Product category:
Window Systems
News Release from: L B Plastics | Subject: Sheerframe VS
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 07 October 2005
Easy egress first with new Sheerframe VS
First PVC vertically sliding sash window to offer all the benefits of traditional styling, combined with the critical emergency egress requirements of Part B of the Building Regulations.
L.B.Plastics has developed the first PVC vertically sliding sash window to offer all the benefits of traditional styling, combined with the critical emergency egress requirements of Part B of the Building Regulations Typically, most sliding sash windows leave no more than 75 per cent of each opening sash as a possible clear opening for escape in the event of a fire or other emergency
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 28 Feb 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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Unless the sash window is very large, this is unlikely to comply with Part B which states that escape windows must have an unobstructed open area of 0.33m2, with height and width no less than 450mm.
In addition, most vertical sliding sash windows tilt-in for easy cleaning and are bottom hung.
This complicates emergency egress when every second is absolutely crucial, with the bottom sash very awkward to escape from quickly, unless the tilt arms are disengaged.
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The new Sheerframe escape sliding sash window is radically different.
It looks and functions exactly like any other traditional vertically sliding sash, moving up and down on spring balances, but is unique in that the bottom sash (the escape sash) becomes top hung and opens-in.
This creates a clear, unobstructed opening for easy escape to the full size of the sash.
The development of the Sheerframe escape sliding sash opens up whole new possibilities for housebuilders.
It means that this popular, traditional window style with all the added long term performance benefits of PVC, can now be used for smaller window openings, providing opportunities for new house designs and interior layouts.
An escape window will now be possible in the VS style to a minimum size opening of 845mm wide by 1082mm tall on an equal split window and with a 1/3-2/3rd split as much as 845mm x 900mm.
In terms of operation, the window is very easy to understand for the home occupant.
Following the release of the camlock, the lower sash is lifted to its stop position.
The tilt release catches can then be disengaged and the lower sash is tilted upwards and inwards where it arrives at its final position for egress, with tilt restrictors supporting the sash in this position.
Importantly, this innovative egress design in no way compromises the styling of the VS.
Escape sliding sashes retain the slim Sheerframe profile with its good sightlines, a style that has made the system such a popular choice amongst the UK and Ireland's housebuilders.
It can also be manufactured not only with horns in the conventional features at the bottom of the bottom sash, but also on the inside of the top of the bottom sash, a design commonly found in older timber windows.
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