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Heritage Shouldn ’ t Cost The Earth
Roseview director Mike Bygrave discusses the challenge of creating authentic heritage windows that meet modern performance requirements , and how Roseview has overcome this to help their customers succeed .
Heritage windows are a well-established part of the glazing industry , spanning most product types and materials . Driven by consumer demand , the last three years have seen heritage windows become one of the industry ’ s most buoyant and profitable sectors .
“ Homeowners are actively looking for authentic heritage-based windows . Nothing encapsulates heritage better than sash windows .” says Roseview director Mike Bygrave . “ But , crucially , homeowners aren ’ t willing to sacrifice energy efficiency in favour of traditional windows .”
Heritage credentials
Roseview is well-known for pioneering timber-alternative sash windows . The company has won numerous awards and has forged a reputation for continually advancing the development of sash windows and the wider heritage window market .
“ When it comes to heritage , especially in sash windows , we have a lot of experience .” Mike continues . “ We ’ ve spent almost 40 years specialising in sash windows and focusing on improving them to the point where they ’ re essentially indistinguishable from timber .
“ What we ’ ve learned over that time is that manufacturing a true heritage window isn ’ t just down to the authentic features and details you include . What ’ s really important is the way those details combine into a coherent whole . That ’ s why we develop things ourselves rather than relying on others . We can design details with the whole window in mind , so that everything works in harmony . That ’ s what homeowners see when they ’ re comparing products . They don ’ t focus on specific details in isolation , they want everything to work together : slim profiles throughout , putty lines , heritage astragal bars , traditional sash horns , seamless construction — the complete package .”
Energy efficiency
While Roseview have mastered traditional sash window aesthetics , Mike argues that window performance is equally important , and increasingly high on homeowners ’ priority list . “ Performance has always been important , but energy efficiency in particular has become a critical factor in homeowners ’ decision-making .”
This is supported by wider analysis of the home improvements market . House prices dropped by 1.8 % in 2023 ( Nationwide HPI ), which usually signals reduced spending on home improvements . However spending on energy efficiency products has increased . Over a six-month period in 2023 B & Q saw an 11 % increase in homeowner spending on insulation materials , compared to 1.7 % across the rest of their business . Meanwhile the NatWest
Greener Homes Attitude Tracker found that 66 % of homeowners are planning upgrades to the sustainability of their homes .
“ Global events , rising energy costs and the high cost of living have combined to put energy efficiency at the forefront of consumers minds .” Mike says . “ That can be problematic for heritage windows , which struggle to match the levels of more modern styles . Sash windows are the perfect example ; they can ’ t have compression gaskets , triple glazing is unsuitable because of the weight and the way it interferes with astragal bars , and vacuum glazing is both expensive and limited .”
In partnership with REHAU , Roseview has overcome this with ThermoVFlex . ThermoVFlex is patented technology that reduces the u-value of Roseview ’ s Ultimate and Heritage Rose sash windows from 1.4 to 1.2 W / m 2 k , without requiring specialist glazing .
“ ThermoVFlex is proof that developing sash windows isn ’ t just about the aesthetics .” says Mike . “ It ’ s a profile enhancement that you can ’ t see on the finished window , but it brings the u-value down to a competitive modern level . It ’ s perfect for homeowners who want genuine sash window style but are equally concerned with energy efficiency .”
More than a sum of its parts
“ In a challenging market installers need a sash window supplier that helps them meet the needs of the modern homeowner .” Mike continues . “ Window design and performance are crucial , but these need to be backed up by a fitter-friendly attitude . That includes a brand that homeowners recognise , strong marketing support and a dedication to quality , service and speed and the technology required to enable them . Combined , these make a compelling proposition for homeowners and installers alike .”
www . roseview . co . uk
CLEARVIEW-UK . COM JULY 2024
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