The
team at industry-leading systems supplier VEKA Group know that seemingly small
changes can have a big impact.
A
new upgrade to the Imagine Patio Door means that a simple, yet innovative
locking kit can ensure the Door meets all the requirements of PAS 24. This
cost-effective lock solution creates additional appeal for consumers –
especially in the new build and commercial sectors – and makes it a valuable
addition to any VEKA Group customer’s sales arsenal.
Marketing
Director Dawn Stockell explains: “When choosing a partner for this technical
project, VEKA turned to the experience of ERA to help develop the upgraded
lock.
“Instead
of a tricky and unsightly add on - like a plunge bolt - together, we designed a
simpler means to achieve PAS 24 and compliance with Doc Q thanks to a lock kit
that is contained within the workings of the door.
“Ultimately,
this makes the system simpler to fabricate, much easier to install and more
attractive to the end user as a finished product.
“We
know that the market for traditional sliding patio doors is forecast to
maintain modest growth and continues to be heavily dominated by PVC-U at 84%
share of the market. For our customers to capitalise on this opportunity, we
are proud to offer this cost-effective security upgrade which will help VEKA
and Halo customers to differentiate themselves from the competition.
“Sliding
patio doors are historically considered a vulnerable part of the home and
research shows us that improved security is still a prime motivator for
homeowners investing in new doors and windows.
“Drawing
on ERA’s experience and long-standing heritage of quality security hardware and
innovation, we were able to develop a high security interlock claw profile
design and, to ensure simplicity in the ordering process for customers, VEKA
will be stocking the locks and hardware.
“The
new PAS 24-ready locking kit brings a host of benefits for everyone in the
supply chain. For fabricators, it offers the same simple fabrication as the
standard Imagine Patio Door (aside from fitting lock extensions and keep
plates) and there’s no need to route through profile and steel reinforcement
sections to accommodate plunge bolts and additional locking devices.
“For
installers, it requires only the standard patio installation technique, with no
time spent aligning hook locks or plunge bolts and no issue of being called
back to rectify locking mechanisms if doors move due to thermal expansion.
“Finally,
for homeowners and commercial customers, the Door and lock are easy to operate
with an extended lever on the handle to reduce operating forces. It offers
aesthetically pleasing sightlines, with no
unsightly
locks on the face of profiles and no fiddly plunge bolts to operate to achieve
secure closure.
“Plus,
there’s the peace of mind that the door is covered by ERA’s 5 Star Security
Guarantee against break in."
