A long time ago, Masterframe, the sash window specialist, says it realised that ‘most homeowners who wanted really pretty looking windows did not want shiny plastic, mitre welded ones’.
According to Alan Burgess, managing director: “We knew wood foil with traditional butt joints was the answer, however, there was a challenge in that most mechanical joints are open ended, meaning water penetrates easily. What was needed was a new method of joining the sections together to provide a fully sealed waterproof joint, which had a traditional ‘butted’ appearance.
“Ray Rabett, our technical director, came up with a clever solution which was patented in 2005. This new and novel method which was another first for Masterframe meant we have led the sash window field with an authentic, vertical butt jointing method ever since.
“It now appears that casement manufacturers are finally catching up. Flush sash or flush casements are the latest style that fabricators are making. Many are only now recognising that standard mitred joints simply accentuate the ‘plasticy’ look.”
Masterframe says it has noticed that ‘millions of pounds are being invested by fabricators buying new Graff welders’, believing these to be the only machines capable of providing ‘a neat solution’ but the company, in association with TMS, has now reportedly found ‘a far cheaper solution’ for welding butt mitred joints.
Alan continued: “Many casement manufacturers are now discovering that sales of their new flush casement depends upon them obtaining permission and a license for our patent.”
First to get this approval is fellow Veka fabricator and long-time customer of Masterframe, Michael Hagan of Aztec Windows (Coventry).
Aspiring to make the range of Prestige casement windows to match the beautiful butt jointed appearance of the sash windows they purchase from Masterframe, Michael, was delighted to be able to legally launch his flush casement window at The FIT Show earlier this year.
Michael said: “Having looked at other construction methods, it was clear that the Masterframe method was really neatly finished, sturdy and more reliable than any of the other methods considered. We are really pleased to be able to offer our customers the best looking and performing corner joint on the market. Initially, like so many other fabricators, we were blissfully unaware that a patent existed, but now we have the agreement, we can use it to prove our customers won’t get sued!”
As welded butt joints become more popular, Masterframe says it is in negotiations with a number of interested parties.
Alan concluded: “‘Butting’ joints look fantastic but, as with so many things in life, doing it ‘on the cheap’, simply means air and water will pour through any gaps. Doing it right is time consuming. Retail purchasers of sash windows want really neat aesthetics. On the whole we have little objection to issuing licenses to fellow fabricators, just so long as they aren’t making sash windows!”
If you are thinking about making windows using this jointing method, welded or mechanical, you will require permission and a license. Anyone interested in acquiring the licence should contact Masterframe direct.
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