Clearview National November 2019 - Issue 216 | Page 40

DOORS&WINDOWS
THE SINCEREST FORM
It’s said that ‘imitation is the sincerest form
of flattery’ and today’s PVCu Vertical Sliders
really pay homage to their traditional
timber counterparts. As it becomes
increasingly difficult to distinguish between
these modern models and traditional
sash windows, VEKA UK Marketing
Director Dawn Stockell discusses the
many benefits that come with PVCu.
» » FOR ME, PVCU TICKS ALL
the boxes no matter the project;
there is no system other than
PVCu that can top timber with
exceptional energy efficiency,
minimal maintenance and
unsurpassable security, while still
very much looking the part. It can
just as easily emulate timber as it
can achieve the ultra sleek ‘Grand
Designs’ look of aluminium,
but at a more affordable price
point.
Consider the heritage market;
sliding sash windows are often the
norm, but it is usually the case
with historic properties that the
aesthetics of an original feature
are far more attractive than the
performance.
Vertical sliding sashes were
introduced from France in
the mid 17th Century and it’s
easy to see why they were soon
associated with wealth, style and
sophistication; prominent early
examples appeared in prestigious
buildings like Chatsworth House
and Whitehall Banqueting
House.
I imagine they were ‘a breath of
fresh air’ compared to the wide,
short mullion style windows
favoured previously. Their vertical
emphasis allowed light to flood
in, and sliding sashes provided
versatile ventilation. However,
they could be draughty, rattly, and
required regular maintenance.
Sash windows continued to
grow in popularity for Georgian,
Regency and Victorian properties
and some of Britain’s most
beloved listed properties feature
these sophisticated systems.
When it comes to listed
buildings and stately historic
homes, of course we wouldn’t
advocate anything but careful
repair, or faithful replacement of
the timber originals.
However, many (non listed)
heritage homes and public
buildings have had their
traditional timber windows
replaced with PVCu over the
decades.
PVCu vertical sliders tackled
many of the common problems
associated with traditional
sash systems, such as decay
due to rot, sashes sticking due
to overpainting or distortion,
and broken sash cords. Energy-
efficient PVCu windows can be
around 40% cheaper than timber
versions, they will not swell, rot or
warp due to weather – and they
don’t need sanding or painting.
However, the PVCu windows
that were fitted 30 or 40 years
ago didn’t quite live up to their
traditional timber predecessors
40 » N OV 2019 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M
in the high style stakes. These
anachronistic frames didn’t
do justice to the traditional
properties in which they were
installed.
Thankfully, many of our
installers are now replacing these
replacements, and suppliers
like VEKA UK are delighted to
provide PVCu systems that are
incredibly close in aesthetics to
those historic timber originals.
Thanks to sympathetic design
and development, state-of-the-art
systems like our ‘next generation’
Imagine Vertical Slider can help
older properties to regain their
authentic style.
These modern systems tackle
the shortcomings of early PVCu
versions, with slimmer sightlines,
more options for colour and
woodgrain effects, better security,
increased longevity and far more
style.
As well as minimising the
amount of maintenance required
by the end user, the Imagine VS
also reduces the workload for
fabricators; the outer balance
chamber is co-extruded in black,
which means there’s no need
to mask and paint. This saves
time, reduces the likelihood of
quality defects and ensures the
finish is extremely durable and
professional.
The Imagine VS can be
specified in a myriad of ways to
suit any property, including with
or without ‘horns’ which – on a
traditional sash – often signals
the period in which a property
was built. The VS can also be
fabricated with or without
mechanical joints.
As consumers become
increasingly aware of the options
available to them, the industry
becomes ever more competitive,
and being able to provide a
mechanically jointed VS (echoing
the style of traditional timber
joints) will stand installers in
very good stead when it comes
to securing high value heritage
contracts.
The versatile Imagine Vertical
Slider also has two choices of
cill, a new ‘invisible’ approach to
coupling windows and a stunning
sculptured finish on both sash and
outerframe. I’m confident that it
can be specified in such a myriad
of ways, that it is absolutely
perfect for virtually any project.
Specifiers and property owners
can achieve a classic heritage look,
but with all the energy efficiency,
thermal performance and
insulation against noise pollution
of an ultra-modern product.
The best of both worlds.
www.vekauk.com