More than 500 PVC-U windows were chosen for an 11-storey residential new-build, X1 The Exchange, close to the prestigious Media City in Salford Quays after the developer was presented with specification and costings that showed the material to be an economic alternative to the aluminium frames originally specified.

The windows, as well as 100 doors, were made and installed by Spectus Approved Window Contractor Jade Windows using the Spectus Elite 70 bevelled system with 8.8mm laminated acoustic glass and additional EPDM seal.

An untextured Anthracite grey (RAL 7016) foil was specified by planners as a close visual match when replacing aluminium, as Jade’s Ryan Fozard explained: “It is happening more and more that a client may change to PVC-U when they are shown the performance against the cost, so of course it is important to have a visual match as well, whether it is at the request of the client, the architect or planning authorities.”

Yorkshire-based Jade completed the installation in four months with up to ten fitters on site at any time to catch up after some early planning delays. This still entailed working through particularly bad winter weather however. Ryan Fozard added that accessing the 11 storeys with mast climbers meant the work was slower initially but safer, not only in terms of the weather but also as the fitters were working among many other trades throughout the contract.

The £13.6million project was for 140 one and two bed apartments, office space and residents’ gym. Main contractor was Bardsley Construction for X1 Developments.

Spectus provided technical support including window wind loadings, structural calculations, design of large door screens and curtain wall screens. Spectus. Specification Engineer Gary Millership said: “As with all high-rise developments, it is imperative that the performance of the product specified is adequate to meet the high demands of the project. Also, the high wind loads can be compounded by the need for the screens to withstand human impact and protect the building envelope.”

Commercial Sales Director Andrew Reid said: “Smooth Anthracite grey has now been made a stock item on selected products in response to popular demand for the foil-coloured finish on many commercial projects where clients are looking both to achieve the look of aluminium while, at the same time, optimising U-values with a cost-effective solution. Spectus’s range does not stop at grey, with 28 colour options available.”

The Spectus Approved Window Contractor scheme offers specifiers access to a UK-wide network of high-calibre window contractors, trained in matters such as construction law and site management, and fully supported by Spectus’s own technical and specification teams. It also offers specifiers benefits such as a completely free design and specification service, where many other window systems suppliers do not offer such a service.

Any specifier who does not already know of the all-round service offered by Spectus and its Approved Window Contractors can learn more on www.spectus.co.uk or by calling 01952 283344.