With popularity of aluminium home improvement products on the rise, Direct Trade Windows is the supplier you can rely on, says director, AJ Hassanali.

No one could have predicted the Covid-19 pandemic and the impact it had, nor the ensuing rollercoaster ride that those in the fenestration industry faced as a result.

While we all battled severe supply chain disruptions, at the same time, we also saw a surge in demand from consumers who chose to spend their extra money on upgrading their home, after saving a reported £150 billion nationwide during lockdown.

And one sector in particular that’s seen significant growth is aluminium.

Last year, Insight Data revealed the findings of its latest State of the Industry Report, providing a comprehensive review of the glazing industry.

Among many trends, the report revealed that the popularity of aluminium products is continuing to rise, resulting in over 880 aluminium fabricators across the country.

Another trend that was revealed was an increased demand for bi-fold and patio doors, with end users wanting more light and space in their homes – aluminium options in particular have soared, with over 770 UK fabricators manufacturing aluminium bi-folds.

With demand for aluminium – and bi-fold doors in particular – on the rise, the market has become extremely competitive, meaning installers are increasingly on the lookout for reliable suppliers who will not only deliver quality products, but will deliver them on time and at an affordable price.

And one company that can provide the full package is leading trade supplier Direct Trade Windows.

A growing range

“Thanks to continual investment, Direct Trade Windows has become a leading aluminium bi-fold supplier, with a reputation for excellent quality, quick turnaround times, affordable prices, and reliability,” says director, AJ Hassanali.

Originally manufacturing PVC, Direct Trade Windows opened its doors in 2000. Today, the supplier now exclusively manufactures steel-look aluminium, operating from a factory just outside London.

Since switching to aluminium, Direct Trade has always supplied a wide range of Smart products, including the Smart Alitherm Heritage range, Smart AluSpace interior doors, VS600 aluminium vertical sash windows, and Smart EcoFutural commercial windows.

In 2018, the company added Cortizo products to its offering, including casement windows, the COR Vision sliding door, and 4600 lift and slide.

Market leading bi-folds

But it’s the company’s aluminium bi-fold offering that sees Direct Trade Windows meet continual customer demand.

“Our slimline aluminium bi-fold doors capture the very best in market leading design and technology, and are thermally efficient, versatile, secure and long-lasting,” says AJ.

The company offers the Visofold 1000 bi-fold door from Smart, which can be used in domestic applications as well as commercially in bars or restaurants, creating a glazed screen that’s designed to provide the maximum amount of light while also easily gliding open.

With a choice of opening configurations to suit any application, it also has the option of either low thresholds for easy access, or rebated thresholds for improved weather resistance.

Visofold 1000 can accommodate a maximum 100kg slide folding door, features high-quality gaskets and weather brushes to aid weather resistance, as well as multi-point lock mechanisms and shootbolt locking.

Direct Trade Windows also supplies the Visofold 6000 bi-fold, which is said to be ideal for both commercial and residential projects where large opening apertures are required.

Featuring multi-point lock mechanisms, a choice of internally or externally folding sashes, smooth and reliable operation, and slim profiles to maximise open space, AJ says the doors are an ideal option for even the largest project, capable of opening up an entire wall while also creating a contemporary, elegant façade.

Both the Visofold 1000 and Visofold 6000 achieve a U-value of 1.5, thanks to an integrated polyamide thermal break, and are therefore Document L compliant.

Count on us

AJ concludes: “Insight Data’s State of the Industry Report speaks for itself – popularity of aluminium is on the rise, especially within the bi-fold market, which means installers are having to meet an increasing demand for these products.

“Investing in the Smart range of aluminium bi-fold doors has been very worthwhile, allowing us to provide our valued customers with the products they need to meet an ever-growing demand and stay ahead in a very competitive market.

“By coming to Direct Trade Windows for their bi-fold – and other aluminium – needs, installers are guaranteed top quality products matched with excellent customer service and quick turnaround times, making us the supplier of choice in an increasingly aluminium-focused market.”