Be A Custodian Of Your Home’s Heritage
Original sash windows and casement windows in period properties have great significance. They’re not only an integral part of the building’s architecture but their design, materials and methods of manufacture also contribute greatly to a home’s historical and financial worth. They are, however, often altered or replaced over the years, and not only can this spoil the look of a property, but can be detrimental to its value too.
Naturally, most period property owners today are on the lookout for the holy grail of home improvements that improve energy efficiency. But over the years, not all homeowners have been as protective of heritage features in their quest for home comforts.
Sash windows and casement windows are renowned for being draughty, so they have often been casualties of home modernisations. However, if you want to maximise your home’s value, it’s worth looking into how you can enhance the energy efficiency of your original windows, rather than resorting to ripping them out or replacing them with a cheaper alternative, like uPVC.
Can I make my timber windows energy efficient?
The good news is – yes you can! Sash window specialists, like Ventrolla, have a raft of innovations which can make old windows energy-efficient. Like their unique draught-proofing – the Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS), which can drastically improve the warmth of your home. This innovative system seals the gap that surrounds the sashes in order to eliminate draughts and rattles and can greatly enhance energy retention, in turn, helping to reduce fuel bills.
Is double-glazing out of the question if I want to keep my old windows?
Double glazing and secondary glazing are also options worth considering for your original sash windows. Ventrolla can craft made-to-measure double glazed sashes and fit them into your existing window box frame. Alternatively, were original windows are beyond repair, they can also make completely new double glazed sash windows, bespoke to your property. Both options retain the integrity of your period windows, while making your home as comfortable as possible.
If your property is listed, in a conservation area or protected, secondary glazing for original sash windows could be a more suitable option – preserving the look while improving the efficiency.
Restore, don’t rip out!
It’s a common contemporary concept that old can equal worn out and no good. The craftsmanship found in sash and casement windows enables them to last for a century or more – so finding an expert restoration company, like Ventrolla, should be your first port of call. Don’t panic if your frames look rotten, your sashes rattle or your rooms are freezing cold. A good restorer has a host of techniques that they can call upon – from splicing in new timber to stripping back old windows to replace the mechanics. All ensuring that your home retains its stunning character and heritage value for generations to come. Food for thought?
If you’d like to know more about windows within period properties and how best to preserve them, Historic England have produced this helpful guide.
Yes, please help me preserve my period home
Ventrolla have been renovating original sash windows, casement windows and doors in period homes for nearly four decades, so there will always be someone to offer advice at any point along the project. If you would like us to help with your old sash or casement windows, contact us today to chat about your project.
FAQs about enhancing the energy efficiency of original timber windows
- What is energy efficiency in windows?
Energy efficiency in windows refers to the ability of a window to prevent heat from escaping the house in winter and heat from entering the house in summer. Energy-efficient windows are designed to minimize the amount of heat transfer between the inside and outside of a building. - Do I need to replace my original timber windows to make them more energy-efficient?
No, you don’t necessarily need to replace your original timber windows to make them more energy-efficient. There are several enhancements that you can make to your existing windows that can significantly improve their energy efficiency. - Will enhancing the energy efficiency of my original timber windows affect their appearance?
Enhancing the energy efficiency of your original timber windows does not have to affect their appearance. With the help of experts, like Ventrolla, rotten timber can be restored, or new timber spliced in, allowing you to retain the aesthetics of the original frames but at the same time, improving the structure of your window frames. - Will enhancing the energy efficiency of my windows increase the value of my home?
Enhancing the energy efficiency of your windows can increase the value of your home by making it more attractive to potential buyers. Homes with energy-efficient features, such as windows, are increasingly in demand, and buyers are often willing to pay a premium for homes with these features. - Can I enhance the energy efficiency of my windows without compromising their historical significance?
Yes, it’s possible to enhance the energy efficiency of your windows without compromising their historical significance. Ventrolla offers new sash windows with double glazing and the Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) to provide exceptional draft-proofing. They also provide a sash window restoration service, in which existing sash windows can be made more energy efficient by replacing single pane glass with slim double-glazed panes. - Can I enhance the energy efficiency of my windows if they’re already damaged or in poor condition?
If your windows are already damaged or in poor condition, it may be more cost-effective to replace them rather than attempt to enhance their energy efficiency. However, if you want to preserve the historical integrity of your home, you may want to consult a professional to see if repairs can be made to improve the energy efficiency of your existing windows. If you would like us to help with your old sash or casement windows, contact us today to chat about your project.