Deceuninck is bringing its expertise in systems supply to a new industry audience with the launch of Decalu, which it describes as a ‘cutting-edge ultra-energy efficient aluminium system’.
A complete aluminium window and door offer, it’s been designed to combine ‘U’ values of as low as 0.68W/m2K, with significantly reduced manufacturing times and increased installation efficiencies.
It’s also being underpinned by a commitment to bring new levels of service and flexibility to aluminium systems supply.
This includes dual-colour and marine grade as standard – something which Nigel Headford, Deceuninck Aluminium’s business development director, said would deliver significant advantages to fabricators and installers.
“Decalu is a proven aluminium system, which is already established throughout Europe,” he said. “It’s designed to be easy to manufacture, easy to install and cost-effective – adding-value and leaving manufacturers room to build in margin.
“We’re also determined to change expectations of service and support in aluminium. This includes offering dual-colour product as standard.”
He added that the Decalu systems range had been developed to encompass a complete suite of products. This he said had been designed to minimise stockholding through the use of a single inner frame and mid-section; integrated insulation and pre-inserted, co-extruded gaskets.
It encompasses the Decalu88 bi-folding Door; Decalu163 lift-and-slide; the Decalu88 range of contemporary casements, reversible, tilt-and-turn, and heritage options; and Decalu101 Scand, Deceuninck Aluminium’s ultra-energy-efficient window system, which reportedly achieves ‘U’ values as low as 0.89W/m2K.
At launch, the aluminium systems house has, however, chosen to place significant focus on the Decalu88 bi-folding door, as a product which it argues delivers immediate advantages to fabricators – including PVC-U manufacturers who currently buy-in.
“You don’t need to hold so much stock while the Decalu88 bi-fold delivers a series of manufacturing efficiencies, which means you can cut manufacturing time by more than 30% against comparable aluminium systems,” Nigel said.
“Use of pre-inserted, co-extruded gasket, means that you don’t get shrinkage, something which is a massive problem for installers – and as a fabricator, you don’t need someone on in-house assembly, freeing up labour.
“Another benefit for fabricators and installers is that as well as being available in dual colour as standard, the Decalu88 can also be colour matched to Deceuninck’s PVC-U foil range.
“That’s a strong message in retail because you can sell a house full of windows and doors from the same manufacturer with a perfect colour-match.
“We believe it makes the case for those PVC-U fabricators who are buying-in aluminium doors to start manufacture. It immediately gives them more margin and adds-value to their own customer offer,” he continued.
The system has also been designed to support PVC-U specialists make the transition to in-house manufacture of aluminium through the use of a PVC-U Eurogroove, which means PVC-U manufactures don’t need to double-up on stockholding of hardware and gearing.
In addition to its use of pre-inserted ‘no-shrink’ gaskets, the Decalu88 bi-fold also speeds up installation through the use of two jambs which offer 7mm each of tolerance, adjusting to out-of-square brickwork.
“We are committed to changing the way aluminium systems supply works. We are a product – but just as importantly – a service-led business. That’s proven in Deceuninck’s track record in PVC-U supply”, Nigel said.
