Furthermore, both traditional designs and contemporary concepts can be achieved using current high performance techniques and materials. To ensure consistency, all elements of manufacture are traceable and are constantly monitored for quality control.
To see the specification and characteristics of each of the frame ranges please refer to the relevant area of the Section Library.
MATERIALS
We are of the firm belief that there is no substitute for the use of good quality materials in the manufacture of any product. Our softwood is unsorted redwood to BS1186 from fully managed sustainable Nordic forests and our hardwood is sourced from certified U.K. suppliers.
The overall condition and quality of the timber used plays an important part in the strength, machining consistency and adhesion of finishes, of the finished product. Our timber sources ensure compliance with the NHBC, BS 644 and BS 1186 Class 2 and Class 3 requirements for material quality used in frames, sashes and beads.
Generally speaking, we would encourage the use of our timber stocks, as we can control the quality and machining of the wood, but upon request we can work with special timbers specified or provided by the customer.
PREVERVATIVES
All timber sections are treated with an appropriate preservative after all machining processes have been completed. The preservative adheres to BS5589 with regard to protection against effects of water, wood boring insects and rot.
GLAZING
As with finishing, the glazing process is also best approached during manufacturing. Properly fitted glazing in the controlled factory environment will virtually eliminate the possibility of failure of the glass units. Furthermore, the customer will benefit from the 10 year guarantee to the glazing element of the joinery as well as the main timber work.
We can provide factory glazed, site-glazed or unglazed products in accordance with customer preference. Where requested glazing is available in a variety of specifications to suit the application, for example, Low E glass, gas filled glazing units, acoustic and security units.
BEADS
Glazing beads play an important part in the integrity and performance of windows and doors. The standard fitting is using the material specified for the door or window, with vented profiles on bottom beads, however, we also offer an aluminium bead where preferred and use laminated units for curved and round frames.
FINISH OPTIONS
All frames are delivered to site with a minimum of a base coat of primer or stain in order to comply with NHBC guidelines and to protect against initial outdoor storage. However, it is well recognised that further finish coats applied at the factory will significantly outperform those added in-situ after installation. The factory finishing process has two main advantages - firstly, the frame will receive full coverage, including the end grain and sides of the frame which would be hidden behind brickwork during site finishing, leaving vulnerable unprotected areas; secondly - factory finishing gives a more professional result as there is no risk of overpainting to glazing and surrounding brickwork etc.
When the recommended fully finished service is specified we follow the initial primer coat with two further coats of either water based paint or stain. These coats are applied using a spray process to ensure a thorough coverage. The finish is offered in a wide variety of colours to satisfy client preference.
We have recently attained recognition from Akzo Nobel and are able to offer their Sentinel Plus maintenance monitoring programme to our customers. Please ask for more information.
IRONMONGERY
The choice of ironmongery is ostensibly influenced by the aesthetic desires of the end user and by the security requirements of the application. We have contacts with numerous ironmongery providers from whose supplies we can make recommendations, or we can fit customer specified items on request.
