Standard Features – uPVC Sash Windows

All KAT Vertical Sliding uPVC Sash Windows have many features in common

Differences between the Elegance and Universal ranges are highlighted where applicable.

Deep Bottom Rail

Our uPVC Sash Windows have a mechanically jointed optional extra to replicate traditional timber sash window sight lines – purely for traditional aesthetics or to match existing windows. The base rail is roughly twice as thick as the other 3 sides of the bottom sash, the glass sightline varies slightly depending on the range.

Sash Horns

The ‘horn’ on a sash window had a functional purpose in old timber sash windows, it helped to spread the load of the glass over a greater area allowing bigger windows with more glass to be made. Modern PVCu sash windows have sashes that are all fully reinforced and are much stronger, capable of taking increased loads without this feature being required.

Our uPVC sash windows all have optional sash horns available to replicate the appearance of older timber sash windows, in our premium Elegance range only we offer a special continuous ‘run through’ sash horn detail which most closely matches the appearance of a timber sash window – excellent for conservation areas or those with sensitive planning constraints, or just those who want the most traditional looking windows on the market!

Hardware

We offer a wide choice of furniture on our premium Elegance range including traditional timber style ‘hook and claw’ locking catches, our Universal range has a more limited choice.

For extra security key locking cams are fitted as standard - thumb turn/non-locking cams are available on request.

Elegance uPVC Sash Windows are fitted with 2 locking catches as standard on any window over 600mm wide, Universal uPVC Sash Windows have single cam catches up to 800mm wide.

High security locking catches are available and both our Elegance and Universal ranges can be upgraded to BS7950 enhanced security or even the police proffered Secured by Design standard as an optional extra.

Our hardware is available in a range of finishes including gold, bright chrome, brushed chrome, black and our standard white – the Elegance range also has an exclusive pewter finish not available on our other windows.

Other special finishes are available on request, but typically depending on volume will be subject to extended lead times and/or surcharge, please enquire with our customer service team for more details.

uPVC Colours, Foils & Finishes

Plain white PVC-U is our standard across all our sash window ranges, however, there is a very wide range of colours available on request. Standard foiled finishes on our Elegance range include Cream or White wood grain effect both on a white base profile, Light Oak and Irish Oak on a tan base profile.

In our Universal range we offer White wood grain on white, Cream wood grain on cream, Light Oak on tan, Rosewood on brown, Black on brown, Light Oak and Rosewood are also available foiled on the external face only on a white profile base.

We offer an almost unlimited range of other special foiled finishes in our Universal range, generally with no minimum order quantity or surcharge, just longer lead times (some finishes are subject to MOQ/surcharge – please enquire with customer services).

We can also paint any of our sash windows in any RAL colour and even other special finishes if required, this service is subject to a surcharge and all painted jobs must be priced by return – longer lead times apply.

Guaranteed for 10 Years

Our painted and specially foiled windows still carry 10 year guarantees on their finish.

Balanced Opening System

We use only the best Caldwell’s Ultralift and Torso spring balances, individually designed and built to suit each and every window. Rigorously BBA tested to well over 20,000 cycles, these balances have a 10 year guarantee and an estimated lifespan in excess of 25 years.

Replacing the old fashioned cords or chains and counterweights, they are reliable and long lasting. Bespoke balance mechanisms weighted for each window ensure a smooth, easy operation every time.

Triple Weatherseals

All KAT uPVC sash windows are fully sealed around the frame and double sealed on each sliding sash providing excellent year round weather resistance. For extreme weather facing locations, extra large windows and any other specialist requirements you may have please contact the customer service team to discuss.

Removable Sashes

All KAT uPVC sash windows have special ‘quick release’ fixings to allow heavy glazed sashes on larger windows to be quickly and easily removed for ease of installation and transportation on site. This includes tilt restrictor arms if tilt facility has been specified, if not take care when removing unsupported sashes.

Tilt facility

Our standard sashes will slide up and down only, like a traditional sash window. An optional ‘easy clean’ tilt facility is available on modern sash windows to facilitate cleaning from inside even on upper floors and also to allow extra ventilation. If specified two tilt restrictor arms are fitted to all tilting sashes, except for woodgrain on white windows.

Trickle vents

2000mm/4000mm/5000mm E/A controllable plastic trickle or ‘night’ vents are available In all our windows on request – typically fitted through the head of the top sash they are also available fitted through an add on to the head of the frame.

Spacer Bar Colour

All ranges of KAT uPVC Sash Windows are supplied with white spacer bars as standard in our white windows, gold in woodgrain, but other colours are available on request. Colours available include white, gold, silver, black, bronze. We use Swisspacer V warmedge/thermal spacer bars in our higher energy rated windows and these are only available in white, black or grey.

Coupled Windows

A 2mm PVC-U ‘H’ or ‘T’ section trim is available for fixing multiple frames together, they will also require screw fixing. As standard KAT Universal coupled sash windows will be supplied on a continuous integral cill, for larger windows sashes will be removed for delivery/installation. Elegance sash windows will be supplied separately for coupling on site unless otherwise specified.

Bay Windows

We can supply a selection of fixed and variable angle non load bearing aluminium bay poles with decorative uPVC trims in a choice of finishes. We also offer welded cills (either integral or clip under) to suit almost any bay window design. Please send us detailed drawings of bay windows, including angles and internal facet sizes when ordering or quoting.