October 2015 Show House Contribution from Lomax + Wood

• 7 October 2015|
• News

Lomax + Wood were asked to contribute to ‘Show House’ an industry magazine targeting top end developers. The questions asked covered a range of topics including timber fire windows, security and what are the most popular styles of timber windows and doors from our made-to-order range.

Fire safety is obviously very important. How do your products perform in terms of fire prevention?

Fire windows are manufactured in strict accordance to certified designs. Lomax + Wood work closely with Vetrotech from Binley in Coventry, part of the Saint-Gobain Group, who provide the specialist knowledge to ensure the exacting requirements of both glass and timber frames are met. The standard fire window requirement are specified in terms of integrity and insulation with a given time requirement such as 30/30. Lomax + Wood manufacture to pre-determined designs but where the customer’s requirements fall out of this there is scope to manufacture and test to order. While the requirement for external timber fire windows is only a niche market, an example being to prevent a fire from spreading from one building to another in close proximity, it is an area of expertise, one which Lomax + Wood can provide to allow the customer to have one single contact for a project that requires timber windows and doors.

Likewise, please explain any security features.

The new part Q Building Regulation approved document is now out and applies to all new builds. It stipulates that ‘Reasonable provisions must be made to resist unauthorized access in easily accessible areas.’  We have designed our products to meet these requirements in-conjunction with specialist ironmongery and component suppliers.  Examples of this include tried and tested ironmongery that is stamped as Secured by Design; internal glazing; insulated door panels with a metal insert and a security glazing system. These are already being incorporated in our timber sash windows, casements and door designs. It must also be noted that laminated glass is required in the products where this document needs to be met; while resisting attack it also has a negative effect on U-values and if not used throughout the property will have a subtle difference in appearance.

How green is your company? Please provide details of your sustainability agenda.

Lomax + Wood announces FSC® – Forest Stewardship Council® – Chain of Custody certification FSC® C126169 in compliance with BM TRADA. This certification ensures that our made-to-order timber windows and doors originate from responsibly sourced forests.  It is independently certified by BM TRADA who is ASI accredited to ensure that the material is traced through every stage of the process from forest to end-user.

What is the most popular product in your portfolio?

Our traditional timber sash windows and casements are still the most popular with private customers and developers alike. These products meet high thermal and acoustic performance standards while also meeting the desire of those who still love traditionally styled buildings, be they new or refurbished.  Saying that we have seen a significant growth in our aluminium clad timber windows, with the warmth of timber internally and the crisp neat lines of aluminium externally.

What other innovations is your company particularly proud of? What major changes do you anticipate seeing in the Windows and Doors industry in the near future?

Lomax + Wood are proud to source products from across Europe and the UK and we have been innovative in exchanging ideas and knowledge with other countries to secure the best designs at competitive prices. Undoubtedly the UK will see an expansion in the number of European fenestration companies selling into the UK in the next few years. This is due to software and machinery growing in flexibility and thus allowing them to more easily produce UK styled products. In my opinion the expertise for the UK now lies in providing a bridge between UK customers and those manufacturers, with installation a key service of the total one-stop-shop solution.