With the huge amount of window styles out there, it can be difficult to decide which is the best style for your property or project. Different designs cater to different eras, and each have their own benefits and drawbacks. In this article, we’ll cover the most popular types of window styles to give you an idea of what suits you.
Standard Casements
The standard PVC casement frames are normally around 57mm thick, (depending on the manufacturer) which means that these windows boast great thermal properties and security. However, for some people, the thickness of the standard casement frame is too bulky, so they are likely to opt for the thinner, sleeker aluminium profiles – like the one pictured below from one of our projects.
Flush sash
The flush sash is one of the most popular styles we offer at Edge. The frame and sash sit flush when closed, imitating the appearance of traditional timber joinery. The Flush Sash window combines a slimline sash, allowing the face of the profile to sit flush with the existing 70mm outer frame. As you can see from the photo below, Flush Casements provide a refined look – especially here, where the outer frame contrasts the white sash to create a truly traditional approach. The contrasting frames may not work on a modern property, but we find that block-coloured flush casements suit the more contemporary properties very well.
Sliding sash
The perfect solution to anyone upgrading a period property. Sliding sash windows are said to have originated from the late 1600s and resulted from the London Building Act after the Great Fire in 1666. By the time the Georgian era began, Sash windows were in most homes and buildings. PVC sash windows are also great in their thermal efficiency – no cold draughts in the winter but opening both the top and bottom sashes in the summer maximises air flow in the hotter months. This style may not be the cheapest in the PVC window market, but their period appeal is worth it!
French casement
The French casement is another of the most popular types of window openings. When both sashes are fully opened, there is a large open space to the outdoors with no interruptions from fixed mullions (French casements have a flying or floating mullion, which is attached to one of the sashes.) French style casement windows are also ideal emergency exits. However, before deciding to install these windows, you must make sure you have enough room outdoors for the sashes to open safely.
Bay windows
Bay windows are made up of multiple- usually quite large – casements, and so they allow lots of light to enter the building. They can do this while taking up minimum wall-space. Better still, the space in the nook (which can be made into a comfy window seat) will be lit from every direction, making the entire room seem lighter.
Window Glass Types
There are a lot of different window glass types available; some are decorative, some practical or both!
At Edge, we can source pretty much any decorative glass pattern (just a few patterns collaged below, plus our amazing eagle unit from one of our projects.) We also supply satin glass, which is one of the most popular privacy glass options out there.
Different patterns have different privacy levels – so be careful which you choose!
What now?
We have written about different window materials, and provided an easily absorbed comparison
between the different materials available…
Head over to our window material comparison page, take a look at our window brochure or check out
our web page!
If you would like to discuss window styles, or get a no-obligation quotation, email
[email protected]
We also have a showroom in our Chichester branch, where lots of these popular styles are available
for you to see and operate!
Brand focus: Freefoam
Freefoam building products | Cladding, Fascia & Soffits
Freefoam is one of the leading manufacturers of a wide range of advanced PVC-U fascia and soffit products. They also produce gutter systems, external cladding and interior panelling systems for the building industry on a multinational scale.
Freefoam Building Products began trading in Cork, Ireland in 1990, since then it has grown into a very large organisation operating from multiple sites across the UK and Europe. The company was founded by Tony Walsh and George Cronin, who saw market openings within the building industry and the potential for large-scale PVC extrusion.
Edge Building Products is proud to be a stockist of many of Freefoam’s product lines, including but not limited to the following:
Fascia and Soffit
Freefoam produces one of the most technologically advanced colour PVC fascia and soffit ranges using their unique, patented, Colormax® technology. They provide an excellent colour selection, colour-matching, and colour-fastness choices throughout their range.
Guttering
Under the Freeflow® Brand, Freefoam supplies a range of PVC gutter systems in a wide range of sizes, shapes and colours. Freeflow® is another great example of Freefoam’s innovative culture and its range has been designed to ensure both dependable, leak-free performance and quick installation. In addition, it is compatible with other gutter systems with a range of adaptors.
The Freeflow® products are intended to work together with their fascia and soffit range and come in a variety of standard colours to suit all properties and requirements.
Window Boards, Architrave & Angles
Freefoam also offer an extensive range of window boards, architrave and rigid and flexi angles. These add the finishing touch when fitting windows and are superior in quality, whilst being a low maintenance, cost-effective solution.
Internal Panelling
Freefoam’s internal panel product range is mainly PVC interior decorative panelling which provides designers and installers with a stylish, contemporary, and convenient product. These panels are a cost-effective and practical choice for tiling and other traditional materials. They provide a sleek, decorative, and waterproof wall covering for new and existing interior wall surfaces in domestic and commercial properties.
Cladding
Freefoam supply Edge with a fantastic range of cladding.
We have written all about it in another article – Freefoam Fortex Cladding Range article. We also have a cladding visualiser and calculator!
Get in touch with us
We provide a wide range of Freefoam products and our team has years of experience supplying
these products for all types of projects. Email [email protected] or call 03450213333 if you have any queries or would like a quotation!
As the days become longer, and the light at the end of the COVID tunnel gets brighter, the home improvement sector doesn’t look to be slowing down any time soon. Homeowners still have plenty of money sitting in their bank accounts – an extra £200bn according to the Bank of England – and the desire to make their homes more spacious, aesthetically pleasing and energy efficient means the residential construction market is set to expand for some time to come.
External cladding is among the many products that remain in high demand, providing an attractive, simple solution to renovate the external appearance of homes. Homeowners are using cladding to modernise and rejuvenate their homes, updating old timber cladding, hanging tiles and render finishes. Cladding has also become a popular external option for outhouses like home offices as hybrid working becomes more common and people need additional space to separate their working lives from their home-life.
Kieran Napthine, Managing Director of Edge Building Products says ‘Over the last 12 months, we’ve seen a big increase in customer demand for our cladding products, which has contributed to our overall growth as a business. Recognising this trend has resulted in our decision to expand our cladding range, offering our customers an even better range of products.’
This year Edge Building Products have expanded their cladding range to include HardiePlank Fibre Cement Cladding. Manufactured by James Hardie, the range is made from resilient, maintenance-free fibre cement and offers customers all the benefits of a stylish wooden façade with none of the hassle. Unlike competitor products, HardiePlank is made from natural materials which provides strength, durability and protection with an A2 fire rating.
Featured in Vision Magazine Feb 22 edition
If you would like to find out more about the HardiePlank Fibre Cement Range or any other external cladding products at Edge Building Products, you can contact us on 0345 021 3333 or email [email protected].
Established in 1974, Liniar building products is well known for its market-leading innovative
extrusion of PVC profiles. Ever since the company’s doors opened, they have been expanding
horizons; from waste reduction to increased product ranges, Liniar building supplies have taken
massive steps to optimise their products and services
Edge Building products have had a longstanding alliance with Liniar, using their PVC profiles in
many of our product ranges. Liniar is renowned for its high-quality products designed using
premium materials that deliver high performance. With a focus on innovation and sustainability,
Liniar has truly emerged as an industry-leading manufacturer of building products.
Liniar Decking
Liniar has extensive experience in the holiday home market and within this they have created a
fantastic decking range, boasting longevity and low maintenance, with no sacrifice of style. In
fact, Liniar can produce a made-to-order decking kit in just 5 days!
Liniar Fencing
The range of fencing by Liniar is made from lead-free window grade uPVC and improves your
outdoor space by making it attractive and easy to keep clean and intact. Liniar’s fencing range is
available in three types; classic, woodgrain and composite, and has many colours and textures to
choose from.
Liniar’s Trims
Liniar foam trims are manufactured alongside their windows, roofs and doors, using advanced
quality procedures and materials throughout. They are coloured and foiled in-house, achieving
an excellent finish that matches their other products perfectly.
Windows and Doors
The window range at Liniar consists of three great styles:
● Casement windows – the classic window, suited to any property style
● Flush Sash – design inspired by the 1930s
● Bifold Windows – ideal for extensions or kitchens that need plenty of natural light and airflow. Liniar bi-fold doors are great for these spaces too.
Liniar Doors
The range of door styles and profiles at Liniar is extensive. Each can be foiled in a range of
colours and textures to suit any property.
At Edge, we supply the Liniar profile French doors, which with their timeless frame design are a
fabulous choice for extensions and patio entries.
Liniar Lantern Roofs
Liniar’s rooflights allow almost any room to have a conservatory-style roof window which floods
the room with natural light, giving it a more spacious, airy feel.
Looking for a Liniar product?
Liniar manufactures a huge range of building products, from windows and doors to a complete
outdoor range including fencing and decking. Whether you’re looking for a specific product or you
just have a general idea in mind and want to find out what your options are, Liniar’s range will
provide a solution.
To find out which Liniar products you can buy at Edge, email: [email protected] or call 0450213333.
Our February installation of the month goes to Architectural Homes for their installation of our Origin bifold doors into The Pavilion, a community centre in Chichester which has a cafe, yoga space, therapy rooms and wellbeing services.
This welfare-boosting facility showcases one of our larger bifold door units, being almost the full length of the building frontage. These stunning bifold doors give the building a streamlined, contemporary appearance, connecting the interior with the outdoors seamlessly. The facility was orginally Linden’s Marketing Suite for Havenstoke Park and Architectural Homes have transformed the building into a fabulous community space for all ages.
Edge Building Products supplied Origin Bifolds in, the very popular, Anthracite Grey – and when these doors are fully open, there is a huge open expanse which connects the users of the yoga room and cafe to the outside world.
Architectural Homes have developed this building into a useful community space, working alongside Pope Stevens Architecture and the Chichester Council.
Check out all the facilities available at The Pavilion.
Architectural Homes was established back in 2008, by Chartered Surveyor, Colin and Pilot, Rob. They both have an extensive experience in home-building and renovating, and have built a strong team of experts who create incredible family homes. We’re looking forward to seeing more of their work in the future.
Our range of aluminium bi-fold doors are available in a range of colours completely bespoke to your requirements.
As the demand for expansive glazing solutions grows, homeowners are looking to achieve panoramic outdoor views and light, airy interior spaces, whilst knowing they are protected from the elements.
The advanced profile technology of our aluminium bi-folds creates a thermal transmittance barrier between the cold air outside and the warm air inside (or vice versa), keeping homes comfortable throughout the year, whatever the weather.
Our range of aluminium bi-fold doors consists of:
-
- Korniche
-
- Origin OB49
-
- Origin OB72
All are supplied to match your specifications, completely bespoke. Contact our bespoke team today on 0345 021 3333 or [email protected] for a no obligation quote.
Product comparison table
Fixings, Flashings and Sealants: What You Need To Know
With so many types of fixings, flashings, sealants, and tools available, it’s hard to remember
which product can be used for a task. Here we have answered a few of the most frequently
asked questions and provided some additional information to help you out.
Sealants and adhesives
What are the advantages of using silicone?
It’s sturdy, easy to work with and reliable. Silicone keeps its shape and strength in all weathers
and conditions.
How expensive is silicone?
The price of silicone depends on a few factors, such as type or colour. However, in general,
silicone is usually within the range of £5-19 a tube.
Check out our prices!
Can you submerge silicone in water?
Yes! Silicone is very strong and waterproof, it’s often used in aquatic projects and other projects
involving water or rain exposure. This makes it an extremely versatile material that can be used
in a whole range of different scenarios. With customisation available, you can adapt silicone to
meet the exact specifications of your project.
What silicone colours are available?
To name a few,
● Black
● Clear
● White
● Rosewood
● Anthracite Grey
● Chartwell Green
● Irish Oak
● Toffee
● Brown
● Grey
….and many other RAL colours! Check out our range to find more colours available.
What’s the difference between mastic and silicone?
Mastic (MS polymer) has a similar appearance to silicone, however, when it dries it looks less
flexible. It’s also odourless as it doesn’t contain any solvent (cured by water in the air) whereas
silicone does. Some argue that it’s nicer to use as it has a non-staining property and doesn’t stick
to your fingers. Mastic takes a lot longer to cure than silicone.
Fixings and Fasteners
What are fixings and Fasteners?
These are seemingly small objects, but hardly any products on a building site would be any use
without fixings and fasteners as they hold pretty much everything together. They are available in
various forms including woodscrews, concrete screws pins, nails and adhesive chemicals.
What is the difference between a fastener and a fixing?
Although there are plenty of exceptions, it is generally thought that the difference is that a
fastener joins two objects together, while a fixing binds a moveable item to a fixed one.
Fixings for uPVC windows
Baypole screws – For fixing uPVC to another uPVC object
Concrete screw – For fixing uPVC to brick or concrete.
Flashings
What are flashings?
Flashings are basically a sheet of metal folded over a joint in a building to protect it from the
weather or water penetration. They are usually made from galvanised sheet metal – lead,
aluminium, copper – or butyl (a synthetic rubber).
Where are flashings used on a roof?
Usually, flashings are applied around chimneys, air vents, skylights and any other area where
water could penetrate the roof. Flashings can also be used around window cills and sliding
doors.
What are the advantages of butyl flashing?
● Fast and excellent adhesion to many substrates
● Waterproof
● Flexible even when cold
● UV and weather-resistant
● Self-adhesive
● Moisture vapour tight
(Flashings construction, flashings building, flashings on houses, flashings roof)
Speak with a member of our team today
To find out more about any of the fixings, flashing and sealants we have on offer, feel free to
speak with a member of our team today. We can talk you through a range of products and
answer any questions you may have about our building products.
Call us on 0345 021 3333 or pop us an email at [email protected]
Kestrel Building Products | PVC & uPVC
Kestrel Building supplies are manufacturers of a wide range of PVC building materials, some
of which are added to our range at Edge. Here, we cover some of Kestrel’s building services
range and delve into a bit of the company history.
Established in 1990, Kestrel provides a range of uPVC products and PVC-u products for the
construction industry, selling through distributors and stockists, like us here at Edge. In the
last 5 years, Kestrel has invested around £10 million in advancing their manufacturing, tech,
and equipment to aid them on their mission ‘to be a leading supplier and manufacturer of
plastic products to the building industry’.
Roofline Products
Kestrel has a large range of roofline products, including but not limited to:
Fascia – bullnose fascia, flush, square and ogee fascia plus many accessories including
finials and decorative badge boards.
Soffits – including double-edged soffit boards, vented and double vented soffit, tongue and
groove board, hollow soffit and a variety of accessories.
Guttering and rainwater systems – Kestrel supply deep flow, half-round, square and ogee
guttering, and accessories such as galvanised or zinc plated gutter brackets.
Cladding Products
Kestrel’s UPVC cladding range has an array of size and colour options.
They supply vented cladding, Shiplap Cladding, Open V cladding and textured cladding.
Window System Products
The window fitting range at Kestrel has a wide choice of colour and design. Hockey window
board, bull-nosed laminated and internal cap over window board are all available in many
different finishes. There is also a wide range of window trims available, including block trim,
quadrant, edge fillet – which we can get sprayed in special RAL colours. With these trims,
there is an accompanying range of window cills for both internal and external use.
A word on sustainability
Kestrel Building Products has recently been qualified BES 6001 – which means that they
source their raw materials ethically and responsibly after following strict manufacturing
criteria, they have impressively achieved the ‘green’ level for sustainability.
Want to know more?
For more information on these products, give us a call or pop us an email, one of our
knowledgeable staff members will be able to help you!
0345 021 3333 | [email protected]
Brett Martin | Plastic sheets, rooflights & drainage
Brett Martin has over 60 years of experience in the processes of manufacturing plastic. With many
divisions and a wide range of industries to serve, they work as a great team to support their
customers all over the world.
Edge has a great history with Brett Martin, having purchased from the brand for many years. We
firmly believe that their products are of superior quality, and their customer service goes above and
beyond expectations.
In this article, we will outline a few of Brett Martin’s great product ranges and explain why we have
supplied their products for so long.
The Brett Martin Guttering Range
Style. Choice. Flexibility. These are the factors that are considered in the designing and
manufacturing process of Brett Martin’s guttering range. Every single product is produced with the
same attention to detail and focus on quality, which guarantees consistency across every range.
At Edge, we are particularly fond of their PVC cast-iron style guttering range, which you can see
photographed below. This high-quality range is highly realistic and authentic and is great for those
who are renovating or recreating period-style properties.
Available in classic black, Chartwell Green, Anthracite Grey, Oxford Blue, Olive Green, Graphite Grey,
Sandstone and Porcelain White – this unique but architectural range really gives a boost to any
traditional property. With such a range of colours and finishes, you can select the perfect look to
match your build.
Plumbing and Drainage
Brett Martin supplies complete underground drainage systems, for customers’ sewer, drainage, and
surface water requirements. They pride themselves on developing products that are simple to install
and are extremely reliable and durable for the tasks they perform. Not only do they supply all the
pipework required, but they also provide all the necessary accessories such as flexible couplings,
grease traps and stormwater management crates.
Plastic Sheets
Brett Martin is a highly advanced plastic sheets manufacturer. Producing multiwall systems that
provide natural light to a building whilst strengthening thermal insulation and resistance to impact. The
company also produce corrugated, transparent and PVC flat sheets within their broad plastic sheeting
range.
Daylight Systems
Brett Martin’s daylight system is renowned for its wide range of solutions for every type of property.
From monumental buildings to natural light provisions to commercial buildings, the daylight system
solves many problems that developers face when endeavouring to create lightened spaces.
Want to know more?
Here at Edge, we supply a huge range of building products in Horsham, Chichester and Croydon.
We’re always happy to welcome visitors to our showrooms to view products in person, or we’re happy
to take enquiries over the phone. Speak to a member of our team to discuss which Brett Martin
products we stock by calling 03450213333 or popping an email to [email protected]
Timco | Screws, fasteners & fixings
A bit of background history
Since it was founded in 1972 by Tim Midwood, Timco has been steadily progressing and becoming
one of the most trusted manufacturers of screws, fasteners, nails, adhesives, and other tools for the
building industry.
Timco is a family business with great, supportive values that have surely coupled with their excellent
products and service over nearly 50 years to create the trusted brand that they are today. In recent
years, the owner of Timco has been named amongst the top 50 most ambitious business leaders in
the UK.
Here at Edge, we have worked alongside Timco to bring to you some top-quality fixings and fasteners
that will enable you to complete your projects with ease and security.
Timco fasteners and fixings
Quality manufacturing ensure that Timco supplies some of the best fasteners and fixings out there,
whether it’s Timco plasterboard fixings, furniture fixings, nuts, washers, or utility fixings – you can be
sure that these products will meet your expectations.
Timco screws
At Edge, we find that Timco screws are of superior quality – there is a screw to suit every
requirement. Bay pole screws, countersunk screws, self-drilling screws, concrete screws and screw
caps represent just a small proportion of Timco’s range. Timco also supplies us with high-performance
wall plugs, suitable for a wide range of applications.
Timco adhesives
Timco has a vast range of sealants, silicones, and chemicals for the building industry.
Need more info on Timco’s screws, fasteners & fixings?
Here at Edge, we stock plenty of Timco’s products so we can help you with any queries you may
have. With plenty of experience supplying Timco’s building supplies, we have a strong understanding
of their products and we can help you to find the perfect supplies for your project.
Email your enquiry to [email protected] or give us a call on 03450213333 and a member of our
friendly team will be happy to help.
March Installation of the Month | The Martin Sewell Building Company
This month we are awarding Installation of the Month to The Martin Sewell Building Company (MSBC) for their installation of our Origin doors, windows, shaped gable frames and sliding doors, into this fabulous pool house at a water front Huf Haus property in West Sussex.
MSBC have installed large anthracite grey windows and doors into this recreational building to compliment the style of the home, which is characterised by large expansive windows and doors, typical of the Huf Haus architectural style.
Huf Haus design and build unique, contemporary homes which have historically challenged traditional build methods. Their homes are easily recognisable for their interesting architecture and expansive glass ‘walls’ which aim to bring residents closer to nature. Huf Haus also pride themselves on developing energy efficient and sustainable homes.
This iconic property, with large windows and doors, has a ‘holiday’ feel, enabling residents to enjoy uninterrupted panoramic views of the harbour.
MSBC have installed sliding doors into pool house, which open harbour side, allowing pool users to enjoy the outdoors whilst swimming. When open, these large doors also bring fresh air into the humid space on hotter days.
Behind the pool house there is a large recreational room, into which MSBC have installed large doors and long windows, to remain in keeping with the architectural style of the home.
Given the coastal location of this outhouse, MSBC have sensibly chosen a marine graded polyester powder coated finish, to ensure the frames and hardware are protected against the salty elements.
The Martin Sewell Building Company is a family-run business established in 1985. They have won many awards for their projects, and we are very pleased to be working with them. They have done another stunning job with this project and we’re looking forward to seeing more of their work in the future.
Our range of aluminium sliding doors give your customers all of the benefits of bi-folds without needing additional space for the doors themselves (when open). Giving homeowners a self-contained panoramic glazing solution which is available in a range of colours.
Aluminium is low maintenance and very hardwearing, so is the perfect glazed door solution for your customers.
The advanced profile technology of our aluminium sliding doors creates a thermal transmittance barrier between the cold air outside and the warm air inside (or vice versa), keeping homes comfortable throughout the year, whatever the weather.
All are supplied to match your specifications, completely bespoke. Contact our bespoke team today on 0345 021 3333 or [email protected] for a no obligation quote.
A bit about Storm
Storm building supplies offers a wide range of superior quality building supplies in the UK and are well-known as a great company to work with due to their excellent customer service. They make it easy for their customers to partner with them by providing outstanding support and materials, ensuring that those selling their products are highly knowledgeable.
Here at Edge, we have worked closely with Storm Building Products for many years and we intend to keep on doing so! We strive to provide our customers with the best possible products at competitive prices. Storm’s focus on manufacturing high quality, well designed and reliable products allows us to consistently meet our customer’s expectations.
The polycarbonate sheeting range
Storm’s polycarbonate sheeting range is made with a full UV protective layer, which is highly resistant to impact. What we love about this range is that they are easy for our customers to
install and are lightweight – meaning they are a perfect solution for conservatories, canopies and lean-tos and plenty of other applications. Storm also provides polycarbonate accessories
including H-sections, u profile, silicones and sealants and tape.
The range of flat sheeting at Storm is a high-strength solid extruded polycarbonate sheet that is as transparent as glass and as strong as steel. It has full UV protection and can be used in a wide range of applications, including commercial glazing projects, roof glazing, balustrades, shelters for public transport and many others.
Looking for high-quality wall cladding?
One of our favourite products manufactured by Storm is their hygiene wall cladding and panelling. This is a wide range of panels, trims, and profiles that are suited to many commercial applications including kitchens and bathrooms. Its high-gloss surface makes it super easy to maintain and clean and it has secret fittings that enable a sleek, simple installation.
Try Storm’s products today
It is always a pleasure to deal with Storm Building Products. Their service is top-notch and we can rely on them to produce quality products that are an asset to our customer’s projects. Whether you’re looking for a specific item or you’d like to see Storm’s full range of products to see if anything catches your eye, we can help.
If you want to know more about our polycarbonate sheets and roof glazing systems, speak to our helpful team by calling 0345 021 3333 or pop us an email at [email protected].
Our Ogee product ranges | Adding a classy touch to your projects
About Ogee Designs
At Edge, we always watch, with interest, the projects for which we supply Ogee projects . This is because we find that they add another, sophisticated dimension to a project. The architectural term ‘ogee’ is the name given to ornately curved surfaces, arches, and mouldings – these are said to have been around since before the 12th century and provide character and statement designs to some of the most well-known stately homes, classic architecture, and period properties. Take a look at St Paul’s Cathedral in London for example:
We supply lots of PVC ogee products such as ogee guttering, ogee trims, ogee architrave, ogee fascia, fascia corners and joints and more. These give a project character but without the hassle of maintenance! Read on to find out more about our range.
Ogee Trims and Architraves
Whether internal or external, ogee trims and beads add a subtle statement to window reveals, door jambs, covings and cornices. Our range also includes these trims and architraves along with ogee skirting, which, when used together with the architraves, really creates that traditional or period style that many properties cry out for.
Ogee Guttering
The design of our ogee guttering range definitely increases the kerb appeal for all installations. Homeowners love the fluted curvature, which gives properties a subtle but sophisticated charm. Available in white, grey, black, brown and cast-style, our range of Ogee guttering will take your project to the next level!
Within our wide range of fascia styles, we have a couple of ogee designs that will compliment your traditional project. As you can see in the images below – it creates a subtle statement whilst enhancing the building’s roofline, making it stand out.
We’re pretty sure you’ll like our Ogee products as much as we do – if you have any questions about our range, give us a call on 03450213333 or email us at [email protected] and one of our helpful customer services staff members will be able to help you!
New Part L Regulations
Adapting to changes in regulations can be a bit of a headache – so we’ve put together the essential information about these new Part L changes for you.
The New Part L Regulations come into effect on 15th June 2022 – this doesn’t apply to works that are subject to building notices, full plans application or initial notices submitted before 15/06/22, providing that the site works begin within a year of the new regulations coming into effect.
View the full New Part L Government Guidelines.
Replacements, Refurbishments & Extensions to Existing Homes
Replacement windows and doors need to have better performance than the elements that they are replacing.
Product Type
|
U-Value limit
(Upper limit)
|
OR Energy Rating limit
(Upper limit)
|
Windows
|
1.4
|
B WER
|
Doors with 60% or more glazed internal face
|
1.6
|
C DER
|
External Fire Doors
|
1.8
|
–
|
Doors
|
1.4
|
B DER
|
New-Builds
Some may specify goods with lower U-values than the above as the new build thermal performance is calculated for the complete building, with a U-value limit of 1.6.
Product Type
|
U-Value limit
|
OR Energy Rating limit
|
Windows
|
1.6
|
–
|
Doors
|
1.6
|
–
|
For more information,
…or speak to a knowledgeable member of staff at Edge! Call 0345 021 3333 or email [email protected].
This month we’re awarding installation of the month to Field Marshall Construction for their installation of our bespoke Liniar conservatory and bi-folding doors.
The owners of this cosy Sussex residence have created a light and airy space overlooking the garden, by adding a conservatory to the back of the property. This stylish room has dual colour frames (white internal and chartwell green external) and complements the style of this welcoming and warm home.
The owners chose to install Liniar Aluminia bi-folding doors into their conservatory, to give them the flexibility to enjoy their indoor and outdoor space as one. These expansive doors and ambi blue glass also help to reduce the temperature in the conservatory on very hot days.
This Liniar conservatory offers maximum energy efficiency with a Windows Energy Rating of A+ and a U-value of 1.2. The glass is ambi blue which has a delicate blue tint and offers up to 60% reflection from the sun’s solar rays.
So, all that remains is to say congratulations to Field Marshall Construction – this impressive home improvement solution is a fantastic example of how bespoke conservatories can completely transform a home.
If you’d like to speak to us about your bespoke conservatory requirements (or any other glazing and door projects) please contact us on 0345 021 3333 or email [email protected]
Over the next few months, we’re going to be following the development of a three-bedroom detached property as it progresses into larger five-bedroom, family home. The project, set in a countryside village location in West Sussex, comprises of a two-storey extension which will more than double the original footprint of the property.
The additional space will create a large entrance hallway, cloakroom, open-plan kitchen-diner, utility and office on the ground floor. The development will also create a master bedroom with ensuite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe, a fourth bedroom, ensuite bathroom, family bathroom and airing cupboard. The stairs are also being relocated and the landing is being expanded.
We are proud to be installing our products into this exciting project including bi-folding doors, windows, roof lantern, fascias, soffits, guttering and drainage, and will follow each stage of development as the project progresses.
Stage 1: Drainage
On 11th April 2022, development began with West Sussex Groundworks preparing the footing for the extension. Trenches were dug and filled with concrete, then the ground was levelled off. The team then got to work installing 84m of drainage pipe to take wastewater away from two toilets, the kitchen, utility and outdoor patio (where the owners plan to have a hot tub).
For this stage of the build, Edge products supplied everything for the job, including drainage pipes, chambers, sockets and bends.
Stage 2: Guttering
The roof is now on and 68m of black deepflow upvc guttering has been installed, along with 30 x 68mm black downpipe brackets, 12 x external stopends and 16 x 112½ 68mm offset bends. The guttering was supplied in a black high gloss finish to match the existing roofline. Edge deepflow guttering has a flow rate of 1.8 l/s and a drainage area of 86m². It also a 10 year guarantee and BS Kitemark.
Stage 3: Roof lantern
A white 3000 x 1500mm aluminium Edgesky roof lantern has now been installed into the rear flat roof of this countryside development. With a fixed pitch of 25 degrees and fully concealed fixings, this stylish roof lantern floods the dining area with natural light whilst ensuring sight lines are uninterrupted. At only 57mm wide, the spars and ridge sections are also amongst the slimmest on the market.
The Edgesky roof lantern has roof U values from 1.2w/m2K. It also includes a thermally broken eaves beam that creates an insulated barrier between the aluminium sections, an insulating t-bar that bridges the gap between the profiles and the aluminium finishing caps, and blue self-cleaning glass.
There are a lot of external bifold doors available which might, from a glance, look and operate very similarly. However, within the various brands and profiles there are differences – some large and some small. Here, we have taken 4 key brands to give a side-by-side comparison of some of their popular bifold doors on offer.
Origin Bifold Doors
Origin bifolds are designed and made in-house, meaning that they can be custom built to suit the customer’s requirements. The doors are very versatile due to their strength, and support complex door designs and layouts. Their high security level makes it resistant to warping, making the doors secure and protective against burglaries or damage from the elements.
Origin bifolding door frames are also very thermal efficient, due to the polyamide break, which is less conductive and prevents heat from escaping the property in the winter months and keeps the outer frame separated from the inner frame.
Origin aluminium bifold doors OB-72 range can achieve a U-value of 1.4 and the OB-49 range achieves a U-value of 1.2 – when using triple glazing.
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Smart Bifolds
The Smart visofold 100 bifold door is another fantastic unit which can be used in homes, conservatories, cafés and many other applications to open up an entire wall. Slim line profiles offer a wider, uninterrupted view of the outdoors and there are a variety of colours, special colours and textures to choose from.
Visofold doors have the choice for low threshold, making easy access, or rebated thresholds for improved weathering.
Smarts bifolds have a U-Value of 1.5W/m²K when using 1.0 W/m²K centre pane.
Aluk Bifolds
Aluk bifold doors are security assured with their high security locking mechanisms, hinges and heavy duty roller design. This allows them to be more reliable for high traffic instalments. They also have a flush handle option which will ensure that the bifold leaves will stack neatly and squarely.
Aluk bifold profiles are PAS24 accredited (as are the Smarts, Origin and Cortizo profiles) and can achieve a U-value of 1.4-1.6 W/m²K.
Cortizo Bifold doors
Cortizo Bifold Doors boast the ability to produce very slim sightlines, giving the property maximum light and outdoor views. They can produce doors with up to 14 sashes, and can manufacture low thresholds, which sit flush with the floor (Origin, Smart and Aluk can also manufacture these) The strength of the Cortizo profile allows it to withstand large glazing panels and is PAS24 accredited.
Cortizo bifolds have Uw from 1,1 (W/m²K).
Visit our Bifold Door page for a comparison of our best sellers
For more information on bifolds, and which profiles suit your project – get in touch with our bespoke team! Call 03450213333 or pop an email to [email protected] and one of our knowledgeable staff can help you source the bifold doors you need. We also have trade counters in Chichester, Croydon and Horsham ready to help with whatever support you need in sourcing external bifold doors.
We’ve put composite, uPVC and Aluminium Doors in a side-by-side comparison – so that you can find the best door type for your project!
Composite door
Composite doors are a brilliant investment for anyone wanting to upgrade the external doors of their home, and we can supply them in a range of colours and styles. These doors are designed to give properties greater security and thermal superiority, due to their solid core, which is made with 16 layers of laminated veneered timber called Kerto®. For More information on our composite doors, click here.
You can design your own composite door on our portal HERE.
Pros
– Durability
– Low maintenance
– Boasts a solid core, for added security.
– Bespoke Designs available
– Thermally advanced
– Superior locking systems and security
– Options to add glass designs
Cons
– A more expensive option
– Heavy
Composite Doors can help achieve many project styles.
PVC Doors
uPVC doors are an affordable way to replace your external doors, and are available in a range of designs, including stable door designs. At Edge, we supply the Linar uPVC residential doors, which are easily installed and maintained. The doors boast a lead-free manufacturing process and are made in britain, with the fitter in mind.
Pros
– Secure
– Low maintenance
– Protects the home from the elements
– Wide range of colours and foils to choose from
– Options to add glass designs
– More affordable option
– 10 year guarantee
Cons
– Less thermally advanced than composite option
– Not as durable as the composite door
– Less secure
Steel and aluminium Doors
Steel and alu doors are a highly secure and strong choice for external doors, giving properties a contemporary exterior, with the option for the modern bar handles, steel strip designs and glass units. Made from superior quality metals, our steel and aluminium doors can be made to the customer’s requirements, with a choice of hardware, cills, thresholds and midrails.
Pros
– Very strong
– No risk of cracking or warping
– Boasts high security
– Contemporary door style
Cons
– Hard to repair if damaged or scratched
– Expensive option
– Heavy
– Not as thermally efficient
What to find out more?
At Edge, we supply a wide range of doors, so we think we will be able to help you and your project.
Our bespoke team will be able to answer any questions you have about the different types of doors available – you can even pop into our showroom in Chichester to see the different door types for yourself!
Email [email protected] or call 03450213333.
Choosing between bi-fold doors and sliding doors can be a tough decision. In many ways, they are similar doors, but we find that people often make their choice according to budgets or preferences, as bi-folds and sliding doors bring a similar style to a property, connecting the indoors with the outdoors in a way that most other door designs are unable to achieve.
Sliding Doors
Sliding doors are generally made up of two or more large panes of glass which slide to one side, stacking the panes together at one end of the door frame, as you can see in the above right photo from one of our projects. These doors achieve almost entirely uninterrupted views and are perfect for large openings where you want to emphasise natural light in your property and enjoy the outdoors from within.
However, sliding doors don’t usually achieve a complete opening, like the bi-fold door does, as the doors must slide back and stack against each other on one side of the frame, so one pane is always visible.
A sliding door is often a good choice for homeowners with restricted space as they do not need as much space to open, fold and stack – like bi-fold doors do.
Pros of sliding doors
– Take up the least amount of space when opened when compared to bi-fold doors and French doors
– Lightweight aluminium makes doors easier to operate
– Slimmer sightlines
– Large glass panels give a clear, wide view to the outdoors whether doors are open or closed
Cons of sliding doors
– Less suitable for quick entrance, compared to a bi-fold door with a traffic door
– Flush tracks cannot be achieved due to space required for roller system, the track can be sunk into the floor, however.
– Depending on the profile and brand, sliders can be more expensive than bifold doors.
Edge Recommends
Our favourite Sliding Door system is Origin’s Patio Slider (OS-44.) This is due to its sleek, slimline design and heavy-duty tacking mechanism, which is hard wearing and low maintenance. Come and see our OS-44 sample at our Chichester Showroom!
Bi-fold Doors
Like sliding doors, Bi-fold doors are made up of at least two door panels which, when opened, fold back against themselves in a ‘concertina style.’
Bi-fold doors can open up all the panes within the frame, again, connecting the inside of your property seamlessly with your outdoor space – creating a naturally-lit, open plan space. They can be manufactured to include a traffic door to allow easier entrance without having to slide and fold back all the door’s leaves.
The panels are joined by heavy-duty hinges and run along a top and bottom track using a carriage mechanism.
Pros of bi-fold doors
– Traffic door option available
– Wide range of configurations to suit each property
– low thresholds available
– Works in many opening sizes.
– Can open both inwards and outwards
– Popular, stylish and said to increase home value.
Cons of bi-fold doors
– Need space to stack
– Higher number of door panels can impede view of outdoors
Edge Recommends
We highly recommend our Korniche and Origin Bi-fold doors. The Korniche Door is an affordable option, while the Origin Bifolds are in the higher price range. What we love about the Korniche door is its simplicity of design, making it very versatile – fitting in with more property styles. Origin Bi-fold doors bring projects to the next level with their sleek, contemporary design and heavy-duty folding and locking systems. We have a sample of the Origin Bifold at our Chichester Branch, come and see it!
Side-by-side comparison of Bi-fold Doors and Sliding Doors
Bi-fold Doors | Sliding Doors | |
Ease of access | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Space saving | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
appearance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
View when opened | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
View when closed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Threshold options | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Configuration options | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Case Studies | Installations of Sliding and Bi-fold Doors
Chartwell Green Bifolds installed into a beautiful conservatory
Sleek Origin Sliders installed into a contemporary pool house
Origin Bifolds installed into a Chichester community centre
Stunning Black Bifolds installed in traditional country home
Origin Bi-folds installed into Surrey home
Bifolds connect indoors with outdoors at the Tinwood Estate
Contemporary installation of aluminium bifolds in Sussex
King & Drury Construction install special RAL colour bifolds in Midhurst project
Want to find out more about our range of Bi-fold and sliding doors?
Send your enquiry to [email protected] or give us a ring on 03450213333 – one of our experienced staff members will be able to help you. You can also pop into our Chichester Showroom, and a helpful staff member can talk you through our range.