Following further growth in the home improvement market during the pandemic – a trend that is not set to change any time soon , according to the recently-published Checkatrade Home Pride Index – REHAU is making significant investments across its window business into hardware and accessories . Malcolm Taylor , Commercial Product Manager at REHAU , is spearheading the rollout and advocates that offering more choice of the finer window details will help tradespeople stand out from competitors in a buoyant market .

The latest launch sees REHAU enhance its highly successful Rio

flush fit window with a range of Monkey Tail and Tear Drop Handles , along with complementary stays and pegs . These are particularly suited to homeowners seeking a traditional timber window aesthetic .

Malcolm comments : “ Through 2020 we ’ ve seen a remarkable rise in the number of people undertaking home renovation projects and we ’ re not expecting this to slow down in the coming year , given that around 79 % are looking to make further improvements on their home . One of the top focuses last year was on windows , with 15 % of homeowners looking to install new windows .”

“ More recently , there ’ s been a renewed focus on system accessories which offer consumers more choice when it comes to style and colour . We are responding to this trend by developing additional products that match the quality of our profiles .”

The new REHAU Rio Hardware range features key-locking handles that are designed to fit RE- HAU ’ s TOTAL70C and TOTAL70S profiles . This aims to provide installers and fabricators with peace of mind that the hardware

is quality-assured to the usual RE- HAU standard , and simplifies the hardware procurement process .

Malcolm adds : “ All our products are designed to enhance modern life and not only has spending more time at home boosted the renovation market , more focus is being placed on fresh air supply via windows . The new Rio TOTAL70 Chamfered and Sculptured Pegs are just another feature that allow homeowners to open the windows at pre-defined distances , in style .”

Available in black , chrome , satin silver and antique black , the handles can be designed in full zinc casting for high quality finish and longevity . The product also comes with a 10-year guarantee and is 240-hour salt spray-tested , exceeding BS EN 1670:2007 .

www . rehau . com / uk-en / rio-flush-fit

Trade and domestic fabricator Bifold Local has begun manufacturing Stellar , the multi-award-winning aluminium window and door system from Epwin Window Systems . Bifold Local manufactures and installs aluminium windows and doors throughout the UK with a fast and reliable nationwide service , and began fabricating Stellar in February 2021 . The Liverpool-based fabricator is manufacturing a range of Stellar products , including windows , doors and bi-folding doors . The company recently rebranded under Bifold Local with new , contemporary branding .

Liam Duffy , Director at Bifold Local , said : “ The

new branding reflects our modern values and with Stellar as our manufacturing partner , the future looks bright .

“ As an experienced aluminium fabricator , we are aware of the upturn in aluminium products across the domestic market , especially the growth in bi-folding doors . We have already secured a pipeline of new work due to Stellar ’ s aesthetics .”

Stellar ’ s quick fitting properties have been attracting attention since the system came to market in 2019 thanks to its pre-gasketed knock in beads . This stand-out feature has proven popular with fabricators and installers .

www . stellaraluminium . co . uk