Thermobar is already the glazing industry’s most popular warm edge spacer bar, which is unlikely to change because it is PassivHaus-approved thanks to it ultra-low thermal values.

We’ve also invested in our Thermoflex flexible spacer bar line, buying in a third twin-strand extruder, which can produce all thicknesses including 4.8mm, 6.3mm and 7.3mm, and air spaces up to 28mm in twin strand. And because it is quicker than our existing equipment, it can produce more than double the quantity of product per shift on certain product types.

And we mustn’t forget the other products required for the manufacture of sealed units, including corner keys, desiccant, primary and secondary sealant, and cloth tape. All components are tested at our laboratory before distribution, guaranteeing that they all work together effectively for a long-lasting sealed unit.

There are still two years before the new Future Homes Standard comes into force, but we need to prepare for the changes now, including partnering with the most prepared suppliers. And those companies that prepare now will be the ones ready to take on the extra work when the new legislation comes into force.

For more information, please visit www.thermosealgroup.com, or call 0121 331 3955.

Epwin Window Systems’ fabricator Lancashire Trade Frames is celebrating 20 years in business and 20 years as a Spectus fabricator too. Mark Rowland, Managing Director at Lancashire Trade Frames, said: “In a sector that’s faced many challenges over the last two decades, it’s a remarkable achievement to have achieved this company milestone.”

The business has seen many changes over its 20year tenure, but its choice of systems partner has remained constant. Mark said: “We have worked with Spectus from the start as the quality of the system and the strength of our relationship has allowed us to support our growing customer base.”

Lancashire Trade Frames manufactures the Spectus ovolo and sculptured 70mm PVC-U system, a combination that means it can deliver what its customers need across all market sectors.

As a family-run business, Lancashire Trade Frames prides itself on delivering consistent high-quality products and customer support. It also places a strong emphasis on loyalty throughout its operation. Mark said: “Loyalty is a thread that runs through our entire business. This also extends to the wider family of our staff, community, customers and suppliers.”

To mark the anniversary, Lancashire Trade Frames held a company open day for key suppliers and Paul Adlington, Business Development Manager at Epwin Window Systems, presented a commemorative plaque. Paul commented: “We have worked with Mark and his team throughout their 20year history and send our congratulations in recognition of this business milestone.”

While wanting to reminisce about the company’s journey so far, Mark was keen to talk about where the business is heading. He concluded: “After twenty years, our determination to be the fabricator of choice shines brighter than ever. The future is looking bright.”

Tel: 0808 101 4143 - www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk