54 | MARCH 2022
Products
Read online at www . proinstaller . co . uk
HAT-TRICK OF AWARD WINS FOR KEYLITE ROOF WINDOWS
Keylite Roof Windows ( Keylite ) came away victorious at this month ’ s Builders ’ Merchants Awards , taking home the title of ‘ Supplier of the Year ’ at the 20th anniversary event .
NOT ALL REINFORCING IS EQUAL
With fabricators looking at their margins and trying to reduce costs , Phil Parry , Business Development Director at Epwin Windows , sounds a note of warning when it comes to purchasing reinforcing from alternative suppliers . The issue with fabricators sourcing their reinforcing from elsewhere is that they will be deviating from the product specification Type Tested by the systems company .
Such tests include BS6375 ( Parts 1,2 & 3 - Performance of Windows & Doors ) and PAS24 ( Enhanced Security of Windows
& Doors ). It also includes BS7412 ( Specification for Windows & Doors Made From PVC-U Hollow Profiles ), which is the standard to which PVC-U fabricators are assessed to successfully achieve a Kitemark licence .
Phil explains : “ Reinforcing plays such a major part in the performance of a window . A component which may on the face of it appear to have similar geometry and surface coating , could be vastly inferior . Key features such as ‘ dutch folds ’ which are often used to locally stiffen up key areas are neglected in cheaper sections to reduce material and cut cost . It ’ s not only the geometry but also the coatings that are important , BS7412 states that galvanised coatings must be to Z725 specification , thinner coatings applied to cheaper reinforcing may be up to three times thinner .
“ When an Epwin Window Systems product uses reinforcing from another supplier , it isn ’ t an Epwin Window Systems product any longer . We would urge any fabricator to think carefully before sourcing reinforcement for other suppliers .”
www . epwinwindowsystems . co . uk
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This latest victory comes in quick succession after two other award wins for the brand . Keylite ’ s Integrated Expanding Thermal Collar was crowned ‘ Best Roofing System or Product ’ at the 2021 Build It Awards at the end of November and the team also triumphed at the recent BMJ Industry Awards , picking up ‘ Roofing Supplier of the Year ’ for the fourth consecutive year .
The Builders ’ Merchants Awards is the longest-running event in the builders ’ merchant sector , celebrating its 20th anniversary this year . Over the past two decades , the awards have witnessed the celebration of some of the industry ’ s top individuals , teams , projects and innovations within the sector , chosen by an esteemed panel of judges .
The 2022 awards took place at London ’ s Park Plaza , where Keylite was
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crowned Supplier of the Year after the judges were looking for investment in research , technical and commercial innovation , relationships and strategic marketing , specifically targeted towards giving merchant customers a competitive edge .
The broad range of materials used in the manufacture of roof windows has been subject to severe supply disruption over the past 18 months . Despite this , the Keylite team has been working extremely hard to ensure they remain a solid supply partner for stockists , largely sheltering customers from these measures .
keyliteroofwindows . com
Fast-fitting products transform arts-and-crafts-style house
L Pearce Home Improvements completed the refurbishment ; included fitting eight new Optima windows in addition to a 2.5 metre picture window that help to frame the views . A large PatioMaster sliding door with shaped frame gives access to the balcony over the garage and a 6.5 metre Stellar Aluminium Bifold Door was installed to the rear of the property . To deliver on the brief for streamlined contemporary aesthetics , all products were manufactured in black with white internally . All products were manufactured by longstanding Epwin Window Systems ’ fabricator Heritage Trade Frames .
Founder Luke Pearce commented : “ The quality of Epwin Window Systems products allows us to capitalise on high-end projects and has helped take our business to the next level . They are superior products that we can trust to deliver so you don ’ t get callbacks . This protects our margins and reputation and has allowed us to build an enviable reputation for quality throughout the business .”
He added : “ The Stellar Aluminium Bifold Door is a gamechanger in aluminium product design . Previously , it would take us a day or more to fit an aluminium bifold door but with Stellar it only takes half a day . The pre-gasketed knock in beads and the exceptionally neat finish every time makes a big difference to our business .” Epwin Window Systems offers the most comprehensive range of systems in a choice of aluminium and PVC-U . And when you get a high-quality installer working with these high-quality products , the results are outstanding .
www . epwinwindowsystems . co . uk