Celebrating British Craftsmanship: Armac Martin at SDS London
For nearly a century, Armac Martin has been synonymous with British excellence in luxury brass hardware. Established in 1929 and proudly made in Birmingham, England, every piece is designed in-house, crafted from solid brass, and meticulously hand-finished to perfection.
What began as the venture of local brass founder Harold McGrail, who produced reproduction furniture fittings, has evolved into a fourth-generation family business and an award-winning name in the world of luxury interiors. Today, Armac Martin continues to uphold its founding principles — exceptional design, fine craftsmanship, and enduring quality.
Each product reflects a deep appreciation for timeless materials and thoughtful design. From classic cabinet handles to elegant shelf brackets and mirrors, Armac Martin’s collections are designed to balance form and function, enriching interiors in homes, hotels, and bespoke developments across the globe.
Frank Allart – Makers of Fine English Hardware Since 1914
Since 1914, Frank Allart has been synonymous with exceptional English craftsmanship. Their extensive range of architectural hardware combines traditional expertise with the requirements of modern living, all available in a stunning array of finishes.
The timeless elegance of Frank Allart’s designs is built upon generations of skilled artisans who have perfected their craft over more than a century. Founded by George Allart in a small Birmingham workshop, the company has evolved into a leading name in fine hardware, continually innovating through investment in advanced CNC machinery, electroplating, CAD design, and modern MRP and CRM systems—all while maintaining a deep commitment to training and craftsmanship.
Frank Allart’s mission remains clear: to produce fine English hardware with true heritage, responsibly designed, manufactured, and delivered.
In today’s homes, offices, and commercial spaces, storage needs are rarely static. Bookshelves fill, displays evolve, and layouts change. Traditional fixed shelving often struggles to keep up with these demands. That’s where modular shelving systems UK solutions come in—particularly those built with adjustable bookcase strips.
These systems provide a flexible, durable, and professional-grade way to create adaptable storage that can grow and change with your space. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits, applications, and best practices for designing and installing flexible storage hardware using strip systems.
What Are Modular Shelving Systems?
A modular shelving system is a storage framework built with interchangeable and reconfigurable components. Unlike fixed shelves, modular systems allow shelves to be repositioned, added, or removed with ease.
Adjustable strips—sometimes called bookcase strips, slot standards, or pilaster strips—are
Windows are one of the most important elements of any property, providing natural light, ventilation, and insulation. But without proper care, the weather seals that protect against draughts, leaks, and energy loss can deteriorate quickly—especially under the strain of changing seasons.
This guide to seasonal window maintenance UK explains why caring for your seals year-round is essential, how weather extremes affect them, and what practical steps you can take in winter and summer to extend their lifespan.
Why Seasonal Maintenance Is Essential
Weather seals—whether made from rubber, silicone, or brush pile—are designed to prevent air and water infiltration around windows. Over time, they face constant expansion, contraction, and exposure to the elements. Without seasonal care, seals can:
Modern homes and workplaces are designed to be energy-efficient, but airtight buildings can sometimes suffer from poor ventilation. That’s why many windows and frames in the UK are fitted with trickle vents—small, adjustable openings that allow a steady flow of fresh air while keeping heat loss to a minimum.
To work properly, though, these vents need regular upkeep. Dust, dirt, insects, and even paint can clog them up, reducing airflow and leading to problems like condensation or damp. This guide explains everything you need to know about trickle vent cleaning and maintenance, from spotting blockages to carrying out a thorough clean.
Why Clean Trickle Vents Matter
A trickle vent may look small, but it plays a big role in maintaining indoor air quality and preventing damage to your property.
Key benefits of clean trickle vents:
Improved airflow: Keeps fresh air circulating in sealed spaces.
Condensation control: Reduces moisture build-up on windows,
Weather seals are the unsung heroes of any window system. They keep draughts out, reduce energy bills, and protect against leaks. But like all building components, seals eventually wear out. Knowing whether to repair or replace weather stripping systems is essential for maintaining comfort, efficiency, and the long-term integrity of your windows.
This guide explains the most common causes of seal failure, when a simple repair will do, when a full replacement is needed, and how to choose the right solution for your window type.
Common Causes of Seal Failure
Even the best window seals don’t last forever. Their lifespan depends on material quality, exposure, and maintenance.
Typical causes of seal failure include:
UV exposure: Sunlight dries out and cracks rubber or PVC seals.
Temperature fluctuations: Seasonal expansion and contraction weaken adhesives and cause shrinkage.
Moisture damage: Persistent damp can rot or distort seals.
Commercial Door Closer Specifications: Heavy-Duty Solutions for High-Traffic Buildings
In busy commercial environments—such as schools, hospitals, retail centres, and office buildings—doors are subject to constant use. Without the right door closers, this daily strain can lead to premature wear, safety risks, and non-compliance with UK fire regulations. Understanding commercial door closer specs is essential for architects, builders, and facilities managers who want to ensure both durability and compliance in high-traffic areas.
This guide explores the critical factors in specifying heavy-duty door closers, including performance grades, force settings, fire safety requirements, and recommended models for different building types.
The Importance of High-Traffic-Ready Door Closers
Unlike residential properties, commercial buildings require hardware that can withstand thousands of cycles per day. Door closers play several crucial roles:
Safety & Control: Ensuring doors close reliably to maintain
Concealed Window Hinges: Clean Lines in Modern Homes
When it comes to contemporary architecture, every detail counts. Designers and homeowners alike are drawn to minimalism, clean sightlines, and uninterrupted surfaces. One of the most effective yet subtle ways to achieve this look is by using concealed window hinges. Unlike traditional visible hardware, these hinges are hidden within the frame, allowing the window’s design—not its fittings—to take centre stage.
This guide explores how concealed window hinges UK solutions deliver both modern aesthetics and reliable performance, making them an ideal choice for architects, builders, and homeowners.
What Are Concealed Window Hinges?
Concealed or hidden window hinge systems are hardware components integrated into the frame and sash so that, when the window is closed, no part of the hinge is visible.
Key Features:
Hidden mechanism: Discreetly placed within the rebate of the window.
Smooth operation: Enables full opening, tilting, or turning
Fire Door Closer Requirements in UK Commercial Properties
Fire doors are among the most critical life-saving components in a building’s fire safety strategy. They are designed to contain fire and smoke, protecting escape routes and allowing occupants valuable time to evacuate. However, a fire door is only effective if it closes fully and securely—and that’s where a fire-rated door closer comes in.
In UK commercial properties, understanding and meeting fire door closer requirements is not just best practice; it’s a legal obligation under multiple regulations and standards. This guide explains what property managers, specifiers, and contractors need to know to remain compliant and safe.
Legal Framework and Safety Standards
Several regulations govern the use of door closers on fire doors in the UK.
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO): Places responsibility on the “responsible person” (building owner, employer, or manager) to ensure all fire safety measures are adequate, including
Trickle Vent Positioning: Optimising Airflow and Minimising Noise
Why Placement Matters for Ventilation
Trickle vents may be small, but their positioning has a major impact on airflow, comfort, and noise levels inside a property. Place them poorly, and you risk draughts, ineffective ventilation, or even amplifying external noise. Install them thoughtfully, and they’ll provide steady background ventilation with minimal disruption.
The right trickle vent positioning helps to:
Reduce condensation and mould.
Supply fresh air without compromising insulation.
Minimise outdoor noise intrusion.
Support compliance with UK Building Regulations Part F (Ventilation).
Trickle Vent Basics and Functions
A trickle vent is a controllable opening, usually integrated into a window or door frame, that allows fresh air to enter even when the unit is closed.
Key points:
They work by promoting background ventilation without creating a direct draught.
Available in slot vents (fitted in the window frame) or overframe/in-frame
Victorian houses are beloved for their charm—tall sash windows, ornate cornicing, and generous proportions—but they weren’t built with energy efficiency in mind.
Single glazing was standard, leaving little barrier against cold air.
Gaps in joinery widen over time as timber expands, contracts, and wears.
Sash and case construction relies on sliding timber frames, which inevitably create small openings.
Chimneys and floorboards add to the draught problem, but windows are usually the biggest culprit.
The result: even beautifully restored Victorian homes often feel cold and costly to heat without targeted draught proofing solutions.
Solutions That Preserve Heritage Aesthetics
The challenge is clear—reduce draughts and heat loss without compromising the authentic look of period windows. Fortunately, modern heritage draught seals and installation techniques make this balance achievable.
Window Hinge Failure: Common Problems and Repair Solutions
Why Do Window Hinges Fail?
Window hinges—whether friction hinges, butt hinges, or egress designs—are critical to smooth operation and security. Over time, however, hinges wear out due to a combination of:
Frequent use – High-traffic rooms (like kitchens and bedrooms) place extra strain on hardware.
Environmental conditions – Moisture, salt air, and temperature fluctuations accelerate corrosion and material fatigue.
Incorrect installation – Misaligned hinges or undersized hardware for the sash weight cause premature wear.
Lack of maintenance – Hinges need occasional cleaning, lubrication, and tightening to stay effective.
Poor-quality materials – Cheaper hinges may not withstand the long-term stresses of daily use.
When hinges start to fail, the entire window’s performance is compromised—leading to draughts, difficulty opening/closing, or even safety hazards.
