VIEWPOINT

continent. There are also different decibels, different kilohertz.”

This can play havoc within the specification market, he said, because confusion could lead to the wrong products being specified. This is only likely to get worse as interest in ventilation increases.

Ignorance Is Leading To Wrong Ventilators Being Installed, Warns AW Louvers Ventilation products are being incorrectly specified because fabricators, installers and building owners don’t understand what is required of them, the managing director of AW Louvers, Wayne Irvine, has warned. This situation has been made worse because of the rush to meet the revised Part F of the Building Regulations which comes into force on June 15, and which will result in most windows going into newbuild or refurbished properties providing background ventilation by way of a trickle ventilator. Putting vents in windows increases the chance of introducing outside noise, which can also be harmful to the health of occupants. “It’s quite often the case that somebody will ask for a product to meet certain specification, but that turns out to be the wrong specification because they don’t understand Dnew, C, CTR, the octave bands that relevant to aeroplane traffic, relevant to train traffic, relevant to car traffic, or relevant to groups of people, in fact,” Wayne says. “So, we’ve done a lot of work on that in the past and we’ve developed our products and technical support accordingly.” The SSH 2500EA Acoustic Trickle Ventilator is a market leader product for trickle ventilators, claims the company. It has a slot height of just 11mm, and can provide a sound reduction of 46Dnew in one acoustic model in open position, and 48Dnew with two acoustic models in open position. To ensure that its products meet the technical requirements, AW Louvers has its products tested at SRL Technical Services which is an accredited acoustic performance lab in the UK. AW Louvers’ range of ventilation products includes over-theframe ventilators, through-theframe ventilators and glazed-in ventilators. They are designed for a wide range of applications, balancing the ventilation requirements with superior noise mitigation. The company’s website – www.awlouvers.co.uk – provides technical datasheets to help you specify the correct product for the right application.

Unfortunately, the understanding surrounding acoustics – the terminology, the way it is measured, and the different noise

Wayne Irvine

levels – often means that the wrong types of trickle vents are specified.

“There’s a lot of confusion around acoustics,” Wayne says. “For example, there are different performance measurements that are referred to by different European testing houses. There is RW in the UK, and Dnew on the

Horizontal Vs Vertical:

Which Is Right For Your Installation?

Julian Roberts, technical services director at UAP, a specialist in hardware and locking systems for the fenestration sector, discusses the vertical and horizontal models in the UAP Fullex Kinetica+ K4 range and provides tips on selecting the most appropriate model

For most end users, a vertical cylinder is the expected and most natural installation; whether they are opening the front door to their property or their double doors onto the garden. But different designs of door, different property layouts and personal preference all have an influence on whether a vertical or horizontal 3* cylinder is the most appropriate choice.

Personal Preference

Personal preference is usually the key driver for the choice between a vertical and a horizontal cylinder, but it’s important to understand the needs of the end user to ensure that the installation is aligned to the requirements. This includes a consideration of the installation environment, along with the position of the cylinder in the door. Sometimes, where a vertical cylinder might be the obvious choice, a horizontal cylinder can provide a solution to a spatial issue, for example, or there may be aesthetic factors to consider.

In many ways, whether a vertical or horizontal cylinder is chosen is immaterial, because both options are usually equally simple to install and use. Both can be keyed alike, to enable the end user to operate more than one lock with

Julian Roberts

a single key if, for example, they have a pair of double doors, or they want to use the same key to access their home at both the front and the rear.

Security Perceptions

The design of horizontal cylinders means that they are often perceived to offer more robust levels of security, so this may be a consideration for properties where the residents feel vulnerable or locations where there is a greater risk of break ins. In reality, if they are Secured by Design accredited, BSI 3* Kitemarked, and Sold Secure Diamond Standard approved, both vertical and horizontal cylinders will provide a robust level of security that makes it extremely difficult for criminals to break. Nonetheless, perceptions can carry substantial value, both for residents and insurance companies. For developers constructing retirement villages and assisted living projects, offering assurances of the number of different key combinations

provided by the cylinder installed is another marketing message to add into the mix.

The UAP Fullex range of Kinetica+ K4 3* cylinders highlights the key difference between vertical and horizontal models. Both models are BSI Kitemarked and Secured by Design accredited and Sold Secure Diamond Standard approved and they have many of the same security features, including UAP’s innovative anti-pick, anti-bump and anti-drill systems. Vertical Kinetica+ K4 cylinders provide more than 200,000 different key combinations thanks to six vertical pins within the cylinder. In the horizontal model, these are replaced with six dimple pins and five laser track side pins, creating the potential for 13 million differs, and making the lock even more difficult to pick. As an additional security measure, the UAP Fullex Kinetica+ K4 horizontal cylinder has been designed to allow only single-orientation key insertion. This has enabled the in-house UAP design team to create a smaller keyway for the horizontal model, making it even harder to attack the cylinder.

By working closely with locksmiths to understand the latest techniques, the UAP design team approaches product development with a problem solving focus that considers new ways to overcome attempts to break in. Meanwhile, an emphasis on the end-user means that the design considers ease of use and convenience too; in this case, leading to the provision of an indentation on the key to indicate the correct key position for the end user, making it easier for them to open the door first time, every time.

Just like the vertical model, the Kinetica+ K4 horizontal cylinder is supplied with three UAP Fullex Bio keys, which have antibacterial and antiviral properties. The Bio keys have been tested to ISO 22196:2011 standards and shown to reduce Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia col. They have also been tested to ISO 21702:2019 standards and shown to reduce SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19). The Bio keys’ unrestricted keyway makes it easier to have duplicate keys cut using the UAP Fullex Kinetica key blank, making both the vertical and horizontal models suitable for both domestic use and small mastersuite installations for commercial projects or multi-occupancy environments.

Functionality First

Ultimately, all cylinders – vertical or horizontal – should be ease to install, smooth to operate and capable of providing robust security performance throughout their service life. For those unsure whether to opt for a vertical or horizontal cylinder, the specification choice begins by selecting a brand you can trust.

Why Glass Waste Is

Costing Your Business

Glass processors are under increased pressure to reduce overheads and optimise their use of glass as margins are being eroded at an alarming rated because of rising energy and raw material prices, according to Dave Broxton, MD of Bohle.

A perfect storm of excessive demand, logistical problems associated with Covid, and rising energy prices has put a huge amount of pressure on the glass industry, with increased prices being pushed through the supply chain to the glass processor. one lorry load of glass from one manufacturer went from £350 to £6,500 during March.

“I think it’s inevitable that there will be significant price increases in the price of glass over the coming months,” Dave said. “And the problem with that for the glass processor, whether they’re a large sealed unit manufacturer or a small glass processor, is that they really can’t afford to waste glass anymore.

“They need to optimise their production through software, but they also need to ensure that they have a limited amount of wastage, and they can do that by improving the way in which they cut and process glass.”

Dave Broxton

Bohle has launched its own Silberschnitt cutting fluids, which form a critical part of the Silberschnitt range of cutting wheels and other consumables.

Silberschnitt V55 is the standard product for general glass cutting, including mirrored and low-e glass, and it has a standard evaporation time. Glass processors can choose to switch to Silberschnitt V59 for a longer evaporation time, or Silberschnitt V52 for a shorter evaporation time – usually required for cutting laminate and coated glass. For

demanding shape-cutting, or for thicker glass, Silberschnitt W60 is recommended.

Choosing the right cutting fluid is essential for cutting glass efficiently: cutting fluid lubricates the cutting wheel, which provides a more precise, stable, high quality cut.

The cutting fluid penetrates into the smallest micro-fissures and stabilises the built-up tensions for a longer period of time. By lubricating the cutting wheel and glass with cutting fluid (with machines by continuous flushing), part of the glass dust is bound and flushed away. The cutting fluid binds small glass chips and stops them from moving onto the glass surface and scratching it.

“We have nearly a century of expertise in glass cutting at Bohle, and Silberschnitt is a brand of cutting wheels, pillar posts, axles and wheel holders, that is well known throughout the world,” Bohle MD Dave Broxton said.

“The other thing that makes a huge difference in the quality of cutting glass is the cutting fluid. In the past we’ve sold cutting fluid manufactured by other specialist companies, but we’re now in a position after more than three years of development to launch our very own Silberschnitt cutting fluids, and these have been designed to work perfectly with the whole Silberschnitt system.

“Our system works with every single cut and you will come out with a better quality product with a much higher degree of edge quality, and you’ll be able to reduce your waste, which adds value to the bottom line. It’s a no-brainer.”

www.bohle.com

By Phil Slinger – CAB Chief Executive There are some that think aluminium framed windows will not Aluminium’s Thermal Credentials be able to meet the thermal demands of the upcoming changes to Document L of the building regulations. Whilst it’s fair to say that the proposed changes in 2025 do pose a challenge, not just for aluminium, membership feedback at our recent Spring Forum confirms that our systems company members are already prepared. So why make windows out of aluminium when the material clearly has no thermal insulation characteristics of its own? Aluminium is virtually 100% recyclable, not just once but many times over. Since its commercial availability in the 1880’s, 75% of all aluminium produced is still in active service today. The current scrap value of aluminium is almost that of new aluminium as the material is in such demand, indeed there is only enough scrap aluminium available to meet 50% of our current needs for the material. Aluminium alloy can be provided in a wide range of ‘grades’ which offer unique characteristics for a wide range of uses in transport and packaging as well as in construction.

Structurally, aluminium in 6060 or 6063 grade offers a high strength to weight ratio, allowing for slim frame profiles to be utilised whilst ensuring a high visible glass to frame ratio. This is achieved without additional structural components being added to the material.

Together with its recyclability credentials and its structural capabilities, a further consideration in its use in fenestration is the surface finish that it can carry. Anodised or powder coated, these finishes are some of the most sustainable finishes that can be applied to any architectural products, often lasting the lifetime of the building itself. No wonder other fenestration materials can be seen using an external skin of aluminium in order to take advantage of these capabilities.

So, to thermal insulation, how is this achieved? profile to introduce a thermally efficient frame design, this is achieved basically in two ways, a ‘pour and set’ or a ‘roll-in profile’. The majority of thermal breaks used today are profiles of polyamide, a glass reinforced nylon, these offer excellent structural rigidity combined with thermal efficiency. There are also various polyurethane ‘pour and set’ systems in use as well, which offer excellent thermal characteristics.

Possibly the highest frame U values that can be achieved are tested and recorded by the independent Passivhaus Institute. Aluminium systems are shown on their website achieving frame U value as low as 0.7 using polyamide thermal breaks, clearly demonstrating that aluminium profiles can achieve excellent thermal insulation characteristics. Whilst these systems seem extreme for this years’ changes to Document L, they do demonstrate what is achievable as we move towards ‘zero carbon’ homes. Simply put, current aluminium framed systems for use in commercial and residential applications will continue to evolve to meet pending legislation.

Whilst frame insulation is a critical factor in the compliance stakes, cold bridging around the frame to the opening reveal also plays a big part in enabling the installed window to achieve its claimed U value. In fact LETI, (the London Energy Transformation Initiative) state that much of the thermal benefit of fitting a new replacement window can be lost by not considering the likely cold bridging where the window meets the reveal.

It is clear to see that members of the association are working towards the uplift of thermal insulation values for all systems to meet or exceed the requirements of Document L being implemented this year. Installer members are also reviewing their installation methodologies to include improved thermal efficiencies around the reveal by introducing new materials and techniques. As an Association, CAB will continue to support and communicate new methodologies to ensure aluminium remains at the forefront of thermal efficiency in the fenestration market.

Based at the picturesque Bonds’ Mill development in Stonehouse, CAB staff are always on hand during normal working hours to answer any membership, training or technical aluminium fenestration related questions. News and event information is regularly updated on the CAB website at www.c-a-b.org.uk

If you are not a member of CAB and wish to learn more about membership, please contact Jessica Dean at the CAB offices by email jessica.dean@c-a-b.org.uk

Sarah Köring

Is New Sales Director Europe At Swisspacer

Sarah Köring took over as sales director for Europe at Swisspacer on 1 April 2022. The position was previously held by Rutger van Eijk, who has taken up a new challenge.

Sarah Köring most recently worked both as sales director North America & Australia-Pacific at “heroal – Johann Henkenjohann GmbH & Co. KG” and as vice president of heroal USA Inc. While there, she helped build up the American branch of the supplier of aluminium profile systems for roller shutters, sun screens, roller doors, windows, doors and façades.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in international business at FHDW Paderborn, Sarah Köring followed her master of business administration (strategic management) with a course of study in Switzerland. In her final paper, she investigated the possibilities offered by the use of artificial intelligence in B2B sales. industry knowledge. She has gathered experience in various positions in the areas of sales, product marketing and business development.

“I am looking forward to the new challenge at Swisspacer and to being able to use my experience to achieve the set selling targets and for leveraging new potential,” says Sarah Köring.

More information at www.swisspacer.com

Trevor Ranns Joins Deceuninck

Deceuninck has appointed Trevor Ranns as business development manager, who has 30 years’ experience in the PVCU window industry across fabricators and systems companies.

Trevor joins the systems company from Norfolk-based fabricator Ashford Commercial, where he spent 10 years developing relationships with commercial contractors and helping the fabricator to diversify operations to optimise opportunities. Significantly, Trevor helped the company to more than double turnover over a four-year period.

At Deceuninck, Trevor will be tasked primarily with helping customers to maximise opportunities to improve margin and profit.

“Winning new business is always good, but it mustn’t be at the expense of the relationship you have with your existing customer base,” Trevor said. “I’ve already seen many of our fabricators, and I’ve had a very warm welcome. “Deceuninck has got some great products, and I’ve been impressed with its overall service. I’ve already found new opportunities for some of our customers, including new business sectors, and new products.

“Two key growth areas that our customers can really make the most of are Deceuninck’s strength in colour, and flush casements.

“Colour is still a significant growth area in the window industry, and Deceuninck’s 30+ colourways from stock is winning our customers business, and improving margin. Meanwhile, more than half of what Deceuninck sells is flush – including our Heritage Window Collection – which underlines the interest shown by homeowners.”

Trevor started out as a Technical Service Engineer in the early 1990s. Part of his responsibilities was to help fabricators switch between PVCU systems, which helped him understand the challenges they had to go through. He later worked at another systems company where he helped develop and launch new products.

“Trevor and I worked together 25 years ago, and I know that his window experience is priceless,” Deceuninck MD Rob McGlennon said. “Deceuninck is positioned to help fabricators win more work with more margin, and Trevor is the perfect business development manager to help them do that.”

Total Hardware Appoints New

Product Designer

Independent hardware distributor Total Hardware has just announced it has appointed Brian Corbett as its new product designer.

Chris Pell, general manager at Total Hardware, said: “Brian brings a wealth of experience with a strong track record of successful product development. We are delighted to welcome him to the team.”

Brian said: “I’m very happy and excited to be joining Total Hardware. It’s one of the UK’s leading hardware distributors and I’m looking forward to being part of a dynamic, forward-thinking company where I can continue to evolve. I am well aware of their Quantum range of bespoke hardware and look forward to further developing this suite with some additional new products for our customers.”

Brian has worked in the fenestration industry for 16 years and comes to Total Hardware from Archibald Kenricks. His role at Total Hardware will be to integrate and add to the company’s expansive product portfolio.

Chris commented: “Consumer tastes and requirements are evolving all the time. Our role as hardware suppliers is to anticipate and reflect market trends – this is what Brian will be able to help us do.” www.totalhardwareltd.co.uk