There has been a huge interest in external cladding products in recent years, partly driven by aspirational TV shows like Grand Designs where it seems that every new build project features cladding in some way. Timber is still popular but homeowners are now looking for low maintenance options.

PVCu external cladding is one of the fastest growing home improvement products. Its versatility means it can be used on projects from a feature wall on an existing building, an exterior finish for a new extension or to give an attractive finish to a loft conversion. Cladding is one of the quickest and simplest ways of totally transforming the look of any home.

Freefoam Building Products are specialist PVCu manufacturers producing a wide range of long lasting, low maintenance cladding products. The Freefoam cladding range features a choice of a smooth woodgrain finish or Fortex ® timber effect embossed boards in shiplap, double shiplap and weatherboard styles. Available in a wide variety of colours from traditional

mahogany, rosewood and oak to subtle‘ New England’ shades of misty grey and cappuccino and more dramatic contemporary options like anthracite grey, slate grey and black ash. All ranges come with a high quality, purpose made, easy to fit trim system making

installation straightforward and quick.

PVCu cladding also offers significant environmental credentials, being awarded an A + rating from the Building Research Establishment’ s( BRE)‘ Green Guide to Specification’ when installed with standard

components, making PVCu a real alternative to timber and fibre cement products.

To find out about Freefoam cladding products go to http:// freefoam. com / products / cladding

Jade Windows has become one of the first companies to fabricate the new Spectus Flush Tilt & Turn and Fully Reversible windows, and the business hopes, it says, to‘ convert’ many more aluminium specifiers.

The product will also be used to help the company’ s trade customers develop their own public sector business.

Jade’ s Dave Fozard explained:“ Many architects and specifiers still insist on aluminium but more and more are taking a second look at PVCu when they are presented with the facts. Now, with the Spectus Flush Tilt & Turn and Fully Reversible windows, we can show

them the best possible case for making the change. As well as the obvious cost benefits, they have far superior thermal performance but still have the look they expect, whether it is in smooth anthracite or in any of the Spectus Spectrum foil options.”

The Spectus Flush Tilt & Turn and Fully Reversible frames can achieve U-Values as low as 0.8 W / m2K and a Window Energy Rating( WER) of A ++ with Argon-filled triple glazed units – so saving the expense of Krypton-filled – and without insulation in the profile or expensive special reinforcements. This is due not only to the advanced chamber construction of these windows but also Spectus’ s

unique Aeroframe thermal wall technology, which has proven to provide greater thermal performance through its complex‘ thermal barrier’ design.

Spectus commercial sales director Andrew Reid added:“ These windows were designed for all the commercial applications where, up to now, aluminium or composites may have been taken for granted as a first choice. Now, with this system, anything from schools and student accommodation to hospitals, apartment or office blocks are all within reach of any quality PVCu fabricator, as Jade has clearly shown.”

www. spectussystems. co. uk

Mighton Products’ Angel Ventlock ® has won a top readers’ choice award in the United States. In an annual poll in which readers of Door and Window Market( DWM) magazine highlight‘ products that stand the test of time,’ the Angel Ventlock ® range of window opening control devices won the window hardware category.

Distributed in the US by Roto Frank of America Inc., Angel Ventlock ® was noted for helping to prevent deaths and injuries to children by limiting the window opening to four inches or less. The products were cited as conforming‘ 100 per cent’ to relevant US safety standards.

Mike Derham, managing director of Cambridgeshire-based Mighton Products said:“ Roto Frank has been selling Angel Ventlocks ® in the US since 2008 and it is the leading restrictor sold there. To achieve this sort of recognition shows that the product is as fresh and effective as ever and a proven solution to preventing child death and injury caused by falling from open windows.”

www. mightonproducts. com

the product is as fresh and effective as ever