Lutley Windows, a prominent player in the West Midlands, has been at the forefront of a remarkable transformation in the realm of energy efficiency within social housing.
Established ten years ago, the company has been churning out 160-200 windows per week for various local housing associations. Their commitment to excellence is underscored by their certification to PAS2030 and accreditation with Trustmark as a member of the decarbonisation fund.
Mark Taylor, the Managing Director of Lutley Windows, sheds light on their journey towards enhancing the thermal efficiency of properties in collaboration with housing associations. By aligning with the government’s guidelines to elevate properties from lower energy ratings to a C-rating, Lutley Windows has honed in on external wall insulation as a key focal point. However, recognizing the financial and logistical constraints that can accompany such upgrades, the company has strategically turned to triple glazing as a cost-effective alternative.
A staggering 97% of Lutley’s windows now boast the triple-glazed configuration, a move that has not only bolstered thermal comfort but has also paved the way for substantial savings for housing associations. Mark Taylor emphasizes that the decision to opt for triple glazing, with its price tag significantly lower than external wall insulation, represents a pragmatic choice for these entities. Moreover, the compatibility of these windows with potential future insulation endeavors underscores their long-term value proposition.
Central to Lutley Windows’ success story has been their partnership with Thermoseal Group, particularly through their glass division, HSA Glass. Colin Potter, the Production Manager at HSA Glass, lauds Thermoseal’s contributions in achieving ultra-energy efficient windows, citing the utilization of Thermobar spacer and advanced glass configurations as instrumental in their endeavors.
Mark Taylor underscores the pivotal role played by Thermoseal Group in empowering Lutley Windows to deliver top-tier products to their clients. The technical support, product reports, and testing evidence provided by Thermoseal have not only enhanced the quality of their windows but have also fortified their sales pitch to customers.
Looking ahead, Mark Taylor remains steadfast in his commitment to innovation and progress. While triple glazing currently reigns supreme in ensuring optimal thermal comfort, he acknowledges the need for continuous evolution. The collaboration with forward-thinking entities like Thermoseal Group fuels his aspirations for future breakthroughs, with the possibility of producing double glazed units boasting U-values below 0.8W/m2K on the horizon.
In essence, the partnership between Lutley Windows and Thermoseal Group stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for a more energy-efficient future in social housing.
Source:Thermoseal with additional information added by GlassBalkan
