Profile 22 has supplied 88 bespoke vertical sliding windows to a prominent private apartment building located in Southport, Merseyside.

The windows were supplied and installed to this complex project by Ormskirk based specialist installer Countrywide UPVC.

Complex requirements

Les Moon, Project Leader for Westcliffe Court Management Company & resident, said: “Westcliffe Court was built in 2002 with first generation soft wood framed sash windows with 10mm double glazing.  Over time the seals had started to fail and the building had become very draughty.  Also the building is located in close proximity to the sea which causes the paint to quickly degrade, and so we were looking at a schedule of repainting the window frames every three to four years, which when you factor in the need for scaffolding was a very costly proposition for the residents.

“We decided that we needed to seek an alternative that could better withstand the rigours of the environment in which the building is situated.

“Because the building is located in a conservation area any changes to the exterior have to go through planning.  Our first two applications to change to PVC-U were declined by Sefton Council in 2007 and 2010 because they were adamant that replacement window frames should have wooden frames exactly like the originals.

“We decided to reapply in 2013, this time with a long list of specific requirements given to us by the council on how replacement any windows in the application should look and operate. We were able to achieve this after significant campaigning for a more energy efficient alternative.

“After significant research the only company I could find who were able to supply the windows to the specifications stated by the council was Profile 22.  The nearest contractor who was able to install the windows was Countrywide upvc, located in Ormskirk.”

Overcoming issues

Paul Campbell, Director of Countrywide UPVC, said: “The planning process to seek the replacement of wooden frames with PVC-U in a conservation area can be a nightmare, but we were happy to work with Westcliffe Court’s residents to find a suitable solution.

“We are extremely loyal to Profile 22 because of the quality of products and services they offer.  In this instance they were the only company who were able to service the very specific list of requirements made by Sefton council.

“The council was not only concerned that any replacement PVC-U product exactly match the look of the wooden originals, but also that the mechanism of the windows worked in a certain way – using a mechanical Mortise-and-Tenon joint rather than a welded 45 degree joint.

“Profile 22’s Specification Manager completed all the designs for the windows and attended both residents and planning department meetings, with samples, making a complicated process run as smoothly as possible.

“Planning was finally approved in 2016 and we were able to get on site to start the works later on that year to install the 88 bespoke, handmade, large sliding sash windows with a white foil, authentic wood grain finish.”

The perfect solution

Andrew Reid, Commercial Sales Director at Profile 22, said: “Our vertical sliding windows were the perfect solution for this apartment building.  They exactly match the look of traditional sliding sash windows whilst offering all the benefits of a high performance modern material that delivers a cost effective solution for residents.

“The PVC-U Ovolo frames provide optimum strength, superior thermal protection and excellent weathering performance.  Requiring minimal maintenance this system will retain its appearance year after year.”

Seamless installation

Paul continued: “We started on site in September 2016 and ran the schedule of works to suit the residents, working from flat to flat rather than from one side of the building to the other.

“For a complex project, with the residents remaining in the properties throughout, it ran extremely smoothly and we were able to complete all the installations by February 2017 – on time and on budget.”

Les Moon said: “The installation process was virtually seamless.  Countrywide could not have been more accommodating to our residents and made the process as painless for us all as possible.

A pleasing result

Les said: “All the residents are absolutely delighted with the new windows.  They are extremely pleasing aesthetically and only under very close scrutiny can you tell that they’re not wooden frames.

“They are also performing exceptionally well with many residents are reporting that they’re not having to switch their heating on half as much as they were previously, so the windows are already saving us money on our heating bills.

“It’s a relief to know that these windows not only look and perform well, but will be able to remain in situ with very limited maintenance required for many years to come.”

For more information on Profile 22’s products and services, please visit www.profile22.co.uk or call 01952 290910.

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