Products
40 | FEBRUARY 2026
Products
Read online at www. proinstaller. co. uk
INNOVATIVE SPLIT SPINDLE SHORTLISTED FOR PRODUCT DESIGN & INNOVATION AWARD
Low-Threshold Option Added to Leading Sliding Door Range
REHAU has announced the launch of its new SLINOVA low-threshold sliding door, expanding its highly successful SLINOVA range and offering fabricators and installers a more accessible, solution.
The new feature builds on the strong market performance of the existing SLI- NOVA system, which recently celebrated the end of its first year in production. During this time, over eight thousand doors have been manufactured in the UK – reaffirming its position as one of REHAU’ s most in-demand products.
SLINOVA’ s success is down to multiple factors, including its simplicity of fabrication and installation compared to other sliding door options. Its sleek aesthetic, streamlined profile, and customisable options, including 20 colour combinations, make SLINOVA a standout in the wider REHAU product portfolio.
Driven by growing customer demand, the low-threshold has been designed to support easier, more seamless access between indoor and outdoor spaces. The system is suitable for applications where accessibility is a priority, including for wheelchair users and individuals with reduced mobility.
Clare Higgins, Senior Product Manager at REHAU UK, said:“ The SLINOVA range has already proven itself as a dependable, fabricator-friendly solution, and the new low-threshold option builds directly on that success. We developed it in response to clear market demand for accessible, sliding doors that don’ t compromise on performance or design.” The new design incorporates an aluminium thermal break to maximise energy efficiency, while optional clip-on ramps and tread plates can be added where enhanced accessibility is needed.
window. rehau. com
A split spindle designed to address challenges faced when installing escape locks has been shortlisted for the mechanical product design and innovation award at this year’ s Guild of Architectural Ironmongers( GAI) AI Specification Awards.
The AR227 split spindle from ARRONE, a HOPPE( UK) brand, was developed for use with the AR915 mortice apartment lock and uses an innovative clip-fix mechanism alongside the split spindle to remove the risk of overtightening during assembly. Product engineer Dan Savage, who developed the clip-fix mechanism, said:
“ With a traditional type of spilt spindle, the two halves need to be screwed together manually but with that comes the potential of overtightening. The new split spindle solves this issue with a user-friendly clip-fix design that requires no adjustment and eliminates that risk entirely. The design therefore improves the longevity and effectiveness of the lock assembly, as well as speeding up fitting time.
“ Being shortlisted is a testament to our ongoing commitment to innovation and problem-solving in the built environment. We’ re delighted to see the AR227 spindle recognised for the practical value it brings to both specifiers and installers.”
The GAI’ s biennial AI Specification Awards are organised in conjunction with the Royal Institute of British Architects( RIBA) and celebrate excellence in architectural ironmongery specification.
The winners will be announced at the AI Specification Awards ceremony which will take place on 15 May 2026 at the IET London: Savoy Place.
For more information on the AR227 split spindle, visit bit. ly / ARRONESplitSpindle
NEW BOX END FASCIA BOARD FOR 2026
Freefoam Building Products is pleased to announce an exciting product update for 2026.
The popular Woodgrain FMS Magnum Square Leg Fascia( 405mm) is now available in a shorter length of 1.25 metres.
This new addition to the comprehensive roofline range has been introduced following customer feedback to make installations easier, reduce waste, and lower costs for customers.
The new 1.25 metre box end board is available in Woodgrain Black Ash and Woodgrain Anthracite Grey.
This new product has been designed with installers in mind. The shorter lengths are particularly suitable for the creation of the‘ box end’ of a roofline installation – where the fascia meets the bargeboard at the corner of a roof.
Benefits for Installers
• Perfect for the quick and easy creation of box ends.
• Reduces material wastage.
• Lowers overall cost.
• Easier to store and transport.
Richard Jackson, UK Sales Director, explains:“ Our customers have been asking for a more convenient solution for creating box ends, and this new product delivers exactly that. It’ s a simple change that will make a big difference in reducing waste and improving efficiency on site.”
Freefoam Building Products are committed to developing and improving product ranges to meet market needs.“ Innovation for us is about listening to installers and PVC stockists and responding with practical, cost-effective products,” added Louise Sanderson, Group Marketing Manager at Freefoam.“ This update is another example of how we’ re making life easier for our customers.” www. freefoam. com