My Basket Introduction to Window and Door hardware
Window and door hardware is an essential part of any security system, but can be easily overlooked by homeowners when selecting the windows or doors for their property.
So what do we mean by ‘window and door hardware?’
In short, the hardware is the component that connects the frame to the wall and provides secure opening, closing, and locking, for the purposes of security.
Hardware types vary depending on the application, and include cabin hooks, lock cylinders, hinges and hinge restrictor stays, latches, handles, knockers, letterplates and spyholes….., to name just a few! At Edge Building Products, we stock a range of all the above.
In this blog we will look at the range of hardware available so that you are fully armed with all the important details when it comes to helping your clients select the right door and window hardware.
What are the different types of window and door hardware available?
Cabin Hooks are used to connect the window or door to a frame, keeping it securely closed. These can also be used to hook back doors or windows to keep them open and to stop them slamming.
Cabin hooks come in different shapes and sizes and can be made from materials such as steel, brass, or zinc-plated iron. The hook portion of the cabin hook is usually curved with a flat end so it can easily fit through the eye of the latch. These hooks have a spring-loaded latch on one side that allows users to open and close the window or door without having to move the hook itself. Cabin hooks are often seen in bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms as they provide the light security needed. They are also ideal for applications such as barns, sheds and other outdoor buildings where traditional locks may not be desired or necessary. Edge BP offers a variety of [cabin locks] in black, brass and chrome from 150mm to 250mm in length and in a variety of widths.
Lock cylinders are an important security feature which are used in locks to provide additional layers of protection against entry to a property. They are typically made from brass, aluminium or steel and feature a cylindrical design that enables the lock cylinder to be inserted into the corresponding lock mechanism.
These are designed so that a key must be used to unlock the door. Additionally, many lock cylinders also feature anti-drill, anti-pick and anti-bump measures, making them even more secure than standalone lock mechanisms. Additionally, some models offer rekeyable features that allow the user to change the key and code without having to replace the entire locking system, which can be costly. Lock cylinders offer homeowners peace of mind and assurance that their property is safe and secure against potential intruders. We sell a variety of sizes of nickel [Euro Cylinders.]
Hinges are an essential component of door and window hardware, providing support and flexibility for the movement of these elements. There are a variety of hinge types available depending on the size, weight, and material of the door or window frame. For residential purposes, self-closing hinges provide convenience when entering and exiting your home. Edge stock a variety of [Versa hinges] to fit almost any size door.
Hinge restrictors are also used to secure glazing systems, limiting the amount of movement in a certain direction. These components can be configured with manual or automatic locking mechanisms to provide further security and protection from forced entry. For commercial applications such as hospitals, fire safety restrictors can be used to ensure that doors close promptly when activated by smoke alarms or other emergency signals.
By considering all the necessary factors related to hinges and hinge restrictors when purchasing doors and windows, you can ensure that your glazing system is reliable and secure.
Other types of door & window hardware
The window and door hardware that may be more familiar to your clients is that of handles, knockers, letter plates and spyholes, rather than the more intricate details above that you will more than likely already be well versed in.
These elements provide finishing touches to your clients’ homes or commercial premises. Spy holes are popular for providing that additional feeling of ‘safety’ for your clients, and as the name implies, enables homeowners to spy (using one eye) on their visitor through a tiny hole. We stock a variety of spyhole viewers available in white, chrome, black and brass along with both 10mm and 20mm spyhole extensions.
Depending on the door your client chooses, it may or may not come with knockers, and although some may argue knockers are slightly outdated (in an era of ring and video doorbells!), for many they offer the aesthetic finish that many modern doorbells do not. With this in mind, we stock a collection of classic Victorian style, Face Fix knockers which come with matching bolts and washers in black, chrome gold and white finishes.
We also stock a range of Espag window handles all of which are lockable, each available with 5 magnetic spindles which remove the need to cut spindles down on site.
In addition to window and door hardware, we stock a variety of Composite and PVC Doors which include locking systems and that may be available on a bespoke basis. We are also proud to partner with Origin, who provide many of our door and window hardware ranges. For bespoke enquiries, please do email us on [email protected] or if you aren’t able to find what you’re looking for, please do visit our website.
Having secure locking, fastening and functional doors and windows is integral to any building whether it is residential or commercial. There are many components that help ensure these are secure, as we’ve covered in this blog. With a mixture of door and window hardware, you will be able to help guide your clients to purchase products for their homes to ensure they sleep soundly at night, safe in the knowledge that their property is secure.
Edge Building Products have three trade counters across the South East; Horsham, Chichester and Croydon. You can sign up for a trade account via our website at www.edgebp.co.uk. Our team are also available should you have any queries about any of the door or window hardware that features in this blog. We are contactable on 0345 021 3333 or via email at [email protected]
Glazed walls (or curtain walls) are typically floor-to-ceiling walls that are made up of glass panels that allow natural light to enter a building while also providing thermal insulation.
In the more modern projects we supply, they have become increasingly popular. This is hardly surprising as glazed walls have many benefits… and we think they look exceptional too!
Let the light in!
A huge feature of glazed walls is their ability to provide natural light. Natural light is essential to improve mood, increase productivity and promote a healthier environment. With glazed walls, natural light can penetrate deep into the interior of the building, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. This not only saves energy but also enhances the ambience of the space, making it more inviting and comfortable.
As well as providing natural light, glazed walls can also enhance both the interior and exterior aesthetics of a building. The use of glass can create a modern and sleek appearance and the transparency of the material allows for unobstructed views of the surroundings, which can be particularly appealing in homes and offices situated in picturesque locations. Glazed walls also provide a sense of openness, creating a feeling of spaciousness and airiness that can make a room feel more inviting.
Energy-efficient approach
Glazed walls also offer energy efficiency benefits that can help to reduce the carbon footprint of a building. The glass used in glazed walls can be coated with a special material that reflects heat, which helps to keep the interior of the building cooler during the summer months. During the winter months, the same material helps to retain heat, making the building more energy efficient. This can lead to reduced energy consumption, lower energy bills, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Choosing the right options for your project
When choosing the best option for a project, there are several factors to consider. The first is the type of glass used. There are various types of glass available, including clear, tinted, and coated.
Clear glass allows for maximum visibility and natural light, but it may not be ideal for buildings situated in areas with high levels of sunlight as it can result in glare and heat build-up. Tinted glass can be a good option as it reduces glare and heat, but it may also alter or reduce visibility. Coated glass is an excellent choice for improving energy efficiency as it reflects heat, but it may also be more expensive than other options.
The second factor to consider is the framing system used. You’ll need to make sure that the system is durable, low maintenance, and can be customised to fit the design of the building. We supply a wide range of PVC aluminium frame systems that are tailored to your project’s specific needs – whether it’s a property near the sea, largely exposed to the elements or your client’s preferences.
The third factor to consider is the size and location of the glazed walls. Glazed walls that are too large can result in excessive heat gain, while glazed walls that are too small may not provide adequate natural light. It is important to consider the orientation of the building and the amount of sunlight it receives throughout the day to determine the best location for glazed walls.
Are glazed walls right for your project ?
So, we can safely say that glazed walls offer a range of benefits in modern architecture. They provide natural light, enhance aesthetics, and improve energy efficiency. When choosing the best option for a project, it is important to consider the type of glass used, the framing system, and the size and location of the glazed walls. With careful consideration and planning, glazed walls can add value and beauty to any building.
Looking to install a glazed wall?
Speak to our Bespoke department, they’ll be able to help you with specification, prices and much more!
03450213333
Take a look these fantastic, glazed wall projects we supplied:
This month we’re delighted to award CY Homes Ltd for their installation of our products into this beautiful Surrey development.
The project consists of three detached new build homes, located on the suburban outskirts of Haslemere, just a few minutes from the A3. Each home has been designed with individuality and luxury in mind. All properties have contemporary open-plan living spaces and high spec bedrooms and bathrooms. For the project, Edge supplied casement windows, residential doors, French doors, white fascia and soffits, white uPVC guttering and composite doors in anthracite grey.
White PVC guttering, fascia and soffits compliment the white casement windows with astragal bars, to secure a timeless, classy look that characterises these properties. The dark grey front door adds a modern edge, with contemporary long steel bar handles.
Completed in early 2023, the project took ten months to complete. CY homes said their overall service from Edge was very good, and the products were easy to install.
Congratulations to CY Homes Ltd for giving their project the edge. A great project and well-deserved reward. We look forward to seeing more of your work in the future.
What are BS and RAL?
If you’re in the building, architectural, design or interiors sectors, you will almost certainly have heard of RAL and British Standards (BS) colour matching systems. Though just how many of those reading this blog know what RAL stands for, and what are the finer details of these systems and their uses?
RAL stands for “Reichs Ausschuss für Lieferbedingungen” (in English, the German Commission for Delivery Conditions!) RAL is a colour-matching system used to identify standard colours for paints, coatings, and plastics. It was developed in 1927 and has become an internationally recognised standard used by many nations across the world.
British Standard (BS) colours are a collection of colours that have been derived from sets of regulations and standards laid down for the use of industrial colour specifications within the UK. The BS 4800:2011 colour chart was first introduced in 1936 and is currently used as a reference guide for specifying surface finishes on building projects.
What are the benefits of using BS and RAL charts?
By having precise definitions for each shade listed within these two systems, designers can rest assured knowing that their project will always turn out just as they envisioned it – without any unpleasant colour surprises later down the line! These are also helpful tools for traders to utilise and follow, ensuring that the vision and instructions of designers and/or clients are easily followed and achieved, without risky and unnecessary guess work.
Where are BS and RAL used?
RAL and BS colours serve an important role in ensuring consistency within projects across a variety of industries around the globe. In terms of the construction sector, RAL and BS colours are used to ensure colour consistency throughout a build project, enabling architects and designers to create designs with confidence. By referencing these standardised colour charts, professionals can be sure that they have accounted for all necessary shades or textures before beginning a job.
What are the most popular colours?
Over the last few years there has been a big increase in the popularity of doors and windows in grey, and black. On-trend statement colours for front doors, for example, are Uplifting Greens e.g RAL 6019 Pastel Green, Warm Tranquil Blues such as RAL 5009 Azure Blue, or Serene Soft Pinks such as RAL 3015 Light Pink.
Many people are also opting for contemporary charcoal (e.g RAL 7021-P Black Grey) or sage green (e.g RAL 6011-P Reseda Green) windows instead of the traditional white PVC style or woodgrain effect aesthetic.
Edge Building Products provide a range of windows and doors in popular colours.
At Edge Building Products, we provide a wide range of uPVC and aluminium windows and doors, and our Anthracite Grey glazing remains a firm favourite with homeowners. Aside from our popular stocked options, we can supply aluminium window frames to match any RAL colour.
Our extensive range of uPVC windows is the broadest on the market, especially for coloured products with PVC foil laminations. At Edge Building Products we supply the most technically advanced uPVC windows, utilising the latest technology innovations.
We supply bi-folding doors manufactured by Origin and Korniche. In recent years, bi-folding doors have become an increasingly popular option for homeowners looking for their kitchen and living spaces opening out onto patio and lawns, and the trend shows no signs of slowing. Our range of aluminium bi-folding and sliding doors are available in a variety of configurations and colours utilising the RAL chart.
Cladding has also seen a rise in popularity in recent years, with many opting to add a pop of a colour to their home with external composite cladding. External cladding has become the go-to for transforming the exterior of a home at an affordable cost with little ongoing maintenance. Cladding can turn a dated or tired looking frontage into a contemporary, smart and stylish home with a quick facelift.
At Edge Building Products, we offer a variety of cladding options including;
- Shiplap cladding. This is popular, in part because of its rustic and traditional look, which adds character and charm to any building. The overlapping boards create a tight seal that helps prevent air and moisture from entering the building, which is especially important in wet or humid climates. This tight seal also helps to provide a sound barrier, reducing noise from the outside. Our Shiplap cladding is available in a number of woodgrain effects as well as Chartwell Green, Cream, White, Black and Dark Grey.
- Fortex Cladding System. The Fortex range of innovative cladding products is available in 10 different colours and combines an authentic painted timber grained look with the low maintenance benefits of PVC. It is durable, made from an environmentally friendly lead-free formulation and is guaranteed for 10 years (T & Cs apply.)
- Fibre Cement Cladding System by James Hardie. The ultimate alternative to wood, Hardie plank cladding is made from resilient, maintenance-free fibre cement. Giving your customers all of the benefits of a stylish wooden façade with none of the hassle. Made from natural materials this product provides strength, durability and protection. It is also available in a wide range of colours to give your project the perfect finish. The Hardie cladding comes with a 15-year warranty and is available in a variety of styles (and over 21 colours!)
We also supply fascias, guttering, trims and soffits that we can spray to any RAL or BS Colour. This will help you to maintain consistency throughout the job and allow the designer freedom to create and plan without limitation.
In addition, we also offer RAL colour spray cans and Konig touch up pens for any cosmetic fixes or hard to get to spots.
To conclude, for those looking for a host of options, RAL and BS colours and styles when it comes to doors, windows and cladding then Edge Building Products are the ultimate choice offering a wide variety of the above in addition to other construction materials to the trade with the option to spray to match existing features of the building if purchasing new isn’t an option.
We have helpful customer service and trade desks with the added benefit of offering free drinks across our three locations; Chichester, Horsham and Croydon. For more information on any of our products or services you can call the team on 01403 218877 or email us at [email protected].
Our roof glazing systems provide a great way to bring natural light into your home or workspace, providing a bright and welcoming environment that can enhance your quality of life and increase productivity. But with so many options available, it can be challenging to decide which type of roof glazing to install. In this article, we’ll explore why a lantern rooflight may be the best choice for your project.
First, let’s take a look at the different types of roof glazing available. There are Flat Glass Rooflights, or skylights, which are installed flush with the roof and provide a flat, unobstructed view of the sky. Then there are roof windows, or Velux windows which are hinged at the top and open outwards to provide ventilation as well as light. Finally, there are lantern rooflights, which are a type of pitched roof glazing that sits on top of a raised kerb, creating a stunning focal point and bringing in lots of light.
So why choose a lantern rooflight over the other options? Here are some of the key benefits we’d like to tell you about:
One of the most significant advantages of a lantern rooflight is the amount of natural light it brings into a space. Because of their height and pitch, lantern rooflights let in more light than skylights or roof windows. This can make a significant difference to the feel of a room, making it brighter and more welcoming. It can also help to reduce your reliance on artificial lighting, which can save you money on your energy bills.
Better views
Another advantage of a lantern rooflight is that it provides a better view of the sky and surrounding area than skylights or roof windows. Because the glass is pitched, you get a wider and more expansive view, which can be especially stunning if you have a scenic location. This can also be beneficial if you want to create a sense of openness and space in a room.
Improved ventilation
While normal lantern rooflights don’t provide ventilation themselves, they can be manufactured to include opening pane and create a fully ventilated space. This can be particularly useful in kitchens, bathrooms or other areas where moisture can be a problem. By choosing lantern rooflights with openers, you can create a well-ventilated space that is also filled with natural light.
Enhanced aesthetics
Lantern rooflights are also an excellent choice if you’re looking to create a stunning visual impact in your home or workspace. They can be customised to fit the exact size and shape of your roof, and they create a dramatic, eye-catching focal point that can transform the look of a room. They are especially popular in modern, open-plan spaces where they can be used to create a sense of height and space.
Longevity and durability
Finally, lantern rooflights are a durable and long-lasting choice for roof glazing. They are typically made from high-quality materials like aluminium or timber, which are designed to withstand the elements and last for many years. They also require very little maintenance, which makes them a cost-effective choice in the long run.
So, while there are many different types of roof glazing available, a lantern rooflight can offer a unique combination of natural light, stunning aesthetics, and durability. If you’re looking to enhance your home or workspace with roof glazing, a lantern rooflight is definitely worth considering. With its ability to flood your space with natural light, improve your views, and create a sense of openness, it can transform the way you experience your surroundings.
Edge’s bespoke department looks after all of your roof glazing requirements, if you’d like a quotation or you need help with your decision please pop an email to [email protected] or give 03450213333. You can also view our roof lanterns and flat glass rooflights in any of our 3 trade counters.
In recent years, we’ve noticed that matt-coloured window trims have become increasingly popular. These types of trims are characterised by their flat, sandpaper-effect, non-glossy finish, which offers a more subtle and sophisticated look compared to traditional shiny or glossy trims. We explore why they are so popular in this blog.
Aesthetic Appeal
One of the primary reasons why window fitters love matt-coloured window trims is that they have a unique aesthetic appeal. These trims create a more muted, subdued look that is perfect for modern and contemporary homes. Matt finishes have become increasingly popular recently, as homeowners and designers seek a more refined, minimalist look.
While gloss finishes can be flashy and attention-grabbing, matt finishes offer a more understated elegance, making it the perfect solution for anyone looking to add a touch of sophistication and style to their home’s exterior.
Versatility
Perhaps the best thing about matt-finished window trims is that they’re incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking to create a modern, minimalist look or a more rustic, natural aesthetic, matt finishes can work with just about any design style.
The versatility of matt finishes also extend to their compatibility with a wide range of colours. Matt black trims, for example, are a popular choice for window fitters who have installed black or Anthracite aluminium windows, as the matt finish matches and compliments the aluminium window finish.
Practicality
Matt finishes are also incredibly practical. Unlike shiny finishes, which tend to show every smudge and fingerprint, and require constant cleaning and polishing to stay looking their best, matt finishes are much more forgiving. So, whether you’re dealing with dirty little hands or muddy paws, your matt-finished trims will stay looking great. In fact, just a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually all it takes to keep your trims in perfect condition.
Durability
Another benefit of matt finishes is that they tend to be more durable than gloss finishes. This is because the lack of a shiny surface means that scratches and imperfections are less noticeable, making the trims look newer for longer. Additionally, matt finishes are less likely to peel or fade over time, which means you won’t have to worry about constantly repainting or replacing your trims.
Sustainability
Finally, choosing matt-finished window trims can be a more sustainable choice for your home or building. This is because many of our matt-finished trims are made from a blend of recycled PVC. Additionally, the low-maintenance nature of matt finishes means you’ll use fewer resources on cleaning and upkeep over time.
So, if you’re ready to give your home’s exterior a fresh new look, consider matt-finished window trims. They’re practical, easy to maintain, and incredibly stylish. What more could you ask for?
At Edge, we supply the following matt painted window trims:
- Ulti-Matt White
- Ulti-Matt Black
- Smooth Sage
- Sprayed Matt Black (very low sheen)
Matt finishes have a way of making objects and spaces look more modern and futuristic, which is why they’re so popular in many aspects of retail. So, if you’re looking to update your home or project, consider going matt – you won’t be disappointed!
If you have any questions about our range of window trims – we’d love to hear from you! Just email your queries to [email protected] or give us a call on 0345 021 3333. You can also request trim samples or come to any of our branches to see them for yourself!