Fabricator Focus
Vision for 2025
» WITH BUILDING REGULATIONS set to change again in 2025 , VEKA wants to reassure customers that they are focused on preparing suitable solutions that will be effective across all market sectors , are fabricator friendly and will meet all required legislation .
In 2025 , the Future Homes Standard ( FHS ) will become mandatory , with the ambition that new homes will produce 75-80 % less carbon emissions than those built under current regulations . It is anticipated that the standard window in a new build will be required to have a U-Value of 0.80 W / m 2 K ( note the two decimal places ), this will be confirmed after the consultation due to take place later this spring . Many VEKA and HALO casement systems can already meet this value , and VEKA is working hard behind the scenes to understand the implications of various imminent consultations , to ensure that they offer a suitable solution . For example , a consultation on Part Q is on the horizon , which potentially means that easily accessible windows and doors may be required to contain laminate glass , which will ultimately have an effect the U-Value of a finished product .
VEKA Technical Director Paul Kennington said , “ We need to fully understand what the consultations of this year will bring . With results due in the spring , our team will be working hard to find fabricator friendly solutions to the new legislation . We will deliver this in a traditional 70mm frame , so that our customers can offer the same products to both the new build and replacement markets and there will be no requirement for new machinery .”
There are also practicalities to consider , it is true that the climate is getting warmer . The UK is experiencing hotter summers , which means that dark colours could be susceptible to thermal movement . Even the smallest change will make a difference to a U-Value . More storms during winter months also mean that reinforcement is essential .
Paul continued , “ We are taking time to ensure that we get this right . Our aim is to minimise the impact of these changes for our customers by offering hassle free solutions .”
www . veka . co . uk
EST . IN GLOBAL PANDEMIC , AND GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
» ESTABLISHING A BUSINESS IN THE middle of a global pandemic might have proved challenging for some . For one Lancashire-based fabricator , however , opening its doors in 2020 was the perfect time to tap into a captive audience . Today , business continues to bloom for FRAMEX , with huge demand for its high-quality aluminium windows and doors from nearby customers in the picturesque Rossendale Valley .
FRAMEX was founded with the aim of supporting local builders , installers , and architects with ready-to-install aluminium glazing solutions , backed up by exceptional customer service and expert technical advice .
Following significant investment into both machinery and people , FRAMEX has since expanded into a 15,000sq ft manufacturing facility in the heart of the historic mill town of Waterfoot . Here , a 30-strong team fabricates its portfolio of Senior Architectural Systems aluminium windows and doors , as well as flat roof lights and lanterns and a range of commercial glazing solutions .
Tim Mooney , Managing Director , FRAMEX says : “ Our dedicated team combines technical expertise with experience , delivering high-quality products for our customers every time , whether they are working on a new build or a commercial installation . From manufacture through to
despatch and delivery , we pride ourselves on getting it right and adding value at every step , providing fully finished products ready for installation .”
While demand for the aesthetics , strength and slim sightlines of aluminium grows , so does FRAMEX , which now produces hundreds of windows and doors per week .
FRAMEX ’ s success has been recognised locally , with the company being named Best New Business finalists at the 2021 Red Rose Awards and recognised for its commitment to local investment at the 2021 Rossendale Business Awards .
Meanwhile , the firm has recently opened its showroom , the best of its kind locally . Just up the road from its fabrication facility , it showcases FRAMEX ’ s portfolio of casement , flush and tilt and turn windows , bi-fold and sliding doors , and roof lights and lanterns and is open to both trade and commercial customers and the general public .
www . framexuk . com
68 JUNE 2023 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM