Specifications

Windows can be manufactured in a variety of styles e.g. stormproof casement, flush casement (Listed or Conservation), flush casement Mk2, narrowline flush casement, vertical sliding sash, mock sash (3 types), vertical slide and tilt and french opening. Since we manufacture a bespoke product we regularly design complete “odd ball” items to suit a purpose.

The particular specification of each varies in order that a desired end result is achieved. They do, however, have many things in common. For the purpose of this general description these are set out below.

We only use hardwood. Each timber has a particular character which must be born in mind. For a highly finished coloured or lacquered item we would commonly use Sapele or for a more rustic stained or clear timber appearance we use Idigbo, a frequently used stable substitute for oak.

The detailed moulding applied to all timber edges radically alters the overall appearance. We offer a vast range of mouldings from e.g. "Stopped Church Chamfer" for a rustic appearance through simple "Arrass" for the modern or minimalist look to "Lambs Tongue" which produces a fancy Victorian appearance; and many more besides. A truly bespoke outlook on design!

We offer an extensive range of designs and finishes from modern contemporary styles and finishes through to “period” pewter or black iron items for a more traditional appearance. All handles are normally lockable. Security is an important factor and fittings are chosen to achieve a desired "high security" result.

If a paint colour is required we would normally ask that you select from the Farrow and Ball Heritage Range or supply a colour sample for us to match. When the finish has been agreed the windows are sprayed with a system requiring three consecutive coats. The result is a very smooth satin finish requiring minimal future maintenance. The cill nose and lower glazing beads are normally the only parts requiring attention. All other maintenance is generally for cosmetic appearance alone.  The maintenance period varies between three and eleven years depending on the colour and location (lighter colours need the least attention) and does not involve "stripping back" or the time absorbing preparation required for more conventional paint finishes.

Every effort is made to minimise the need for future maintenance. We do however have a Service Manager who may be contacted through our main office and who will deal with anything requiring our assistance.

Where Idigbo has been used for an "oaky" rustic appearance most customers choose to have the inside either unfinished resulting in a very pleasing bleached honey colour or with a sealing coat of Waxoil. For all external surfaces we recommend two coats of waxoil (in the timber colour or pigment you choose). This creates an extremely easy finish to maintain with minimum effort.

Particular types of sealed unit may be specified to achieve a range of very desirable results. Inevitably the more "high tech" the sealed unit the more expensive so a full discussion of "benefit" against "cost" is the only way to achieve the right balance. Generally all units are 24mm thick (a 16mm cavity). Toughened glass is always used for conservatories and wherever Document N of the Building Regulations require. Windows and doors must achieve a particular insulation rating (U. value) and any glass double glazed units supplied by Atrium will achieve the desired result (Document L1 Building Regulations). We must subsequently register your windows and doors with FENSA (An organisation set up to "police" our industry and to protect you from problems caused by shortcuts). A small selection of performance characteristics available include: toughened glass for safety and resistance to breakage, low emissivity (Pilkington K S) argon gas filling and warmedge spacer for enhanced insulation. Pilkington Activ, Bio-clean and Ambi glazing options for the convenience of self cleaning and also resistance to glare and U.V. damage.  This glass also has the added benefit of solar reflectivity (from 25% to 91%) which guards against overheating. (Heat control is not a problem).

For the purpose of both security and resistance to the weather all face sealed units are fitted into an adhesive silicon bed. Later removal of the glass then becomes particularly awkward and impossible to do silently. A window or door is only as secure as its weakest point. A UPVC item may have a high security locking device but if the glass can be removed by simply popping out the beading the lock is of no consequence.

We are particularly proud of the doors we manufacture. Built with the same unique Atrium jointing system as the windows, all doors are 2 1/2" thick so we can glaze them with full 24mm thick sealed units. They are made in a bewildering range of styles and types (e.g. Residential, Stable Doors, French Doors, Bifold or Multifold Doors and Patio Doors up to 19 1/2 feet wide). All doors nevertheless have a few things in common. The hinges we use contain their own gearbox which allows adjustment of the door in three directions. The low threshold complies with Document M (wheelchair access) of the Building Regulations. The multipoint locking system results in very high security. Just don’t lose your key - we also find the system very difficult to breach. The lock is, in effect, a full height set of three interlinked mortise locks with a separate multi-pin key barrel. Doors are frequently the item which falls short of expectations and results in disappointment. We are confident that we produce one of the very best doors and door systems available and that you certainly won’t be disappointed.

There are many aspects of window and door manufacture and specification, the description of which would only be tedious at this stage. Such details are nevertheless critically important and very particular to the windows and doors you choose. Please discuss these details with us in full. Neither you nor we want an outcome which is less than truly impressive.

Many elements of timber specification, moulding and finish have been dealt with in the previous sections on Windows and Doors. Roof structures do nevertheless have very particular requirements in the area of structure, glazing and maintenance.

The range of types and designs is extensive so this specification can "at best" be a generalisation.

Every roof must be carefully designed to ensure sound structural integrity. In respect of conservatories this determines the size and angles of all roof parts, the method of mechanical jointing at eaves rail level and whether a tie bar or other reinforcement is necessary. In extreme circumstances to achieve appropriate strength and rigidity we will laminate certain timber sections with a core of steel plate. The widest "free span" structure we have produced is 11.4 metres (37 1/2 feet). Every effort will always be made to maintain symmetry of design but it must be appreciated that structural considerations must come first for very obvious reasons.

Future maintenance can become a big issue so to make a roof as "maintenance free" as possible we advise the use of aluminium outer glazing caps and "Activ" self cleaning glass (in addition to “self cleaning”, Activ glass offers many other benefits - set out above under the heading "Glazing").

We would normally match the style and colour of the house guttering but you may prefer a cast aluminium alternative which can be painted to match the conservatory.

Orangeries are becoming far more popular. They can be designed to take advantage of the more liberal planning attitudes applied to conservatories ("Partially Exempted Buildings"). In essence their design is similar in many ways to conservatories. The roof (which always has its own set of Structural Calculations) is constructed as a raised glazed atrium built onto a stylised flat (2° pitch) roof. The flat roof must be insulated to a very high level and of course permanently sealed with a waterproof membrane to avoid any leaks. Historically this would have been done with lead or mineral felt, tar and chippings. Both methods were very unreliable and imposed severe limitations on design. Fibreglass became a popular alternative but its application is temperature critical - not easy in our climate. We overcome this problem by sheathing the whole roof with weldable EPDM rubber which forms a non slip one piece flexible barrier to the elements. Whilst a relatively new system in roofing this has been proved to have a life in excess of 120 years (BBA accelerated testing) - We would suggest: a pretty reasonable lifespan!

A cast aluminium guttering (coloured to match the building) is fitted to take drainage from the whole of the roof area. Ogee style guttering and mouldings fitted to the extra deep fascia create the appearance of a cornice that along with the illuminated perimeter ceiling becomes an "Orangery" and creates the desired result – stylish yet very practical.

Due to the extensive bespoke nature of our products misunderstandings may become a problem. We encourage you to fully discuss every element of your building and to be very particular - we certainly will be.