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With sightlines of only 37mm the new ultra-slim meeting rail option on Universal Trade Frames Spectus Vertical Sliding Sash Window, brings new period detailing to its offer.
Google tracks everything, making it a great source for information on what consumers are searching for. Input ‘sliding sash windows’, and Google Trends reveals a direct correlation with the energy crisis.
Rising to £3,549 a year from October 2022, the raising of the energy price cap pushed average energy bills above £2,500 putting immense pressure on household incomes.
This translated into an increased frequency of searches for sliding sash window replacement. “Things have eased a little now as energy prices have come down, but energy efficiency remains an evergreen driver of window and door replacement”, says Richard Hammond Sales Director, Universal Trade Frames.
He continues: “It will continue to generate home improvement leads, particularly from owners of period properties, who often have limited opportunities to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. If you can’t do cavity wall insulation because your property has solid walls and you’ve already insulated your loft, there are only so many options.
According to the department for Energy Security and Net Zero around a quarter of all UK homes have solid walls. That’s around 8.5 million properties. The majority of these were built before 1920, with properties built pre-1920 making up around 20% of the UK’s current housing stock.
“We think of sliding sash as a specialist market but in terms of retrofit it’s sizeable. If you have an older property it’s a go to product for energy efficient home improvements.
“If you can squeeze out those additional commercial advantages, which put your sash offer ahead of that of your competitors, then the opportunities are big.”
A proven replacement box sash system
Available Fully Kitemarked and certified to PAS24, the Spectus Vertical Sliding Sash Window has an established reputation for faithfully replicating the appearance of traditional sash windows.
Designed for timber box sash window replacement, it features a 128mm front to back depth, simplifying installation.
It can be manufactured to maximum sizes of 1500mm wide by 2800mm high achieving WER A ratings with standard 24mm sealed units without the need for triple-glazing taking weight out of handling.
“It has the authentic ovolo feature moulding to the frame, sashes and beads and period features like the mechanically jointed deep bottom rail, and slim meeting really round out a comprehensive offer” Richard continues.
“That’s what gives it it’s appeal. Great thermal performance but also fantastic aesthetics.”
New 37mm meeting rail option
Universal Trade Frames has given this pre-existing period detailing a major upgrade through the launch a new ultra slim meeting rail. Featuring slim sightlines of just 37mm, it brings new authenticity to replacement sash windows, accurately recreating the dimensions of traditional timber sash products in a low maintenance and energy-efficient system.
“The meeting rail is the most visible part of the product”, says Richard. “It’s often directly in your line of sight and in larger installations often at close to head height.
“It’s also something which has historically given replacement windows away as ‘pvc replacements’.
“At 37mm the new slim sash meeting rail option on our Spectus vertical sliding sash is 100 per cent reflective of the sightline on a traditional timber sash window.”
Colour and fine detailing
In addition to the unique 37mm slim sash meeting rail and deep bottom rail, the Spectus Vertical Sliding Sash Window is also available from Universal Trade Frames with a Georgian Bar option.
It’s supplied with a 10-year manufacturer’s guarantee and is available in a choice of more than 30 different colour options including heritage white, cream, claystone, agate grey, pebble grey and black ulti-matt.
This is something Richard highlights as key in further lifting the design of its Spectus sliding sash window range.
“We talk about colour all the time”, he says “but in heritage markets its absolutely key. If you have a period property and you’re considering sash window replacement, by definition, you’re highly focussed on the overall aesthetic of the window.
“Colour is instrumental. And way I say colour really I mean foiled woodgrain white because its so widely chosen by homeowners replacing sash windows.”
Expert manufacture and hand-finished products
Operating from a 30,000 square foot state of the art manufacturing facility in Shrewsbury, Shropshire Universal Trade Frames combines cutting-edge fabrication with a world class 98% OTIF.
Its premium product ranges include the Spectus Vertical Sliding Sash Window; Epwin Flush Casement; the complete Residence Collection, and Solidor composite doors; in addition to its standard offer.
“Our premium product ranges including the Spectus Vertical Sliding Sash are made by our most experienced fabricators in a separate factory”, Richard says.
“We still use precision CNC and welding technologies to cut and prep, and make product, but we also hand-finish product, checking and triple checking the finish and operation because we know that the end-user will.
“It’s a slightly different approach but one that gives our customers additional confidence when they’re in front of the homeowner.”
He continues: “That’s ultimately what its about. That little but significant competitive edge which makes homeowners choose one product or supplier over another.
“A 37mm slim meeting rail is one of those things. Simple in itself but compared to a standard meeting rail, it stands out.”
For more information about Universal Trade Frames product and service offer please call 01743 442244, or email info@utfl.co.uk.
