Everyone, including businesses and families, are concerned about the recent increases in energy prices. Although the government has offered some assistance, there is no doubt that this winter will be tougher for all of us, with those who live in older, inadequately insulated homes incurring the highest costs.
The majority of individuals will try to use less energy by turning on the heat less regularly, for shorter periods of time, and at a reduced temperature. We will all be required to wrap up and make every effort to keep our homes as warm as possible. Even the idea of heat banks—places where people can go to stay warm—is being discussed, just as food banks are needed for the most vulnerable. The need to insulate homes and lower energy usage has never been greater, and one of the most efficient ways to do this is to replace old, draughty windows and doors.
Although the majority of homes in the UK currently have double glazing, typically those who reside in historic homes in conservation areas or even in listed properties are prohibited from getting them. It was determined that double glazing was out of character with the property’s original design.
Substituting Double Glazing
For historic buildings, narrow insulated double glazing modules are available; from a distance, they resemble single glazing remarkably well. Local planning authorities have allowed such use on listed buildings within their areas. In advance of making any changes like this, it is always vital to speak with your own planning authorities, but more and more local governments are seeing the need to strike a balance between preservation and the costs and environmental effects of keeping things as they were originally.
Slimline double glazing, that looks just like single glazing, is the perfect solution for traditional windows and doors on period properties – to maximise energy efficiency without compromising on the authentic look of the property.
Narrow IGUs can be fitted into original-style frames that come with putty and genuine beading. In recent years technological advances have enabled the production of high performance slim sealed insulated glass units (IGUs) for installation in the renovated windows of historic buildings. These enable owners of such properties to retain the appearance of their windows, while greatly reducing heat loss.
In regards to U value performance double glazed windows are not the best however they can drastically improve properties and minimise heat loss. Planners frequently approve these for residences in conservation areas, although listed buildings frequently cannot use them. Consulting your planning department is always essential.
The most recent advancements in glazing technology make it possible to have single-glazed windows that perform equally well as triple-glazed windows employing vacuum glazing if thin double glazing is not an option.
Thanks to this market revolution, older homes are now able to solve the long-standing dilemma of draughty, leaky windows and doors and can provide residents’ homes with thermal efficiencies on par with more contemporary ones.
What Material to Use?
Timber is the most thermally efficient material available when opposed to uPVC and aluminium. It is also the option that is most ecologically responsible. Modern engineered timber windows, the majority of which are manufactured to British Woodworking Federation standards and will last for at least 60 years with little care, have appeased concerns regarding durability. In most places, the initial re-paint won’t likely be necessary for at least ten years.
The best way to keep your heating bills low is by replacing your windows. Old, draughty windows can let a lot of heat escape, driving up your energy costs. By investing in new, energy-efficient windows, you can dramatically reduce your heating bills
