Environmental Benefits of Original Sash Windows
With carbon emissions being on the rise, the ever-increasing need to be environmentally friendly also applies to period properties, many of which have sash windows with single-glazing. If you are thinking about replacing or improving your traditional sash windows, now could be the time, as environmental concerns are growing.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change stated that ‘in 2012, UK net emissions of carbon dioxide were provisionally estimated to be 479.1 million tonnes (Mt) […] increasing on the previous year by 4.5%, (DECC, 2013). The typical traditional home will lose about 10% of its heat through windows and 15% through draughts.
When measuring thermal efficiency, windows are measured by their “U-Value”, with ‘single-glazed timber-framed windows having a U-Value as low as 5.5,’ (Changeworks 2008) with double-glazed windows having a rating of 2, over half the loss!
Replacement with Modern Double or Triple Glazing
Did you know that ‘Replacing old windows with new double-glazed timber windows can reduce heat loss by half, save around £110 a year on fuel bills, and around 720kg CO2 a year,’ (Baker, 2008)?
The Victorian Sash Window Company specialises in installing Micro Slim Sealed units. These have a 7mm perimeter seal depth and can be glazed into most single-glazed period windows, giving a U-value of only 1.9, meaning your period sash windows can now be A-grade energy efficient.
When thinking about updating period properties, owners often find the replacement of windows the easiest step to reduce heat loss, thus CO2 emissions, popular because loose-fitting frames with cold glass are often a very telling reminder of heating losses.
Draught Proofing
In addition to the energy-efficient Micro Slim Sealed Units, The Victorian Sash Window Company has also perfected a process called E-Seal, a sensitive process of introducing delicate fibre and pressure seals into the working areas of sliding sash windows. These gaps, if left unfilled, can cause dirt and dust ingress, draughts and heat loss, but with E-Seal, sash windows can be made more environmentally friendly without changing the appearance of the window. Because the process is sensitive and discrete, conservation approval is easy to obtain and many conservation groups welcome this product as an alternative to uPVC.
We should all be doing our part for the environment, but if you feel you can’t contribute because of restrictions through conservation regulations, or even budget, you can rest assured that The Victorian Sash Window Company will help you find an environmentally-friendly and economical solution in making your period property more energy efficient.