ALUMI N IUM
Sheerline Classic: designed to
help fabricators grow
People will want compelling and sustainable products – ones that are Made in
Britain – like Sheerline, to help them succeed in the post-Covid ‘new normal’, says
Garnalex CEO, Roger Hartshorn.
Covid- has changed everyday lives
beyond measure. The economy is
starting to recover, and I’m confident
and optimistic about the industry
and Garnalex. We’re likely to see a surge in
home improvements after lockdown as people
are motivated to make their properties more
comfortable and attractive. The predicted
downturn in the housing market may also
encourage people to ‘improve, not move’. No
doubt it will be a tougher, more competitive
market and ambitious fabricators and installers
will be looking for an edge to help them rebuild
their businesses. They’ll be looking for new
products that save time, labour, and hassle, with
extra kerb appeal to help them grow.
At the time of writing, Garnalex is easing
out of lockdown and the industry is returning
to life. Garnalex is producing trade extrusions,
and from mid-June, selected fabricators will be
manufacturing our innovative Sheerline Classic
aluminium window system. We’ll have a full
launch later this year.
TRANSFORMING YOUR EXPERIENCE
Despite my PVC background, I’m a convert
to aluminium, the material, and its design
possibilities. When COVID- has receded,
homeowners will still be concerned about
sustainability, where aluminium scores highly.
It’s one of the most recycled – and recyclable –
materials on the planet, with nearly ˆ‰% of all the
aluminium produced still in use today.
When I first looked at aluminium systems, I
could see many things we could improve. Apart
from thermal performance, I was surprised at
the lack of significant product development and
innovation since the 8Œs. In contrast, PVC-U
and timber have both markedly improved their
looks and performance. Listening to former
customers’ experience of aluminium suppliers’
service whetted my interest. They said if I were to
improve the design and offer the same service as
PVC systems companies, the aluminium market
would be transformed.
We formed Garnalex in ’Œ8, investing
significantly in a state-of-the-art aluminium
extrusion factory – probably the most advanced
in the UK. We manufacture every aluminium
and moulded component, giving us much
more control over quality and service. Made in
Britain, means we have a more robust supply
chain and fewer carbon miles to travel. We
developed GarnerSys, a bespoke software
management system to fully integrate everything
from ordering, manufacturing, quality control
and deliveries and put outstanding quality and
customer service at the core of our business.
Our designers and top technical experts
researched every aspect of today’s aluminium
windows and doors, from fabrication,
installation, looks and performance, to identify
and solve the shortcomings of existing aluminium
systems. With no legacy problems to limit them,
the team designed a new system from scratch,
incorporating several innovations to create
outstanding windows and doors.
PERFORMANCE AND LOOKS
Sheerline is engineered to be easy and faster
to fabricate, and easy to install. For example,
its patented corner construction brings profiles
together in a controlled and precise manner to
form a right-first-time mitre joint, avoiding costly
scrap, misalignments, and unsightly junctions
of square cut beads often seen on ordinary
aluminium windows.
It also securely locks the glass away within a
completely sealed unit and eliminates the need
for separate glazing beads. Coupled with our
high security multipoint locking and unique
hinge protectors, it creates unparalleled security.
Sheerline Classic recently passed PAS’š:’Œ6
enhanced security accreditation tests by more
than three times the required load. Sheerline’s
innovative design helps fabricators working
to social distancing guidelines. After cutting
and prepping, a single worker can fabricate a
Sheerline window fully glazed at one bench.
Installers also reduce the amount of suppliers
they need to visit as the frames come fully
glazed.
THERMAL PERFORMANCE
Various surveys show cutting energy bills is one
of the top priorities for homeowners buying
new windows. Using Thermavic, we developed
a patented multi-chambered thermal break at
the heart of Sheerline windows and doors. It
gives outstanding energy performance with ‘U’
Values as low as .š W/(m2K) for double glazed
windows.
PEERLESS AESTHETICS
Today’s homeowners want it all: outstanding
thermal, weather, and security performance, plus
beautiful looks without compromise. So, we’ve
designed Sheerline to be a beautiful window.
Sheerline Classic has ultra-slim ‰mm profiles
to maximise natural light, equal sightlines, and
a contemporary architectural look. Narrow
mullions and concealed drainage also contribute
to clean, balanced lines.
Homeowners want windows that reflect their
personal style, so we’ve designed Sheerline
windows in a choice of two opening sash styles:
‘Stepped’ – inspired by traditional steel windows
– and ‘Contemporary’ with a modern, minimalist
aesthetic. Both styles come in a standard
outer frame or a flush option that brings both
the outer-frame and the sash perfectly in-line
with each other. Making everything in the UK
also lets us offer short, reliable lead times and
outstanding service in a wide range of colours
from stock.
If your sales could do with an edge to give you
a boost, ask about the full launch later this year,
or learn more at www.sheerline.com
June www.ggpmag.com
/www.sheerline.com
/www.ggpmag.com
