Letting Things Slide…
 System 10 Vertical Sliding Windows Lead the Way In Enhanced Aesthetics and Proven Performance
Vertical sliding windows that are a feature of many of the UK’s distinguished older properties and other buildings have not been easy to replace when they fall into a state of uneconomic repair.
Specifying a like for like replacement, especially in a sensitive area leaves many architects and specifiers at a loss to find something of the right calibre. Indeed, many are averse to selecting anything other than timber because of the fear of not being able to find designs that capture the aesthetic appeal of the originals in any other material. PVCu in this situation has traditionally been regarded as being unsuitable because it has not before captured the real ‘look’ of the original designs.
Today, however, there are new vertical sliding windows which not only have the design details of traditional windows, but are so similar that they may even be specified in areas where only like for like specifications will meet local planning requirements. The System 10 vertical slider has been developed in response to this need.
The Modern Sash Window
Today’s vertical sliding windows have to not only emulate the aesthetics of their traditional equivalent, but they have to offer the following benefits:
- High weather performance characteristics
- Releasable or permanent restrictors
- A Tilt facility to allow cleaning from the inside
- Improved security locking
- A night vent position
- Excellent thermal capabilities
- Good value for money
- Meets the new Part L Building Regulation
The System 10 PVCu vertical sliding window not only replicates the traditional features of its long-established counterpart, but offers the added benefits that PVCu systems provide. They have been used in a number of period style buildings, including those of listed status. As an option they are available with a decorative ‘horn’ on the top sliding sash, and a deep bottom sash profile. System 10 vertical sliders have been engineered to accommodate the rigours of everyday life, but have retained their operational simplicity. Instead of weights, pulleys and a cord to hold the sashes in position, they feature a pair of sophisticated spring and spiral balancers to take over the sash retention. Their unique design means that they are capable of carrying sash weights up to 40kg. The traditional glazing bar arrangement may also be replicated by concealing the glazing bars within the double glazed unit, or by surface mounting the bars onto the external faces of the double glazed unit.
Conservation Projects
 Such is the superior design of the System 10 sliding sash window that it is ideal for refurbishment of new build projects in conversation or sensitive areas. This product stands alone in the market place, and has been accepted into areas where many other products have been rejected by planning authorities.
One example of the system being used in a sensitive area, is that of the Guinness Trust, London. In particular, there was a strong need to select windows which would meet the strongest aesthetic requirements of the locality. The deep bottom rail of the original windows had to be emulated.
In addition, the sound insulation requirements entailed acoustic testing of the product and the use of glazing with excellent acoustic properties. Rigorous weather testing procedures were also undergone by the product.
Authentic internal and external Georgian bar was also included whose width and styling was intended to recreate the dimensions and even the putty line of the original. A tilt facility option was designed in, and brass hardware added to the attractive styling of the innovative new design.
At Fulham Palace Road in London, four blocks of Guinness Trust Housing Association flats benefited from the new vertical slider after the properties’ timber windows had fallen into uneconomic repair. In total, the refurbishment programme affected around 975 windows.
WHS Halo has further invested in the vertical sliding window, introducing a concealed gasket, timber effect finish and other enhancements.
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