Orangeries

Teamwork, good communications and the application of traditional skills all came to the fore when more than 200 dated and decaying timber porches need replacing in Alexander Park in Manchester’s Moss Side.

 PVC-U Porch

PVC-U had been the natural choice for the replacement, offering greater thermal efficiency as well as significantly lower maintenance. Profile 22 was chosen as frame system, not only for its product specification but also the well-known benefits of working with its Approved Window Contractor scheme.

However, the entire project would have been a non-starter but for a little inspiration and traditional expertise, as Gary Wilde, MD of the chosen scheme member, Select Windows, explained: “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.”

The original porches had been part of a major redevelopment of the estate in 1994 but ongoing repair and repainting costs, as well as rotting frames and insecure doors made replacement inevitable. Initially, Profile 22 was asked to provide advice to Cselty South Manchester Housing Trust, as the two have worked closely in the past. Profile 22 got on board with CAD drawings and a specification that was put out to tender through the Approved Window Contractors network. Select Windows was chosen, via main contractor Mears Group PLC.

During the contract, every element of the chain paid tribute to every other for good communications and co-operation that led to a smooth, efficient team effort with a completely complaint-free outcome. City South Building Surveyor Nick Moulding said: “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.”

Walsall-based Select Windows, as a Profile 22 Approved Commercial Manufacturer, was able to access details of the original tender from the Profile 22’s tender portal, as it had done many times to gain work on previous occasions. In just under six months, Select installed 202 porches using Profile 22 doors and frames with 28mm double glazing.

Select has been in business 35 years and recently reached a milestone of producing 1,000 units a week. Around 55% of its work is commercial and 15% retail, with the remainder as trade supply to other installers.