A design classic celebrated

Martin Althorpe, technical director at Spectus Systems, celebrates the Spectus Vertical Slider that has led the way in heritage design for many years.

Seventeen years ago I was part of the Spectus New Product Introduction team that designed and brought to market a revolutionary new vertical slider. I’m incredibly proud that the product blazed the trail for PVCU in heritage and conservation markets back then. I’m also incredibly proud that it has more than stood the test of time and remains as popular as ever today. More than that, it is still widely recognised as one of the best PVCU alternatives to traditional timber box sash windows on the market today.

The reason our Vertical Slider is recognised as one of the best is because of its craftsmanship and attention to detail in design. The frame, bead, sash and cill all have an authentic ovolo shape. The window has a deep bottom rail that is specifically designed to replicate the period look of the traditional timber sash. Large and small sash profiles give equal sightlines to the top and bottom sashes for an authentic heritage appearance. The flush gaskets mimic traditional glazing while optional features such as Georgian bars, sash horns, weather bars all complement the traditional feel. A wealth of colours and woodgrain effects to choose from all add to the period beauty.

Yet while the looks may be heritage, the thermal efficiency, security and usability features certainly aren’t. Our vertical slider is designed to achieve a Window Energy Rating of Band ‘A’ with 24mm sealed units. Pile seals to the sash and outerframe prevent draughts. Trickle or glazed in vents aid air flow. The window is available in standard or fully reinforced versions and can be customised to meet the highest security standards. The window has smooth operating balance mechanisms for ease of use and both sliding sashes tilt inwards for easy cleaning.

To indicate the quality of the Spectus Vertical Slider system, it is Kitemarked to BS EN 12608, certified to PAS 24 and approved by the British Board of Agrément. Not only that, we manufacture under a quality management system that conforms to BS EN ISO 9001 and are recognised for responsible sourcing under BES 6001.

The combination of heritage style, cutting edge technological benefits and accredited quality mean the Spectus Vertical Slider is widely approved by planners for use in buildings in conservation areas. It is testament to the quality and authenticity of the system that this is the case.

Of course, as good as a product’s features may be, it is never destined to be successful unless it is embraced by the people who have to work with it every day. It’s something we never forget at Spectus and you can see this in our vertical slider. The 128mm outerframe matches the balance box dimensions of the timber sash window, making installation simple. It has 150mm and 210mm cills and 10mm/20mm/50mm frame packers for maximum flexibility. And it is compatible with off-the-shelf hardware so end users can create a distinctive finish.

The definition of a design classic is something that is always at home in whatever environment it’s put in. I think you can safely call the Spectus Vertical Slider a design classic because it is not only a popular product for period properties, it is also a popular addition to modern homes and new build properties. It means that while it is a product that is perfectly designed for its niche market, it also has a broader market reach.

This makes it a very appealing product to have in your portfolio, as so many of our customers know.

www.spectus.co.uk

Spectus Window Systems
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