Samantha Alleyne, Head of Business Development and Major Bids at Anglian Building Products, a leading door and window partner to the social housing sector for the last 60 years, gives readers an update on how far next generation window solutions have come in recent years
While most social housing clients are aware of the built-in benefits of advanced PVC-U windows, with higher security, SAP scores, Energy Ratings all being specified and tendered for, it’s not always as obvious, especially for residents. Sure, they can generally see the external aesthetic improvements compared with what are now often tired 20-year-old windows that we’re replacing, but in this article, I wanted to go back to basics. Back to the significant product developments we’ve made in recent times to the functionality and performance of a window, notwithstanding the significant contribution that windows and doors also now play when it comes to better ventilation, lower damp, mould and condensation occurrence, and overall Healthy Homes.
Decent Homes Standard
Originally focused on ensuring homes were structurally sound, warm, and had modern facilities, Decent Homes has been a benchmark for social housing quality since the early 2000s. It was during these programmes that we saw white PVC-U windows transform the housing landscape across the UK. But over the last two decades, windows and doors have undergone significant improvements, thanks to new legislation and innovation.
And for many, servicing or upgrading windows and doors hasn’t been a key part of planned maintenance programmes, despite stricter building regulations that has driven substantial improvements in materials and technology.
While this better performance may not be obvious on first glance at the 2025 edition of a white PVC-U window, after all its main function is to fill a space in a wall and create light, so much more is engineered-in when it comes to security, durability, energy efficiency and Healthy Homes.
Back to Basics
Better Energy Efficiency:
Window Energy Ratings & U-Values
20+ years ago, when most of today’s social housing windows were fitted during Decent Homes, PVC-U window companies were striving to achieve a Window Energy Rating (WER) of C. In fact, the first manufacturers to achieve this were highly celebrated. With supply chain collaboration and innovation, we soon saw the first A rated window, and then beyond with A+ ratings common.
U-values (how much heat is lost through the fabric of a building) used to average whole window measurements of 3.0 W/m²·K. Today, our windows for social housing clients are generally between 1.30 W/m²·K or 1.40 W/ m²·K, and we can achieve 0.8 W/ m²·K.
However, rather than treating window energy performance in isolation, with U-Values and WERs, SAP scores are more often used as measurements for social housing clients as they form part of the Government’s Standard Assessment Procedure, the official methodology for calculating a dwelling’s whole energy performance. U-Values (heat loss) and solar gain potential both feed in to ensure compliance with Building Regulations (Part L and EPCs) and the role of the entire window – frames, seals, insulated glass units, installation quality – are all scrutinised.
The triple glazing balance
Then comes the double versus triple glazed windows debate. In SAP assessments, triple-glazed windows can achieve U-values below 0.8W/m2K, with around 20–40% less heat loss than double glazing. But at 50% more expensive, the investment and payback on triples is more. It’s a conversation we have regularly with clients and I’m more than happy to speak to anyone who wants to explore the options.
Advanced Glazing
Modern Insulated Glass Units (IGUs) outperform their predecessors on energy efficiency. Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass coatings to reflect heat back into the room, and the gap between the two panes of glass is filled with inert gas, such as argon, instead of air, to provide better insulation. Spacer bars within the IGUs can be upgraded from aluminium to Warm Edge Technology to increase thermal performance too.
Multi-chambered Frames
Modern PVC-U frames feature multiple internal chambers designed to trap air and prevent heat loss, a significant improvement over the less complex designs of 20 years ago.
Security and safety
Multi-point Locking Systems
Our windows incorporate sophisticated multi-point locking systems, making them significantly harder to force open than older models, and meet the latest version of PAS24 Enhanced Security Standard.
Restrictors
Following the Decent Homes 2 Consultation, we know that window restrictors will be required otherwise the property will be considered a “non-decent “dwelling. We already manufacture our windows with restrictors, another reason servicing windows and doors regularly within your maintenance programme is essential to keep ahead of important legislation and resident safety.
Ventilation
Thanks to trickle vents – small adjustable ventilation openings integrated into the frame of a window, which allow controlled fresh air flow into a room – new windows offer better ventilation to help prevent damp, mould and condensation. ABP has been manufacturing trickle vents into our frames as standard for several years.
Durability
Longer-lasting frames, hinges and seals: With time, older PVC-U windows can become discoloured, yellowed, or brittle with sun exposure. Modern manufacturing processes prevent this, meaning the frames retain their appearance for much longer. The new seals around the windows are also more robust and durable, as are the hinges. At ABP, we control this entire process in our manufacturing and include around 60% recycled materials in our frames.
Noise Reduction
The combination of gas-filled panes, improved frame designs, and better sealing technology means modern PVC-U windows offer significantly better sound insulation, creating a quieter indoor environment.
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts
When it comes to windows twenty years on from Decent Homes 1, as well as all the features and benefits discussed above, windows that are replacing the replacements today are playing an even more strategic role in achieving Healthy Homes that prioritise health, safety and sustainability in UK social housing.
We’re committed to driving positive change in the sector, ensuring that our window and door products are not just fit for purpose, but future-proofed through continuous innovation, we are ready to deliver next generation windows that achieve anticipated performance standard to help landlords in meeting sustainability and compliance goals
Our 60-year heritage specialising in occupied housing association and local authority properties, alongside our position as market leader in the social housing sector, not just for windows but in-situ replacements, means we understand the complexity of the market. And through our position at the forefront of the industry, we actively participate in consultations on changes to Building Regulations and British/European Standards to ensure fenestration as a whole and our own products and services are enhanced to surpass statutory requirements ahead of legislative updates.
As we move to energy efficiency, healthy homes and decent homes, we are actively supporting our clients with advice on complementary packages of work which may include ventilation, damp and mould, renewable energy, long term monitoring and retrofit solutions. Each of these areas is impacted by window and door specifications and we strive to be a key player in helping the sector to deliver healthier, more efficient homes.
For more information contact:
samantha.alleyne@angliangroup.com or
contact@angliangroup.com
