Rochester Crew Sails Into The High C's
Sheerframe fabricator FineLine has set the benchmark for consistency netting a "C" energy rating for every window made at its Kent factory — and Energy Saving Trust "Recommended Status" for every window into the bargain.
According to Sheerframe product director David Strang, this approach is a much fairer reflection of overall energy efficiency than the headline-grabbing, trophy-seeking A ratings for "specials" which some fabricators and systems companies pursue.
"There is no doubt that FineLine can and does make A rated windows where required. But in the real world, the acid test is to consistently produce windows which exceed the Part L requirement and deliver improved U values and weather tightness for homeowners, social housing providers and housebuilders. By setting the C rating as the lowest standard for its complete window range, that is what FineLine is achieving, day in, day out."
FineLine, based in Rochester, has been making Sheerframe windows for domestic and commercial installations since 1987. It was one of the first to deploy co-extruded profile over ten years ago. Its windows range currently features Sheerframe 7000 multi-chamber co-ex profile, Thermlock thermally enhanced reinforcing and specialist spacer bars, all designed to achieve optimum thermal performance.
Says FineLine Commercial Sales Manager, Simon Foster, "We made a choice - deciding to go for real quality across the board rather than go for a headline grabbing A rating which wouldn't actually deliver the energy performance which our clients expect. If anyone wants an A rated window, we'll make one, but in reality the consistent C rated range we offer far exceeds the E or D requirement under the building regulations, and provides real benefits for our customers."
According to David Strang, the FineLine approach is one which many Sheerframe fabricators are choosing to follow. "To get an A rating for a one-off window may be commendable, but it is not difficult to do, and it is mostly marketing hype."
"Our window making customers have embraced the concept of the environmental window. That means many things on a day to day basis, including high energy ratings for their windows, returning their saw off-cuts to us for recycling and of course every piece of profile is organic stabilised. FineLine's approach to energy ratings is part of that holistic approach."
