News & Insights

The appearance of a window matters. It is one of the most visible elements of any home, inside and out. While thermal performance, security, and durability rightly dominate the specification conversation, the surface finish is what homeowners see and touch every day. Spectral is a surface technology developed by VEKA, one of the world’s leading uPVC profile manufacturers, that brings a genuinely new aesthetic dimension to uPVC windows and doors. Fairco is proud to offer Spectral across our Performance uPVC casement range.

What makes Spectral different

Spectral is not a standard foil or paint finish. It is a multi-layer system that combines through-dyed PVC film with a hardened coating layer, creating a surface that is fundamentally different from conventional uPVC finishes in both look and feel.

The result is an ultra-matt surface with a soft, velvety texture. There is no sheen, no gloss, and no plastic appearance. In person, it looks and feels closer to a powder-coated aluminium or a high-end composite than a traditional uPVC frame. For homeowners and architects who have historically avoided uPVC on aesthetic grounds, Spectral changes the conversation entirely.

Built to perform, not just to impress

A premium surface finish is only worthwhile if it lasts. Spectral is engineered for long-term durability in real-world conditions. The hardened coating layer provides exceptionally high resistance to scratches, abrasion, and chemical exposure. It is also dust-repellent and features an anti-fingerprint effect, which means the surface stays cleaner for longer with minimal maintenance.

VEKA backs the finish with a 10-year weather resistance guarantee, and independent testing confirms performance that meets and exceeds RAL quality standards under demanding environmental simulations. In Ireland’s wet, wind-driven climate, that level of resilience matters.

Design flexibility without compromise

Spectral is available in a range of contemporary colours, allowing homeowners to personalise their windows to suit both modern and traditional exteriors. Combined with the thermal performance and security credentials of Fairco’s Performance uPVC range, including double and triple glazing options and PAS 24 certified security, it is possible to achieve a high-design aesthetic without compromising on any functional requirement.

For those who want to see and feel the difference firsthand, Spectral samples are available in our Santry and Deansgrange showrooms. It is one of those finishes that photographs well but truly needs to be experienced in person to appreciate the quality.

Explore Spectral with Fairco

Spectral represents a meaningful step forward in what uPVC windows can look and feel like. If you are planning a window upgrade and want a finish that delivers on both aesthetics and performance, it is well worth exploring.

Book a free consultation with the Fairco team to discuss how Spectral can work for your home.

Most homeowners know that double or triple glazing improves insulation. Fewer know that the component sitting between the panes of glass plays a critical role in how well that glazing actually performs. The spacer bar is one of the most overlooked parts of a window, but it has a direct impact on heat loss, condensation, and overall U-value.

What a spacer bar does

A spacer bar is the strip that runs around the perimeter of a sealed glazing unit, holding the panes of glass apart at a precise, uniform distance. The gap it creates is filled with an insulating gas, typically argon, which slows heat transfer between the inner and outer panes. The spacer also contains a desiccant material that absorbs any residual moisture inside the cavity, keeping the glass clear over time.

In short, the spacer bar defines the structure of the sealed unit. Its material, design, and thermal properties all influence how the glazing performs at its most vulnerable point: the edge.

The problem with traditional aluminium spacers

For many years, aluminium was the standard material for spacer bars. It is strong, easy to manufacture, and structurally effective. However, aluminium is also highly thermally conductive. Heat travels through it easily, creating a thermal bridge at the edge of the glass where the spacer sits.

This thermal bridge causes the internal glass surface temperature to drop significantly at the perimeter. When warm, moist indoor air meets that cold edge, the result is condensation. In severe cases, persistent edge condensation can lead to mould growth, damage to window reveals, and degradation of the sealed unit itself. The cold edge also reduces the effective U-value of the window, meaning more heat is lost through the glazing than the centre-pane figure alone would suggest.

How warm-edge spacers solve this

A warm-edge spacer bar is made from materials with much lower thermal conductivity than aluminium, typically composite polymers, structural foam, or stainless steel hybrids. By reducing the rate at which heat transfers through the spacer, the internal glass edge temperature stays higher. This has two measurable effects.

First, the risk of condensation at the glass perimeter is substantially reduced. Independent testing has shown that warm-edge spacers can improve internal edge temperatures by up to 65% compared to aluminium, and reduce condensation occurrence by as much as 70%. Second, the overall U-value of the window improves. Depending on the glazing configuration, warm-edge spacers can improve the whole-window U-value by between 5% and 18%, a meaningful gain that contributes directly to energy performance and BER outcomes.

Why it matters for your home

In Ireland’s damp, mild climate, condensation around window edges is a common complaint, particularly in kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms where humidity levels are higher. Many homeowners assume this is simply a feature of living in a wet climate, but in most cases it is a symptom of poor edge-of-glass performance. Upgrading to windows with warm-edge spacer technology addresses the root cause.

For anyone considering double or triple glazing, the spacer bar specification is worth asking about. It is not always highlighted in quotes, but it makes a real difference to comfort, maintenance, and long-term glazing performance.

A detail that matters at Fairco

At Fairco, warm-edge spacer technology is part of how we approach glazing specification as a complete system. Combined with low-emissivity coatings, gas-filled cavities, and precision manufacturing, every component works together to deliver consistent thermal performance across the full window, not just at the centre of the glass.

If you would like to understand more about how glazing specification affects your home’s comfort and energy performance, book a free consultation or visit our showrooms to discuss your options with the Fairco team.

When choosing new windows and doors, most homeowners focus on appearance, energy performance, and price. Security often receives less attention, partly because it is harder to assess from the outside. That is where PAS 24 comes in. It is the recognised industry standard for measuring how well a window or door resists a physical break-in attempt, and the latest version, PAS 24:2022, represents a significant update to the way security performance is tested and certified.

What PAS 24 actually tests

PAS 24, or Product Assessment Specification 24, is a British Standards Institution (BSI) benchmark for the enhanced security performance of windows and doors. It is a pass or fail standard. There are no grades or levels. A product either meets the requirements or it does not.

The testing is designed to replicate the methods used by an opportunist burglar, using tools that are easy to conceal. It includes mechanical loading, where a significant force is applied to the frame and hardware to test resistance to being prised open. It includes hard and soft body impact, simulating blunt force strikes. And it includes manual attack, where a tester uses a prescribed set of tools to attempt to manipulate hardware, cut through materials, and remove glazing. For doors, additional tests cover cylinder vulnerability and letterplate security.

The standard has evolved through several iterations since it was first introduced in the 1990s. PAS 24:2022 is the current version, updated to reflect changing methods of real-world attack and advances in product technology.

Glazing requirements under PAS 24

One area that is often misunderstood is the glazing requirement. Under PAS 24:2022, all easily accessible doors must include at least one pane of laminated glass with a minimum thickness of 6.8mm. Standard 6.4mm laminated glass is classified as safety glass only and does not satisfy the security requirement. Easily accessible windows fitted with non-key locking hardware also require laminated glass.

Why it matters in Ireland

PAS 24 originates from UK building regulations, specifically Approved Document Q, which requires enhanced security on easily accessible windows and doors in new dwellings. While Ireland does not have an identical regulatory requirement, PAS 24 is widely recognised as the benchmark for window and door security across both the UK and Ireland.

For homeowners, PAS 24 certification provides a straightforward way to verify that a product has been independently tested against a rigorous and repeatable standard. It removes the guesswork from security specification.

How Fairco products measure up

Every Fairco window and door is independently certified to PAS 24:2022, covering both double and triple-glazed configurations across the full product range. This includes Performance uPVC, OMNIA Flush, and aluminium systems, as well as all door types including entrance, French, sliding, and bi-fold.

Because Fairco controls design, manufacturing, and installation, the security performance tested in the laboratory is carried through to the finished product installed in your home. That chain of accountability, from certified design to professional fitting, is what separates a tested product from a truly secure one.

If security is a priority in your next window or door project, contact Fairco for expert advice on specification, certification, and how PAS 24:2022 applies to your home.

Interest in energy-efficient windows and doors has surged following confirmation of a new SEAI grant for window and door upgrades in Ireland. Rising energy costs and tighter building standards mean homeowners are rightly asking whether this grant applies to them, what is required to qualify, and whether it represents the best value route for improving comfort and efficiency.

This guide explains how the updated grant works, who it is designed for, and how Fairco’s approach ensures you can upgrade with certainty, whether or not your home ultimately qualifies.

Why windows and doors matter for energy efficiency

Windows and doors play a significant role in overall heat loss. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland consistently highlights uncontrolled heat loss through the building envelope as a major contributor to higher energy demand in homes. Poor glazing, ageing frames, and worn seals allow warmth to escape, increasing heating use and reducing comfort.

Modern high-performance windows and doors reduce this loss by combining advanced glazing, insulated frames, and airtight installation. The result is a warmer home, lower energy demand, and improved Building Energy Rating outcomes.

What the new windows and doors grant covers

Under the updated SEAI scheme, grants are now available for the replacement of existing windows and doors, subject to specific conditions. Importantly, the grant is assessed after works are completed, based on the home’s post-works energy performance.

Key points homeowners should understand:

• The grant applies to the replacement of existing single or double glazed windows and doors.
• A post-works BER assessment is required. This BER is grant-aided.
• After installation, the home must achieve a ‘Good’ or ‘Very Good’ Heat Loss Indicator score.
• Not all homes will qualify without additional upgrades, such as insulation improvements.

SEAI guidance on heat loss indicators and BER assessments is available directly from the authority and forms the basis of eligibility decisions.

Post-installation BER and installation timing

The grant is based on a post-installation BER only. This allows installations to proceed through February and March, with documentation issued to support grant applications once assessments are completed.

This approach provides flexibility while maintaining compliance with SEAI requirements.

Why some homes may not qualify

Although Fairco’s windows and doors exceed the grant’s thermal performance requirements, eligibility depends on the performance of the entire building. Homes with weaker insulation in walls, roofs, or floors may struggle to achieve the required heat loss indicator, even after installing new windows and doors.

For some homeowners, reaching the qualifying standard could mean additional insulation works, professional assessments, and certification costs that significantly reduce the net financial benefit of the grant.

The Fairco energy offer: certainty without delay

Recognising this uncertainty, Fairco has introduced the Fairco Energy Offer, providing savings of up to €1,500 on windows and doors without relying on grant approval. This allows homeowners to move forward immediately with a high-quality upgrade, avoiding delays or complex eligibility concerns.

For customers who are eligible for the grant, Fairco also offers a practical advantage. Orders placed now can secure manufacturing slots, with invoicing aligned for March installations, ensuring eligibility once the grant window opens.

How Fairco products support energy performance

All Fairco window and door systems are designed to exceed current energy standards. Ranges such as OMNIA Flush and Fairco Performance uPVC combine advanced glazing, insulated profiles, and precision installation to deliver consistent thermal performance with minimal maintenance.

Because Fairco controls design, manufacture, and installation, performance is not dependent on isolated components but on the complete system working as intended.

Take action with confidence

The new grant is positive news for homeowners, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Understanding your home’s current energy performance is essential before deciding whether to pursue the grant or take advantage of immediate savings.

If you are considering upgrading your windows and doors, Fairco’s team can assess your options clearly and honestly, helping you choose the route that delivers the greatest long-term value.

Whether you plan to apply for the SEAI grant or not, expert guidance makes the difference.

Book a free consultation with Fairco today to understand your eligibility, explore suitable products, and take the next step towards a warmer, more efficient home.

Further details on grant eligibility are available at Fairco’s windows and doors grant information page and from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.

Replacing windows and doors is one of the most effective ways to improve comfort, energy efficiency, and security in your home. Like any building work, the process runs more smoothly when the space is properly prepared. Knowing what to expect and how to stage your home in advance can significantly reduce disruption and help installers work safely and efficiently.

Understanding what happens during installation

Window and door installation involves removing existing units, preparing openings, fitting new frames, sealing junctions, and finishing internally and externally. While Fairco’s professional installers work carefully to minimise disturbance, some dust, noise, and temporary access restrictions are unavoidable. Preparing your home in advance allows the work to progress efficiently while protecting your belongings.

If you are unfamiliar with how Fairco manages the installation process, our homeowner’s guide to installation day provides a detailed overview of what to expect from start to finish.

Preparing interior spaces

Clear access to each window or door opening is essential. Furniture, soft furnishings, and decorative items should be moved away from the work area to provide installers with safe working space and reduce the risk of accidental damage.

Where moving large furniture is difficult, items should be covered securely with dust sheets or protective plastic. Curtains, blinds, and window dressings should be removed in advance, including poles or tracks if they obstruct access. Wall-mounted items such as mirrors, artwork, or shelving near openings should also be taken down temporarily.

Protecting floors and finishes

Although Fairco installers always use protective coverings, homeowners can take additional steps to protect flooring and finishes. Clear pathways from entry points to work areas help reduce wear on floors and prevent trip hazards. Rugs and loose mats should be removed, particularly in high-traffic areas.

In homes with newly decorated walls or delicate finishes, it is worth highlighting this to the installation team in advance, so additional care can be taken during fitting and sealing.

External preparation around windows and doors

External access is just as important as interior preparation. Plants, outdoor furniture, and decorative items should be moved away from window and door openings. This allows installers to work safely and ensures proper sealing and finishing around frames.

If there are alarm sensors, satellite cables, or external fixtures near openings, these should be identified in advance so they can be safely managed during the installation process. Homeowners with properties in conservation areas or subject to planning conditions should also confirm that any relevant approvals are in place before work begins.

Living in your home during installation

Most window and door projects are completed room by room, allowing homeowners to remain in the property throughout. However, some temporary loss of use should be expected, particularly in kitchens, bedrooms, or main living areas.

Planning ahead can make this easier. Designating alternative spaces for daily activities, securing pets away from work zones, and allowing flexibility in schedules all help reduce stress during installation. For larger projects involving multiple rooms, it can be useful to agree a working sequence with the installation team so you can plan around the disruption.

After installation: what to expect

Once new windows and doors are fitted, installers will carry out final adjustments, sealing, and clean-up. Some light dust or debris may remain, particularly around internal reveals. Any new finishes, such as plaster or sealants, may require time to fully cure before redecorating.

Homeowners should allow adequate ventilation after installation and follow any care and aftercare guidance provided to ensure long-term performance. Understanding how to use your new windows effectively, including trickle vents and tilt-and-turn functions, will also help you get the most from your investment from day one.

Preparation makes all the difference

Staging your home before a window and door project helps protect your space, supports efficient installation, and reduces disruption to daily life. With thoughtful preparation and clear access, professional installers can focus on delivering a high-quality finish and long-term performance.

Explore Fairco’s window and door ranges to understand how professional specification and installation standards contribute to a smooth, well-managed project from start to finish. Book a free consultation to discuss your project with the Fairco team.