January 2024

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UV Testing ARE YOUR DOORS UP TO THE TEST? Daisie Lane, Application Sales Engineer at Element Materials Technology, explains why accelerated ultraviolet (UV) rays testing for doors is an excellent way to provide reassurance to customers and stand out from the crowd. Across England there is a very apparent housing shortage. Recent data has suggested that England alone needs 340,000 new homes, with 145,000 of them being affordable, before 2031 to meet demand. This need is currently not being met, with only 45,050 new homes built across the UK between <strong>January</strong> and March 2023. This gap between supply and demand means that housebuilders cannot afford to drop the pace any further, and are seeking reassurance that the products they use are built to last. Along with this, fabricators and installers can ill afford the time to be called out to assess and remedy jobs, given the skills shortage we are experiencing in the UK. This is why assurances up front are important, especially when looking at doors. Whilst factors such as weathertightness and security are often the priorities when purchasing doors, there is an issue that is continually overlooked throughout the industry: UV rays. UV rays can damage doors, despite the fact they cannot be seen by the human eye. UV radiation can cause numerous issues, including colour change, reduction in gloss levels, cracking, crazing, chalking, blistering and hazing. It can also contribute to complete product failure in relatively short periods of time which could result in a huge headache for housebuilders, including reputational damage. On the flip side, door manufacturers and installers will have to devote time and expense to remedying the problem with the housebuilder, which takes them away from focusing on other business priorities and projects. Doors are a prime example of where degradation can occur as a result of the effects of sunlight on the door material. How does UV testing work? UV testing can reproduce how ultraviolet radiation impacts exposure in a controlled laboratory environment. For this, the process uses a combination of intense UV, heat, and moisture to test materials and components for degradation. Ensuring that the process is as accurate as possible means less problems down the line. Specialist labs such as Element Materials Technology’s Wednesbury laboratory, can perform a wide range of UV tests with programmable temperature, humidity and irradiance, including Xenon Arc and Fluorescent QUV, alongside testing that recreates harsher conditions typically seen in places such as Arizona and Florida. Element’s laboratory also can perform assessments pre and post-test, and at various intervals. These include colour and gloss measurements, weight, and AATCC Greyscale readings. They’re also able to give a comprehensive picture of a product’s performance and provide a deeper understanding of a material’s behaviour, with mechanical, impact and strength testing also available. Advantages across the supply chain UV testing is a great way to provide peace of mind, with vital data being able to be generated quickly, which otherwise would have taken years to aggregate via customer feedback. This data can help design better products, provide quality assurance and any potential liability issues. It also allows professionals to market their products as quality assured items. This can help avoid potentially costly remediation with homeowners in the future alongside any potential reputational damage. UV testing also means that product quality can be protected, with product recalls or inefficient standards being mediated. UV testing is an excellent way to stand out from competitors and give reassurance in such a crowded market. Element Materials Technology: 0808 234 1667 www.element.com Element Materials Technology’s Wednesbury laboratory can perform a range of UV tests 34 T I JANUARY <strong>2024</strong> PRACTICAL CONTENT FOR THE GLAZING INSTALLER & HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST
Premium Quality Aluminium Vertical Sliders from Mercury When modern meets traditional, the Aluminium Vertical Sliders from Mercury offer the best of both worlds. As Vertical Slider manufacturing experts, we have the experience and in-house manufacturing expertise to support you with all projects. • Modern meets traditional • Suitable for residential and commercial projects • Flush opening with no projection into or out of the building • Low line glazing gasket • Durable and long lasting • In-house precision manufacture • High-end aesthetics T: 01452 383 344 E: sales@mercuryspecialistframes.co.uk www.mercuryglazing.co.uk Mercury Glazing Supplies Ltd Unit E1, Goodridge Business Park, Goodridge Avenue, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL2 5EB
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January 2024

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