Tony Pell, Product Manager at Jeld-Wen discusses what you need to know when considering made to measure products and how it can benefit you and your customers.
A standard-sized product isn’t always going to cut it, that’s why having the confidence and the ‘know how’ to correctly specify, measure and order made to measure timber windows, exterior doors and stairs is important to your business.
In Practice
An example of where made to measure products may appeal to you and your customer base includes opting for oversized or shaped windows in a new extension.
This is great when letting the light in and makes for an impressive and more premium end result. At the same time, going for made to measure windows to fit perfectly in awkward areas of the home where light is hard to reach, is another way you can add value for customers.
Measuring Up
If you decide that made to measure products are the best solution for the job, as you would imagine, accurately measuring up is essential. This is where choosing a reliable manufacturer to help support you can make all the difference, especially if you have any questions that need answering quickly.
You will find guidance and support to get it right first time by referencing the technical specification details of products. This will tell you useful information such as what the measurement tolerances are.
You can also make use of guides and online resources to help with general guidance when taking measurements properly.
As a rule, when measuring windows, exterior doorsets and patio doorsets, you will need to take three measurements horizontally and vertically across the opening of the brickwork. The smallest measurement of width and height should be used as your brickwork (structural) opening size.
Then measuring diagonally, corner to corner, will determine the squareness of the aperture. You will also need to check that the sill overhangs the external brickwork by at least 25mm. Don’t get caught out by not checking the internal and external reveal sizes too.
The Details
Make the most of the extra details on offer and choose the best accessories, hardware, and finish. This is an easy way to make a good impression as usually the end-user would prefer to have as much choice as possible, so going over the options is well worthwhile.
At Jeld-Wen there are so many products to choose from in materials such as softwood and oak, with different paint finishes, hardware and accessories available. This is in addition to different glazing, acoustic, fire and security options – including PAS 24 and Secured by Design (SBD) certified products.
Patios and Windows
With patios, you can suggest made to measure designs as a way to make the most of awkward spaces. You can also create a feature by adding bar and side lights on certain products, which will enhance the overall look for the customer, as well as ensure as much light as possible can flood in.
As an added bonus, windows can be colour matched up to other Jeld-Wen exterior and patio doorsets. This can be a major selling point as it gives your clients the means to achieve a fully co-ordinated look. Dual colour options on timber windows are also available, allowing one colour on the outside to keep the character of a property, and an alternative colour on the inside to suit the customer’s interior décor.
Doors Galore
Front doors, such as the INSULUX high performance timber composite doorset range, or Castle composites, are all available to be made in the exact size and specification required, with various finishes, glazing, locking detail, handles and hardware options – so be sure to explore them all with your client before ordering.
Stairs
Stairs can be the star attraction, or kept nice and simple for smaller spaces and loft conversions. Whatever the application you need to know they are safe and suitable as well as stylish. The good news is that Jeld-Wen can manufacturer all timber staircases to order in almost any design, size or specification.
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