PROFI L E S & SYS T EMS
Looking beyond the window profile
If customers expect excellence as standard in their window profiles, how can fabricators and installers
demonstrate best possible quality? Russell Hand, head of product management and technical at Rehau
Windows, demonstrates the quality steps behind Rehau’s portfolio.
The impact of the coronavirus has
been pronounced and wide-ranging
for the fenestration sector, with
activities suspended over the lockdown
period. Yet as the industry comes roaring back
and companies jostle for business in the postpandemic
landscape, it is of vital importance that
corners aren’t cut for the sake of winning work.
Emphasising to the consumer the value of a
high-performing window system, beyond solely
the profile, is an approach that will lead to longterm
benefits. Much as you wouldn’t put a poor
frame around a Picasso, ensuring a window’s
constituent parts match the quality of its profile
is of paramount importance.
THE PROFILE
Before exploring what makes a good support
system, it is vital to know the attributes that make
up a high-performing profile. For example, wall
thickness – though many profiles have become
thinner over the years to reduce extrusion costs,
this can result in impaired screw retention.
By contrast, hardware and steel reinforcing
around a thicker profile is less likely to become
loose, making it more robust. Rehau’s Total‚ƒ
range, for example, has maintained a „mm wall
thickness for nearly 6ƒ years.
STEEL REINFORCEMENT
On the subject of steel reinforcement, its
inclusion in PVC-U installations is a key concern.
Professionals using non-approved steels not
tested to full industry standards during window
and door installations run the risk of health and
safety issues, as well as large fines. However,
such scenarios can be avoided by educating the
consumer.
Specifically, highlighting the importance of
steel reinforcement to the customer will likely
raise the overall standard of steel reinforcement
choices.
This, in turn, means the consumer can be
assured of post-installation performance, and
the installer or fabricator will not be open to callback
issues, and the ensuing logistical, financial
and reputation concerns these can create.
CORRECT ACCREDITATIONS
Alongside correct thickness and materials,
correct accreditations are also vital. As
standard, a high-performing window should
have undergone extensive, independent testing
at a government-recognised United Kingdom
Accreditation Service (UKAS) test centre.
Customers should also be looking for a
number of standards when researching window
profiles, in order to ensure a high-performing,
durable window. This includes an ‘A’ from the
Window Energy Ratings (WER), and assurance
it has been manufactured to the highest
requirements of BS EN –—6ƒ8 and BS ‚™–—.
Additionally, prospective windows should
meet PAS —™ (Enhanced Security Performance)
requirements, enabling straightforward
compliance to Approved Document Q (ADQ)
and the Secure by Design (SBD) police initiative.
Alongside this, they should meet ‘severe’ weather
condition parameters set out in BS 6„‚œ-–,
pertaining to wind resistance, air permeability
and weather performance.
SYSTEM ACCESSORIES
Each consumer is different, and no-one wants
to feel like they are following someone else’s
lead. With that in mind, the trend toward
individualised products is growing across all
industries, and windows is no exception. The
desire to go beyond existing styles has led to
renewed focus on system accessories, especially
at the premium end of the market.
To meet this demand, suppliers like Rehau are
increasingly working with a number of partners to
provide ancillary products that match the quality
of their profiles. For instance, the company works
with partners to create handle and hardware
ranges that provide best possible performance
while allowing homeowners to put their personal
stamp on a system. Furthermore, certain
solutions can be customised to suit style while
remaining compliant with building regulations.
For example, Rehau’s Skyforce Juliette balcony
can be adapted while also meeting regulations
around collision, falling and impact protection.
INNOVATION
Innovation and quality rarely happen in a
vacuum. Looking beyond the sector is key to
ensuring constant technological improvement
and avoiding using the same old methods with
diminishing returns.
Rehau works with several high-performance
industries, including automotive and aerospace,
sourcing materials for well-known brands
across the world. Knowledge gained from
these activities has proved instrumental in the
evolution of PVC-U windows.
THE SMART HOME
Finally, the ongoing integration of smart
technology into the home is improving our
overall quality of life, and the fenestration
industry is at the forefront of this. In fact, there
are a number of ways in which the technology is
taking existing window profiles to the next level.
Intelligent sensors can also be used to further
improve security, and the surrounding climate
can be regulated through intelligent ventilation.
While these technologies may sound like
science fiction, they are already out there for
the fabricator and installer to discuss with
consumers. Not only that, there are even more
exciting developments to come relating to
window identification and installation in the
smart home.
September www.ggpmag.com
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