How to Offer Smarter Sash Windows with Legacy™ Protect

Sash windows have been a staple of UK architecture for more than 300 years, but what homeowners expect from them is changing. Security has become a top priority across both new-build and refurbishment projects, and smart technology is increasingly playing a role in how that security is delivered. For installers and developers, the market is moving beyond purely mechanical locking systems and towards a layered approach where digital integration and alerts offer an additional benefit.

Smart Sash Windows Without Changing the Aesthetic

From spring 2026, all Quickslide sash windows will be manufactured as Legacy™ Protect, meaning each window will leave the factory with pre-installed smart sensor housings that are ready to Work with Kubu. The housings are fitted subtly into the sash design, maintaining the traditional heritage appearance that homeowners expect – particularly in period-style properties, conservation areas and aesthetics-led developments.

Importantly, sensors are not fitted at the factory. They remain optional and are purchased separately by the homeowners, giving the choice of smart capability back to the end user.

What Smart Security Adds to Sash Windows

The question “How do I add extra security to windows?” is becoming increasingly common, especially around traditional sliding sash styles where homeowners may perceive security to be weaker compared to modern casement windows.

Features like reinforced locking, PAS 24 testing and robust hardware remain the foundation of sash window security. Smart technology introduces an awareness layer, rather than replacing these fundamentals.  It adds reassurance without changing how the window operates or looks.

PAS 24 and Part Q: Smart Without Compromise

Legacy™ Protect is designed so adding the sensor housings won’t affect PAS 24 performance or take the windows outside Part Q compliance. That means developers and architects can still meet the requirements for new‑build projects without any extra hassle.

Part of the design challenge was ensuring that housings are added at the manufacturing stage rather than being drilled or cut retrospectively. This maintains the tested performance of the sash and avoids a retrofit scenario where compliance may become invalidated.

Factory Housings vs Retrofit Sensors: Why It Matters

Retrofit sensor installations introduce several challenges for both installers and homeowners, including drilling tolerances, warranty questions, visible fixings and potential sealing issues. Factory-installed housings remove that friction and maintain the aesthetic that sash windows rely on.

For trade audiences, the key differences are straightforward:

Factory-integrated housings
✔ no change to installation process
✔ cleaner aesthetics
✔ no PAS 24 interruption
✔ no installer liability
✔ no retrofit call-outs
✔ future smart security upsell

Retrofit drilling
✖ added installer labour
✖ risk of callbacks
✖ potential warranty conflict
✖ aesthetic compromise
✖ compliance considerations

Installer Workflow: No Change, No Training, No Liability

A major benefit for the trade is that Legacy™ Protect introduces no additional workflow at installation. The window fits and performs exactly as standard, with sensor housings already fitted into the frames.

This also addresses one of the most frequent trade questions around the use of smart security for windows and doors:

Who Handles App Configuration – Homeowner or Installer?

In most cases, the homeowner purchases the sensors directly from Kubu, fits them to the window or door and completes the app setup themselves. The process has been designed to be intuitive and user friendly, with step by step guidance inside the app, so no specialist technical knowledge is required.

That said, some installers prefer to take a more proactive approach. By supplying the sensors already fitted, they can hand over a fully integrated smart security solution from day one. This not only streamlines the customer journey but also strengthens the overall value proposition, positioning the installer as a forward thinking provider of complete, connected home solutions rather than just a fabricator and fitter.

Benefits for Builders, Developers and Installers

For installers, the benefit is clear: added-value without any added complexity. There’s no additional cost, no training requirement and no operational impact. Legacy™ Protect provides a strong talking point during surveys and quotations, allowing installers to offer enhanced security options without affecting their margins.

For developers, Legacy™ Protect provides a huge advantage at specification level. Smart security is increasingly appearing in home-buying decision criteria. Sash windows designed to Work-with-Kubu fit well with the broader shift towards connected homes without forcing homeowners to incorporate smart security.

How Secure Are uPVC Sash Windows in 2026?

Legacy™ Protect doesn’t change how secure uPVC sash windows are at their core. With the right specification, they still meet PAS 24 and Part Q standards, so you get the same trusted security. Smart sensors simply add visibility and alerts, giving homeowners the ability to monitor windows from their phone – especially useful for upper-floor bedrooms, children’s rooms and ventilation scenarios.

Availability and Lead Times

Launching in early spring, Legacy™ Protect will become standard across all Quickslide sash window production. There’s no need to ask for the upgrade, and standard lead times continue to apply. Sensors remain optional and are purchased directly by the homeowner from the Kubu website.

Smart Security Without the Installer Burden

Legacy™ Protect introduces a smart platform for sash windows that aligns with future homeowner expectations, enhances the specification offering for developers and gives installers a differentiator – without adding complexity, liability or additional time on site. For sash windows in particular, smart security has traditionally been difficult to deliver without interfering with heritage aesthetics or compliance. Legacy™ Protect resolves that challenge and brings the category forward into 2026 and beyond.

You May Also Be Interested In:

• Legacy™ Protect: The Final Piece in Intelligent Sash Windows
• Legacy™ Premier Launch: Premium Features Bundled for Less
• 1.2 U-Value Available Now For uPVC Sash Windows
• Comparing uPVC Sash Windows vs Wooden Double Glazed Sash Windows
• Ultimate Guide to Sliding Sash Windows

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Tom Swallow

Sales Director at Quickslide

Tom’s understanding of the industry as a whole gives him an authoritative voice on all things sash windows. As an experienced sales director and marketing professional, Tom Swallow has been with Quickslide as a key team member for over 14 years. Tom’s time with Quickslide has made him a sliding sash window savant, as not only does he work closely with the manufacturing process, but he also liaises closely with our expert trade partners.

Latest posts by Tom Swallow (see all)

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Please note, our news articles are relevant and accurate at the time of release, but as technical developments dictate, and times goes by the information in this article may no longer be applicable. If you have questions, please contact us using our online contact form or call us on 03332 412 240.