Quick answer
CR Smith manufactures Lorimer uPVC casement windows to achieve an A rating for energy efficiency as standard, with a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K, and to meet British Standard PAS 24 Enhanced Security requirements. CR Smith uses low-maintenance uPVC and offers a wide range of colours and finishes, helping homeowners improve thermal efficiency, home security and the overall appearance of their property.
Table of contents
- What is a uPVC casement window?
- How energy efficient are Lorimer uPVC casement windows?
- How secure are Lorimer uPVC casement windows?
- How much maintenance do uPVC casement windows need?
- What styles and finishes are available?
- Do new windows add value to a home?
- What certifications do CR Smith windows hold?
Key takeaways
- Lorimer uPVC casement windows achieve an A rating for energy efficiency as standard, with a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K.
- CR Smith manufactures Lorimer casement windows to meet British Standard PAS 24 Enhanced Security requirements.
- Low-maintenance uPVC reduces the need for regular upkeep and repainting.
- A wide range of styles, colours, finishes and pane configurations allows homeowners to tailor their windows to different property styles.
- Independent testing demonstrates that the Lorimer window range meets recognised standards and certification requirements, with Secured by Design accreditation available with the appropriate specification.
Choosing the right windows affects a home’s energy efficiency, security, and overall appearance. CR Smith combines classic casement styling with modern engineering and materials in its Lorimer uPVC casement window to deliver on all three.
What is a uPVC casement window?
A casement window opens outwards on either side-hung or top-hung hinges and operates using a handle, rather than sliding vertically like a sash window. It’s one of the oldest window styles still in common use today. The original timber casement window used a peg-and-stay handle to hold the window open and stop it catching in the wind. Lorimer uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) casement windows use the same outward-opening mechanism, but with slimmer frames, larger glazed areas and modern security, glazing and insulation technology.
How energy efficient are Lorimer uPVC casement windows?
Lorimer uPVC casement windows from CR Smith achieve an A rating for energy efficiency as standard, with a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K. A U-value measures how much heat passes through a material – the lower the number, the better a window insulates. Lorimer windows achieve this performance through:
- Low-emissivity (low-E) glass, a coating that reflects heat back into a room while still letting light through.
- Argon gas between the panes, which helps reduce heat transfer more effectively than ordinary air.
- Slim, well-sealed uPVC frames that reduce draughts around the window opening.
Window upgrades can have a meaningful impact on home energy bills. According to the Energy Saving Trust, upgrading single-glazed windows to A rated double glazing can save a typical semi-detached home in Great Britain up to £85 a year on energy bills. The Energy Saving Trust also notes that windows account for a significant share – around 18% – of a typical uninsulated home’s total heat loss, which is why glazing quality makes a measurable difference to comfort and running costs.
How secure are Lorimer uPVC casement windows?
CR Smith manufactures Lorimer uPVC casement windows to meet British Standard PAS 24 Enhanced Security requirements. PAS 24 sets enhanced security requirements for windows and doors, including testing against methods of attack that someone could use to gain entry and assessing elements such as the frame, glazing and locking system.
CR Smith also backs every installation with:
- Product and installation guarantee – The Lorimer guarantee covers parts, products and workmanship for a full ten years.
- Emergency call-out service – CR Smith offers an emergency call-out service available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, so we are available when you need us most.
- Security guarantee – CR Smith will replace any window or door, free of charge, should someone illegally gain entry.
How much maintenance do uPVC casement windows need?
Unlike timber windows, uPVC doesn’t require regular repainting or resealing, so a Lorimer casement window needs minimal upkeep, typically just an occasional wipe-down to keep it looking its best. Casement windows can also incorporate egress hinges, which allow the sash to slide along the hinge track and can make the outside of the glass easier to access for cleaning.
What styles and finishes are available?
Lorimer uPVC casement windows are available in a wide range of styles, colours and finishes, designed to suit a broad range of architectural styles, from period sandstone tenements to modern new-build homes. Options typically include:
- A range of solid and woodgrain-effect colour finishes.
- Different frame profiles to complement period or contemporary properties.
- Flexible pane configurations, from single fixed panes to multiple opening sashes within the one window.
This flexibility allows you to configure your casement windows with any combination of fixed and opening panes to suit a specific room and elevation.
Do new windows add value to a home?
Energy-efficient, secure, low-maintenance windows can make a home more attractive to prospective buyers, particularly as buyers become increasingly conscious of energy efficiency and future running costs. ESPC highlights that buyers are increasingly looking for energy-efficient homes and that a property’s EPC rating can impact its valuation. Upgrading to Lorimer casement windows can therefore contribute to the overall appeal and energy performance of a property, alongside the immediate benefits of improved thermal efficiency, security and reduced maintenance.
What certifications do CR Smith windows hold?
Independent testing demonstrates that the Lorimer window range meets several recognised standards and certification requirements, including British Standards for window performance and insulating glass units, PAS 24 Enhanced Security requirements and, with the appropriate specification, Secured by Design accreditation. CR Smith manufactures Lorimer products to standards that exceed the requirements of Scottish Building Regulations, giving homeowners additional assurance around the quality, performance and security of their new windows.
Ready to upgrade your home? Get a free brochure or book an appointment with a CR Smith product expert in your area.
FAQs
Lorimer uPVC casement windows achieve a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K as standard, meeting A-rated energy efficiency under Scottish Building Regulations.
Yes, CR Smith manufactures Lorimer windows to meet the British Standard PAS24 Enhanced Security specification and back every installation with a security guarantee and 24/7 emergency call-out service 365 days per year.
Yes. Lorimer casement windows are available in a wide range of styles, colours, and finishes, and can be configured with different combinations of fixed and opening panes. Our product experts will assist in making sure your requirements are met and your windows are designed to complement the architecture and period of your home.
