The Door Industry Journal

Thursday, 15 May 2025

Glass Doors Just Got Quieter

Door seal specialist Norseal is expanding its range of door seals with a new family of modular drop seals for hinged glass doors that combine standout acoustic insulation with fast, no-fuss installation and true on-site flexibility.

The Schall-Ex® family of seals includes the GSA seal, an innovative face-fix drop seal that makes retro-fitting acoustic seals on glass hinged doors possible for the first time.

Designed for both toughened (8 mm and 10 mm) and laminated safety glass (10.76 mm, 12.76 mm and 17.52 mm), the system features five easy-to-configure variants that can be assembled quickly on-site.

Thanks to a specially developed high-tech adhesive tape, there’s no need for wet bonding or mechanical fixings - just a clean, secure fix with immediate load-bearing capability.

The GSA seal is a game-changer for sealing existing glass-hinged doors on-site with minimum fuss and disruption to operations.

The same innovative fixing tape works quickly to fix the seal to the face of the door, achieving sound insulation values up to 37 dB quickly and easily without having to remove the door.

It’s a smart, fit-and-forget solution that is much more cost-effective than replacing doors when a retrofit solution is required to bring the door up to the required standard in situ.

Achieving sound insulation values of up to 51dB with 7 mm of floor clearance in testing, the new Schall-Ex® seals from Norseal deliver levels of noise reduction that were previously unattainable for glass doors.

Ideal for offices, meeting rooms, healthcare environments and education settings, they bring discretion, quiet and calm to rooms where it is needed most.

To match the aesthetics of modern interiors, the seals come with a choice of cover plates - not just in classic stainless steel and silver but also in sleek black and anthracite, with smart black end stops for a clean, coordinated finish.

On-site flexibility has been built in from the start.

The inner rail slides out completely for easy length adjustment or replacement of the sealing profile and each seal in the range is the same height and fully reversible, meaning it can be installed on either right- or left-handed doors simply by turning.

During fitting, the sliding actuator can be removed and adjusted without tools and then reinserted on handover.

Norseal is the UK’s leading specialist in sealing solutions for doors, supplying a comprehensive range of intumescent, acoustic, fire and smoke seals.

With the largest stockholding in the UK and a reputation for technical expertise, Norseal works closely with customers to deliver compliant, high-performance products backed by expert advice, trusted brands and a friendly, straight-talking approach.

You can view a video of how the product works here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j43LRzNVx0o
https://www.norseal.co.uk/

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Wednesday, 14 May 2025

Videx Unveils the ERA23V

Videx has launched the ERA23V, a sleek and innovative video entry panel designed to redefine door entry and access control.

As the first in a new range of ERA panels (that will also include IP & GSM variants), it is built on the widely used VX2300 2-wire bus video system, offering unmatched flexibility and ease of installation.

Designed for modern living and business needs, flexibility is at the heart of the ERA23V.

The panel supports multiple entrances, up to four apartments and four devices per apartment, making it the ideal solution for residential and commercial properties.

The entrance panel can be configured with one, two or four buttons or as a single button with a coded keypad, simply by changing the button inserts and adjusting the settings.

The built-in keypad offers coded entry with no additional cost, delivering enhanced security with up to 400 programmable access codes.

This streamlined approach ensures that stockists and installers benefit from a single, adaptable product instead of multiple variations.

Rob Sands, Technical Director at Videx, said:

“The ERA23V is a significant step forward in video entry technology, providing a highly adaptable and scalable solution that meets the changing needs of residential and commercial properties.
“By combining stylish design with advanced access control features, we’ve created a system that is both easy to install and incredibly versatile.”

Available as a kit, it comes with a choice of video monitors, including a 3.5” videophone, a 3.5” handsfree monitor or a 7” handsfree monitor.

Desk kits are also available.

Rob Sands continued:

“The ERA23V is designed for effortless expansion.
“Kits come complete with a customisable entrance panel, video monitor and power supply unit, with additional entrance panels, monitors and accessories available separately if required.
“As part of the VX2300 family, it integrates seamlessly with existing system parts and accessories, ensuring it meets the demands of both new installations and upgrades.
“With a sleek design, intelligent features and ultimate flexibility, ERA23V is setting a new benchmark in video entry security.”

The ERA23V’s slim design at only 96mm wide ensures it will fit perfectly on a typical 100mm post while its low profile compact design ensures it won’t look out of place in any environment, residential or commercial.

Particular care has gone into ensuring its easy of installation but this does not mean a compromise on functionality, the ERA23V include features such as a simple 2 wire bus, high quality audio & video, voice assistance, multi coloured lighting, additional inputs and outputs, lock and gate control, coded access, NFC (Near Field Communication), RS485 & Bluetooth technology for both access control for up to 2000 users and system configuration using a Videx app.

The wide-angle CMOS camera provides clear video even in low light, while the slimline gunmetal black aluminium frame ensures durability while still achieving a modern aesthetic.

The panel is designed to withstand the elements, featuring IK09 impact resistance and IP65 environmental protection.

An optional rain shield adds further durability.

For more details, visit: www.videxuk.com

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Tuesday, 13 May 2025

FIT Show 2025: Record-breaking Attendance, Innovation & Industry Momentum

FIT Show 2025 has firmly established itself as the UK fenestration industry’s must-attend event, delivering its biggest and most vibrant edition yet at Birmingham’s NEC.

Spanning four halls and drawing thousands of visitors, this year’s show has not only set new records for attendance but also raised the bar for innovation, networking, and sector collaboration.

FIT Show director Nickie West comments:

“FIT Show 2025 performed strongly compared to 2023, with pre and onsite registrations increasing by 7% - no mean feat given the challenging backdrop the industry has, and continues to face. Overall attendance grew by 7.5%, with day one showing the most significant improvement at 13% more visitors than in 2023. We also experienced a notable rise in repeat visits on days two and three, reflecting that there’s now so much more to explore at the show. It’s clear that one day simply isn’t enough to take in everything FIT Show has to offer.”

Unprecedented Scale and Energy

With close to 300 leading brands and a significant number of first-time exhibitors from more than 20 countries, FIT Show 2025 offered a truly international showcase. Visitor registrations surpassed all previous editions, with the opening day alone exceeding 2023’s numbers and the halls buzzing with energy and anticipation. The event’s expanded footprint meant professionals from every corner of the supply chain could see, touch, and compare thousands of products and solutions under one roof.

Nickie adds:

“We worked incredibly hard to expand both the footprint of the show, as well as broadening out the show proposition. This included an increased representation of machinery, with the Haffner Machinery Village occupying a significant footprint, as well as securing support from more glass brands than 2023 including the likes of Pilkington Glass and Clayton Glass to strengthen our offering for IGUs and fabricators.

“The introduction of the timber trail, led by FIT Show newcomer, the Timber Joinery Network, saw 50 of its members put on a fantastic display for both fabricators and installers looking to broaden their portfolios by incorporating this material.

“Similarly, a huge objective for 2025 was to meet the demand from 2023 visitors to see more systems houses represented on the show floor. We took this number from three in 2023 to seven for this edition, which included Selecta Systems, ALUK, Cortizo, Residence Collection, Aluplast, Smart Systems, Exlabesa - this was incredibly well received by visitors!”

Innovation on Display

The show floor was alive with product launches, from new door and window systems to the latest in software, hardware, and service innovations. Many brands timed their launches to coincide with FIT Show, giving visitors exclusive first access to cutting-edge solutions.

The Installer Demo Zone, sponsored by Smart Systems and back by popular demand, provided hands-on demonstrations of machinery and installation techniques, allowing attendees to experience products in action and gain practical insights from participating brands including ALUK, Soudal, Bereco, Brett Martin, Kenricks, Keylite Roof Windows and the Timber Joinery Network.

Nickie adds:

“Attracting roofing and construction professionals was a big objective for our 2025 campaign. Features such as the Installer Demo Zone and Marketplace allowed us to incorporate new brands and product offerings, with the likes of Gutterplus delivering hands-on demonstrations for people looking for new and innovative ways to not only install roof lights and lanterns, but the ancillary products to support these.”

A Marketplace for the Modern Installer

A standout new feature for 2025 was the Marketplace, where visitors could purchase tools, services and ancillaries directly on the show floor. Located alongside the Installer Demo Zone, this area gave tradespeople immediate access to the latest innovations, making FIT Show not just a place to discover but also to equip and upgrade in real time. Participants included Blakeley Construction, ER Certification, CT1, Camel Clamp and Xpert Tools who created a starter bundle for glaziers.

Education, Legislation, and CPD

FIT Show 2025 also cemented its reputation as the industry’s leading learning platform. The CPD-accredited seminar programme, delivered in partnership with GGF & FENSA, drew impressive crowds with sessions covering everything from new building regulations and sustainability to AI, security, and future homes standards. This content was free to all visitors and designed to keep the industry up to speed with the latest technical and legislative developments.

Ben Wallace, GGF managing director comments:

“I’ve attended many FIT Shows during my time at the GGF, and this one was by far the best for us. The GGF stand was absolutely packed for the majority of the show. It gave me a moment to step back and appreciate the progress we’ve made. We were able to showcase a lot of the hard work and various workstreams the team has been focused on over the past couple of years, and we received some really strong feedback.”

Networking and After-Hours Buzz

Beyond the stands, FIT Show’s networking opportunities were second to none. On-stand entertainment, exclusive giveaways, and the much-anticipated Late Night Wednesday - with its live music, themed food and drink, and relaxed atmosphere-fostered meaningful connections and a real sense of industry community. For many, these after-hours events were as valuable as the show itself, enabling business relationships to flourish in a more informal setting.

Industry Endorsement and Lasting Impact

Feedback from exhibitors and visitors alike has been overwhelmingly positive. “I’m absolutely thrilled with the energy and attendance on day one of FIT Show 2025, which has already surpassed our 2023 edition in terms of visitor numbers,” said FIT Show director Nickie West.

“The halls at NEC were absolutely buzzing with thousands of visitors discovering the very latest in windows, doors, glass, hardware and roofing products from close to 300 leading brands and exciting new exhibitors. Our expanded Installer Demo Zone was a real highlight, giving visitors hands-on access to live product installations and the brand-new Marketplace area.

“The CPD-accredited seminar programme, delivered in partnership with FENSA and GGF, also drew fantastic crowds, with sessions covering everything from future homes standards to the latest in security and AI. It was inspiring to see so many connections being made, deals being done, and innovations unveiled - FIT Show is all about bringing our industry together, and the atmosphere at FIT Show proves just how vital this event is for driving progress and collaboration across the sector”.

Exhibitors echoed this sentiment, with many reporting strong engagement, high-quality leads, and enthusiastic responses to new product launches. The show’s ability to unite the industry, foster innovation, and provide a platform for learning and business development was clear throughout.

Elton Boocock, managing director at Business Pilot comments:

“We launched Business Pilot at FIT Show 2019 to huge success. This year, I launched thinkivity (AI training for glazing) and GlazingBot at the show. Once again, the right decision! The number of leads off the bat will ensure a solid foundation for both new companies. And for Business Pilot, 2025 FIT Show is already proving to be the most successful yet.”

Mark Powell, sales director for Direct Trade adds:

“Attending FIT Show 2025 was a highly rewarding experience for our team and a fantastic opportunity to connect with the wider UK fenestration industry.

“The exhibition brought together several key players and it was clear that innovation and sustainability are driving the sector forward. We had valuable conversations with suppliers, customers, potential customers and fellow professionals, and the quality of engagement was exceptional throughout.

“A big thank you to the FIT Show team for delivering such a well-run event — we’re proud to be part of such a dynamic industry and look forward to future opportunities to showcase our expertise.”

Looking Ahead

With the next FIT Show scheduled for two years, returning in 2027, this year’s event was a unique opportunity for the sector to connect, learn, and source solutions that will shape the industry’s future. FIT Show 2025 has set a new gold standard for trade events in the glass, glazing, and fenestration sector-proving that when the industry comes together, progress and innovation follow.

FIT Show returns to the NEC, occupying the same four halls, from Tuesday 18 to Thursday 20 May, 2027.

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Monday, 12 May 2025

New Glazing Options for Hörmann Sectional Doors

Hörmann UK has expanded its market-leading sectional door range with the introduction of two new glazing options, designed to provide both functionality and enhanced aesthetics.

The latest additions include a sleek, narrow 250mm aluminium glazing frame for M and L ribbed sectional doors, and a contemporary stainless-steel frame with triple glazing for L ribbed garage and side doors.

These two new options not only help to maximise daylight within the garage but also provide homeowners with increased choice for personalisation and design creativity.

The new 250mm aluminium glazing frame, featuring a discreet and modern design, comes standard with Hörmann’s innovative and durable Duratec synthetic glazing.

This high-performance material features a specialist coating that ensures a permanently clear view and enhanced thermal insulation.

Ideal for use as an intermediate door section, the frame can be installed without rails in widths of up to 2,500 mm and can also be extended across the entire width of the door.

Featuring premium triple glazing made of real glass, the new stainless steel glazing frame delivers a sleek, modern aesthetic whilst ensuring long-lasting durability and good thermal performance.

For added privacy and style, the option of black glass is available, allowing natural daylight into the garage interior whilst effectively shielding it from outside view.

To accommodate a wide range of installations, the glazing frame is offered in three different sizes, making it a flexible solution for garage and side door configurations.

Both products are supplied CO2-neutral as standard.

To learn more on glazing options for Hörmann sectional doors visit: Sectional Garage Doors | Hörmann or call 01530 516868

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Sunday, 11 May 2025

70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SUZULIGHT – SUZUKI’S VERY FIRST CAR

This Autumn, as Suzuki gets ready to launch e Vitara, it’s very first electric vehicle, it’s well worth reflecting on where it all began for Suzuki Motor Corporation 70 years ago.

Back in the Autumn of 1955, Michio Suzuki personally delivered a Suzulight, his very first production car to a local doctor who had previously been conducting his house calls on a bicycle.

Although Michio Suzuki had first started in business much earlier than that in March 1920 with the manufacture of textile looms.

These became more advanced in design and very popular right through to the early 1950’s when there was a global decline in the cotton industry; Suzuki then decided to diversify into motorised transport with introduction of its first motorcycle in 1953 and the first car followed two years later.

Initial research and development of Suzulight began as far back as 1937 although this had to be shelved later with the outbreak of the second World War.

This development finally resumed in 1954 when Suzuki Motor Co Limited was formed.

Using Suzuki’s ‘Yaramaika’ spirit, (translated as ‘Let’s do it’) which was deep in the root of the Enshu region where Suzuki originated together with his determination to drive forward, Michio Suzuki quickly began researching vehicles produced overseas and gained a wealth of knowledge.

Suzulight was a compact vehicle measuring less than three metres in length and weighing just over 500kg.

It was powered by a 360cc, 15PS two cylinder, two-stroke engine which was the first of its type to ever be fitted to a car.

It was also the first car in Japan to feature a Front Wheel Drive / Front engine layout and was way ahead of its time with its independent coil spring suspension and rack and pinion steering.

Suzulight easily met the Japanese ‘Keijidosha’ or Kei light car legislation and Suzuki and his team quickly began their first development road testing of it.

As a prototype, its most memorable early drive was a 300km trip across the Hakone mountainous region between Hamamatsu and Tokyo which proved very challenging on roads that had not yet been paved.

Although arriving very late in the evening, the team arrived to present the car to the President of ‘Yanase Auto’ Japan’s leading authority on Automobiles.

The President had stayed on late to greet the team and made his way out to thoroughly test the car. Several hours later he returned very impressed and immediately gave Suzuki full approval to put the Suzulight into production.

Production commenced in October 1955 with initial production of 3-4 cars per month but by early 1956 monthly volume had climbed to 30 units.

70 years on, Suzuki Motor Corporation remains globally renowned as the ‘small car experts’ and produces well over three million units per year with a projection of four million units annually by 2030.

Michio Suzuki’s original strategy of design and production of lightweight vehicles lives on with platforms including ‘Heartect’ used in Swift, Vitara and S-Cross models and ‘Heartect-e’ which was specifically designed for e Vitara.

For more information on the Suzuki product range visit www.suzuki.co.uk/cars.

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Saturday, 10 May 2025

PR Company Founder Named One of UK’s Most Influential Independents

Recognition honours bold thinking, client impact and outstanding contribution to the PR profession

The founder of a marketing and PR company with clients in the construction and building products sector, has been named one of the 50 most influential independent consultants in the UK, as part of the inaugural Independent Impact 50.

This prestigious new accolade celebrates the extraordinary influence that independent practitioners have on the organisations they advise, on professional learning and development and on the evolution of the PR and communications sector as a whole.

Alison Gallagher-Hughes, founder of Staffordshire-based Tillymint Marketing & PR, was recognised for her fearless, strategic counsel, her ability to help clients think differently and her ongoing commitment to raising standards in communication practice.

She was among the 50 honourees celebrated at a special event on Thursday 1 May, in the Balcony Room overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral, at the Swan Theatre, London.

The event brought together a vibrant community of outstanding independents who are making a difference not only in the work they do for clients but in their generous support for peers and dedication to the profession.

The judging panel, along with the CEO and representatives from 72 Point, the award’s sponsors, were also in attendance.

Alison is a former journalist (Liverpool Star, Hereford Times and Express & Star).

She founded Tillymint Marketing & PR in 2020 after a PR career working in-house and agency.

Her approach is grounded in insight, creativity and a collaborative ethos that empowers clients and uplifts the wider industry.

Alongside her consultancy work, she plays a key role in supporting the professional development of others and is Co-Chair of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Midlands Group.

Alison said:

“To be named in the Independent Impact 50 is both humbling and energising,”

“It was a privilege to be in the room with so many brilliant independents, each making their mark in their own way.

This recognition reflects not just individual effort but the strength and generosity of the independent community.”

The Independent Impact 50 initiative is a much-needed celebration of freelancers and consultants who are helping to evolve and strengthen the PR and communications sector - through innovation, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to professional excellence.

For more information visit: https://theimpact50.com/

Earlier this week, it was announced that Tillymint was also a finalist the CIPR Excellence Awards for the fourth consecutive year.

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Friday, 9 May 2025

From second hand doors to Palace Gates: Green Doors Wins King’s Award for Sustainable Development

An entrepreneur who launched a recycling business with some doors he found in a skip has been honoured with a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development.

Joseph Holman, founder and CEO of Green Doors, has spent the past decade turning unwanted doors and windows into a thriving upcycling operation.

Now, the 34-year-old who has saved thousands of doors from landfill will be walking through the gates of Windsor Castle to meet the King.

“Winning the King’s Award is huge for our business,” said Holman. “I started ten years ago with a set of doors I found in a skip. Soon, I’ll be shaking hands with the King. We have been working tirelessly at our warehouses in Luton. This is a huge boost for the team.”

Green Doors rescues pre-loved, surplus, mis-measured doors and windows and gives them a second chance. Last year alone, the business saved over 3,000 items alone, selling them to builders, homeowners and renovators.

With revenues of roughly £2 million and a team of 12 employees, some known as “door doctors,” Green Doors is leading a growing movement to reduce waste in the construction industry.

“We want to use this moment to call for change in our industry,” Holman added.

“Perfectly good doors and windows are being dumped every day. There’s a better way and we’ve proven it works.”

The King’s Award is among the highest honours a British business can receive, recognising outstanding achievements in innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity.

This year’s win places Green Doors among a small group of pioneers leading the UK’s push towards a greener economy.

Holman says the award will be a springboard for growth. “We’re ready to scale. We’re calling on partners, customers and investors who want to make a real impact.”

About Joseph Holman and green Doors

Joseph Holman is the CEO and founder of upcycling company Green Doors, which started with a door he found in a skip. The business now produces revenues of close to £2m and has 12 employees.

Last year the business saved over 3000 items destined for landfill, has over 1600 doors for sale and operates two warehouses with a combined size of 25,000 sq ft.

Holman is on a mission to provide every door with a second life and to stop UPVC going to landfill.

https://greendoors.co.uk/

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Thursday, 8 May 2025

Introducing Allegion's Trusted Family of Brands

With a worldwide team of experts and a reputable family of brands, Allegion has offered true peace of mind to customers for over 100 years - supporting safe and functional building environments with a range of high-quality, highly engineered door hardware products.

World-Class Door Hardware from a Single Source

Understanding the critical role of door hardware in building environments, Allegion and its family of brands share a trusted reputation for keeping people safe and secure where they live, learn, work and connect.

Proud to be a firmly established, reliable voice in the industry, Allegion remains committed to offering the highest quality door hardware by working with our partners throughout the supply chain.

Discover Allegion's Family of Brands:

Boss Door Controls

Partnering with architects and specifiers globally since 2009, Boss Door Controls deliver category-leading mechanical and automatic door control solutions, including door closers and levers, door operators and pocket door systems.

Brio

Brio products are recognised by architects and design teams worldwide and continue to lead the way in designing and manufacturing first-class sliding and folding door hardware systems.

Briton

Synonymous with the very best in door controls and exit hardware, Briton has supplied reliable and highly engineered products to safe and functional building environments for more than 115 years.

CISA

CISA is renowned for producing cutting-edge architectural products, including mortice locks, padlocks, cylinders, exit hardware and access control systems.

Zero

Zero perimeter seals and thresholds are engineered for durability and performance, setting the standard for optimal door performance and supporting green building applications by promoting heating and cooling efficiency.

Pete Hancox, country manager at Allegion UK, comments:

“We're immensely proud of our industry-leading brands, life-saving products and incredibly knowledgeable team.
“And we remain committed to raising awareness of the importance of quality door controls and hardware in keeping people, places and spaces safe and secure.”

To discover more about Allegion and its trusted family of door hardware brands, visit www.allegion.co.uk

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Wednesday, 7 May 2025

How To Select the Right Door Closer: A Technical Guide

Kirk Smith of Allegion UK outlines why fire door closers are central to maintaining fire safety standards in buildings and advises decision makers on how to select the right hardware for their project.

Fire doors are designed to save lives. When closed, they form a crucial barrier against smoke and fire and provide vital time for occupants to escape in an emergency situation.

An open fire door on the other hand is rendered useless in the event of a fire and for this reason, fire door closers are equally recognised for their life-saving capabilities.

The relationship between fire doors and fire door closers is synergetic in fact, with both considered key elements of a building’s passive fire protection system.

When a fire door must close to completion during a fire incident, it will always rely on its mechanical closing device to do so effectively.

Door closers are an essential operational component and must be capable of closing the door leaf from any angle of opening and strong enough to overcome the resistance of any latch seal, ensuring the door is held firmly in place by its frame.

Whilst all fire door closers serve this same function, decision makers are reminded that an incorrectly specified door closer can compromise the integrity of an entire fire door assembly.

With different project requirements and hardware options available, specifiers and decision makers alike must be confident in their door closer selection.

Where occupant safety is on the line, what should specification teams look out for?

Kirk Smith of Allegion UK explains:

“Fire door closers are paramount to the success of fire door safety and specification should be a structured process to ensure appropriate closers are chosen at each touchpoint.
“There are various types of door closers available on the market, but whether concealed or surface-mounted, all controlled door closer models use spring hydraulics to close and engage fire doors onto their latch, allowing buildings to compartmentalise areas and provide occupants with vital escape routes.
“To perform this task, fire door closers call upon a number of elements including: the door closer mechanism, mounting hardware, arms and links.
“There are often a number of considerations to make when choosing between door closer products.
“In any instance, specifiers must first establish whether their door is a fire door or a non-fire door, for example.

“To ensure a closer is fit for purpose and meets fire safety compliance, all door closers installed on fire-rated doors must be tested to EN 1634 and UKCA and CE marked.
“Mechanical variants must also conform to EN 1154 and electromagnetic hold-open devices to EN 1155, which test and classify hardware over its category of use, number of test cycles, power size, fire behaviour, safety and corrosion resistance.
“A Declaration of Performance (DoP) must also be reviewed to ensure a door closer is certified when fitted with backcheck or delayed action.
“From an operational viewpoint, it’s important that a chosen door closer meets the needs of a building and its users too.

“Buildings with high footfall will often benefit from an electromagnetic hold-open device, which keep certain fire doors open until a fire alarm is activated, in which the system will automatically release and close doors to completion.
“The size of a door can sometimes be a key factor when selecting a door closer too.
“Unusually tall or heavy doors may often require a door closer with a higher power size, in accordance with EN 1154 - it’s key to remember that fire doors require a minimum Power Size EN 3 to conform to this standard.
“Should a specification team be unsure about the size of the door, it is often best practice to choose a door closer unit that can be adjusted during the installation stage.”

Durable in application

Regardless of where a fire door may be positioned, its size or how it may be used, operation must always be controlled, as this will prevent future damage to the door and its frame - which can be a crucial step towards retaining fire safety performance.

Kirk Smith continues:

“Surface mounted closers are the most durable and common type of door closer, with units mounted to the surface of the door or frame with a quick and simple installation process.
“Comparably, concealed door closers are fitted within the door leaf and frame and whilst providing the functionality of a surface mounted closer are hidden from view as a way of enhancing aesthetics.
“When reviewing the mounting requirements, it’s important to consider door closers can be installed in different ways, often depending on the application.

“The four most common ways to fit a door closer are:
Figure 1 door mount fixing: where the closer body is mounted on the pull face of the door
Figure 61 transom mount push side: where the closer body is mounted on the transom, on the push side of the door
Figure 66 parallel mount push side: where the closer body is mounted on the push side of the door
Slide track fixing: where the closer with slide arm and track is door or transom mounted, on either the pull or push side of the door
“Specifiers must also evaluate whether backcheck control is necessary.
“Door closers with adjustable backcheck can better control the speed of the door, slowing it down prior to making contact with a door stop or before reaching the fully open position.
“This function prevents or minimises damage to the door, hardware and adjacent walls, which would otherwise be caused by the door being forcefully open or caught by a gust of wind.
“Equally, specifiers must consider whether a door closer requires delayed action.
“A delayed action closer offers a period of delay from when the door is opened to closed, which is usually set to be a maximum of 25 seconds (recommended for fire doors).
“This functionality makes delayed action closers ideal for environments that require easy passage, such as doors used by children, the elderly or wheelchair users, for example.
“With this in mind, decision makers should always check the Declaration of Performance (DoPs) and certification on fire door closers, ensuring they will remain certified and perform in use - keeping fire doors closed when it matters most.”

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Tuesday, 6 May 2025

Squire announces support for Band of Builders charity as Associate Supporters

Squire, one of the world’s oldest and most well-respected padlock manufacturers, is pleased to announce its support for the Band of Builders charity.

As an Associate Supporter, Squire looks forward to being able to support Band of Builders’ upcoming projects, donating high-quality security solutions and helping to transform homeowners’ security.

Band of Builders is known across the UK for its incredible work transforming the lives of tradespeople and their families through practical projects - from adapting homes to making essential repairs for those affected by illness or injury. The charity brings together volunteers from all corners of the building trade to carry out these life-changing projects.

Now in its ninth year, Band of Builders has completed over 30 projects with an estimated value of over £1million. In addition to physical support, Band of Builders also provides financial aid and wellbeing support to those struggling with mental health.

Squire, known for manufacturing the SS100CS, the world’s strongest production padlock, will be supporting upcoming Band of Builders projects by donating products to help secure work sites, tools and materials. Squire padlocks will also be used to bring peace of mind to beneficiaries that their homes and outbuildings are safe and secure.

Rob Gray, National Accounts Manager at Squire, said: “We’re very proud to partner with Band of Builders, who do incredible work to help the trade community. This is truly an initiative that everyone who works at Squire can get behind, and we look forward to supporting this very worthwhile cause.”

With a longstanding history in providing high-quality security solutions, we are excited to be able to give back to the community and support the tradespeople who build and maintain the spaces our padlocks are designed to protect.”

For more information on Squire Locks, please visit: squirelocks.co.uk

To learn more about the work Band of Builders do, please visit: bandofbuilders.org

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