Briscoe Lane Academy’s 12-year problem with vandalism has now been solved with the help of Bowater Projects. Over 60 new Halo System10 PVC-U windows have been installed, which combine security and modern, pleasing aesthetics to create an appealing environment for both teachers and pupils at the Manchester school.
In 2015, the BBC estimated that councils spent more than £1m on repairing vandalism on school buildings – and Briscoe Lane Academy was no exception. With staff and pupils regularly going to the Academy to find that the windows had been smashed or broken, the school decided to replace its dilapidated fenestration with secure Crimeshield window grills. These grills acted as a discrete and unnoticeable prevention to vandals with the previous grills being large meshed like window covers.
Chris O’Shaughnessy, Chief Executive officer at the school said: “Originally, the school had rusty, damaged, meshed covers fitted to most of its windows but this still didn’t deter vandals from carrying out their reckless acts of damage. In fact, during one incident, we had over £10,000 worth of damage to the windows, which was obviously devastating.”
The school tendered for the new fenestration work to the Condition Improvement Fund, with building surveyor AA Projects successfully winning. Having used VEKA products on many other projects before, AA Projects recommended the company’s windows due to its extensive knowledge, product range and reasonable cost.
Alex Speechley, Surveyor at AA Projects said: “We suggested the Bowater System10 PVC windows as they meet the PAS 24 minimum standards for security and they’re also internally beaded, which makes it more difficult for them to be broken into compared to the previous windows. They also open inwards, making them easier to clean – a great feature for schools. And with more than 60% of the outside light now being let into the classrooms, it makes for a more pleasant environment for the children and teachers.”
Bowater’s Halo System10 offers a comprehensive range of windows and door styles suitable for the commercial sectors, which are thermally efficient, have a WER A Rating and achieve U-Values as low as 0.8. The PVC-U windows are versatile and interchangeable, with Briscoe Lane Academy opting for the tilt and turn feature, which means the windows tilt in for ventilation and open in for cleaning
Since having the new windows and Crimeshield grills, the school has had no further problems with vandalism. Chris concluded: “I am delighted with the overall finished project. The Bowater team were always onsite to offer advice and if we ever needed help, nothing was ever too much of an issue for them. They stuck to the budget and got the job done within our set tight timescales. Our school is now secure and aesthetically pleasing
For more information on Bowater Projects and the Halo System10 windows visit www.bowaterprojects.com.