Ade’s summer summary looks at what’s hot, what’s cool, what to watch out for…
It’s June so you will already have been fitting your fair share of bifolds/sliders/French and every other type of garden door that we Brits buy in the tens of thousands. It’s a consistently buoyant sector and one that is well served by hundreds of different suppliers, and at every price point. Which often means that it is difficult to choose one over another or to make a decent margin as prices are so openly quoted by suppliers. So why not go in with something different?
What’s Hot: Art Deco Garden Doors…Strike whilst the aluminium is hot!
We are now doing a lot of aluminium Heritage-style doors in single or double/French configurations, that beautifully emulate the old ‘Crittall’ style steel windows and doors and once again led by ‘Grand Designs’ influence. Many homeowners and even professional designers, are installing these not just as a replacement for old steel frames, but to introduce a minimalist ‘art deco’ elegance into ordinary homes. The effect is very pleasing and makes a statement that ordinary bifolds and sliders simply don’t make anymore, if only for the reason that everyone has them these days!
Choose Heritage doors in single or double configuration with or without side and toplights, with a choice of inward or outward configurations, the ultra slim 47mm profile providing maximum glass area and minimal sightlines for virtually uninterrupted vistas. Surface bars add an extra element of intrigue – choose two or four to suite the client’s taste, without seriously impeding the view out. And with modern security and insulation performance too!
Colours? Has to be black for the full art deco touch and for a lovely extra touch, my factory will shortly be producing some hand-made matching internal doors. That is how big we think this trend will be…get in at the beginning before every man and his dog sells them!
What’s Cool: Rooflights are on the up!
Rooflights have come a long way since the first leaky, difficult-to-fit types and you can now design them into extentions and loft conversions with complete confidence in the knowledge that the quality will be bang on and installation will be simple and fault free.
Designs suit all building styles and performance is way up there and besting the Regulations to ensure you don’t build any cold spots into your project. Clean slim lines and top security are a given but make sure you push your customer towards self-cleaning glass to keep them clear and spotless.
Watch out for: June 15th!
Why? Because that is the day when the Regulations kick in to fit the latest performing building products under the revised Building Regulations. Specifically, install any windows and doors that perform to the old standards on or after this date, and they will fail any building inspection.
And don’t make the mistake of assuming that every door and window that you buy from now on will automatically meet the new regs. I have been alarmed at the number of manufacturers that are still offering products to the old standards of insulation as well as completely ignoring strict new requirements for trickle vents – which are the easiest things for the inspectors to check! Double check – surely it’s not worth the risk of having to rip the whole lot out. Make it your mantra to Double Check the Spec!
For further information on Quickslide visit https://www.quickslide.co.uk/
