Force 8 has developed a new Georgian Fan light which can be fitted into either an arched frame or a square one. The precisely formed astragal bars sit gracefully in front of the glass, creating an authentic and timeless look, rather than in-between the glazed unit. This latest innovation addresses a specific demand for historically accurate, high-performance fan lights, opening new opportunities within both residential and conservation-focused markets. Homeowners seeking energy-efficient solutions that do not compromise on historical aesthetics will benefit from a product that is durable, visually authentic, and functional, and can be retrofitted if you are not changing your original door.
Although Force 8 are leaders in profile bending, the astragal bars were prone to twisting during the hot oil bending process, which they use with the normal frame profile. This problem required Force 8 to design a specialised clamping system, applying multiple clamps along the curve to maintain alignment and prevent any distortion. The new rig allowed them to refine the bending process, ensuring that each bar remained flat and aligned with the glass surface. This precision was essential for achieving the desired visual effect and ensuring the system’s durability.
The precision is important as the bars are on the outside of the unit and require a perfect weather seal. The adhesive selection was also a critical aspect due to the need for long-term durability and weatherproofing. Various adhesives were tested over several months, and Force 8 developed a combination that provides exceptional adhesion in outdoor environments, securing the bars against environmental factors that could otherwise weaken the bond over time.
By keeping the bars external, they ensured a faithful representation of Georgian design, maintaining historical accuracy and increasing appeal for period properties. This was essential for the market focus, as customers prioritising authenticity require a product that aligns with the traditional look while offering modern durability and thermal efficiency.
The Georgian Fan Light is available in a range of colours to complement most doors. For installers also purchasing doors directly from Force 8, their in-house paint facility ensures a perfect colour match, adding to the cohesive and polished final look. By keeping the bars external, Force 8 has delivered a product that faithfully replicates the Georgian design, catering to the needs of customers prioritising authenticity as well as thermal efficiency.
