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Article

Home / Archives for Article

Fairco Windows Prevent Day Time Burglary

19th November 2018 by The Fairco Team

Fairco Windows Prevent Day Time Burglary

 


fairco windows

Fairco Windows are known to stand the test of time, but earlier this week our windows were put through their toughest test of all, an attempted burglary.

We recently received a phonecall of thanks from some Fairco customers, an elderly couple from Dublin, who were recent victims to a daytime intrusion in their home.

On Saturday, November 10th, at around 2pm, the burglar attempted to enter the property while the woman of the house was still at home going about her afternoon business.

Clearly experienced, the thief tried a number of schemes to enter through the windows, including forcing a screwdriver between the opening sash and the window frame. He was able to get purchase and tried to lever the window open.

However, due to the unique locking system which is exclusive to Fairco Windows, the burglar could not generate enough force to pry the window open. It takes approximately 6kN of force to pry a Fairco window open. A human being cannot generate 6kN of force therefore the window wouldn’t open.

The burglar fled the property empty-handed and no damage was done to the house. The couple included in their phonecall  words of thanks and relief at the strength and durability of their Fairco windows.

Here at Fairco, we use a combination of locks including a unique bear-grip locking system coupled with hinge-claws, which allows no weak point on the opening sash.

To find out more about what Fairco can do for your home safety, visit one of our permanent display showrooms at Santry, Terenure or Howth Junction. You can also call us on 01 816 5080, and get your free, no-obligation quote. We do not believe in a “one-size fits all” solution, that’s why we give each enquiry a personal assessment free of charge.

 

Filed Under: Article

House warming – the clever way to better window glazing

19th September 2018 by The Fairco Team

House warming – the clever way to better window glazing

When it comes to making your home warmer this winter, if double glazed windows are good, then triple glazed ones must be better?

The surprising opinion from the experts at Fairco Windows and Doors is no, not necessarily.

In fact, according to Fairco’s Jim Toal who has over 30 years experience in the trade, it takes a thoughtful mix of both double and triple glazing to get the best heat value from your windows.

“The trick is to maximise the amount of solar gain – that is the free heat from sunshine on the window which modern glazing technology will release into your home,” said Jim.

“People may not be aware but if you put triple-glazing in south or west-facing windows, you will lose solar gain and the extra money you spend won’t gain you any extra heat.”

Now for the science bit. The international standard that measures the insulation performance of windows is called the U-value.

The lower the number the better their U-value, and traditional one-pane windows have a U-value in excess of five.

Thanks to improvements in windows technology, any double-glaze windows you install today will have a U-value of no worse than 1.6 and at Fairco they work to a U-value standard of 1.2.

“Double-glazing has made amazing progress in the past five years and double-glazed windows are now capable of being net heat contributors to your home,” said Jim.

“Replacing single-glazing or old double glazing, with new, is simply a no-brainer.

Triple-glazed windows, on the other hand, may not always be worth the investment.

“They are ideal for north-facing windows which get almost no direct winter sun and are usually net losers of energy.

“On the other hand, triple-glazed windows in sunlit south or west-facing rooms will reduce heat absorption and by adding extra weight, increase the strain on hinges.”

The Scandinavians with their very cold winters have led the way in improved window technology and triple-glazing is their ideal choice.

However what works for them doesn’t necessarily work for us.

“In Scandinavia the winter air is cold and dry, while Ireland has a damp, wet and windy climate with a high level of humidity.

“With the wind lashing the windows, an Irish home at six Celsius outside can feel colder than a Scandinavian home where the outside temperature is minus 10,” said Jim.

While that sounds rather chilly the good news is that by combining good insulation with Fairco’s clever use of glazing you can now get a warm and comfortable home with A-rated energy efficiency.

Filed Under: Article

Bringing unloved sash windows back to life by Fairco

5th March 2018 by The Fairco Team

Traditional sash windows are a beautiful addition to any building but, unfortunately, age and lack of proper maintenance can see them lose their charm.

Unloved they may have been, but no matter what the problems are – you don’t need to give up on your sash windows just yet.

Even if they are draughty, rattling or showing signs of rot, traditional sash windows can now be returned to all their former glory and improved upon.

With over 30 years experience, Jim Toal of Sash Windows and Restoration by Fairco has discovered all there is to know about sash window restoration.

“They may look awful and have been terribly neglected over the years but sash windows were built to last,” said Jim.

“It just takes a little care and attention from skilled crafts people to bring them back to life.”

According to Jim there are several common but very solvable problems that people experience with old or poorly maintained sashes.

“Firstly, the windows may be jammed shut. It could be that the sash cords are frayed and no longer work or the opening may have been painted over to keep them shut.

“Another issue is draughts – and no-one wants draughty windows. Draughts are mainly caused by badly aligned sashes and a lack of compression between the sashes.

“Woodwork will rot over time mainly at the sills and the rails particularly at the bottom of the window.

“Also, the window hardware, such as the original brass fittings, could have become worn, broken and pitted over time.

“The putty could have fallen away over the years and there might be small cracks in the glass, this is particularly common in Edwardian sash windows.”

While new A-rated energy saving sash windows are now available, these cannot be used to replace original sashes in listed buildings.

But no matter how bad their appearance may be, window expert Jim believes there is no need to give up on your original sash windows.

He says the first thing on the restoration agenda is to get the sashes sliding smoothly again.

This may require stripping the window of years of built up paint to see what condition the timber is in.

Once that is established restoration can begin. The rotten timber is removed and replaced with long lasting Accoya timber in profiles that are the exact replica of the original.

Frayed cords are also replaced so the sashes can operate smoothly.

Draughts can also become a thing of the past thanks to the refurbishment process.

“If the timbers are sound and still in good condition we can retro fit draught excluders to sliding sashes and rebates, which will add to the compression and reduces draughts considerably,” Jim explained.

The window restorers also source like-for-like brass fittings, hooks and pulleys which are easily replaced by retro-fitting.

Their attention to detail even includes providing the same sheet glass and the type of putty that would have been used one hundred years ago.

And opening restrictors, which restrict the ability of children to open windows, can also be fitted to comply with new legislation.

“Historically, sash windows were made to last for generations. With a little effort and expertise even those that look beyond repair can be returned to their former glory,” said Jim.

Depending on specification of timber and fittings, draught-proofing starts from €500 per window, a cill can be replaced from €110, outer casings from €60, all-new brass hardware from €90, and to retro-fit restrictors to the bottom sash costs from €60.

Filed Under: Article

Ireland's first frameless windows bring a wall of light to homes

27th September 2016 by The Fairco Team

Ireland’s first frameless windows bring a wall of light to homes


 

Ireland’s first frameless windows and doors look set to bring a wall of light to Irish homes and revolutionise the residential market.

Lumi by Fairco is a complete range of customisable, matching frameless windows and bi–folding, patio and residential doors which were voted the industry’s new product of the year.

With their completely flat, uninterrupted profile, these radically-styled windows increase the amount of light flooding into homes.

With their completely flat, uninterrupted profile, Lumi windows increase light in your home.
With their completely flat, uninterrupted profile, Lumi windows increase light in your home.

Hidden under the ceramic colour lies the secret to Lumi’s strength – energy efficient triple glazing that has been structurally bonded to an internal core of high strength, glass-fibre reinforced profiles.

This intelligent piece of engineering is the first of its kind on the market, bringing all the design benefits of frameless glazing with all the strength, security and internal styling of more traditional windows and doors.

“The Lumi system is a radical new approach for residential windows and doors, which the judges at the G Awards in the UK recently described as a product that truly reinvents the window,” said Fairco Windows and Doors Managing Director Jim Toal.

“The product has already received widespread acclaim from homeowners and architects through several outings at events such as Grand Designs.

“The complete Lumi system means that anyone can have a combination of windows, doors and bifolds that are an exact match, not just a close approximation as in many other cases.

“Lumi has been specially developed for our weather conditions. Available in six different finishes, all colours are protected from the elements reducing the possibility of fading over time.

“Plus, having no external frames means that maintenance and cleaning are every bit as minimal as the styling.”

Lumi by Fairco has been designed to conserve energy and withstand even the most extremes of weather.

With a state of the art 50mm insulated triple glazed unit, an 80mm draught free double rebate system with a double gasket seal as standard, Lumi by Fairco windows are among the most energy efficient on the market.

The Lumi window brake lock system from Winkhaus allows the window to be locked into any opening position simply by using the window’s handle – adding an extra dimension to Fairco’s already high-end security fittings as standard.

Filed Under: Article, News Tagged With: frameless windows, lumi

VIDEO: What sets Fairco Windows & Doors apart?

21st April 2016 by The Fairco Team

VIDEO: What sets Fairco Windows & Doors apart?


At Fairco we’re passionate about windows and doors – it’s what sets us apart.

We have a lifetime’s experience in making windows and doors that last a lifetime.

We know what we want from our products, and with over 15,000 customers, we know what you want too: windows and doors that meet the highest safety specifications available, matching cutting edge design with the ultimate combination of warmth and security.

You see – a window is not simply a window – and a door can be so much more.

Fairco windows and doors feature high-impact security glass and unique locking devices that are guaranteed to secure your home.

They all carry an accreditation called Secure By Design, which is preferred by police forces Europe-wide and we are the only company in Ireland with the PAS 011 and PAS 023 and Pas 024 standards which certify enhanced resistance to intrusion.

Our standard window locks incorporate shootbolts, hinge-claws and upgraded defender hinges – making them impossible to breach.

Our doors feature the most up-to-date anti-drill security barrels on the market.

As well as featuring anti-pick locks, they also cannot be bumped (hit with a heavy hammer) and are impossible to grip.

But they are not the only things that make us different.

When it comes to windows and doors, ours are designed to match your dreams.

While most companies focus on the outside perspective, we emphasise the inside view – matching architraves and a liner and framing the window with equal sightline perspectives.

Our doors combine the best of Irish design with the best of home-grown materials, producing pieces that will frame your home forever.

At Fairco, we secure your comfort with windows and doors that minimise your heat loss and maximise your savings.

We pride ourselves on offering value to the homeowner, by offering once in a lifetime windows and doors, at once in a lifetime prices.

Visit us at Ireland’s largest indoor showhouse at Old Airport Road, Santry, or in Terenure or ask for a quote below.


 

 

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Filed Under: Article, News

Burglar can break through your front door in just nine seconds, Fairco warns

8th February 2016 by The Fairco Team

Burglar can break through your front door in just nine seconds, Fairco warns

burglar2

Burglars can break into most homes through the front door in nine seconds flat, Fairco owner Jim Toal told the Sunday Independent this week.
And criminals know the exact type of weak doors and fragile windows they can easily, and quietly, infiltrate with basic tools.
Mr Toal, who advises gardai and Neighbourhood Watch schemes on burglary prevention, says some criminals can break through front doors in “nine seconds flat, whether or not an alarm is fitted”.
As the fear of robbery continues to blight the country, security experts are calling on homeowners to invest in “physical security” before they spend thousands of euro on house alarms, CCTV cameras, burglar alarms and guard dogs to protect their properties.
Security firms say some families are spending up to €10,000 on perimeter surveillance amid fears of being burgled by a violent gang.
However, experts argue that hard lessons learned by neighbouring EU states have been ignored by the Irish Government.
After a spike in residential crime across Europe in the 1980s, most member states introduced a policy of physical security first.
They strengthened their buildings by introducing specific standards for sturdy robust doors, high-specification locks, laminated glass and strong fastenings on windows to stop burglars gaining entry.
Experts argue that the Government is taking the wrong approach to home security and are calling for new housing regulations to ensure the use of stronger doors, windows and glass.

Sunday Independent


 

Fairco’s Composite doors provide an attractive and effective solution for residential properties. The range of styles include solid panel and part glazed options to mirror traditional designs and we offer a wide range of minimum and maximum sizes.

Fairco Features

  • Our composite door sets have a robust aluminium sub-frame and rigid polyurethane injected core ensuring substantial resistance to intruders.
  • Additionally the doors have a patent pending glazing system with unparalleled protection.
  • Double rebate feature means our doors are fully sealed for better protection against water penetration and an improved weather and acoustic performance compared to single rebate doors.
  • Using uPVC, GRP and aluminium, our door sets contain no wood and will not bow, warp, crack, swell or shrink.
  • Security hinge claws and deadlocks combined with shootbolt mechanism dramatically improve the resistance to unlawful entry.
  • Fairco doors are internally beaded and have been tested to meet or exceed BS7950 and BBA Enhanced Resistance to intrusion security standards.

Filed Under: Article, News Tagged With: burglary

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