Vista Panels... A picture of thermal efficiency

Over the years the composite door market has seen many changes and has grown significantly. One of the major challenges to manufacturers has been to produce a door, which is both energy efficient and will reduce the impact on the environment, while also being cost effective.

Vista Panels has adapted its composite doors to meet the environmental targets of the Tenancy Management Organisation (TMO). Vista was commissioned to supply front and rear composite door sets to the New Barracks Estate in Ordsall, Salford which is managed and maintained by the New Barracks TMO.

Working in partnership with the New Barracks TMO and Salix Homes, the housing management company for Salford City Council, Vista was tasked with providing a Pas: 23 and 24 'Secured by Design' door Set which would contribute to the overall thermal efficiency of the property.

Project Officer for Salix Homes, Jo Rogan said: "The TMO were very keen on improving energy efficiency whilst also reducing the carbon footprint of the properties on the New Barracks Estate. We had a thermal imaging done on two pilot properties, which have recently been completed. There was a lot of discussion on doors, including a trip to Vista's factory. We used the thermal image of the doors because we felt it had the maximum impact in demonstrating the benefits. That certainly proved to be the case. The property next door to one fitted with one of Vista's GRP composite door is a wooden panel door. We had to convince residents that it wasn't a glass paneled one."

The TMO set up a special group called 'Greening the Co-op' which worked closely with Salix Homes. The scheme included new central heating systems with condenser boilers, electrical upgrades, new kitchens and bathrooms, new windows and doors and an internal retro fit of insulation lining to the exteriors walls.

Commenting on the project Vista's Managing Director Keith Sadler said: "They say a picture is worth a thousand words and these images demonstrated the superior insulation the doors provide far more than I ever could. I'm very proud of what we achieved together in association with our partners Salix Homes and The New Barracks TMO."

The New Barracks Estate is the oldest council owned property in central Salford, with 80 properties, together with 12 owner-occupied properties.

The New Barracks TMO has responsibility for the management and maintenance of this historically important and prestigious estate, located in the Ordsall district of the City of Salford.



Thermal image comparing a Vista door (on the left) with a wooden door.

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