Pro Installer July 2016 - Issue 40 | Page 6

6 JULY 2016 PRO INSTALLER PRO NEWS www.proinstaller.co.uk CUSTOMER’S CONSERVATORY RESCUE Bury St Edmunds-based Frames Conservatories Direct (FCD) stepped in to help a customer after a contractor installed a conservatory that was far from fit for purpose. Adrian Lewis, MD at FCD – a Network VEKA member - explained: “A conservatory with a ‘lean-to’ roof had been constructed, with a projection that was far too long to support the glass involved. The panes were incorrectly fitted and were shattering as they expanded and contracted with the weather, showering the customer and the interior of the conservatory with broken glass.” Aware of the firm’s outstanding reputation, the customer contacted FCD. The business was keen to fix the conservatory and also wanted to help the customer gain some compensation. As Adam said: “This was for the shocking standard of the installation and the distressing and dangerous situation it had left her in. “Network VEKA was founded in reaction to the kind of unscrupulous trader she had dealt with. It protects consumer interests with a series of guarantees, safeguarding Before After their investment, even if their chosen member company should unexpectedly cease to trade. In this case, the original installation was completely unrelated to Network VEKA, but we empathised with the customer and wanted to help her regain some of the money she had invested with the previous company.” Through its Network VEKA membership, FCD gained access to the services of Technical Consultant Don Waterworth who is trained as a Private Practice Building Surveyor and Building Engineer. He was able to work on the customer’s behalf to gain compensation from the original contractor and, in this case, his YALE’S VERSATILE DUAL FUNCTION HINGE Yale has launched a fully reversible window hinge with a patented dual function restrictor. The Yale Revolution Window Hinge, unveiled at FIT Show 2016, is said to be the only hinge in the industry to offer this dual function, and is described as the ideal choice for reversible residential and commercial upper floor windows. The hinge can be switched between anti-blowback and easy close functions. This offers benefits to installers as it meets the needs of both private and public sector buildings. The advantage of onsite-configuration also means that installers can carry a smaller amount of van stock. ‘designed to offer maximum versatility and security’ Paul Atkinson, Sales and Commercial Director for Yale Door and Window Solutions commented: “The Yale Revolution window hinge has been designed to offer maximum versatility and security. Its user-friendly design allows the window to rotate fully, enabling the occupier to easily clean both sides of the glass from within the building. This removes the risk of over-stretching, or falling from a ladder when cleaning from the outside.” The hinge has a key-lockable safety restrictor, and when opening, the sash release lever must be pressed past two restricted positions – avoiding the risk of the window being opened suddenly. A safety key locks the window in the desired position. The hinge is available in 27 sizes that can accommodate sash heights from 300mm to 1,780 and can form part of a PAS 24 window set. Made in the UK, the hinge is compatible with PVCu, timber and aluminium window types. For further information, please visit www. yaledoorandwindowsolutions. co.uk or call 01902 366800. fee was covered through FCD’s membership, obviating any cost to the customer. Adam said: “We were pleased to fit a completely new roof, suited to the size of the conservatory, to ensure that the customer was able to enjoy the light and welcoming space she desired in the first place.” The customer sent a letter to Don Waterworth, saying “I cannot find the right words to express my gratitude and appreciation. ‘Thank you’ seems inadequate, but I was in despair until Adrian Lewis gave me your name and contact details, only then did I begin to have a glimmer of hope. The men from Frames Conservatories Direct were so nice and a pleasure to have in my home.” www.networkveka.co.uk