The evolution of the vertical slider
As Spectus opens up new heritage opportunities by adding a mechanically jointed option to its vertical slider, Spectus Brand Manager Carmen Velilla explores why the window remains a popular choice.
There’s no denying the elegance of a sash window; it’s a design that has lasted for centuries for good reason – the perfect complement to beautiful 18th, 19th and early 20th century homes.
But there’s also no denying that these windows don’t meet the needs of today’s homeowners. Draughty, difficult to maintain and hard to secure are all problems traditionally associated with sliding sash windows, and mean that homeowners have to suffer to enjoy their beauty.
The Spectus Vertical Slider solved these problems when it was launched 17 years ago. Its combination of the best of the modern-day advantages of PVCU, with the best of the traditional beauty of the timber sliding sash, quickly gained a reputation among planning officers.
But despite widespread acceptance, we are always looking for ways to improve our products, and this is no less true even when we have a market leading product. We were aware that for the most historically important homes, the most stringent conservation zones and for homeowners who want authenticity, our vertical slider was never going to be appropriate.
The mechanically jointed option on our vertical slider is the answer for these types of projects. The option does away with the mitred welds on the frame and sash and replaces them with mechanical joints that offer the authenticity of timber jointing.
Like our standard vertical slider, our mechanically jointed option has features that recreate a timber sliding sash: the sash profiles offer authentic sightlines; sash horns are part of the sash, not an afterthought; Georgian bars are milled for an accurate fit; deep bottom rails, traditional ovolo styling, and traditional box sash dimensions are included; dedicated ancillaries, end caps and cills mean the traditional look can be personalised; and a choice of 28 colours and foiled finishes from our Spectrum colour range help to recreate a period look.
The window comes with 24mm double glazing as standard and for exceptional energy efficiency, and the multi-chambered sections can be enhanced with the addition of purpose-made recycled thermal inserts.
It all means the window can achieve U-values as low as 1.4W/m2K and a Window Energy Rating up to A+. Pile seals to the sash and outerframe prevent the draughts associated with traditional timber sliding sashes, and the optional weather bar brings additional protection against rainwater.
The window is easy to maintain and easy to use thanks to features such as reliable spiral balance mechanisms that replace the traditional cords and weights, and tilt inward sashes that make cleaning easy.
Travel stops add an extra level of safety for homeowners with small children. Security is assured with a choice of off-the-shelf or high-end hardware, and the window is PAS 24 compliant with a Secured by Design option where needed.
Our vertical slider is produced entirely in the UK under an ISO 9001 accredited quality management system. It is Kitemarked to BS EN 12608, BBA approved, and comes with a 10-year guarantee.
Spectus window systems are designed to be easy to fabricate and simple to install. And our expertise extends far beyond window design because it’s matched with technical, marketing and commercial project support that means you can trust us to bring value to your business in more ways than one.