PROFILE - justwrite.org.uk€¦ · 4 to 7, while on page 10 we debate whether windows will make it into the Government’s eagerly-awaited Green Deal. Our ever-dependable agony uncles,

PROFILENEWS , V I EWS AND F EATUR ES F ROM THE P VC-U S P EC IA L I ST S I S SUE 5 SUMMER 2011

A L L T H E L A T E S T B U S I N E S S A N D P R O D U C T N E W S F R O M E U R O C E L L E U R O C E L L . C O . U K

ARE YOU BEING SERVED?Why customer servicematters more than ever

BRANCHING OUTUpdate on our fast-growingbranch network

ASPECTBI-FOLDDOORS

BROADENHORIZONS

INDUSTRY ACCOLADEFOR ECO-CHAMPIONS

MORE NEWPRODUCTS INSIDE

Profile Speads V5:Layout 1 27/06/2011 11:29 Page 1


INWELCOMEForeword by Patrick Bateman CEO, Eurocell plc

Welcome to another edition of Profile magazine, packed as ever with productnews, industry insights and expert advice from the building plastics specialists. Inrecent months, we have been busy expanding our network of branches across theUK, bringing our extensive product range closer to more customers nationwide. Youcan find out about the most recent branch openings on page 7. The benefits of ourbranch network to installers and fabricators alike are the subject of discussion inour regular ‘Smith ‘n’ Saunders’ feature on page 16. The Eurocell product range isalso expanding fast, as we continue to develop new products and enhanceexisting ones to meet market demand. The latest products to be released include afabulous new bi-fold door system that makes this exclusive door style moreaffordable than ever for your customers. Find out more on page 8. An exciting newdevelopment announced in this issue is the new-look Eurocell brand. Our new logoand strapline is being rolled out across all areas of the business, unifying the waywe present our business to all market sectors. The new brand will build on ourstrengths and, we hope, become synonymous with our partnership approach andextensive product range. Full details are on page 12.

The reputation of the Eurocell brand is based on providing exceptional levels ofservice to all our customers. That’s why we take great interest in the results of ourcustomer satisfaction surveys. You can find out how we’ve been doing on page 11.On page 13, Darren O’Reilly, Procurement Manager for one of our majorcustomers, Miller Homes, outlines his company’s expectations of fabricators andinstallers as the company recovers from recession and builds for the future. Around up of other news from across the Eurocell business can be found on pages4 to 7, while on page 10 we debate whether windows will make it into theGovernment’s eagerly-awaited Green Deal.

Our ever-dependable agony uncles, Bill Devitt and Bill Jowett provide solutions toall your PVC-U problems on page 18. On page 14, our Accreditations Manager,Phil Parry, brings you up to speed with the latest ways to achieve Window EnergyRatings for your products.

Your feedback on this edition and any of the issues raised is always welcome. If youhave any suggestions for future topics, please send them to [email protected]’re keen to ensure that this magazine continues to address the issues that areimportant to you.

Happy Reading

Patrick Bateman CEO, Eurocell plc

THISISSUE...

LATEST NEWS 4Eurocell to the rescue for MelindaMessenger! Roofline gets enhanced colourrange. Persimmon picks Eurocell for energy-rated value. Branch network growing fast.

NEW PRODUCTS 8Bi-fold doors broaden your horizons.New canopies and recyclable roof tiles.Underground range goes nationwide.Plastmo profile improvements.New nails get the nod.

FEATURES 10Green Deal or No Deal.How happy are your customers?Brand new look for Eurocell

THE SOAP BOX 13Housebuilder’s call to arms

PHIL PARRY’S ROUGHGUIDE TO REGULATIONS 14Simplified window energy rating scheme

SMITH & SAUNDERS 16Martin Saunders, Eurocell Profiles SalesDirector, and Tony Smith, Eurocell BuildingPlastics Commercial Director, ponder thebenefits of Eurocell’s extensive branchnetwork for installers and fabricators alike.

DEAR BILLS 18Bill Jowett answers your window, door andconservatory queries. Bill Devitt replies toyour roofline and building plastics problems.

WHO TO CALLAT EUROCELL 19At Eurocell, help is always at hand for ourcustomers. Whether you want to ask aboutproduct specifications, place an order orseek advice, please get in touch with ourspecialists…


As homeowners begin to take advantageof the wide range of PVC-U window anddoor colours available, from cream andgrey to Irish Oak and Black Ash, there isincreasing demand for matching rooflinecolours.

That’s why Eurocell has expanded itsroofline colour range to include ninedifferent colour options, enablinghomeowners to achieve a unified lookacross their doors, windows, conservatories

and roofline. And because the new rooflinecolours are manufactured in the samefactory as all our other products, we canguarantee an exact colour match acrossall products.

To raise awareness of this new range ofroofline colours, Eurocell has launched acomprehensive marketing campaign, withleaflets sent out to roofers, builders andexisting customers throughout the UK overthe past three months.

Melinda and her co-presenter DomLittlewood set about helping distressedhomeowners in Guildford who had been onthe receiving end of botched £53,000extension project. At their wits end, the couplehad turned to Cowboy Builders for help.

The homeowners had simply been trying tomake her home as comfortable as possibleby building an extension, but ended upbeing forced to sleep in a temporarybedroom that was freezing cold due to theroof not being secured properly. OnceMelinda and Dom saw the problem theyapproached several local companies,

including our Hayes branch for help. OurSouthern Regional team kindly agreed todonate a French door, two windows and aglass lantern style conservatory roof, as wellas fascias and soffits.

Commenting at the Hayes branch, Melindasaid “A big thank you for making theGuildford show such a great success. Thehouse looks amazing and the newconservatory, windows and doors reallycreate a wow factor. Well done to all of you!”

The programme is due to be screened inthe Autumn.

EUROCELL TOTHE RESCUEFORMELINDAMESSENGER!

IT’S NOT OFTEN THAT MELINDAMESSENGER VISITS OUR HAYESBRANCH, BUT HERE SHE ISSHOWING HER APPRECIATION FORTHE EUROCELL PRODUCTSDONATED TO COWBOY BUILDERS,THE POPULAR CHANNEL 5 TVPROGRAMME.

ROOFLINEGETS ENHANCEDCOLOUR RANGE

THE COMPLETE ROOFLINECOLOUR RANGE NOWCOMPRISES WHITE,ROSEWOOD, GOLDENOAK, BLACK ASH, BROWN,CREAM, WHITE ASH, IRISHOAK AND GREY.

Irish Oak is one of thelatest finishes available forEurocell roofline products

4 LATEST NEWS

LATEST NEWSALL THE LATEST BUSINESSAND PRODUCT NEWSFROM EUROCELL


Persimmon, which completed around10,000 properties in 2010, recognised theimportance of our £2.5m investment inincreasing post-consumer PVC-U recyclingcapacity and innovative new productsusing this recycled material. This will givePersimmon access to better value energy-rated products, which is a primaryconsideration for all housebuilders today.

Housebuilders now have to create homesthat offer high levels of energy efficiency tomeet Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3as a minimum. Persimmon Homes frequentlyexceeds this requirement by creating CodeLevel 4, 5 and 6 (zero carbon) properties.

Building to this higher specification is moreexpensive and, with housebuilders alreadyfacing pressure on house prices, theopportunity to specify better value energy-rated products from Eurocell was extremelyattractive to Persimmon.

“We are delighted to have been specifiedby Persimmon on a national basis,” says

David Deacon, General Manager atCavalok. “We are now focusing onintroducing our products and services toall Persimmon regional offices and helpingour fabricators compile competitivetenders so we can convert all of this hardwork into orders.”

PERSIMMONPICKS EUROCELLFOR ENERGY-RATED VALUE

EUROCELL WINDOWS, DOORS ANDCAVALOK CAVITY CLOSERS HAVE BEENADDED TO THE NATIONAL ‘APPROVEDLIST’ OF PERSIMMON HOMES, THE UK’SSECOND LARGEST HOUSEBUILDER.

Persimmon Homes propertieswill now benefit from Eurocell

and Cavalok products.

LATEST NEWS 5

“We aredelighted to havebeen specified byPersimmon on anational basis.”


EUROCELL HAS DEVELOPED A RANGE OFWINDOW PROFILE SYSTEMS SPECIFICALLY TOMEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF LOW AND ZEROCARBON DEVELOPMENTS

Windows with a U-value of 0.8W/m²K,fabricated using Eurocell profile systems,have been specified by Gentoo for itsCode for Sustainable Homes Level 6development in the North East.

Achieving such a low U-value means thesehomes situated in Houghton le Spring, Tyneand Wear, meet both the energy efficiencyrequirements of UK Building Regulations to2016 and the sustainable design criteria ofthe Code for Sustainable Homes up toLevel 6, zero carbon – all in one product.

Eurocell has a range of window profilesystems which meet the requirements of lowand zero carbon developments, providingflexibility to work with customers to identifythe most appropriate solution for eachproject.

The architects at Sunderland-basedGentoo specified windows fabricated usingthe Eurocell Eurologik profile system with100 per cent post-consumer recycled PVC-UThermal Inserts for the two Level 6properties on the development.

PVC-U Thermal Inserts enable lower U-values and higher Energy Index Ratings tobe achieved. They can also remove theneed for more expensive low iron glass,

making the highest energy rated windowsmore cost effective and thereforeaccessible for even more constructionprojects.

As well as maximising thermal performance,the use of post-consumer recycled PVC-Uenhanced the development’s sustainability.Eurocell is investing £2.5m in closed loop,post-consumer PVC-U recycling that increasesits processing capabilities to over 10,500end-of-life PVC-U window frames per week,or over half a million frames per year.

As part of the comprehensive zero-carbonsolution, Eurocell supplied Gentoo with aninnovative new cavity closer alongside the0.8 U-value windows, based on the provenCavalok BigBlok system. Made from 100per cent post-consumer recycled PVC-U, itallows the window to be structurally fixedover the wider cavities required on lowcarbon build programmes, whilst avoidingthe need for strapping back over largespans to inner structures.

Walls on the Gentoo Level 6 propertieshave an overall thickness of 502mm, with300mm EPS bead filled cavity, whichachieve a U-value of 0.10W/m²K. Cavalokcavity closers support the triple glazedwindows over a 300mm cavity.

“We were extremely impressed with theease in which we were able to specify azero-carbon window and structural cavitycloser solution from Eurocell,” said VerityMoss, Project Architect at Gentoo. “It ispleasing to know that both ranges usepost-consumer recycled PVC-U to maximisethermal performance, particularly ascreating a sustainable zero carbondevelopment was our main priority.”

PVC-U has been awarded an A rating forsustainability in residential and A+ forcommercial developments in the BRE GreenGuide to Specification, principally becauseof the work that has gone into recycling.

PVC-U achieves a Reference Service Life(RSL) rating of at least 35 years and can berecycled up to 10 times withoutdegradation in quality - giving the rawmaterial a life expectancy of 350+ years.

The Eurocell windows were fabricated andinstalled by Sidey. Securiframe supplied andinstalled the cavity closers.

To find out how Eurocell can help youdeliver low carbon homes, call 0800 9883049 or visit eurocell.co.uk

6 LATEST NEWS

EUROCELLZERO CARBONSOLUTIONSPECIFIED BYGENTOO

Homes in the North Eastto benefit from Eurocell’szero carbon solution.


The network of Eurocell branches continuesto expand, bringing our unrivalled range ofproducts closer to trade and DIY customersthroughout the UK. We have recently openednew branches in Nuneaton, Barnstaple,Basingstoke, Accrington, Reading, Bedford,Trowbridge and Sutton Coldfield.

The Barnstaple branch, which was openedby The Mayor of Barnstaple, Councillor IanRoome, is the first Eurocell branch in thispart of Devon and has been welcomed bycustomers in the area.

The new Reading branch is convenientlylocated just minutes from Junction 11 of theM4, strategically positioned mid-waybetween our Swindon branch to the westand Hayes to the east. Our Accringtonbranch makes Eurocell products much moreaccessible for people in the town, whopreviously had to travel more than an houraway to our nearest branch.

As well as extending our branch network,we’re also enhancing our existing facilities.Our established Norwich and Chesterbranches are relocating to larger premises,while our Coventry branch has expandedwith a new showroom.

“Our new and improved branches aredesigned to provide customers with evenbetter accessibility,” says Tony Harrison,Eurocell’s UK Business DevelopmentDirector. “We are also implementing astrategy of increasing space and light atour trade counters. This provides a muchmore customer-friendly environment,allowing us to promote products with betterdisplays that grab customers’ attention.”

Look out for news of a new branch openingin Greenford in the coming months.

BRANCHNETWORKGROWINGFAST

AS WELL AS EXTENDING OURBRANCH NETWORK, WE’RE ALSOENHANCING OUR EXISTINGFACILITIES.

Scott Coles, EurocellRegional Manager(left) with CouncillorIan Roome, theMayor of Barnstaple.

LATEST NEWS 7

“Our new andimproved branchesare designed toprovide customerswith even betteraccessibility”


As homeowners and housebuilders seekto improve their homes and inject thatelusive “wow” factor, the stunning bi-foldstyle of door has become anincreasingly popular choice. To meetgrowing demand for these concertina-style folding and sliding doors,Eurocell has developed the newhigh-performance, secure andvisually stunning Aspect PVC-U bi-folddoor system.

Ultra-slim frames and unbroken sightlines match any timber or aluminiumalternative. Aspect incorporates a hostof intelligently designed and precision-engineered bespoke components thatenable accurate, consistent,straightforward fabrication andinstallation. That means Eurocellcustomers can now offer homeowners

an exceptional level of service andquality on bi-fold door installations, while

saving time andmoney on everyjob.

Aspect can beused to createdoor openingsup to six metreswide, with up to

six door panels arranged in anyconfiguration. Unique and patentedhardware, including D handles, finger-operated shoot bolts, bespoke doorkeeps and hinges deliver smooth, user-friendly door operation and visualappeal. Security is enhanced with steel-reinforced sashes and integral anti-jemmy pins. For more information, visiteurocellaspect.co.uk

PRODUCT MANAGER IAN KERNAGHANINTRODUCES THE LATEST ADDITIONSAND ENHANCEMENTS TO THEEUROCELL PRODUCT RANGE

EUROCELL CUSTOMERS CAN NOW OFFERHOMEOWNERS AN EXCEPTIONAL LEVELOF SERVICE AND QUALITY ON BI-FOLDDOOR INSTALLATIONS

Ian Kernaghan,Product Manager

8 NEW PRODUCTS

NEW ASPECTPANORAMICDOORSBROADENYOURHORIZONS

NEW PRODUCTS


THE NEXT GENERATION OF PREMIUMROOFING MATERIALS IS NOW IN STOCKAT SELECTED EUROCELL BRANCHES.

An upgraded door canopy isavailable from Eurocell branches,incorporating Tapco slate tiles. TheTapco Slate ‘Minster’ door canopy isdesigned to be fitted above entrancedoors to provide an attractive featureand shelter from the rain.

The canopy kit consists of four pre-drilledcomponents that fit together quickly andeasily, allowing the whole system to beinstalled in around 30 minutes. It’s available

in three sizes, with a choice of authenticslate grey or brick red Tapco Slate roof tiles.

Tapco Slate tiles are manufactured from anexclusive 100% recyclable blend oflimestone and polypropylene. They offer allthe natural beauty of slate with the shatter-proof, lightweight benefits of this advancednew material. In fact, Tapco Slate tilesweigh 80% less than their traditionalcounterparts.

RECYCLABLEROOF TILES

FOLLOWING A SUCCESSFUL TRIAL OFUNDERGROUND DRAINAGEPRODUCTS, WE ARE ROLLING OUTA NEW AND IMPROVED RANGE TOALL BRANCHES.

These PVC drainage products are suitable forall types of domestic and commercial buildingwork, offering a variety of components idealfor replacement or new-build projects. Thesystem includes a comprehensive range ofEN1401-certified PVC-U fittings in a variety ofcolours, incorporating fixed triple sealing ringsfor exceptional watertightness. All EN1401-certified products come with a ten-yearmanufacturer’s guarantee.

PLASTMOPROFILEIMPROVEMENTS

PLASTMO HAS MADE A NUMBEROF IMPROVEMENTS TO ITS 62MMPROFILE SYSTEMS, WHICH WILLSTRENGTHEN FABRICATORS’SELLING PROPOSITIONS.

An advanced new PCE gasket system hasbeen introduced, providing market-leadingair-tightness, weathering performance andadhesion. The new gasket replaces theformer Q-Ion system on the 62mm PlastmoVogue and Index ranges. Non-gasketedprofiles will still be available.

A new shade of white is being introduced,to match the whites offered on Eurocell andDeeplas products. This gives Plastmofabricators and installers easy access to amuch wider range of precisely colour-

matched products across roofline, window,door and conservatory ranges.

Finally, PVC-U thermal inserts are beingadded to the Index chamfered andVogue ovolo ranges, enhancing thermalperformance, simplifying fabrication andcreating a fully recyclable window frame.Furthermore, Plastmo PVC-U thermalinserts are manufactured entirely fromrecycled PVC-U, enhancing fabricators’sustainability credentials.

NEW NAILS GET THE NOD

We have launched a new range of collatednails for roofers and builders. These nailshave been specifically developed forgeneral contractors and perfectlycomplement the Timco fabricator screwsand shield protective surface film alreadyavailable in our branches. Customerfeedback so far has been extremely positive.

NEW PRODUCTS 9

UNDERGROUNDRANGE GOESNATIONWIDE

Flat-packeddoor canopies.

Stylish, hardwearing and

easy to install


FEATURE10 FEATURE

When the new coalition Government cameto power in May 2010, it unveiled plans forthe Green Deal which could prove to be ahighly significant piece of legislation for theglass and glazing industry.

The Green Deal aims to deliver a nationalprogramme of energy efficiency measuresto homes and businesses. The costs ofthese measures will not be charged upfront,but will instead be funded by accreditedcompanies who will provide loans tohomeowners and businesses. These loans,to a maximum value of £6,500, will berecouped through savings made inconsumer energy bills over 25 years.Homeowners won’t have to pay anyupfront costs and they would simply see a'Green Deal charge' on their energy bills.

However, it is by no means certain that theGreen Deal will make windows eligible forfunding – at the moment the Government is‘considering’ whether energy efficientwindows (EEW) should be included. Other

energy efficiency measures such asinsulation and high efficiency boilers willdefinitely be included.

With the Energy Saving Trust highlightingthat as much as 23% of a home's heatenergy can be lost through inefficientwindows, we are doing everything we canto help get EEWs included as part of theGreen Deal. The Glass & GlazingFederation is helping too, and is currentlylobbying the Government to include EEW.We have also been asking fabricators towrite to their local MP, asking them to applypressure on the Government decisionsmakers. Will it work? Well, we certainlyhope so as there are an estimated 14mhomes in the UK that need some form ofthermal upgrade.

The Green Deal will be launched in around12 months, although we should find out ifEEW are included well before that date.We’ll keep you posted!

GREEN DEALOR NO DEAL?

THE GREEN DEAL AIMS TODELIVER A NATIONALPROGRAMME OF ENERGYEFFICIENCY MEASURES TOHOMES AND BUSINESSES.


Most businesses recognise that delivering ahigh standard of service is essential to keepcustomers coming back and spreading theword about your business. Today, with theprofusion of fast, easy-accesscommunication and social media channelsavailable, opinions about your business –good or bad – can very quickly be spreadto thousands of people, worldwide. That’swhy it’s never been more important to keepyour customers happy.

It is well documented that winning a newcustomer is up to ten times more expensivethan retaining an existing one. If a customerexperiences good service they are likely totell eight other people about it. If theyreceive bad service they’re likely to tell 22other people. Bad news travels fast – andthat’s bad for your business. In fact, sevenout of ten customers who switch to acompetitor do so because of poor service.*

Of course, all businesses receivecomplaints, but it’s how you deal with themthat matters. Quickly resolving a complaintto a customer’s complete satisfaction canactually increase customer loyalty. One simple but effective method ofmeasuring customer loyalty is the NetPromoter Score (NPS). This is calculated bysubtracting the percentage of a business’s

customers who are ‘detractors’ from thosewho are ‘promoters’ to give a percentagescore – the ‘NPS’. Promoters and detractorsare determined by asking a simplequestion: “How likely are you torecommend this company to a friend orcolleague?” Those most likely torecommend are classed as promoters andthose least likely are detractors.

The average NPS score of companies in theUS, where this method originated, is lessthan 10%. Naturally this fluctuates everymonth, but our average NPS for 2010 was43%, which is way above the UK averageof 11%.

Recognising the value of customer loyalty,Eurocell carries out customer satisfactionsurveys with all of its customers. The resultsare used to help us refine our service andfocus on areas for improvement. Over thepast 12 months, we’ve been delighted withthe results of these telephone surveys,which show that, on the whole we areproviding our customers with a high qualityof service across the business.

Eurocell Marketing Manager, Chris Coxon,says: “We are delighted with the resultsfrom our customer satisfaction surveys sofar. We scored particularly highly in areas

such as product availability, completenessand timeliness of deliveries and overallvalue for money. Such regular monitoring ofcustomer satisfaction enables us to identifyareas for improvement and take immediateaction to rectify any issues highlighted bycustomer feedback. It’s proved verysuccessful in raising the profile of customerservice internally and ensuring it remains atop priority for everyone in the business.”

* Source: Return on Behaviour magazine.

IN TODAY’S DIGITAL AGE,CUSTOMER OPINIONS CANTRAVEL FAST - SO IT’S NEVERBEEN MORE IMPORTANT TOENSURE YOU’RE KEEPING YOURCUSTOMERS HAPPY

FEATURE 11

HOW HAPPYARE YOURCUSTOMERS?

We are delighted withthe results from ourcustomer satisfactionsurveys so far.


12 FEATURE

Eurocell is getting a new look. A major re-branding process is underway, introducinga new logo and strapline across all areasof the business.

The new brand will provide a consistentcorporate identity for Eurocell, helping tostrengthen brand awareness among ourcustomers and reinforcing our presence inall the markets we serve, from fabricators,installers and specifiers to housebuilders,contractors and general builders andhomeowners.

The new brand has been developedfollowing extensive research andconsultation with our customers, whichrevealed that one of the key benefits ofpartnering with Eurocell was seen as ourability to offer a single source for all PVC-Urequirements. The benefits of this wideproduct range and of our aim to work inpartnership with customers are reflected inthe new strapline: “All together better”.

The new brand will make its firstappearances on our new website and onour marketing communications.

But why is all this so important? Why doesour brand matter?

A brand is more than just a logo. It providesa recognisable identity for a business. Ithelps customers to identify with a businessand build a loyalty towards it. The strongest

brands are instantly recognisable andconvey immediately the values andpersonality of a business.

Take Nike, for example, possibly one of thebest-known brands in the world. Its swooshlogo has been so successful it has madeNike one of only a handful of businessesthat are recognisable by their logo alone,anywhere in the world.

In a business to business market, JCB isanother instantly recognisable brand.People associate its strong logo directly withthe company’s products and its reputationfor quality and reliability.

Chris Coxon, Eurocell Marketing Manager,says: “Eurocell is operating in a highlycompetitive market, so it’s essential that wedifferentiate ourselves and present a brandthat reflects our expanding product rangeand the fact that customer relationships area key part of our vision. Our re-brandingprocess will be supported by a fullmarketing communications campaign andwill result in increased awareness andunderstanding of the benefits offered byEurocell, which should result in more leadsfor our customers.”

BRAND NEWLOOK FOREUROCELL

EUROCELL IS UNDERGOING AMAJOR RE-BRANDING EXERCISE– GIVING THE BUSINESS ASTRONG, UNIFIED IDENTITYTHAT CLEARLY REFLECTS OURVISION & VALUES


THE SOAP BOX 13

Housebuilders across the UK are recoveringfrom challenging times in recent years. Thesurvivors have emerged leaner, smarter andmore efficient than ever. House sale transactionsare on the up again after reaching a low of160,000 in the first quarter of 2009. Byquarter four they were up to 277,000. Homeaffordability has also improved and banksare starting to increase mortgage lending.House prices are expected to fall backmarginally in 2011, but then rise in the yearsup to 2015. From the depths of gloom a yearor so ago, there are glimmers of optimism inthe housebuilding market.

Miller Homes is keen to seize theopportunities offered by this improvingmarket. To put us in a strong position to do so,we have streamlined our operations, introducedsales incentives, developed a new brand andintroduced efficiencies across the business. Akey rationalisation decision was to reduce thenumber of suppliers we work with and tofocus on building lasting relationships with asmaller number of trusted supply partners.

As part of his process, in 2009, we decided topartner with Eurocell for the supply ofwindows and roofline products for ourproperties. Crucially for us, Eurocell was ableto offer consistent-quality, colour-matchedproducts, backed by an approved fabricatornetwork, right across the country. Previously,with many different suppliers in differentregions, we had to store stock separately toensure consistent colour-matching on site,and there was a lot of duplication in

administration and distribution resources. Working closely with Eurocell is an integralpart of our plan for the future. We recognisethe importance of the zero-carbon agendafor housebuilders, and Eurocell productscould play a key role. We have already builtour first zero-carbon house on a live site, andwe recognise that window specification isincreasingly critical in the overall energy-efficiency performance of any home. Therequired performance levels are achieved notjust through lower U-values, but also throughthe quality of the window installation, whichaffects air tightness and linear thermal bridging.

To achieve our sustainable objectives in thefuture, we are looking very much to oursuppliers to support us in delivering therequired energy and cost savings. We wantto work in partnership with Eurocell fabricatorsto value-engineer better-performing windowsthat deliver the requirements for zero-carbonhomes. We’re also looking to our installers toprovide the highest quality, consistentstandard of installation to deliver the air-tightness and thermal bridging demands ofthe tough new sustainable building legislation.

For the future, we want a stable supplier basethat we can rely on to help us deliver ourlong-term objectives. We don’t want to chopand change our suppliers. We have highexpectations of our fabricators and installers,but in return we offer long-term businessopportunities, open and honest dealings,best practice procurement and a commitmentto managing the supply chain.

From our suppliers we expect acommitment to perform to our agreedservice levels and to explore opportunities forcost reduction and product innovation, aswell as a commitment to achieving moresustainable procurement.

The transition to Eurocell so far has gone verysmoothly. We are looking forward to workingwith its fabricators and installers up and downthe country to help Miller Homes consolidateour recovery from recession and deliver market-leading sustainable homes for the future.

DARREN O’REILLY, PROCUREMENTMANAGER AT MILLER HOMES, SETS OUTTHE HOUSEBUILDER’S EXPECTATIONS OFFABRICATORS AND INSTALLERS AS ITEMERGES FROM THE DOWNTURN WITHRENEWED OPTIMISM

HOUSEBUILDER’SCALL TO ARMS

Factfile: Miller Homes

Miller Homes is part of the MillerGroup, the largest privately owned,housebuilding, property developmentand construction business in the UK.Since 1934, the company has builtmore than 60,000 homes and hasbecome established as one of the topthree housebuilders in Scotland andNorth-East England, and among thetop-ten across the UK. Miller Homesreinvented itself in 2010, with a newimage, a portfolio of new housemodels and a new customer-careprogramme.

THE SOAP BOX


14 ROUGH GUIDE

Until recently, the only way for fabricators toobtain a Window Energy Rating (WER) fortheir window designs was via the BFRC(British Fenestration Ratings Council). Thisinvolved a time-consuming and often slowprocess, requiring fabricators to submit theirspecifications to Eurocell (or other profilemanufacturer) so that we could write areport on the performance of the window inquestion for submission to the BFRC. TheBFRC would review this report and awardan A to E rating.

Now, a new scheme has been establishedcalled the Thermal Rating Register (TRR),operated by Certass. It gives fabricators amore direct route to obtaining WindowEnergy Ratings for their products. Eurocell,along with other PVC-U and glazingcomponent manufacturers, has submittedperformance details for all of its products toCertass, so that when a fabricator appliesdirect to Certass for a WER, Certass can

quickly check the specification againstthe performance details it holds for all

window components, and awardthe appropriate energy rating.

This provides a muchquicker and more cost-

effective way for

fabricators to acquire accurate energyratings for their windows.

In response, the BFRC has also simplified itsown WER scheme, by developing a SEL(Simplified Energy Label). Like the TRRscheme, fabricators can go direct to theBFRC with their window specifications. TheSEL sets out parameters for each A to Ebanding and, as long as the fabricator’sspecification falls within these parameters,they are able to label the window with thecorresponding rating letter. Again, Eurocelland other manufacturers have suppliedtheir component performance details toBFRC. Each component is associated with arating band, helping to simplify the ratingcalculation.

The way that WERs are audited has alsochanged. Previously fabricators had to beaudited by BFRC inspectors to check thatwindows were being manufactured inaccordance with the stipulations of theenergy rating awarded for each window.Now, the obligation for auditing fabricatorslies with Eurocell, and the other componentsuppliers. This is good news for fabricatorswho previously had to pay for the BFRC toaudit their systems.

PHIL PARRY’SROUGH GUIDETO REGULATIONS

PHIL PARRY, ACCREDITATIONS MANAGER AT EUROCELL, OUTLINES SIMPLENEW WAYS TO ACHIEVE WINDOW ENERGY RATINGS AND BUILDINGREGULATIONS COMPLIANCE FOR YOUR WINDOWS AND DOORS

SIMPLIFIED WINDOW ENERGY RATING SCHEMES

Phil Parry,AccreditationsManager

ROUGH GUIDE


ROUGH GUIDE 15

Fabricators can still achieve BuildingRegulations compliance for their windowsor doors on the basis of U-values alone.Eurocell can provide a certificate verifyingthe U-value of our profile systems forpresentation to Fensa, LABC and otherorganisations. To comply with BuildingRegulations in England and Wales,windows must have a U-value of 1.6W/m²kand doors must have a U-value of1.8W/m²k. In Scotland, both windows and

doors musthave a U-valueof 1.8W/m²k orbelow.

One simple,cost-effectiveway to verify

Building Regulations compliance is via theBritish Plastics Federation (BPF) ‘declarationof conformity certificate’. A personalisedconformity certificate, showing thefabricator’s company name and address,can be downloaded for £50 from the BPFwebsite (www.bpf.co.uk).

Eurocell has submitted performancecalculations for all of their profile systems tothe BPF. The downloadable certificatesimply states that if any Eurocell system isused in combination with soft-coat low-Eglass, Argon-filled glazing units and warm-edge spacer bars, then the window willcomply with Building Regulations.

Fensa offers a similar “simplified route tocompliance” which works in the same way.However, the details of this scheme are stillbeing finalised, so check the Fensa websitefor the most up-to-date information.

All of these schemes are in their infancy,and Eurocell is busy setting up its ownsystems and processes to supportfabricators. We’ll work closely with all ourfabricators to help them understand thenew opportunities and make the schemesas easy as possible to use.

BUILDING REGULATIONS COMPLIANCE

BFRCTel: 020 7403 9200 | www.bfrc.org

CertassTel: 0845 094 8025 | www.certass.co.uk

FensaTel: 020 7645 3700 | www.fensa.co.uk

USEFUL NUMBERS

STOP PRESS: ‘A’ rated verticalsliding sash windowscoming soon. Watchthis space…


MARTIN SAUNDERS, EUROCELLPROFILES SALES DIRECTOR, ANDTONY SMITH, COMMERCIALDIRECTOR, PONDER THE BENEFITSOF EUROCELL’S EXTENSIVE BRANCHNETWORK FOR INSTALLERS ANDFABRICATORS ALIKE

16 SMITH ‘N’ SAUNDERS

SMITH ‘N’ SAUNDERS


Eurocell is extending its branchnetwork around the UK at anunprecedented rate. Already thisyear, ten new branches haveopened, bringing our extensiverange of PVC-U and associatedproducts closer to more tradeand DIY customers. The productsavailable in-branch range fromroofline, window finishing trimsand conservatory roofs to tools,PPE clothing, skirtings, cladding,underfloor heating and muchmore. With such a vast productrange available almost on theirdoorsteps, fitters and fabricatorsalike can now enjoy the benefitsof our one-stop shops…

Smith:Now that our branch total has reached115, with branches in all parts of the UK,installers can quickly get hold of all theessentials they need for any roofline,window, door or conservatory installation.Most of our branches are located onindustrial or commercial sites close to othertrade suppliers, so they are alwaysconvenient for our customers to visit.

Saunders: The branches are extremely useful for ourfabricators too. They provide a local sourceof all the trims, ancillary fixings, silicones andwoodgrain foiled products that fabricatorsneed. And because all the PVC-U productsare manufactured by Eurocell, they areguaranteed to be exactly colour matchedwith all Eurocell window and door profiles.Effectively, the branches are localdistribution centres for all the little extraitems fabricators need for any job.

Smith:Customers never cease to be amazed bythe variety of products available throughour branches. Everything from conservatoryroof kits to nails and screws, plus our latestproduct lines, such as skirting boards,architraves and underground drainagepipes. In fact, more than 4,000 products areavailable through our branches, most ofwhich are held in stock.

Saunders: That vast range of products has recentlybeen enhanced too with a selection offabricator fixings. These include all thespecialist screws required for fabricatingwindows and doors. It’s a real bonus forour fabricators, who can now source thesevery specialised products from their localEurocell branch. Like all products in store,they can be ordered for next-day delivery.

Smith:The next-day delivery service is invaluablefor our installers too. They can get all theproducts, tools and fixings they needdelivered direct to their site, so there’s noneed to go into the branch to collect themin person. It helps fitters to work moreefficiently because they don’t have tointerrupt their day to go and pick upessential supplies.

What’s more, our account customers canorder and collect their goods at any branchnationwide. So if they are working outsidetheir usual area, they have the reassurancethat the products they use regularly andtrust are still available at a Eurocell branchnearby, no matter where they are working.

Saunders: The branch network really sets Eurocellapart in the market. No other buildingplastics supplier can match the number andgeographical reach of our branches. Itmeans that wherever a fabricator islocated, they will have ready access to atleast one Eurocell branch nearby, andusually two or three.

Expanding the branch network is a majorbusiness development drive for us this year.We’ll be opening more throughout the year,extending our reach and increasingconvenient access to essential products forfabricators and fitters nationwide.

CONVENIENCEAND QUALITY –AT A BRANCHNEAR YOU

SMITH ‘N’ SAUNDERS 17


DEAR BILLSTHE ANSWERS TOALL YOUR PVC-UPROBLEMS

18 DEAR BILLS

When you’ve got a query or problem withPVC-U building products, it helps to havethe specialists on your side. Thankfully, wehave two such experts at your service in theshape of our resident agony uncles, BillJowett and Bill Devitt. They are here toprovide solutions to your every PVC-Uproblem. Once again they have beenconsidering your quandaries and here theyshare their insider knowledge for thebenefit of all our readers.

Don’t forget, our Bills are always here tohelp. If you’ve got a building plasticsproblem that’s keeping you awake at night,a quick email to Bill and Bill could providejust the remedy you need. Send yourconcerns, queries and quandaries [email protected]

BILL JOWETT ANSWERS YOURWINDOW, DOOR ANDCONSERVATORY QUERIES…

Q. How should I go about cleaningsubstances such as paint, woodpreserver or plaster residue from foiledprofiles?A. I must point out right away that the foilsthemselves are finished with an acrylic layerwhich gives the surface its gloss, but moreimportantly acts as an ultraviolet barrier.Should this layer be damaged, the foil willhave a dull appearance and will fade insunlight. On no account should anyabrasive cleaners (e.g. Cif, T Cut, UPVCcream cleaner) or solvents (e.g. white spirit,UPVC solvent cleaner) be used. Normal,everyday cleaning should be done usingonly soapy water. If you have a particularproblem, we can help with informationdirect from the foil suppliers. Just give ourTechnical team a call on 01773 842 100.

Q. As a result of high winds experiencedthis winter, some of my customers havecomplained about draughts and‘whistling’ from windows. Is thereanything I can do to prevent this?A. Our own technicians have been calledout to investigate a number of similarincidents this year. They have found that theproblem is usually caused by splits, cracksor other breakdown of the sealant joints.The advice provided by our sealantproviders is that the minimum width anddepth of the seal joint should be 5mm and,in general, the depth of the seal should betwice its width. It’s also worth noting that thesealant will not bond correctly intemperatures below 5°C. If the surface iswet or damp, a specialist sealant (e.g.Silversil MSP) should be used.

Q. Do you have a complaints handlingprocedure? How can I be sure any issuesI raise are dealt with properly?A. We take any complaints or issues raisedby our customers very seriously and wehave a strict complaints-handling procedurein place. We have a very effective in-housesystem for logging and investigating productcomplaints from our fabricator network. Toraise a complaint, you should first contactthe Technical office and provide them withas much detail as possible about theproduct and the problem. These details willthen be logged into our system and aninvestigation will be prompted. All the datais circulated to our Management andQuality teams for action, so you can besure your issues are raised at the highestlevel. Please don’t “save up” your reportsuntil you have a visit from your AreaManager or Technician. The sooner you tellus that you have a problem, the sooner wecan help.

On the subject of help and support, youmight like to know that our main supplier ofsoftware packages, Business Micros, has anoffer on at present for all customers whosubscribe to their support programme. Ifyou renew your support agreement, theywill give you a free visit to review how yoursystem is operating and ensure yoursoftware is up to date. Call Business Microson 01925 422 955 for more information.


Q. We normally operate within a 50-mile radius of Leicester but one of ourclients has asked us to refurbish someholiday homes in another part of theUK. Can you help us out with materialdeliveries? A. Yes we can. As an account customer youcan order and collect products from anyone of our 115+ branches. These branchesoffer you the same terms and products thatyou already get from your local branch.

Q. I want to buy a door canopy but all Ihave seen so far are the GRP versionsthat look like plastic. Do you offer anyalternatives?A. Yes, you can order a ‘flat pack’ canopyfrom any Eurocell branch. Delivery is usuallywithin 48 hours and you can choose a‘lean-to’ or a pitched roof version. They areself-assembly and are very fast and easy toerect. They feature very realistic individualslate-effect tiles for the roof, with a whitesquare frame to support the roof panels.

Q. Our customers are asking for morechoice when we quote for rooflinereplacement contracts. What options doyou have?A. Traditionally the only option was plainwhite PVC-U. The UK is now following therest of Europe and ‘colours’ are becomingmore popular. Eurocell now offers Cream,Golden Oak, Rosewood, Grey, White Ashand the very popular Irish Oak. All ofthese match perfectly with our windowprofile colours.

Q. I have had a few problems with someRosewood cladding that was fitted lastyear. The planks are distorting at justone end of the installation. What’s theproblem?A. I get asked about this one all the time. Theproblem is that most people have installedthe ‘foiled’ products in the same way theywould install plain white products, which isincorrect. When installing the white productswe recommend that you leave a 5mm gapto allow for expansion of the boards(roofline and cladding). With foiled options,in your case Rosewood, the gap should beincreased to 8mm to allow for the extraexpansion that occurs with these darkerboards. The boards are sold in 5-metrelengths but our recommendation is that theyare fitted in maximum lengths of 2.5 metresto allow for the increased expansion. Morejoints = more expansion gaps.

Q. I will be fitting your English Oak‘Roomline’ skirting board products in acouple of weeks, how do I fix it?A. The Roomline product is easily fixed usingour ‘Never Nails’ product on the backsurface of the skirting or architrave. There isno need to nail it or drill holes in it. Onceyou have fitted these products the job isdone – no sanding down or painting isrequired. The finished surface is completewith no fixings to hide.

Q. What is the best way to fit cornerand joint trims to your fascia boards? A. When you collect your boards from yourlocal Eurocell branch, pick up some of oursuper-glue products. Apply this to the trimsin question, ON ONE SIDE ONLY. When youplace the trims on to the boards you mustonly glue them to one of the boards youare joining, NOT BOTH. If you glue the trimto both boards you will restrict themovement of the boards when theyexpand and before too long the trims willcrack. If youprefer to nailthe trims to theboards thesame principalapplies, fix toone board only.

BILL DEVITT REPLIES TO YOURROOFLINE AND BUILDINGPLASTICS PROBLEMS…

DEAR BILLS 19

Window and conservatory productscall 01773 842 222For sales, pricing, placing an order orgeneral window-related queries.

For all roofline productscall 08000 77 88 88To speak to someone at your local Eurocellbranch about product ranges, orders anddeliveries.

Technical support call 01773 842 100For technical information about productspecifications or for advice on meetingregulatory requirements.

Credit control call 01773 842 200For credit control and allother finance-related queries.

Send us your comments to:[email protected] hope you find this magazine usefuland informative. We always welcome yourfeedback. We want to ensure that futureeditions continue to meet your needs andaddress issues that are important to you,so please send us any comments orsuggestions for future articles.

WHO TO CALLAT EUROCELL

AT EUROCELL, HELP IS ALWAYS ATHAND FOR OUR CUSTOMERS.WHETHER YOU WANT TO ASKABOUT PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS,PLACE AN ORDER OR SEEK ADVICE,PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH OURSPECIALISTS…



Documents

PROFILE - justwrite.org.uk€¦ · 4 to 7, while on page 10 we debate whether windows will make it into the Government’s eagerly-awaited Green Deal. Our ever-dependable agony uncles,