The new range, part of the window systems company’s award winning product portfolio, gives architects and specifiers access to wide choice of flexible and cost effective design options.

Alongside a spectrum of colour and woodgrain finishes, this new offer includes a range of greys and black which have been specifically developed to give the specification and new build sectors access to a more energy efficient and cost-effective alternative to aluminium in a wide choice of applications, including curtain walling.

Andrew Reid, sales development director, Profile 22, said: “Architects, specifiers and house builders are delivering a new generation of buildings that perform better and which are aesthetically innovative.

“Profile 22 has developed a range of product options that support exactly that demand for flexible design, which deliver end user appeal but which can be achieved at a comparatively modest cost.”

The range in full includes a choice of 20 different finishes and colours. These include not only greys, but greens, subtle shades of cream, wood grains and a palate of subtle pastels – Willow Green, delicate off-whites, Barley Water and Vanilla and an intricate Irish Oak.

This new colour range has been launched in addition to the window systems leader’s range of dual colour and finish options. Unveiled at ecobuild earlier this year, this gives architects new opportunity to specify low maintenace and thermally efficient PVC-U windows more sympathetically to a wider range of applications and designs by ‘mix-and-matching’ internal and external finishes.

As an Epwin Group company, Profile 22 was the first window systems company to manufacture a fully recycled window. It also extruded profile used in the Group’s award winning installation of windows manufactured from 98 per cent recycled material in Manchester in 2009 (National Recycling Awards 2009 Best Product category).

This pioneering development has made a significant contribution in PVC-U’s recent ‘A’ and ‘A plus’ Green Guide rating from the Building Research Establishment.

Reid, concluded: “Our new colour ranges sit more broadly within our advanced, sustainable and energy efficient offer. PVC-U building products have moved on and they have moved on considerably, whether that’s delivering U-values of as little as 0.8 or winning housebuilders points under the Code for Sustainable homes for material sustainability.

“Colour and finish choice build on this exceptional technical performance, giving the commercial sector new design flexibility without a premium price tag.”

For more information on Profile 22’s range of next generation high performance products visit www.profile22.co.uk, call 01952 290910 or see us at stand C169 Chartered Institute of Housing Show, Harrogate.

On our stand we’ll be explaining the benefits of specifying Profile 22 window and doors systems, and how we’re even more ‘green’ than ever with our expanded range of carbon conscious products. We’ve also introducing seven new colours to choose from increasing our range to 16 colour options.

Greenbuild Expo is in its 2nd year continuing to offer solutions to the challenges of sustainability. This year it’s offering an expanded conference programme with an extensive selection of free seminars and discussions to help the construction industry build and maintain in a more sustainable manner.

Obtain your free ticket for the event pre-register at contact us.

His comments come as a number of European systems houses have announced their decision to drop their 60mm systems, while others review them.  Rob continues: “Recession has sharpened everyone’s focus.  Profile 22 isn’t immune - no-one is, but we are based in the British Isles and our market is in the British Isles.

“We’re focused on the UK and Ireland and we continue to see significant demand for 60mm systems there.

“If you’re looking at things from the perspective of a European systems company a 60mm system isn’t so appealing – you’re only going to sell it in a single market when you can sell a 70mm across markets, so the business case simply isn’t there.”

According to Rob, demand for 60mm is in the first instance regional.  This is largely driven by traditional building construct.  He points to Northern Ireland as an example where use of a 70mm system is in most cases too restrictive.

Rob argues, generally allow for maximum depth of 68mm so a 70mm system would create significantly more cutting back and making good.  By contrast a 60mm system delivers far greater fitting tolerances.

“The same is true for Ireland, a lot of properties in Scotland and Southern England,” says Rob.  He continues: “Cutting back is time consuming, if home-owners can avoid it they will because by implication it increases disruption and in many parts of the British Isles consumers simply prefer the aesthetics, the slimmer frame has appeal in areas where a 70mm system would look out of place.”

Demand for a 60mm system, Rob argues, is also sector-specific. In new-build, a market traditionally driven by price, he suggests 60mm systems retain appeal because products can be delivered more cost-effectively, while a slim-width frame maximises glass area, supporting thermal performance.

There are also specialised areas of business, Rob here points to static homes and caravans, timber frame and steel (Crittall-type) replacements, and some commercial and industrial markets, where a thinner frame also has appeal.

“We’re not saying one system is better than another.  What we’re saying is that we have both and currently see significant market demand for both in different applications.  For that reason are continuing to supply a 60mm suite“, he concludes.

Case Study: Super Seal Window Systems, Northern Ireland

Manufacturing 1,200 frames per week in the FC 60mm system from Profile 22, out of a total weekly output of more than 1,500 units, 60mm remains the mainstay of Belfast-based trade supplier, Super Seal’s business.

Ken Taylor, the trade fabricator’s managing director, argues 60mm frames retain commercial appeal through a mix of practicality and cultural appeal.

He explains: “If our customers want a 70mm system, we’ll supply it, but most want a 60mm frame.  The average wooden frame that they’ll take out is around 63, maybe 64mm, so a 70mm frame creates a lot more cutting back – installers don’t want the added work and homeowners don’t want it because of the additional disruption.  If you’re simply cutting back into plaster, it means a lot more making-good, but cutting back into a tile makes a lot of extra work, and that’s more time on-site and less margin.”

Super Seal has increased the appeal and the flexibility of the 60mm system by marrying it with an extensive choice of woodgrain and colour and thermally-efficient options.  This includes a Window Energy Rated (WER) ‘A’ and ‘B’ option across its 60mm range.

“We have a lot of customers in the South, so colour and woodgrain finishes have always been important for us.  In the North, colour is probably less important, but we are seeing 60mm and greys used in the commercial sector as an alternative to aluminium.  Better glass means the gap between the thermal performance of 60mm systems and 70mm systems has narrowed, even though it’s only a three chamber, as opposed to a four or five chamber system and that gives the 60mm system more flexibility”, says Ken.

He concludes: “There’s also a cultural element to it all.  The retail sales guys have grown up selling a 60mm system.  They have their pitch and for that reason alone, 60mm is going to be around for a long time.”

Back to News

Launched this month, the scheme gives fabricators -even those on a different system – access to a specially developed free business health check.

Starting with a one-to-one consultation with one of the systems leader’s business development managers, the programme provides an assessment of the elements of business operation that make up the marketing and sales mix.

This includes a full assessment of current activity across sectors, product portfolio, advertising and sales strategies, to identify areas of strength but also for improvement. Once collated, this information is analysed using the Profile 22 Business Health Checker to produce a no-nonsense report that identifies strengths and weaknesses plus areas for growth.

Rob McGlennon, sales director, Profile 22 said: “The Business Health Checker has been developed to help fabricators pull together, understand and manage the information that they need to develop a sales and marketing plan that supports profitability and business growth.

“And while its focus is very much on future growth the health checker has also been designed to identify any underlying threats to business health before they become a problem. We believe prevention is better than cure.”

For more information on Profile 22’s Business Health Checker and to find out how it can help your business, visit www.profile22.co.uk or call 01952 290910.

For further press information please contact:
John Warren
Tel 01242 225803
Fax 01242 233548
E-mail: jwarren@epwin.co.uk

This included the installation of new advanced glazing to the south facing and front elevation of the school with the aim of delivering advanced heat retention in the winter keeping classrooms warmer but also to reflect heat in the summer.

Challenges:

• The project was made all the more challenging because it was delivered during term time and disruption to the teaching of the schools 1,650 pupils had to be kept to a minimum. At the same time health and safety had to be an absolute priority.
• Dating back to the mid-nineteenth century it was also important that the character of the building was preserved.

Solutions:

• Astra resolved the health and safety challenge by screening off the area in which it was working and brought in a crane platform based outside the site which meant that installation teams were able to remove and bring material to and from site without having to carry glass through the school eliminating the risk to pupils.
• As part of the project Astra not only adhered to strict deadlines for delivery but also introduced a special cleaning team to ensure that classrooms were ready for use and occupation as soon as the job was completed, rather than the school have to take responsibility for cleaning.
• Using Profile 22’s fully integrated 70mm system Astra was able to manufacture detailed replacement windows preserving the building’s character.
• Astra was also able to preserve original glass window lights dating back to the building’s construction as part of the project. Removing them from their original fittings the company cleaned and prepared the glass before ‘sandwiching’ it between two new glazed units to form a ‘triple glazed’ window which delivered the same high thermal performance of the new installation but retained the character of the original construction.

Benefits:

• The project was completed in term time with minimum disruption to the school’s 1,650 pupils.
• Using the Profile 22 70mm system Astra was able to install advanced glazing and high performance products for heat retention to make class rooms warmer in the winter and to dramatically reduce summer temperatures by reflecting solar heat.

Comment – Terry Chadwick, asset manger for Rivington and Blackrod School:

“In selecting a partner supplier it’s absolutely critical to get your specification right, to make sure your suppliers stick to it so that you’re comparing like-for-like so that you’re delivering Best Value – and while price is important if the contract runs over through poor management it takes second place.

“Most importantly from our perspective was that Astra turned up when they said they were going to turn up, worked with and around roofing contractors on site so that the two teams dove tailed, and delivered when they said they were going to deliver.

“The Profile 22 system provided high performance products that exceeded our expectations.

“Together this made it much easier to minimise disruption to the national curriculum. School suppliers need to be organised, Astra are and that made the project a success.”

Replacing early generation single glazed PVC-U windows with new advanced performance Window Energy Rated ‘A’ rated products, the programme could help the Trust cut CO2 emissions by up to 76,500 tonnes over a ten year period.  This equates to the equivalent of almost 45,000 double-decker buses full of CO2.

Delivered by lead partners Mears Group and Mulalley, the partnership has commissioned Profile 22 fabricator, Select windows to complete the programme. This includes a requirement to recycle the old early generation single glazed PVC-U windows recovered as part of the replacement programme.

Diane Lee, chair, Watford Housing Trust, said: “We have made a commitment to make homes better for tenants and to manage and maintain our properties as sustainably and as energy efficiently as possible.

“Delivered by our lead partners Mears and Mulalley, our rolling programme is now into its second year having already delivered considerable improvements.

“The installation of ‘A’ rated windows will drive this process onward, making homes warmer and more secure for tenants. “

Set up as a pioneering partnership between tenants and leaseholders in 2007, Watford Community Housing Trust owns and manages 4,700 homes previously owned by Watford Borough Council. Founded as a Community Gateway (the first in the South) the Trust works alongside tenants, leaseholders and communities, to provide quality improvements to homes.

The specification of WER ‘A’ rated products by the Trust across properties is a first for the social housing sector. In committing to manage and recycle waste PVC-U windows and bring that material back into use in new energy efficient products, the Trust is also taking a lead within the social sector in managing construction waste sustainably.
Andrew Reid, sales development director, Profile 22 said: “Domestic housing makes a massive contribution to the UK’s green house gas emissions – in total some 83million tonnes of CO2 each year.

“That makes the energy performance of every property, the way it is insulated, heated and constructed absolutely critical.

“The PVC-U window industry has a unique opportunity to support the social housing sector in delivering new and more sustainable homes but also perhaps more importantly to improve the energy efficiency of older properties through refurbishment.”

The waste PVC-U stream generated by the project is being collected and reprocessed by leading PVC-U recycler and Profile 22 sister company, Dekura, using its unique post-consumer waste recycling process.  By doing this the Trust has been able to recover material that might otherwise have gone to landfill but to also deliver significant savings in project delivery.

This will include the capture and reprocessing of almost 200 tonnes of PVC-U – the equivalent of more than 25,000 PVC-U window frames that might have otherwise gone to landfill.

Re-extruded by Profile 22, this material is being used in a new generation of advanced performance and energy efficient products, closing the loop on the recycling process.

Dee Benning, managing director, Select, said: “Hard wearing and low maintenance PVC-U windows are a great fit for the social sector, delivering direct and tangible benefits for the social landlords but equally importantly, by making properties warmer, more comfortable and secure, better for tenants.

“Now in addition to all these positives they are fully recyclable at end of life. Achieving an ‘A’ and ‘A’ plus rating for material sustainability in the Building Research Establishment’s Green Guide and delivering substantial carbon savings in life, they have become not only a low maintenance but also hugely sustainable choice for refurbishment.”

Profile 22 has become the first PVC-U window systems company to extrude profile manufactured from 100 per cent recycled content for use in a commercial installation.

Foiled with a thin virgin skin (two per cent), the installed product achieves a total recycled content of 98 per cent – a first for the window industry and the social housing sector.

Managing and maintaining almost 13,000 properties in North Manchester, the pioneering project was commissioned by three star ALMO, Northwards Housing as part of its commitment to drive sustainable practices throughout its operation.

Delivered by preferred partner and principal contractor Manchester Working, Wrekin Windows (Manchester Working supply chain partner), PVC-U recycler and Profile 22 sister company, Dekura, the windows were installed in 18 selected properties managed by Northwards Housing in Higher Blackley, North Manchester.

Andrew Reid, commercial director, Profile 22, said: “For the moment, while it remains a pilot project, what has been achieved is representative of a new offer to the social housing sector and leading innovation in PVC-U technology.

“As an industry we are bringing thousands of tonnes of old PVC-U back into use -  material that might otherwise have gone to landfill – in a new generation  of not only sustainable but also advanced, secure and energy efficient windows and doors.”

Profile 22’s recycling programme is delivered through the system’s company’s sister operation Dekura. The UK’s leading PVC-U recycler and a fully accredited member of Recovinly, Dekura has developed a comprehensive recycling service with the aim of driving forward not only industry innovation but to support the social housing and more widely the construction industry comply with Government legislation and targets for waste minimisation and re-use.

As a commercial trial, Profile 22 re-extruded material recovered by Dekura and Wrekin from an earlier PVC-U window replacement programme. This new profile manufactured from re-processed material was used by Wrekin in the manufacture of secure, low maintenance and energy efficient PVC-U windows for the Northwards Housing trial.

The thin wood grain effect virgin foil was added to ensure colour consistency, weather performance and to deliver improved aesthetics.

Andrew said: “The performance of the re-extruded and recycled material is exactly the same as virgin material – it’s as strong, low maintenance and as thermally efficient. Securing consistency of colour is slightly more challenging, which is why a decision was made to apply an exceptionally thin skin.”

Awarded an ‘A’ and ‘A plus’ Green Guide rating from the Building Research Establishment PVC-U has been recognised as one of the most sustainable building materials.

Profile 22 offers an extensive range of future generation fully recyclable and energy efficient product ranges, including a unique green new build window system. This features a cavity closer manufactured from 98 per cent recycled ‘waste’ PVC-U and a sill system with 92 per cent recycled content, co-extruded with a virgin skin to deliver superb weather performance.

Combined with an energy efficient and advanced performance PVC-U window and the system can achieve a recycled content of up to 60 per cent.

And while fully recyclable, advanced performance energy efficient windows from Profile 22 can also achieve top energy efficiency ratings.  Available as part of Profile 22’s new build eco system, these energy efficient products also feature Profile 22’s patented thermally efficient recycled composite material (RCM) reinforcement – manufactured solely from recycled PVC-U.

The awards to be held at the Hilton Hotel in London’s Park Lane on October 23 are held to recognise the best green social housing projects in the UK.

The second year in succession that Profile 22 has been short listed as a finalist, the company was nominated after becoming the first PVC-U window systems company to extrude profile manufactured from 100 per cent recycled content for use in a commercial installation earlier this year.

Foiled with a thin virgin skin (two per cent), the product was installed on behalf of pioneering Manchester ALMO Northwards Housing and achieves a total recycled content of 98 per cent – a first for the window industry and the social housing sector.

Ted Stevens, Inside Housing’s events director and the organiser of the awards said: “We’ve had a terrific response, with hundreds of entries and Profile 22 has done brilliantly to get short listed from such a huge field.

“Britain is leading the way on sustainable housing and innovative building techniques so we’re delighted we’re able to organise a ceremony to reward that organisations that are delivering best practice”.

Profile 22 offers an extensive range of future generation fully recyclable and energy efficient products.

This includes a unique green new build window system which features a cavity closer manufactured from 98 per cent recycled ‘waste’ PVC-U and a sill system with 92 per cent recycled content, co-extruded with a virgin skin to deliver superb weather performance.

Andrew Reid, commercial director, Profile 22, said: “For the moment, while it remains a pilot project, what has been achieved at Northwards is representative of a new offer to the social housing sector and leading innovation in PVC-U technology.

“As an industry we are bringing thousands of tonnes of old PVC-U back into use -  material that might otherwise have gone to landfill – in a new generation  of not only sustainable but also advanced, secure and energy efficient windows and doors.”

Last year nearly 500 people attended the Sustainable Housing Awards, which was hosted by green campaigner, comedian and impersonator Alistair McGowan. Sponsors of the awards this year include eps, United House, Axis, Sitex Orbis, Tarmacand NHBC.

As a low maintenance and energy efficient product, PVC-U is one of the most sustainable materials used in modern methods of construction. Systems giant Profile 22 is at the forefront of this innovation in PVC-U building technology, developing a range of secure, energy efficient, low maintenance and now, advanced performance products manufactured solely from or with, an exceptionally high recycled content.

The first window systems company to manufacture a prototype PVC-U window from 100 per cent recycled material, the social housing specialist has supported the delivery of a pioneering commercial installation of PVC-U windows manufactured from 98 per cent recycled material. 

Managing and maintaining almost 13,000 properties in North Manchester, the project was commissioned by three star ALMO, Northwards Housing as part of its commitment to drive sustainable practices throughout its operation.

Delivered by preferred partner and principal contractor Manchester Working, Wrekin Windows (Manchester Working supply chain partner), PVC-U recycler and Profile 22 sister company, Dekura, the windows were installed in 18 selected properties managed by Northwards Housing in Higher Blackley, North Manchester. 

In doing so Northwards Housing has become the first social housing provider in the UK to specify and complete a PVC-U window replacement program installing windows manufactured almost solely from recycled material.

“A sizeable percentage of RSLs are still unaware that PVC-U windows and doors can be recycled – something that in the longer term could have substantial cost implications on maintenance budgets”, says Andrew Reid, commercial director, Profile 22.

He continues: “PVC-U is in fact totally recyclable, we made a prototype fully recycled window last year, a year-on we are using recycled PVC-U in our windows and component window parts as standard and now through Northwards Housing, Manchester Working, Wrekin Windows and Dekura we have completed a pioneering full installation of recycled windows.

“For the moment, while it remains a pilot project, what has been achieved is representative of a new offer to the social housing sector. As an industry we are bringing thousands of tonnes of old PVC-U back into use -  material that might otherwise have gone to landfill – in a new generation  of not only sustainable but also advanced, secure and energy efficient windows and doors.”

Profile 22’s recycling programme is delivered through the system’s company’s sister operation Dekura. The UK’s leading PVC-U recycler and a fully accredited member of Recovinly, Dekura has developed a comprehensive recycling service with the aim of driving forward not only industry innovation but to support the social housing and more widely the construction industry comply with Government legislation and targets for waste minimisation and re-use.

As a commercial trial, Profile 22 re-extruded material recovered by Dekura and Wrekin from an earlier PVC-U window replacement programme. This new profile manufactured from re-processed material was used by Wrekin in the manufacture of secure, low maintenance and energy efficient PVC-U windows for the Northwards Housing trial. 

To ensure colour consistency, weather performance and to deliver improved aesthetics, the window profile supplied by Profile 22 also featured a thin wood grain effect virgin material foiled skin (two per cent of total).

“The performance of the re-extruded and recycled material is exactly the same as virgin material – it’s as strong, low maintenance and as thermally efficient. Securing consistency of colour is slightly more challenging, which is why a decision was made to apply an exceptionally thin skin”, explains Andrew.

Awarded an ‘A’ and ‘A plus’ Green Guide rating from the Building Research Establishment PVC-U has been recognised as one of the most sustainable building materials.

Profile 22 offers an extensive range of future generation fully recyclable and energy efficient product ranges, including a unique green new build window system. This features a cavity closer manufactured from 98 per cent recycled ‘waste’ PVC-U and a sill system with 92 per cent recycled content, co-extruded with a virgin skin to deliver superb weather performance.

Combined with an energy efficient and advanced performance PVC-U window and the system can achieve a recycled content of up to 60 per cent.

And while fully recyclable, advanced performance energy efficient windows from Profile 22 can also achieve top energy efficiency ratings.  Available as part of Profile 22’s new build eco system, these energy efficient products also feature Profile 22’s patented thermally efficient recycled composite material (RCM) reinforcement – manufactured solely from recycled PVC-U.

Andrew concludes: “Profile 22 and Dekura are intercepting thousands of tonnes of old post-consumer frames otherwise destined for landfill, to recover and reprocess this  material for use in a new generation advanced products – closing the loop on the recycling process.

“But there is still material slipping through the net. The social housing sector can play a critical role in helping us to capture this material by making sure that as part of their refurbishment programmes that the supply partners they select have the capacity to recycle post-consumer waste and are committed to doing so as part of project delivery.

“The Northwards Housing project demonstrates exactly what can be achieved if the social housing sector, contractors and its supply chain partners adopt a collaborative approach to project delivery.”

Wrekin Windows later went on to win the “Best Recycled Product” in the National Recycling Awards 2009, for the Northwards project, for which Profile 22 supplied profile.

This means that extra focus is being placed on finding new, more efficient ways to meet all requirements.

As a result, PVC-U could be an unsung hero.  Contrary to misconceptions, innovations in PVC-U technology have proven that the material is energy efficient, high performance and cost effective.  Available in a wide range of colours and finishes, from greys and greens to pastel shades and wood affect, this means social housing providers can specify PVC-U in place of other building materials such as timber or aluminium without compromising on design or quality.

At the same time, an increasing number of Social housing providers are realising that the exterior of a building has a role to play in how residents feel about their homes and their communities.  The aesthetic flexibility the PVC-U offers is therefore helping to create a renewed approach in social housing specification.

Andrew Reid, sales development director, Profile 22 explains, “Social housing providers are beginning to recognise the significant bearing that aesthetics can have on residents and how they feel about their home and this trend in social housing is revealing itself through the sheer number of enquiries for coloured profile coming in to Profile 22.”

Commissioned by Jephson Housing Association, a refurbishment project in Newbury involved the combination of a disused 70s office block and a Georgian building to house 22 flats.

Jephson originally specified aluminium for the 94 windows in the building.  However, driven by the need for a more cost effective material and the necessity to provide an equal product in terms of performance quality and design, Wates Living Space brought on Stafford UPVC, a Profile 22 approved commercial manufacturer and installer, to offer PVC-U as an alternative.

Working closely with the manufacturer and the Profile22 specification team, Wates was able to increase the aesthetic possibilities of the project and reduce costs simultaneously.

Because the buildings were from conflicting eras, each window design had to be specific to each building style.  In addition, because the buildings were combined, the two individual styles had to ‘fit’ together well.

Steve Allcock, managing director, Stafford UPVC, explains: “Jephson specified aluminium to complement the modern look of one block with the traditional look of the neighbouring block.

“However at the moment prices are being driven down across the board and our client had to be able to meet all of the requirements including budget without compromising on quality.”

Stafford UPVC installed white Georgian-effect windows in the older building for clean, fresh aesthetics and complete with Georgian bars helped replicate and match the original style.  In addition, Sash-effect windows were installed on the office block and finished in a smooth grey to imitate aluminium to give the building a modern feel.

For easy maintenance and increased safety for residents, Profile 22 FI70 ’tilt and turn’ windows were installed on both buildings, allowing residents to clean the windows on both sides from inside the flats.  Not only that, in keeping with current legislation, a number of remote control Teleflex windows were installed to increase the accessibility of the flats.

“This was very effective as not only are the windows high performance and cost effective but the flexibility of finishes and colours allowed us to match the client’s requirements perfectly,” Steve continues.

With the demand for social housing increasing and budgets in all industries tightening, Andrew argues that social housing providers need suppliers who can bring a flexible offer to the table that can meet all the expectations of the client.

“As the downturn continues to impact on projects, clients are searching for ways to reduce costs where possible.  But finding more affordable options doesn’t mean that you have to compromise on quality.

“Taylors Court demonstrates the flexibility of design and enhanced perceived value of the wide range of colours available.  In using coloured PVC-U profile to add value to a social housing project, social housing providers can ensure that they not only meet demands but have the flexibility to keep within budget as well.”