Spectus Window Systems Supplies Elite 70 To Specialist School

Published: 15th November 2012

Spectus Window Systems, has supplied Elite 70 window profile as part of an extensive refurbishment programme at a specialist maths and computing school in North Tyneside.

St Thomas More RC Academy, North Shields, required the existing single glazed, steel framed windows to be replaced in multiple school areas including the school’s gym, hall and general teaching areas, after they became worn and inefficient.

Paula Breen, director of finance at St Thomas More comments: “Like all schools, we have to work to a particular budget, and this extends to the overall energy costs of the building.

“As the old windows had been in situ for some time, they had slowly become old and worn, and as a result many areas of the school suffered from cold spots and drafts, with heat loss prevalent throughout. It was therefore essential that we had an efficient and long lasting replacement that would help maintain a comfortable temperature for our 1700 pupils and save on energy costs.”

The school contacted local fabricators Gofor Trade Windows Ltd in North Shields to help fulfil its refurbishment needs. “Gary Rutter attended site to discuss the schools needs and worked very closely with the school from the outset of this project, and helped them to select the right window solution to match their requirements,” comments Jo Rutter, Company Secretary at Gofor Trade Windows.

“Having used Spectus’ Elite 70 PVC-U profile on a number of projects in the past, we were naturally keen to use it again on this particular project as it has always provided excellent performance.

“The project took place over 5 weeks during the school holidays so as not to disrupt pupils and saw Gofor Trade Windows work together with installer Strathmore Windows and Doors to manufacture and install over 190 casement windows and three push bar doors in Spectus white PVC-U.

“The existing steel framed windows drastically needed replacing with something more energy efficient,” comments Andy Fowler at Strathmore Windows and Doors. “Using Spectus’ Elite 70, we found that the installation was very quick and easy as the product is lightweight and easy to handle. Once installed the pupils and staff found the new windows much easier to open, in contrast with the original steel windows, which were difficult to use.”

Andy concludes: “The project at St Thomas More RC Academy highlights the versatility of Spectus’ flagship Elite 70 system and the school is very happy with the final result.

“The multi-chambered profile will deliver excellent thermal efficiency which in turn will bring tangible energy savings for the building and contribute to a more comfortable learning environment for students and staff alike. We’ve already secured additional orders to install these windows on other areas of the school, and we look forward to doing so over the next summer holidays.