PVC-U frame system used in grand-scale porch refurb

Profile 22’s PVC-U frame system has been specified to replace more than 200 timber porches at Alexander Park in Manchester’s Moss Side.

The system provides a greater level of thermal efficiency and requires significantly lower maintenance. It also benefits from Profile 22’s Approved Window Contractor scheme.

Main contractor Mears Group PLC chose Select Windows for the project. Gary Wilde, Select Windows Managing Director, explained that the entire project was almost a non-starter. 

He commented: “At first it was thought it couldn’t be done with PVC-U because of possible problems lining up with existing roofs and gutters. 

But Tony Wood, one of our co-founders, with over 35 years’ industry experience, cut and re-welded the guttering to a purpose-made angle. Without his expertise, the project might never have got off the ground in the first place.”

Approved Window Contractors Network

The original timber porches had been part of a major redevelopment of the estate in 1994. Due to the on-going repair and maintenance costs, as well as rotting frames and insecure doors, replacement was inevitable.

City South Manchester Housing Trust contacted Profile 22 to provide advice on replacing the porches. Profile 22 provided CAD drawings and a specification which was put out to tender through the Approved Window Contractors network. 

As a Profile 22 Approved Commercial Manufacturer, Select accessed detailed of the original tender from the Profile 22 tender portal. It installed a total of 202 porches, using Profile 22 doors and frames with 28mm double glazing. The project was completed in just under six months.

City South Building Surveyor Nick Moulding commented: “It has all run remarkably smoothly. The product and fitting teams have been excellent. My thanks to the operatives as they have fitted 202 porches and we have received no complaints at all from the residents.

“Select attended every property on time and returned immediately to any where there was a query or problem. Many residents have mentioned how good the porches look and they are pleased with the added security from the windows and doors.”