PVC-U wins over aluminium in Salford Quays new-build
5th July 2016

More than 500 PVC-U windows were chosen for X1 The Exchange, Salford Quays after the material was shown to be an economic alternative to the aluminium frames 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 for 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.”

He added that accessing the 11 storeys with mast climbers meant the work was slower initially but safer, not only in terms of the winter weather at the time 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. 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.”

www.spectus.co.uk