How to solve a knotty problem like softwood window beads and bars

Guest blog from Tim Hayes at Qwood/Quantum Profile Solutions Ltd. Qwood are Silver Sponsors of BWF Members’ Day 2017 and associate members of BWF.

How to solve a knotty problem like softwood window beads and bars

Soft-wood window beads and bars can present issues for joiners. They can be the cause of excessive material waste and time, with post-installation maintenance also a regular problem.

It is well known that the problems of soft-wood timber window beads and bars are that they are not always straight; they can twist, and invariably contain knots. Time must be spent inspecting the profiles for defects before fabrication. Some waste is inevitable, even before a cut is made. Surface preparation prior to painting is also very time consuming.

In addition to this, lead times for supplies can be lengthy, putting pressure on cash tied up in stocks. Post-installation site maintenance visits for rotting, shrinking or weathered beads are very common which can be costly and decimate contract profits for a joiner.

The solution

A solution to these issues has been found through the development of wood composite materials. Extruded profiles in the exact shape of traditional window beads and bars are now available to joiners on a nationwide basis. When delivered to joiners these composite profiles are straight. They are not twisted and do not contain knots. They are cut and fixed just like ordinary timber, and they are ready for painting without the need for any surface preparation.

Both large and small joiners can save money when using wood composite profiles. Less material waste and reduced labour time means extra bottom line profit.

This is where Qwood comes in…

An Oldham based company has lead the development of wood composites. Qwood profiles from Quantum Profile Systems Ltd are made using LEAN manufacturing processes that ensure products are available within days of when they are needed. Less stock also means better value. The company believes that its Qwood profiles don’t just help joiners save time and money in the workshop. They do not rot, shrink or weather on site. Therefore, post installation maintenance is not an issue. In short, using wood composite window beads and bars overcomes all the issues associated with soft-wood timber profiles.

Web: www.qwood.co.uk

Tel: 0161 627 4222

Email: tim.hayes@qwood.co.uk