Clearview National April 2015 - Issue 161 | Page 80

ALUMINIUM Lasting longer:aluminium goes from strength to strength »»With aluminium having recently been shown to last longer in buildings than originally thought, it’s no wonder more and more suppliers in construction, particularly the fenestration industry, are turning to the material. Interestingly, many suppliers are seeing aluminium combined with other materials as an effective approach to building durable and stylish windows and doors. The University of Nottingham’s Professor Michael Stacey, in a study commissioned by the International Aluminium Institute, found that aluminium used in buildings had a much extended lifespan. In window frames the metal, which is 100 per cent recyclable, had a life expectancy of 80 years – representing a significant increase on original estimates of 40 years. Coated aluminium was also seen to be lasting well. The research looked at several examples of coated aluminium in an external built setting that had been installed in the 1970s and originally given a 10-year guarantee. It is still performing well to this day. The growth of aluminium in fenestration products has largely been driven by an increased demand for bifolding doors, which is creating awareness around the benefits of aluminium amongst installers and homeowners. The authoritative Insight Data Fabricator and Installer Market Report in 2013 found that PVCu fabricators were expanding their offering by combining PVCu with other materials, including aluminium. In fact, the report showed that nearly 20 per cent of fabricators were using aluminium. One of the report’s most interesting findings was that nearly 50 per cent of installers are now offering at least two materials – PVCu, aluminium or timber. Will Savage, CEO of the Aluminium Federation, said: “Aluminium is making something of a comeback in the fenestration industry, thanks to its lightweight yet highly durable qualities. Builders are finding that a very slim window frame can be constructed out of aluminium but with the added benefit of being as strong as heavier materials.” Mr Savage added: “Professor Michael Stacey’s study into aluminium in buildings was incredibly useful in demonstrating what many in our sector have long known; that aluminium is performing well past its anticipated lifespan. Interestingly, aluminium exposed to the elements lived well beyond its predicted operational life.” In the UK there are an estimated 35,000 people employed directly and indirectly in the aluminium industry, generating £3.2bn for the UK economy. Council Flats Given New Lease of life »»CWG Choices installer, Install Direct Ltd, recently completed a renovation project for Harrow Council through main contractor Thomas Sinden Ltd, using KBE’s award winning System 88 window system for the refurbishment of nearly 80 flats. 80 » A PR 2015 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M The ageing council estate on Francis Road, Harrow, has been given a new lease of life following the £2 million investment programme by the local council, which included the installation of 104 aluminium clad, triple glazed KBE System 88 windows, supplied by CWG Choices. The system that is part of Kömmerling’s product portfolio in the UK offers incredible levels of energy efficiency, down to a 0.6W/m2K and also provides significant sound reduction too. Tony Jones, contracts manager of Install Direct commented, “The KBE System 88 is an incredible piece of product design that both performs way ahead of standard UK window systems and is also easy to manage on site.” Kevin Warner, head of sales and marketing for Kömmerling concludes, “We’re actively increasing our presence in the commercial sector and this latest job from CWG Choices and Install Direct, shows what our impressive product range is truly capable of.” Call 01543 444900, e-mail [email protected], visit www.kommerling.co.uk