Sloppy Sliders Or Attention To Detail?

“Vertical sliders are a complex product. They need to be treated that way by fabricators,” says Richard Hammond, the sales director at Universal Trade Frames. “But many don’t.”

According to Hammond. VS are often treated as just another line in a fabricator’s portfolio. “And that approach is exactly where many of the larger players fall short,” he said.

“A lot is going on within the window. If you don’t give it the right level of attention during manufacture, that’s when problems start to creep in.

“That’s the difference for us. We don’t see it as just another product line. We see it as something that needs a higher level of care to get right consistently.”

Attention to detail

That attention to detail is where Universal has chosen to differentiate itself. Rather than chasing volume alone, the business has focused on refining both the product and the manufacturing process to deliver a higher level of performance and consistency.

“At Universal, it comes down to the detail,” Hammond said. “It’s the components you choose, the way the product is put together and the level of control you have over the process.

“We’ve invested in the right equipment and the right people to make sure we can deliver that consistently. With vertical sliders, you can’t afford to cut corners because it will show.”

Same base systems

This approach is particularly important in a sector where many fabricators are working from the same base systems.

“A lot of suppliers are starting from the same place,” Hammond said. “So, if you’re building it in the same way as everyone else, there’s very little to separate you. The opportunity is in how you improve it and how you refine it.”

Performance where it matters

One of the clearest examples of this is thermal performance. Vertical sliders are notoriously difficult to optimise for energy efficiency, yet it’s an area that continues to grow in importance.

Universal has addressed this challenge through a refined reinforcement method, welding RCM reinforcing directly within the sash to create additional chambers.

“We took what we’d learned from improving our standard windows and applied it to the vertical slider,” Hammond explained. “By welding the reinforcing within the sash, we’re creating extra chambers that you just don’t get with a standard build.

“We knew it would improve performance, yet we didn’t expect it to go as far as it did.”

Energy rating

Following independent testing, Universal’s Spectus Vertical Slider achieved an A+ Window Energy Rating as standard, using its core specification rather than specialist upgrades.

“To get an A+ on a vertical slider is a big achievement,” said  Hammond. “It’s a difficult product to push that far, so to do it with a standard spec is a real advantage for our customers.

“It means they can offer better performance without complicating the product or the sale.

“It’s about being able to deliver it every time, and that’s what gives installers confidence.”

Alongside thermal gains, the construction also improves screw retention and overall robustness, adding further long-term benefits.

Nearer to the original

The introduction of a 37mm ultra-slim meeting rail now delivers sightlines that closely replicate traditional timber sash windows. If it is too bulky, it immediately looks like a replacement. Getting that sightline right makes a big difference to the overall finish.

Combined with features such as a deep bottom rail, authentic detailing and a wide range of colour options, the result is a product that balances performance with aesthetics.

Picture: Universal Trade Frames' Spectus Vertical Slider features a slim 37mm meeting rail and authentic detailing, delivering traditional sash aesthetics alongside modern thermal performance.

www.utfl.co.uk/vertical-sliding-sash-windows