Ecoplus® System Technical

FSC Certification
FSC is the only timber certification scheme endorsed by all major environmental NGOs such as Greenpeace, FOE, WWF.
There are several levels of FSC Certification. FSC 100% means that all timber used is certified. Other grades include FSC Mixed, in which some material is FSC and some from 'controlled' (ie legally logged) sources and FSC Recycled.
For a company to offer an FSC Certified product, they must have been through a rigorous auditing process to ensure 'chain of custody' of the timber used from forest to product.

Engineered timber
Engineered timber includes both lamination and finger jointing of timber, using modern high performance adhesives. As well as offering the optimum use of resources, this has three major advantages.

    • Lamination increases stability of timber

    • Virtually no knots or surface defects

    • Surface layers are cut to ensure that grain is vertical to the surface, which
    dramatically reduces the risk of surface movement and splits

Super Efficient Glazing
All low-emissivity glazing uses an invisible metallic coating to reflect radiant heat back into the building, without affecting incoming heat from the sun. This is sometimes combined with inert gas (generally Argon) fill to further reduce heat loss from conduction and convection.
Ecoplus System advanced glazing is superior because of its 'soft coat' low emissivity coating, which makes it not only one of the best insulated glazing materials, but gives outstanding optical clarity and light transmission.

True Warm Edge
Conventional aluminium spacers have a very high thermal conductivity, which can reduce the thermal insulation of a 60mm band at the edge of high performance glazing units. This will reduce the overall efficiency of the glazing and make condensation at the edge of the unit more likely, an effect which is particularly marked with smaller glazing units.
SuperSpacer® is one of the best insulated spacers available, and far outperforms options such as stainless steel or aluminium with thermal break.

Boron timber treatment
Timbers without sufficient natural durability are, as a precautionary measure, normally treated with anti-fungal chemicals. The inorganic boron salts used on new Ecoplus System redwood are not only widely regarded as the safest and most environmentally benign of timber treatments, but are also one of the most effective. Unlike conventional treatments, boron in small quantities is an essential part of the human diet.

Natural finishes
Conventional timber finishes are complex formulations composed, at least in part, of synthetic petrochemical based compounds. Most also normally contain anti-fungal biocides.
Our modern natural finishes rely on the ability of many plant oils to penetrate deeply into and bond with the timber surface, giving exceptional durability.
These finishes are thought to have a much lower environmental impact, and will be less toxic without the biocides of conventional finishes.

Drained and ventilated rebates
The most common cause of glazing unit breakdown, and also of rot in sill members, is due to trapped water. In line with current European design, all Ecoplus System windows and doors incorporate a 'drained and ventilated' rebate, with either our patented aluminium bead, or if you prefer a solid oak bead. This design allows free drainage of water and air circulation, ensuring the maximum durability for the glazing unit and frame.