Market-leading system supplier VEKA plc is offering a comprehensive support package to assist fabricators in preparing for the October changes in Building Regulations.

VEKA is an industry pioneer when it comes to eco-initiatives - as well as being the first window systems company in the world to invest in its own closed-loop window recycling plant, it was also quick to embrace the BFRC Window Energy Ratings scheme, with VEKA's being the very first window system in the UK to gain an 'A' rating.

In keeping with its reputation for unrivalled customer support and positive environmental solutions, VEKA has now become one of the very first companies in the industry to offer a Vertical Slider which can achieve the coveted 'A' rating.

VEKA Sales and Marketing Director Colin Torley explains: “We are delighted to be able to offer the most energy-efficient rating on one of our most popular systems. It should be a valuable addition to the sales arsenal of our customers, setting them well ahead of the competition. We were able to achieve the sought-after 'A' on our Vertical Slider by using Saint Gobain's newly launched Planitherm Total + glass. VEKA fabricators already manufacturing the Vertical Slider simply need to use this low-E glass in order to gain the ‘A’ rating.

"The technically-advanced Planitherm panes reflect long-wave heat radiation back into a room, minimising heat loss while maximising solar gain and, when combined with the level of technology in VEKA's profile, easily achieve an ‘A’ rating for the overall window.

"The VEKA Vertical Slider is the ideal replacement for traditional sashes as it combines the classic aesthetics which are suited to so many properties - both old and new - with high-spec, modern materials, ensuring they meet and exceed all current building regulations relating to energy-efficiency.”

The Technical Team at VEKA are keen to offer advice and assistance to fabricators throughout the WERs process and have been working incredibly hard to develop a unique Energy Ratings Calculator which is accessible to VEKA customers via a password protected area of the new website.

The innovative VEKA Energy Ratings Calculator is simple to use and provides instant information about the rating of a specific combination of profile, glazing and spacer bars. It allows for the basic analysis of an enormous number of VEKA window and glazing combinations (approx. 16,000 and continually increasing) and provides an indicative energy rating.

The results from this Energy Ratings Calculator can be used as a U-value certificate for either replacement or new build windows and can also be used to identify appropriate glazing units for 'A', 'B' and 'C' rated windows, for which VEKA can provide full simulation reports.

Colin added: “The Energy Ratings Calculator is just one of the unique services on offer to VEKA fabricators to support them through the WERs process. As an accredited BFRC simulator VEKA acts as a one-stop shop for fabricators looking to achieve BFRC WER ratings, providing full simulation reports for submission to the BFRC. VEKA also provides help and guidance in setting up the necessary quality systems which are an essential pre-requisite for any fabricator who wants to register their windows with the BFRC.

"While the changes to Building Regulations may seem daunting, for VEKA fabricators there is a whole host of support services available, coupled of course with products that already comply with the updated regulations, and which we continue to invest in, ensuring that our product range remains the most technically-advanced on the market.”