Door Industry Journal - Spring 2014

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 53 THE door industry journal spring 2014 the United States which hugely stimulated the market across the Atlantic, has never been adopted in the UK, the introduction of CE marking of fire doors will provide a stimulus for steel doors. BS EN 1634-1 is widely perceived to be more onerous for timber than steel and could potentially lead to more expensive timber fire doors, which could create a significant market opportunity for steel. What’s more the fire at Lakanal House in London, which received widespread publicity for the death of five residents unable to flee the burning building due to inadequate fire protection, will also highlight the issue of fire protection even further. Ultimately the long-term fall-out from the fire and resulting inquest is likely to focus more attention on better performing installed products, which will last for the life of a building, with minimal maintenance. Installation is also likely to be a key driver in the UK doors market and again, steel offers a number of benefits. UK construction still has a strong culture of forming openings first for second-fix installations. This is an advantage for timber in that it is possible to use architraves to mask inaccurate openings. However, with increasing pressure on reducing construction build times and site days for skilled tradesmen, attention is gradually turning to the cost advantages of “building-in” steel frames and the overall installed cost of products. Again, this should further open the market for steel. However, the biggest opportunity for steel doors could be about to arrive with the introduction of hardware and CE marking for doorsets in the future. The lack of dimensional standards in the UK for morticed hardware has, over the years, been a major hindrance to the cost-effectiveness of steel doors. Nevertheless the growing availability of DIN standard size multi-function lock cases, and the growing realisation that steel door manufacturers fit their own architectural quality hinges and flush bolts, are a step in the right direction. However, I believe that the advent of CE marked doorsets and the potential for CE marked internal fire resistant doorsets to become mandatory, will provide opportunities for steel to increase market share even further. This is primarily for three reasons. Firstly, steel doorset manufacturers will have far greater control on the selection of fit for purpose, cost-effective, durable hardware which will enable them to put together very cost-effective complaint packages under single source regulation. Secondly, while many timber doorset manufacturers are used to supplying the door and frame with the contractor supplying the hardware, steel doorset manufacturers supply hardware in-built which means there are no added hardware costs or compatibility or certification issues. Finally, the days of having to handle and ‘prep’ for hardware that is often random-sized and costly to fit will be over. Architects specifying partic ular types of hardware will become a thing of the past with steel doorset man ufacturers offering an in-built solution. For more information, vis it www.allegion.com doorsets feature LONGDEN DOORS CRAFTSMANSHIP RESTORES HISTORIC COLLEGE Calling on Longden Doors’ expertise in restoration projects, the Grade II listed Epsom College in Surrey recently underwent a large redevelopment, which saw 131 of Longden’s individually crafted timber panelled doorsets supplied to the project. The need to preserve the interior aesthetic was crucial to the renovation, which made Longden Doors especially well placed – having previously worked on numerous restoration projects. To remain in keeping with the look of the school, Longden supplied their traditional Sussex four-panel doorsets to the Propert and Carr day houses. Featuring glazed panels for enhanced visibility and therefore, added safety; all doorsets supplied were also FD30 fire rated – particularly important given the nature of the project. Well suited to the restoration of historic and traditional buildings of all types, Longden’s expertise in replicating original features, while incorporating modern performance characteristics, is widely recognised by architects. Recognising that the preservation of existing materials and minimal intervention is of vital importance, Longden Doors works with architects and specifiers to ensure just the right doors are supplied, in line with the products and materials already in place. Complementing existing architecture is incredibly important when working on heritage projects, as is the need to ensure an environmentally responsible approach – Longden in fact supplies some of the most sustainable building materials available to the industry. Longden Doors have already been approached with a view to supplying additional door-sets to two further buildings - Holman Boarding and Forest Boarding House in July/August 2014. For more information on Longden Doors, please visit www.longdendoors.co.uk