Aluminium
‘ FUTURE PROOF ’ SYSTEM READY FOR PART L |
» THE NEW PART L OF Building Regulations , which comes into force on 15 June 2022 , is the biggest shake-up of thermal performance regulations for a number of years . As such , the regulations will be especially complicated for many aluminium systems to meet . But one system is good to go already – Stellar , the multi-award-winning aluminium system from Epwin Window Systems . Phil Parry , Business Development Director at Epwin Window Systems , says : “ Stellar was always designed to be competitive yet future proof . Its unique design doesn ’ t use dummy sashes or rebate adaptors so it ’ s more thermally efficient by design . Plus , its thermal breaks can be upgraded to meet the demands |
of thermal regulations that will only get stricter over time .”
The new regulations pose a problem for many aluminium systems because of the way the U value now must be calculated . Instead of being calculated on a 1230w x 1480h single opening casement ( known as the CEN standard window ), U values must be calculated on the GGF 2.2 window configuration , as used in WERs . This is a window with an opening
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light next to a fixed light with a central mullion . It ’ s harder to achieve the required U value on this configuration because there is more frame than in a CEN standard window . It ’ s especially problematic for aluminium windows that use a dummy sash or rebate adaptor to create an internally beaded fixed light next to an opener because they use even more frame .
Stellar is unique because it uses a patented reverse butt
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joint . It means there ’ s no need for dummy sashes , reverse profiles or adaptors . It helps it to meet the requirements of the new Part L legislation with the added benefit of being ready for the proposed amendments to Approved Document Q too .
To illustrate the difference the patented construction makes , Epwin Window Systems ’ certified BFRC simulators simulated two GGF 2.2 windows . The first was a Stellar window constructed with a dummy sash . The second was Stellar window constructed using the patented reverse butt joint . The reverse butt jointed window achieved a calculated improvement of 0.1W /( m 2 K ) over the dummy sash variant .
www . stellaraluminium . co . uk
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NEW PAINT PLANT MANAGER
» ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION MANUfacturer Garnalex has appointed Greg high level of vertical integration , sourcing
this exceptional growth has been Garnalex ’ s
Grabski , a highly experienced Production material from within the UK to produce all Manager , to help the company introduce a major components from a single production state-of-the-art powder coating plant at its site . This provides customers with reduced existing UK manufacturing facility , all part lead times , and lower carbon emissions . of its ambitious growth plans .
Greg commented : “ I am not from a
Greg is well-versed in working in fastpaced production environments , having evident that Garnalex has impressive plans
fenestration background , but it is clearly
previously worked for a global automotive to grow Sheerline ’ s range of products and company in a similar role . Greg will be support the company ’ s overall strategy to responsible for overseeing and managing ensure customers gain competitive advantage by dealing with a British supplier . the execution of the new aluminium paint machinery , day-to-day operations and
“ Even though we manufacture all employing the right skilled workers to major components for Sheerline on site , optimise the efficiency of the new facility . we currently subcontract the painting .
Garnalex began manufacturing its With this investment , we will gain greater Sheerline aluminium products in 2020 , control over how the products are finished after investing over £ 15m in energy-efficient machinery at its site in Derbyshire . be tasked with providing customers with a
and supplied . In the coming months , I will
Since then , the business has seen unprecedent growth of its Classic and Prestige ing the installation of the new paint facility
smooth , seamless shift in supply , supervis-
systems , Prestige Bi-fold Doors , and the S1 and contribute to reducing customer Roof Lantern . A key contributing factor to lead-times on a long-term basis .”
Garnalex Production Director Ross Hartshorn adds , “ As a result of Greg ’ s previous knowledge , he will know-doubt provide Garnalex with the expertise we need to ensure our customers continue to receive quality products , in the timeframe they need . We are extremely pleased to have him on board .”
www . sheerline . com
42 MARCH 2022 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM