Sheerline’s Prestige range was recently chosen to replace aging sash windows in a large grammar school in Kent, helping to freshen the look of this traditional brick building. As the transformation had to take place over the summer holidays, it was crucial the project was delivered on time, and Sheerline’s agile service was key to helping the team at Swan Doors & Windows meet this deadline.

At over 20 years old, the existing sash balances were beginning to fail. This meant if a window was open, it could close at any time. This was obviously a serious safety concern that needed to be addressed quickly with minimal disruption to the school.

Improving the thermal performance of the windows was also an important consideration and a key reason that Sheerline’s Prestige range – with its unique Thermlock® thermal break was chosen for the project. With energy prices rising, home and business owners alike are looking for sustainable ways to cut their costs without compromising on warmth.

Transforming Borden Grammar School was a collaborative effort that brought together contractors Waller Associates and Swan Doors and Windows Ltd, fabricators who are beginning to reap the benefits of offering the Sheerline aluminium range.

Swan commented, “We used Sheerline over other options for this project because we liked the overall quality of the product and the availability that helped us keep to the tight timescales.”

After consulting with the school, they choose a Prestige window in a Georgian style finished in Hipca Gloss White RAL9910 for a contemporary take on the windows that were being replaced. It was key to choose a style that enhanced the look of the school but still matched its character and other buildings on the school estate.

The fabricators at Swan appreciated the quality of the aluminium profiles and the feel of the windows in operation. They required little to no adjustment on site, which is what the team at Sheerline aimed for when designing the system. In addition, Wallers Associates commented on the fact the frames were easy to glaze and said they would be happy to recommend Sheerline to future clients.

Paul Ewart, Director, Swan Doors and Windows Ltd., said: “Sheerline provided on-site technical support for our first few jobs to ensure that all our staff were trained appropriately, and that the product was fabricated correctly, which we found invaluable. We hope to continue building our order book with Sheerline products.”

Since the installation, the classrooms are brighter and airer, and as the glass installed is solar controlled the classrooms will be cooler in summer, and warmer in winter. Even though the style change has been subtle, the now renewed exterior looks much improved. Changing to 50/50 top opening sash windows also means they are safer and easier to operate.

CEO of Sheerline Roger Hartshorn said: “The feedback we’ve received from Wallers Associates and Swan is a testament to the hard work we put into designing the Sheerline range. When we first developed the idea, we knew we had to overcome the existing issues within the industry, and that’s what we’re doing.”

“We’re proud to provide unrivalled support to our customers, whether they’re home or business owners, installers or fabricators – everyone receives technical support and high-quality customer service,” he added.