In times like these, when every penny counts, it's all too easy to think of the 'here and now' and to let the future take care of itself.
With the deadline of 1st October 2010 for all windows to achieve a minimum Energy Rating of 'C', at Duraflex our offer has to be future proof to ensure the best products and services for our fabricators, installers and specifiers.
We speculate that in the coming years the Energy Rating bar will become higher, in much the same way as white goods – fridges, washing machines etc., with the minimum being raised to a 'B' and then an 'A'. The Energy Saving Trust will raise their minimum requirement one rung higher each time – associating themselves with only the top 20% of all products.
With the Government looking to zero carbon homes by way of the Code for Sustainable Homes by 2016, other factors such as security will no doubt also have an influence on window credentials. As a result, the Duraflex team have always ensured that our products and services are at least one step ahead of the acceptable 'norm'. Dave Riley, Standards and Accreditations manager explains:
“It has never been more important to choose the right systems supplier. At Duraflex we're confident that we know what's ahead and can offer our customers everything they'll need to move forward and grow with us:
- We have the ability to invest in manufacturing, and to understand our customers' manufacturing, to ensure that all new legislations are achieved and maintained.
- Our products comfortably achieve today's standards and we plan to ensure tomorrow's standards will be achieved and exceeded.
- We have a dedicated technical team, armed with all of the latest support and advice to ensure that we're the trusted experts.
- We will always cost engineer the right solution to ensure our customers can be competitive.
In terms of product, we know we're ahead of the game: back in 2000 Duraflex introduced our 70mm multi-chambered design – achieving an 'A' rating with a slim face of 40mm: with no add-ons our customers can stock and manufacture only one section for all their requirements. Others produce 'slim' 30mm frames which require add-ons leading to a false economy: heavier sight line, longer installation times and therefore more cost. Our multi-chambered profiles all have Q-lon gasket as standard providing:
- excellent thermal and acoustic properties
- ease of glazing uniform
- sash sealing
On top of that, it carries a lifetime guarantee - you can't plan further than that!”
Using steel, a product with a proven history of strength and performance, has helped Duraflex to achieve its Energy Rating – other companies promote thermal inserts but unfortunately only up to a certain size – steel is an essential ingredient to ensure quality.
In terms of environmental credentials, Duraflex have been thinking ahead for years, extruding lead-free profile and eco-friendly laminates. Vinyl 2010 has been an industry target for ensuring responsibility to the environment: it's something that all systems companies should claim to have achieved, although sadly that's not the case.
Being registered for ISO 14001 for many years, environmental standards are constantly and consistently maintained.
In summary, at Duraflex we would advise thinking ahead and choosing a systems company that thinks about your future as well as their own. As the trusted experts in windows, doors and conservatories, Duraflex are thinking of the future today.
For more information call us on 08705 351351.
For press enquiries and colour separation requests, please contact Corrina Malcolmson on 01684 852683.
Note to editors
Duraflex is one of the largest extruders of PVCu profile in the UK. They supply Householders, Builders, Developers, Local Authorities and Housing Associations through a nationwide network of fabricators and installers.
The Duraflex Diamond suite is an unequalled range of fully integrated products manufactured & tested to the highest standards. The Duraflex commitment to quality is reflected in the number of international accreditations and certificates they hold.
As part of the Masco Corporation, Duraflex has the backing of a multi-billion dollar corporation and all of the advantages that this affords both them and their customers.
The company operates to stringent manufacturing and quality standards. It also holds the Environmental Management System ISO 14001:2004 British Standards Institute Award.