Ashfen Windows and Doors is providing a premium solution with a personal touch. Professional Builder finds out more.
If you’re in the business of supplying a quality product to the building industry it helps if you have a solid grounding in the trades and that’s certainly the case with the team at Ashfen Windows and Doors.
“We’ve been trading since 2022 from our showroom and workshop base in the heart of one of Derby’s industrial hubs,” explains the company’s Nat Weaver, “and we’re fabricating windows and doors on a bespoke basis. Our premises is an invaluable resource for us in forming relationships with clients because one of our guiding principles is to be personable.”
That’s an argument that is reinforced by Nat’s partner, Nick Ashford who previously ran a successful construction company for more than 20 years and is well versed in just what the sector needs from its suppliers. “In my own experience, specifying doors and windows was never a pleasant prospect because lead times were often erratic. What we’ve done is establish a service where we’re available at our own unit, through site visits, or over the phone.
“By creating as many points of contact as possible, in fact – including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Instagram – our clients can choose how and when they want to interact with us, and it improves upon and speeds up the whole process. As well as that, we’ll encourage our trade customers to get their homeowner clients to come and see us, so we can explain exactly what they’ll be getting.”
The East Midlands based firm offers a complete range of PVCu and aluminium doors and windows, as well as composite doors, conservatories and sunrooms. The premium names in the portfolio include Aluplast and Origin, as well as top-of-the range Apeer composite units.
When it comes to windows the range is extensive, and available in a host of sizes, shapes, styles, and glass designs. Product categories include flush casements, standard storm casements, tilt and turn, and bay windows. “The Aluplast flush casement has become very popular,” continues Nick. “The mechanical joint option delivers a more authentic timber aesthetic and you can really see the quality of the profile and workmanship.
“We’re also seeing a greater demand for colours. Anthracite still leads the way but agate grey and black are emerging trends, whilst an aluminium-effect foil offers a quality finish at a more affordable price and is great for matching aluminium bifold doors. Both the aluminium-effect and timber-effect foils go down very well on period projects, and conservation areas but, by the same token, can enhance modern properties. The two main Aluplast profiles on offer are Ideal 70 and Ideal 4000. The ideal 4000 is a really smart square line profile that gives really clean lines – we’ve supplied this for both traditional and contemporary homes and it exudes quality and style. Ideal 70 is our fully sculptured option. Both profile options come in a wide range of colours and foils.”
“We have recently supplied a black exterior and white interior flush casement in black,” adds Nat “and it resulted in a really luxurious look. “Alongside the finish is the sustainability argument, where a high percentage of the PVCu is recycled. It’s a process that also makes the material denser, ultimately providing a stronger window. There’s a real appetite for eco friendly solutions amongst homeowners now so we’re deliberately sourcing from suppliers with those credentials.”
It’s a theme that continues in the available doors with the 75mm Apeer Double Rebate Composite Door one of the star performers. Here, a very high level of thermal efficiency is combined with security and craftmanship. This is in addition to the option of triple glazing in most of the Aluplast systems – which is an important factor given that the demand for triple glazing is increasing. Alongside the Apeer composite door range, there are multiple French, sliding patio, and internal options, as well as the perennially sought after bi-folds, all complemented by a wide range of high performing fittings and fixtures.
The Ashfen Windows and Doors approach has seen considerable growth in a comparatively short space of time. There’s now plans in the offing to expand upon its commercial unit, complemented by a recent investment in nearly 100k worth of new machinery. “We have faith in the product that we’re supplying, but we equally strive to help and support our clients,” concludes Nick. “I know what’s it’s like to be a general builder on site because, if you’re specifying for either a new build or renovation job, you simply can’t be an expert on everything – and that’s where we come in.”
For further information on Ashfen Windows and Doors visit Ashfen Windows and Doors Ltd.
