Unlocking value: housing associations can prioritise quality AND cost

With legislation changing all the time, specifying the right products is essential to meet the correct standards. We spoke with Howard Trotter, business manager of window and fire door manufacturer Shelforce, to find out what housing associations must look out for when specifying windows and doors and how Shelforce can help provide the right products for the right value.

In an era of tightened regulations and budgets, and a growing emphasis on sustainable living, housing associations are facing a significant challenge when it comes to specifying home improvement products. Among these, fire doors and energy-efficient windows stand out as vital components in ensuring safety, comfort, and sustainability for tenants within housing projects.

To maximise the benefits for their communities, housing associations must focus on value engineered products. Finding a trusted window and door manufacturer, then, is key to make sure the right products are being specified for the right project.

Shelforce has worked on a huge number of housing association projects, from high rises to new builds, and the company’s business manager Howard Trotter said housing associations need to have all the right information at hand when specifying windows and fire doors.
“Specifying the right fire doors, windows for high rises or whatever it happens to be is vital because they must be right. Navigating building regulations and compliance requirements can be overwhelming and housing associations need the right information to hand.

“For fire doors, for example, housing associations must make sure fire door manufacturers provide a Field of Application, which collates all the test evidence, and the fire doors must be third party audited for both fire and security compliance and have third party certification.”

Shelforce’s Fireshel 30-minure fire, smoke and security resistant door has proved to be the perfect solution for housing associations and working with a reputable manufacturer like Shelforce that specialises in fire doors guarantees peace of mind as they have the answers to the questions they must ask.

“As social landlords, housing associations have a responsibility under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) to ensure that their properties and tenants are safe, for which fire doors fall within, so it’s not only vital they understand what products they need to specify, but also their responsibilities as a responsible person.”

With housing associations also needing to be increasingly aware of the environmental impact of projects, energy efficient products also need to be fully understood, says Howard.

“Sustainability is no longer an option; it’s a necessity. Energy-efficient windows are a crucial element in reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption and housing will need to be taken up to government requirements for homes by law, with the Future Homes Standard in 2025 and the route to zero.

“So, housing associations need to work with a company that can simplify the process, make it as easy as possible, and offer transparent information and guidance on what they need to meet the necessary regulations and standards.”

Housing associations also need solutions that offer the best value for money while aligning with a budget without compromising on quality or safety and this is where Shelforce excels.

“Value engineering is hugely important to housing associations and we understand that budgets are tight, and every penny must be maximised, and we can provide the best solution. Our products are rigorously tested and certified to meet all necessary standards, guaranteeing that housing projects will meet and exceed the highest levels of safety and efficiency.

“We understand what housing associations need in terms of getting the right products with no hidden costs, and thanks to our delivery and quick lead times we ensure that every project is completed on time and within budget, providing the most cost-effective solution.”

Earlier this year Shelforce was recognised with The King’s Award for Enterprise in Promoting Opportunity (through social mobility), with 75% of its workforce disabled. If you would like to discuss your next project with Shelforce, telephone Shelforce on 0121 603 5262 or visit www.shelforce.com.

Images © Shelforce