FAQ'S
Your Frequently Asked Questions -
Answered
About
the System / Products
Q:
Can the system be used on Listed Buildings?
A: It is ideally suited for all
historic and listed buildings because the repair works are only concerned
with damaged areas leaving the majority of the timber untouched. The
conservation elements of the system are concerned with avoiding future
decay and the existing timbers are hardly touched. The appearance of
the original joinery remains intact and as pleasing as ever. Conservation
officers normally welcome our methods of repair for obvious reasons.
Q:
What are the cost savings in using the system compared to replacement?
A: This depends on the extent of the works
but for seriously decayed joinery the repair and conservation costs
should not exceed 25% of renewal costs.
Q:
How does the system stand up on green issues?
A: Very well. Firstly, because
replacement is avoided and the associated high energy use (greenhouse
gases) is also avoided. Secondly, the ever growing problem of disposal
of the discarded joinery is avoided. Thirdly, the pollution problems
associated with the manufacture of timber alternatives are missing.
We could go on but you no doubt see our point
Q:
Are there any guarantees associated with the system?
A: The manufacturers guarantee
the products and we now have specially selected and trained contractors
prepared to offer a ten year guarantee on their workmanship. Ask for
details.
Q:
Can the system be used to good effect on new joinery.
A: Yes to very good effect.
Built in conservation joints, end grain sealing, elastic glazing system
and in-situ preservation will greatly extend the life of new joinery.
Ask for details.
Q:
Can the Dry Seal glazing sealant be used on sealed double glazed units
or laminated safety glass?
A: Yes for both. Also for bedding beads on panels or
glass.
Q: Does it bond well to surfaces other than wood?
A: Yes other
than Perspex
which is used as re-usable formers to create sharp edges. It is often
used on masonry and even on steel but it is not intended to be structural
in these instances and experimentation is advised.
Q: Are there any health and safety issues with Dry Fix
and Dry Flex?
A: Yes. Dry
Flex 16, 4 and 1 and Dry Fix 16, 4 and 1 are epoxy resins and are classed
as skin irritants and as such direct contact with skin should be avoided.
Barrier cream and nitrile rubber gloves are recommended for hands and
in addition eye protection is recommended when using brushable compounds
such as Dry Fix. Safety Data Sheets are available for each of the above
products via email.
Q:
Can the system be used to good effect on new joinery.
A: Yes to very good effect. Built
in conservation joints, end grain sealing, elastic glazing system and
in-situ preservation will greatly extend the life of new joinery. Ask
for details.
Q: Why is Dry Flex different
to other “fillers”?
A: Firstly it is not a filler. Fillers
are generally used to fill holes as the name suggests and can be considered
as a short term cosmetic solution. Dry Flex is a repair compound designed
to repair the damaged area to full strength in the long term.
Q: What are the properties of Dry Flex
compared to other “repair” products?
A: Dry Flex is an inherently strong
compound with a high bond strength combined with a
high degree of flexibility. Three essential ingredients
for a successful repair.
Once cured it can be treated as timber and shaped, planed
and sanded.
It can be applied in large volumes
in one application without slumping and can be modelled to within a
millimetre or so of the finished surface without waste. In other words
IT STAYS PUT.
Q: Can I use a Dry Fix Primer with a
different number to the Dry Flex Resin (i.e. use Dry Fix 4 with
Dry Flex 16)?
A: The system has been carefully
tested to a very high standard and as such, the Dry Fix Primer is made
to a certain consistency to compliment the Dry Flex Resin. So, following
the manufacturers instructions, it is highly recommended to use the
corresponding numbers in unison.
Q: Do I really need a Dosing Gun to use
the resin?
A: As per the
literature on each of the Dry Flex products, the dosing pistol is
necessary to ensure the exact ratio of Part A and Part B
is applied to achieve the correct mix.
Q: I have an old black or green dosing
gun, is it ok to use with the new material?
A: The old style guns are fine
to use with the Dry Flex 4 and Dry Flex 16, but the Dry Flex 1 system
is in 2 smaller sized cartridges and so the new Dosing Gun is required
for using Dry Flex 1. (please note the new gun can be used across
all systems, i.e. it's fine for Dry Flex 1, 4 and 16)
Q: I've always used Dry Flex RP, Dry Fix
WS (summer grade) and Dry Flex WQ and Dry Fix WQ (winter quality)
why can't I purchase these anymore?
A: The new 1,4,16 system has an
improved formulation giving a greater shelf-life and better choice of
product to use throughout the year.
Q: Why do you recommend a minimum bed of 5mm when splicing
in new timbers?
A: However well they are executed most
traditional splices fail due to differential movement in the two adjacent
timbers. After a period of exposure to weather and thermal movement
a hairline crack usually develops and moisture enters the joint causing
a breakdown to the decorative finish and eventual decay. Dry Flex bonds
well to both surfaces and a 5mm bed is sufficient to utilise the flexibility
of the compound which will absorb the movement without opening the joint.
5mm is fine for most windows but for very large timbers a deeper bed
will be beneficial; the deeper the bed the greater the flexibility.
Q:
Is it compatible with decorative finishes?
A: Once the surface is shaped and sanded
to a matt finish it provides an excellent foundation for all well known
paints and stains of both water based and solvent based varieties.
Q:
How soon after application can the decorative finish be applied?
A: As soon as the compound is cured
which is usually within 16, 4 or 1 hours depending on the grade of Dry
Flex used but this can be longer in cold weather.
Q: A coat of Dry Fix is required to the contact surfaces
prior to applying Dry Flex, Why?
A: Dry Fix is a brushable version of
the main repair compound and is brushed into the surface and allowed
to PENETRATE for a minimum of 20 minutes. It remains tacky for several
hours and the Dry Flex is applied “wet on wet” thus giving a very high
bond into the surface of the sound timber.
Q: Can work be carried out in wet weather?
A: Not without protection. For the best adhesion the
surface moisture content of the sound timber should be below 18%.
Q:
What if it rains after application of Dry Flex?
A: This should not be a problem. Light
rain will not affect the quality of the repair but heavy rain may disturb
the finished surface if still in the initial curing process.
Q:
Is it possible to paint over DRY FLEX?
A: Yes, of course! Once cured,
DRY FLEX should be sanded, like wood and then it can be painted or stained
in the usual way.
Q:
Is it possible to sand and/or plane cured DRY FLEX?
A: Yes,
absolutely. Once cured, DRY FLEX can be sanded, planed, sawn, drilled
and will accept nails, screws and other fixings.
Q:
Which colours is DRY FLEX available in?
A: DRY
FLEX 16 cures to a translucent green colour, DRY FLEX® 4 cures to a
translucent yellow colour and DRY FLEX® 1 cures to an opaque yellow
colour. It is possible to alter the colour of the DRY FLEX® 4 or 16
by adding a pigment, which must be added during the mixing stage. It
is important not to add too much dye. Colour deviations may still be
present, as the epoxy is not colourless. It is not suitable to add a
pigment to DRY FLEX® 1. We recommend that you paint or stain all repairs
as this improves the protection from UV radiation.
Q: How
long does Dry Flex take to cure?
A: At 20 deg. C, DRY FLEX® 16 will
cure in 16 hours, DRY FLEX® 4 will cure in 4 hours and DRY FLEX® 1 will
cure in 1 hour. The products will then be ready for sanding and painting.
At lower temperatures the curing time will be extended. The repair will
fully through cure after approximately 7 days. At higher temperatures
the pot-life (the time in which you have to use the product after mixing)
will be reduced. In extreme conditions (working at above 30 deg. C in
full sun with DRY FLEX® 4 or 16), there is a risk of the product not performing
as well once cured.
Training
top
of page
Q: How
specialist is the application?
A: Most operatives will be carpenter trained
and used to dealing with traditional joinery repairs. The application
of the system is simple but does demand a thorough approach from the
operative as in any high quality repair, training
is offered free of charge through ourselves.
Q:
Do you have lists of trained contractors?
A: Yes, for all areas of the UK. (As
well as our NEW Contractor Picture Scheme) Once you have attended training
at our premises we can recomend companies/individuals for any enquiries.
We deal with Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent, East & West Sussex, Surrey,
Hampshire and the east side of London from the city north of the Thames
and the whole of South London. Please contact us
for assistance in other areas.
Q: Do you charge for training?
A: No. It is completely FREE
OF CHARGE to all contractors to prepare them to start carrying
out repairs immediately.Contact us
for more details.
Q: Where is the training held?
A: We have a purpose-built training centre
at our premises in chingford, North-East London, see training
for more details.
Q: How long will training last ?
A: The whole session takes an average
of 3 hours (usually from 9am-12 midday) see training
for more details.
Q: Is training ESSENTIAL to use the system?
A: The simple answer is no but,,, we
thoroughly recommend, at the very least, observing the training DVD
(click here for details) and also keeping
up-to-date with the system by visiting this website often and reading
any new literature that comes out regarding the system and associated
ancillary products, tools and accessories etc.
Q:Do I need a certificate
to use the system?
A: Again, the simple answer is no but,,, many specifiers
and architects are fully aware that training is offered and often enquire
if contractors have our certificate.
Q: How many of our staff can attend training
at any one time?
A: From 1 person to as many as 15 staff
can take training at any one time, if nessecary we can arrange for
a one-off session at your convenience exclusively for your firm. Please
see training for more details.
Q:Do I need to bring anything
with me for training?
A: No, Just bring yourself along, all tools and
health and safety attire for the practical side are provided.
Costs
Q: What is the initial set up cost for
the contractor?
A: For a full set of tools including
the Profi cutter the current cost is £301.41 (2009)
see pricelist. One
set of tools is sufficient to carry out a large project. It is not necessary
for every operative on the project to have access to a full set of tools.
Q: Are there any hidden costs
or extras with any of the products?
A: No, not at all, there is a fully comprehensive
price list available to view here.
We offer some premium quality electricals tools and fittings as well
as economy, these are all listed side by side on the products
page.
Q: How can I get a credit account with Windowcare Systems
Anglia?
A:We do offer credit terms (subject to
credit checks) we have a good relationship with all of our customers
and at this time have just over 200 credit accounts in place.
Q: Can I estimate my overheads
before I start my job?
A: Yes, to a certain extent you can get
a good idea of the amount of material required in most cases, before
you start your job. There is lots of literature to assist you with estimating
costs here as well as telephone and
email backup by our technical reps.
Q: What costing help is available to the specifier from
Window Care Anglia?
A: Please click
here for our 'helpful downloads' section.
a) Comprehensive literature via: first
class post/ fax/ e-mail/ file download.
b) Expert help via the telephone 8.30am -5.00pm week
days.
c) CPD seminars for six or more participants at your
premises.
d) Site inspections and
reports.
e) Excel spreadsheet including survey, pricing and specification
to billing standard via email.
f) Interactive price list with information on each product
via email.
g) A wealth of information on this website.
Why Buy from us?
Q: What benefit is it to me to buy from
you as apposed to other suppliers?
A: We can offer you next day delivery
to anywhere in the UK (in most cases upto 2:30pm) the previous day or
if the delivery address is a London or Essex postcode, then up until 4:00pm.
the previous day (subject to quantity and total cost etc.)
We offer unprecendented support in various
forms, technical support via telephone, email, fax, and in certain cases,
in person by site visit etc.
Our sister company County
Construction Chemicals Ltd. have over 35 years experience in the marketplace
and thus we able to offer lots of cross product ranges which run in tandem
to the Window Care System and it's ancillary products, many of our customers
use us a one-stop shop for other products involved in waterproofing etc.
We are open from 6am - 5pm, Monday to Friday with a fully
staffed stores shop, catering for customers who require their goods on
their way to work, opening at this time has proved extremely popular with
100's of companies and tradesmen alike, and we continue this service each
and every weekday.
We hold the largest stocks of the system and all it's
ancillary products in the UK.
We offer full credit terms for account customers, please
contact us for more details.
Q: How do I benefit from opening an account with Window
Care Systems Ltd?
A: The same level as support with technical
issues etc. plus 60-day credit terms, we can quickly access your previous
order history and easily bring up your statement etc. You will have
regular correspondence from us and can keep a close check on your own
stok levels etc.
Q: What services do you offer?
A:Training, technical assistance, a fantastic
delivery system, the highest stock levels anywhere in the UK, helpful,
friendly service
Q: How do I get recommendations from you to use the system?
A: We will recommend certain contractors
as per our are-specific list of trained contractors (see below) and/or
our contractor scheme.
Feel free to contact us
to discuss anything at all about Window Care Systems Anglia
Please visit www.countyconchem.co.uk
to see what our sister company can do for you!
- Helpful to the environment, save raw material!
- Easy to use, multiple uses!
- Full, technical support and after sales care!
- Complete repair system from start to finish!
A cost effective solution to an age old
problem!
See for yourself!
Compare the cost of repair to the cost of replacement!
