November 2024 — Edge Building Products

Congratulations to Dennington Glass & Glazing, the winners of our November Installation of the Month!

We absolutely love seeing customer projects, and Dennington Glass & Glazing has been tagging us in some amazing transformations over on Instagram. The one we are sharing with you today is the renovation of an exterior door, replacing the old aluminium frame with a new uPVC sliding patio door!

The Process

To start with, the existing aluminium sliding door and hardwood timber surround was removed – this was first installed in the 1980s! While it had done a great job for many years, this patio door was in need of a refresh. Working alone for this project, Sam used a kit form door and built it onsite. The new sliding door has a white internal and external frame, and wide glass panels to let light back into the room.

Then, Sam used matching white Liniar door trims to make sure the door neatly matched the edge of the existing tile cladding. Using white Soudal silicone, he created a seamless finish on the exterior of the door. Finally, he cleaned the inside frame of the door and sealed it using a fast-drying caulk.

We are proud to have supplied Dennington Glass & Glazing with the trims, silicone and caulk for this job. Here at Edge, we maintain high stocks of all our trims and other essentials for window and door installations at our trade counters. We are also very grateful for Sam’s review of our products: “Edge Building Products supplying the best trims and sealants available as always!”.

Meet the Team

Dennington Glass & Glazing specialise in window, door, and conservatory installations. Sam has been busy installing stunning new composite front doors, aluminium internal doors, bifolds, and glazing for bathrooms, among many other projects this year. We look forward to seeing what the team at Dennington Glass & Glazing get up to in 2025!

Customer review: “Sam replaced the glass in a leaded window at a very reasonable price and to a very high standard. He was highly professional, polite and thorough. Very competent. Highly recommend.” Checkatrade, October 2024.

Do you install windows and doors?

We can help! Here at Edge we work hard to maintain high stocks of everything you need for an window or door installation. Plus, we can deliver your supplies directly to site, so you don’t need to sit in traffic and delay your project.

We specialise in bringing you the best window trims in a great variety of finishes. Did you know, we can supply window trims in 26 foils, 6 of which are unique to Edge? Our top colours are Liniar White (as used by Dennington Glass & Glazing), Anthracite Grey, and Chartwell Green. We can also match all of the Residence Collection windows and doors, so you know the trims won’t let you down. Looking to match a specific colour? Why not try our trim spraying service and choose from over 150 RAL/BS colours.

All of our PVC and aluminium trims are available in 5M lengths, and in a range of different sizes and shapes. For customers outside of our delivery area, we can ship trims in 3M lengths, to ensure they reach you in the best condition.

This year we launched our new EDGEseal LMN silicone in White and Clear. This silicone has proven popular with customers as it has a low odour, a quick cure time, and is easy to gun and tool. We also maintain high stocks of a range of Soudal sealants and adhesives. Order online, by phone, or drop into our trade counters to pick up the sealants you need. Plus, enjoy a free hot drink when you visit our trade counters!

Got any questions, or want to discuss your requirements? Just ask a member of our team – we’re always on hand to help with any queries. Drop an email to [email protected] or call us on 0345 021 3333.

It’s been a turbulent year in construction. As interest rates remain high, and a change of government has brought uncertainty to the building industry, both the public and private housing sector has been slowed down. Many contractors are experiencing one of their quietest autumn/winter periods yet as projects are stalled due to costs and planning delays.

The good news is that things are looking to brighten up in 2025, and further improve in 2026. Sector forecasts are showing a stronger recovery in 2025 than seen this year, and public sector investment is set to improve following the Spending Review in 2025. In particular, it is predicted that the private housing sector will see an upturn as interest rates begin to dip lower and affordability improves through increased earnings across many industries. Let’s take a closer look at what we can expect moving into 2025, and how we at Edge are working hard to ensure that we stand firm as a supplier you can rely on.

Managing Rising Construction Material Costs.

We all want to stay competitive, whether as a material supplier, or as a contractor quoting for work. However, the knock-on costs to customers can spiral out of control when the cost of raw materials increases. Throughout 2024, there have been shortages of key building materials, such as steel, timber and concrete, as well as glass and insulation materials. These shortages have been caused by supply chain disruptions, issues with shipping due to international conflict, and increased demand.

Unfortunately, these disruptions are likely to continue, however, many manufacturers are working hard to find alternative means of supplying and distributing these key materials for housebuilding.

At Edge we specialise in supplying customers with high quality, low maintenance uPVC building materials. We primarily work with UK-based suppliers to reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions, and to support British industry. As a result, we have been able to maintain high stocks across our product ranges and are able to pass these supply chain savings onto our customers through our trade pricing.

Labour Shortages Across the Sector.

There has been a growing skills gap in the construction sector as firms are routinely struggling to employ new workers, leading to increased labour costs. From August 2023-July 2024 there were 382,000 job openings, and this is set to increase in 2025 as Labour’s plans for new housing begins to roll out. UK Construction predict that higher wages and benefit packages could be required to attract and retain talent in the sector.

Labour shortages are in part due to workers leaving the sector during the COVID pandemic, and a reduction in foreign labourers following Brexit. There is also a reduction in the number of young people opting for construction/trade pathways at college creating an aging pool of workers in the sector.

One of the key reasons young people are not entering the construction industry is that many feel that they lack the necessary skills. While numbers enrolling into T-Level and apprenticeship courses remains positive, local construction firms should be reaching out to schools and colleges to improve students’ understanding of the construction sector. By taking on apprentices, builders and other tradesman can pass on their skills and help to reduce the skills shortage in Britain.

“Having worked in the construction industry since leaving school, I have always felt it an excellent industry to work in and particularly suited to apprenticeships. Apprenticeship schemes deliver genuine on-the-job work experience that can prove much more valuable than time spent in the classroom. It also offers the candidate the chance to earn while they learn and avoid a huge accumulation of student debt. With the industry currently facing a skills shortage I fully support any effort to increase our industry’s profile amongst those about to embark on their career.”

Kieran Napthine, Managing Director at Edge Building Products.

Continued Focus on Green Practices in Construction.

As we’ve discussed previously here at Edge, sustainability is more than a trend, it is a necessity for the construction sector. Plans continue for the UK to reach net-zero by 2050, and our construction practices are going to be a big player in this. As we move into 2025, construction firms should be looking to incorporate renewable energy sources into their builds, such as solar panels on private housing.

Waste reduction will also be a major contributor to reducing the carbon footprint of new projects. In the UK, the construction industry generates 62% of the country’s waste and 32% of all waste sent to landfills. Therefore, a commitment to waste reduction is not only good for the sector, but for the country.

Sustainability at Edge:

Here at Edge we are taking a number of steps to reduce the carbon footprint of our products. As already mentioned, we work primarily with UK manufacturers, reducing the transport emissions of products travelling from the manufacturer to us in the South East. We also supply uPVC materials which are durable and long lasting, reducing material waste on buildings. These building supplies are lightweight, reducing the fuel required to transport them, and we offer a next day delivery service to reduce the number of vans on the road to collect Edge products. Plastic often gets a bad rap, however, uPVC is highly recyclable, as is aluminium – a popular window trim we supply. When plastics are recycled, uPVC building materials can be kept out of landfill. We always encourage our customers to recycle faulty uPVC materials to allow them to re-enter the supply chain as a recycled product. We are also very supportive of uPVC manufacturers continuing to incorporate recycled plastics into the products.

Final thoughts…

While the construction industry has faced significant challenges this year—ranging from high interest rates and political uncertainty to material and labour shortages—there are promising signs of recovery on the horizon. Forecasts for 2025 and beyond indicate renewed growth, with public and private housing sectors expected to recover at a faster rate than seen in 2024.

At Edge, we remain committed to supporting our customers by addressing these challenges head-on. Through our focus on maintaining reliable stock supplies, adapting to sustainable building practices, and advocating for solutions to the industry’s skills gap, we aim to be a dependable partner in navigating this period of transition. By preparing for a better year ahead, we are remaining steadfast in our commitment ensuring you have the building supplies you need when you need them.

Got any questions, or want to discuss your requirements? Just ask a member of our team – we’re always on hand to help with any queries. Drop an email to [email protected] or call us on 0345 021 3333.

The end of the year is creeping up on us, so naturally thoughts turn to the new year. New Year’s resolutions, new business plans, and ultimately, new strategies for winning work through excellent craftsmanship. One of the best ways to enhance your projects is by upgrading to aluminium trims. So step up your game and enjoy all the benefits of working with aluminium window trims this new year.

1. Superior Resistance to Corrosion and Weathering

When you’ve invested time in installing new windows or doors, it’s essential that the trim remains in excellent condition. Aluminium trims offer outstanding resistance to corrosion thanks to the protective layer of aluminium oxide that forms when exposed to air. Unlike wood, which can crack, split, or warp over time, aluminium window trims remain durable and long-lasting.

Top tip: Add an additional layer of protection to your trim by having it powder coated. Our aluminium trims come powder coated as standard.

2. Find the Perfect Match for any Window or Door.

With our trim spraying service, we can perfectly match your aluminium trim to any window or door unit. Got a set of blue windows or an orange bi-fold? Don’t stress, we can match the RAL or BS colour in our regular 5m lengths. Plus, we maintain high stocks of matt black, anthracite grey, and gloss white aluminium window trims to match the most popular glazing units, such as Origin and Korniche.

3. Perfectly Lightweight.

Aluminium is one of the lightest commercially available materials. So, our 2mm and 3.5mm thick aluminium trims, available in 25, 31, and 50mm widths, are not only elegant and sleek, but also easy to transport and handle.

Did you know? Lighter building materials reduce the carbon footprint of a build as they require less fuel for transport.

4. Simple Installation Process.

All of our aluminium trims feature a ridged underside to make installation easier. This ridge helps to improve grip between the trim and the surface you are attaching it to. The ridge is particularly helpful when installing trims to a vertical surface, such as along the side of an external door. While aluminium is a tough and resilient metal, it is also malleable, allowing you to curve the trim along the side of bay windows for the perfect finish.

5. 100% Recyclable Material.

Looking towards 2025, sustainability is becoming more important for the construction sector. With large waste outputs from demolitions and renovations, it is important to recycle expired materials where possible. Aluminium is highly recyclable making it a sustainable material to include in your builds. Not only does it have fantastic longevity as it is resistant to weathering, but at the end of its lifecycle the aluminium window trim can be responsibly recycled for further use.

Final thoughts:

Aluminium trims are an easy way to step up your next glazing project. With a sleek and modern finish, they are sure to wow your customer.

Our aluminium trims are powder-coated as standard in either matt black (RAL9005), anthracite grey (RAL7016), and gloss white (RAL9910) to match the most popular glazing units. Plus, the powder coating provides an additional layer of protection to the trim ensuring it looks great for years to come. Our aluminium window trims are supplied in 5m lengths as standard, and, because we keep our stock levels high, these trims can be delivered to your site in the South East the next day.

We look forward to supplying our customers with the highest quality aluminium window trims throughout 2025. Why not get in touch today to get trade pricing on our aluminium trims, and to see a sample of our standard colours. Don’t forget, we can spray our trims to match any RAL or BS colour – we love a challenge!

As the temperature continues to drop in the evenings, it is more likely that you will start noticing condensation on your windows by the morning. Left unchecked, this moisture can lead to mould growth and damage to your windowsills and frames. Fortunately, there are some easy ways and effective ways to stop condensation forming on your windows.

Understanding why condensation happens.

Understanding the root causes of condensation can make it easier to tackle. Condensation happens when warm, moist air makes contact with a cold hard surface. For example, when steam from a shower touches the colder glass of the window condensation will form on the glass. Warmer air holds more moisture, so during the winter months, when external surfaces are significantly colder than the inside air temperature, condensation is more likely.

5 ways to prevent condensation in your home:

Maintain proper ventilation.
Insulate your windows.
Exclude draughts and keep the warmth in.
Adjust your thermostat.
Practice good daily habits.

1. Maintain Proper Ventilation

One of the main reasons for condensation is insufficient ventilation within the home. During the winter, moist air is more likely to build up as we are not keeping our doors and windows open for extended periods.

When cooking, try and keep lids on pans to trap the warmer air inside the saucepan. If you do need to lift the lid, consider turning on the kitchen extraction fan. Similarly, when showering or taking a bath it is a good idea to keep the bathroom extraction fan running. Condensation is more likely to occur in the bathroom and kitchen because of regular temperature fluctuations and excess water in the air.

2. Insulate Your Windows

Improperly insulated windows can be a major contributor to condensation. Applying weather stripping around the edges of your windows can seal any gaps, preventing colder air from entering the building. Alternatively, sealants can also be used along the outside edge of the window or door to seal the unit and close any gaps where outside air may be seeping through.

If you have single-pain windows, now is a good time to consider upgrading to double or triple glazed units. Double glazed windows have two layers of glass with a sealed space in between. This provides a layer of insulated protection to the glass inside the home, reducing the temperature difference between the glass and the internal temperature of the house. Plus make sure your trickle vent is properly installed to allow for air flow during the colder months.

3. Exclude Window Draughts and Keep the Warmth In.

Window films and insulation kits are affordable solutions that can help to reduce condensation in the home. The film creates an additional boundary between your indoor space and the colder outside air. These options are particularly helpful on single-pain glass. The window film is a transparent sheet that you can apply directly to the window. Some insulation kits also include transparent magnetic sheet, mimicking a double-glazed window.

As you already know, curtains and blinds are essential during the winter to improve the insulation of your home. Keeping the curtains closed at night also help to keep the warmer internal air aways from the windows, reducing the condensation.

4. Adjust Your Thermostat.

The key cause of condensation is a considerable temperature difference between that of the glass (kept cold by the outside air), and the warmth inside the house. Maintaining a constant, low indoor temperature can help to prevent condensation. It is advisable to maintain a house temperature of 18-19°c to prevent damp and to keep everyone inside the home healthy.

Avoid drastic temperature fluctuations – i.e. going from 17°c to 24°c in a short space of time – as this will increase the amount of warm, moist air in the property and the likelihood of condensation on windows and doors.

5. Practice Good Daily Habits.

Where possible, continue to dry clothes outside. However, if you need to dry clothes indoors because of the weather, invest in a dehumidifier. Not only will this speed up the drying time, but it will capture the excess water in the air and prevent condensation from forming.

Try and open the windows for 20 minutes a day to allow the transfer of moisture out of the home. As already mentioned, making good use of kitchen and bathroom extractor fans during the winter is also a great way to prevent moisture build up in the home.

Finally, when you spot condensation on a window, wipe it away with a clean cloth and clean the window seal with a disinfectant to prevent any mould growth.

Top tip: Desiccants, such as moisture-absorbing crystals or silica gel, can be placed in small containers and placed near your windows to absorb excess moisture from the air.

Condensation on the inside of your double-glazed unit?

If you spot condensation on the inside of your double-glazed window – i.e. between the two panes of glass – then this is indicative of a bigger problem. It is likely that the seal holding the inert gases between the two panes of glass has broken, allowing the moisture to seep in between the glass. This window is no longer functional and needs to be replaced.

Here at Edge, our windows and doors team can help you find the perfect window for your home, with excellent thermal efficiency, security, and a great range of styles to choose from. Get in touch with our Bespoke department by emailing [email protected] or calling 0345 021 3333 ext. 2.

Final thoughts:

Condensation on windows is a common issue during the winter which can be managed effectively with the right strategies. By maintaining proper ventilation, controlling humidity levels, insulating your windows, and adopting good daily habits, you can enjoy clear, dry windows all year round. Remember that preventing condensation contributes to a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment.

Got any questions, or need to discuss a window replacement? Just ask a member of our team – we’re always on hand to help with any queries. Drop an email to [email protected] or call us on 0345 021 3333 ext. 2.