Masterframe goes to great lengths to ensure its vertical sliders are in keeping with their intended site. Energy efficient products are another plus, although it remains a battle for acceptance with some planners, writes Dominic Bentham

Alan Burgess gets angry when people say no to PVC-U. ‘I have an issue with planners who have are not prepared to consider the latest alternative that is in keeping or may even enhance a property', says the Masterframe MD.

As a manufacturer of premium quality vertical sliding sash windows, the Essex company goes to great lengths to ensure the product is in keeping with its intended site. It's unfortunate then that some turn their noses up at the frame material without having seen the window.

The latest Masterframe enhancement is white woodgrain foil on the WHS Halo frame profile. This has less of a shine than a standard PVC-U frame, for a finish that is more timber-like. This white woodgrain is accounting for a growing percentage of the Bygone Collection, manufactured for Masterframe's preferred installers.

Attention to detail

Other examples of the great lengths taken to produce sensitive replacements are the continuous sash horns, equally sized top and bottom sashes, and a sturdy Georgian bar clip that is patented. Masterframe is currently going through Secured by Design accreditation, but it is with another accreditation scheme - Window Energy Ratings - that the company has really set the pace for the rest of the industry to follow.

Masterframe obtained the first Window Energy Rating with the British Fenestration Ratings Council and got the first ‘C' rating last May, thereby achieving the first ‘energy efficient' window eligible for the familiar swing tag logo. It's commendable that a sliding sash manufacturer had this honour - Alan Burgess says that this product is at a disadvantage due to the lower airtightness of the brushpile seal, and because testing for vertical sliding sashes uses a larger frame area, which in a good installation would tucked behind the outside brickwork to maximise daylight.

Window Energy Ratings

A few Bygone installaters are actilvely promoting the ‘C' rated window and Masterframe will use Interbuild as a springboard to the specifier market.

Having obtained an energy rating, Alan Burgess was qualified to stick his head above the parapet, sponsoring and speaking at the 14 Days sustainability conference (see www.14days.co.uk).

The audience's bias against PVC-U and double glazing salesmen may have come out at question time, but Burgess found it to be a very worthwhile experience, and has also accepted the challenge to make the business more sustainable. As a result of 14 days he has passed an edict to get rid of the factory's skip for landfill within six months. The factory has also begun using re-useable containers for its Caldwell hardware.

Glassex

Masterframe exhibits at its 15th Glassex in March, and is also sponsoring the Glassex Challenge installer competition. Realising how many installation companies only deal in casements was the deciding factor in this move. Masterframe even has bespoke fixing lugs for its windows. These snap into the side of the frame for trouble-free fitting.

The idea of the Glassex Challenge is ‘You saw how easy they are to install, now come and see the window', says Masterframe Technical Director Ray Rabbett.

With an estimated 44 million timber sashes to be replaced in the UK, visitors are well-advised to.

Source

Glass Age