Liniar provides update on market’s reception to Zero|90

Leading UK systems company Liniar launched the Passivhaus-capable, 90mm PVCu window and door ranges Zero|90 and Zero|90R earlier this year. In doing so, Liniar introduced an ultra-high-performance window capable of a 0.66 U-value with standard Argon-filled triple glazing to the market and catalysed an industry-wide discussion around preparation for incoming stricter energy efficiency regulation under the Future Homes Standard.

Supporting uptake with independent testing

The range has been well received by existing Liniar customers as well as generating enquiries from the wider construction industry.  For example, Liniar is in conversation with several national housebuilders showing interest in specifying Zero|90, while fabricator-installer Rooms & Views has already secured a huge contract to supply and install windows from the range on a 250-plot Taylor Wimpey development in Gloucester.

R&V has also carried out independent testing on the Zero|90 system. CEO Kevin McClure tells us, “We’ve put Zero|90 through its paces with weather, security and energy testing. The system passed everything with flying colours, achieving Secured by Design accreditation as well as the highest possible weather rating! This means we can provide verifiable quality assurances to our customers for complete peace of mind.”Carlisle-based fabricator The Window Shop has also recently launched Zero|90, having done similar independent testing, which the system passed easily. Director Chris Cook explains, “Third party testing means we get to see how rigorous the procedure is, which gives us confidence when making quality claims to our customers. It also means it’s our name on the certificate which gives us a competitive edge. Our customers know who we are and trust us - over the years positive word-of-mouth has played an important role in the excellent reputation we’ve established.”

Discussing the decision to offer the Zero|90 range, Chris says, “With stricter regulations on the horizon, house builders will need easy access to energy efficient window and door solutions that enable their projects to comply. High performance PVCu profile seems the most economical way forward, as high-performance glass can be cost-prohibitive and the new-build sector is extremely cost driven.”

A platform for targeting new markets

Window Supply Company is also gearing up for a full Zero|90 launch in the fourth quarter of 2023. The business is currently collaborating with members of Liniar’s Sales, Technical, and Design and Development teams, fine tuning content for a series of upcoming webinars.

Marketing Manager Deborah Hall explains, “The online sessions are intended to boost awareness of Zero|90’s performance capabilities and its suitability for ensuring compliance with impending regulatory changes.

“There will be plenty of opportunity for interaction during Q and A sessions, and the webinars will form part of a wider digital campaign aimed at raising our profile (no pun intended!) amongst architects and specifiers. Our existing customer base is primarily trade installers, so this will be a new target market for us. It’s a great opportunity and we’re really excited about the Zero|90 product range.”

Pearl Windows of Bolton is also ready to take the range to market. Having launched its new build division in April 2023, Pearl New Build has cemented live orders with a selection of the top UK housebuilders, working collectively on over 19 active sites. In preparation for its Zero|90 launch, Pearl New Build has digitally launched Zero|90 to over 300 contacts within the top 40 UK housebuilders.

CEO Jeff Walsh tells us, “We are delighted to be involved in yet another innovative product from Liniar and are excited about what the future holds with our new build division. Zero|90 will complement our growth plans and undoubtedly secure a lot more work for us all moving forward.”

Pushing the boundaries

Discussing Zero|90’s reception in the wider construction industry so far, Liniar Design and Development Director Chris Armes comments, “It’s amazing to see that Zero|90 has already joined other Liniar products in being specified by some of the largest national house builders. The range has been well received and with plenty of Liniar customers introducing these products to market, momentum continues to gather pace.

Chris continues, “Besides being a groundbreaking product in its own right, Zero|90 has become a great talking point with both existing and new customers. Not only are people starting to see the future of energy efficiency and sustainable building practices in what we’re doing, but they’re also seeing Liniar’s amazing manufacturing facilities and learning about our team and company culture, the investment we receive from parent company Quanex and our ambitious expansion plans.

“Our commitment to developing the Zero|90 and Zero|90R ranges remains strong and we have new additions on the horizon. We want to continue bringing highly energy efficient solutions to market, providing architects and specifiers with the right tools for the right projects.

He concludes, “What’s more, we want to encourage the entire industry to do the same, as a concerted effort to push the boundaries of window and door energy performance is the best way to move the industry forward and show what’s possible for the future of sustainable building and Net Zero societies.

To find out more about Zero|90 visit https://www.liniar.co.uk/zero90/