PVC-U panel doors have been going through a revival with a range of new panel designs. Now Hurst is redefining their market reach with a unique PAS24 option.
If you thought PVC-U panels were a legacy product, think again. Hurst has launched its new Securicore™PVC-U panel, which offers enhanced security as standard, plus the option to manufacture and supply a fully PAS24 accredited door.
Securicore™ gives fabricators the option of manufacturing a PAS24 accredited PVCu panel door – delivering a step change in performance. Also available in alternative door thicknesses, combined with new panel styles and finish options.
Kevin Wheatman, Director and General Manager, explains: “It’s not unreasonable to expect that the requirement for PAS24 in new build is likely to be extended into home improvement and replacement sectors – and given that PVC-U panels still account for more than 3,500 sales each week we wanted to ensure we were able to retain this business.
“Identifying and developing a core that you can’t cut through, while retaining a high level of thermal performance and keeping the cost point below a composite door, is very difficult to achieve – but we did and what we’ve got completely revolutionises the market for PVC-U panel doors, positioning them as a direct and credible alternative to other doors, across all markets.”
Securicore™ is the product of a two-year research and development programme. Hurst started its R&D journey with the development of a pilot 36mm panel with a 12mm MDF and aluminium insert, which while passing the cut through test added weight in handling, complexity and cost as Kevin explains.
“It did what it needed to do but we weren’t happy because of the compromise on cost, weight and the size of the panel, so we did further research trialling different combinations of plastics – we didn’t get the results we wanted.
“That was until we identified a PVC-U compound in a 4mm option which delivered on the cut-through, didn’t impact thermal efficiency and also meant that we could stay at a 28mm thicknesses and not have to step up to 36mm.
“That combination also performed exceptionally well on hard and soft impact tests. This includes on a glazed door option which uses a specially designed clip to locate the glazing panel.
“It means that tested as a complete doorset, it fully complies to PAS24 – that’s unique to Hurst.”
Its new Securicore™ option is available in the majority of Hurst’s panel door range including fully glazed options. This includes seven newly launched PVC-U door panel styles, which offer a contemporary composite style aesthetic.
These are featured in Hurst’s ‘You’re Home With Hurst’ PVC-U panel door brochure, which also showcase’s the company’s Harmony Glass Collection.
U-values are as low as 1.3w/m2K in large glazed panels and even lower as solid panels, falling comfortably within targets for new build as well as home improvement.
“The PVC-U panel is an easy-fit product. It’s available in a choice of traditional and now, also highly contemporary designs. Aesthetically it’s a completely different product”, Kevin continues.
“We’re seeing growing volumes of colour going through our factory with a big uptake in more contemporary finishes, for example Pebble Grey, Agate Grey, Anthracite Grey Smooth, and others, mirroring demand for colour and foiled product.
“The market demand from the end user – but also the appeal to the installer – has always been there. What we haven’t been able to do as an industry is to offer a PAS24 accredited PVC-U panel door. Now through Securicore™, we can.
“Securicore™ is exclusive to Hurst and unique to our customers. Fabricators can make a PAS24 PVC-U panel doorset, and installers can fit them, regardless of the end-use application.
“That takes the story of PVC-U panels and flips it on its head by opening up opportunities to upsell on security and to enter new markets.”
