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Posts Tagged ‘insulation’

Installing Do It Your Self Sash Window Draught Proofing Is Surprisingly Easy

September 8th, 2010 No comments

One of the most economical and easiest ways to improve an older house is to seal the windows against the elements. It’s not expensive to do, in most cases, and provides a long list of benefits to those living in the home. Do it your self sash window draught proofing is literally free and can often be simple to accomplish.

There’s no question that original wood sash windows often have character and charm, however, as they age they become less and less efficient. A great deal of wasted money goes through an inefficient window and opting for one of the various methods to seal it will end up costing zero in the end. The energy savings will be significant.

Some have reported utility bills being halved after effectively sealing their home’s draughty window system. Additional benefits include a more comfortable interior environment, meaning warmer winters and cooler summers. Draught proofing will also provide a noise barrier, keeping the house quieter, isolating it from outside commotion. Even dust accumulation in your home should be reduced.

Lowering your energy consumption is also helpful to the environment. It’s a ‘green’ thing to do and will literally pay for itself in a very short time. Few things can be installed in your house that have zero net cost to you and yet provide so many advantages.

Draught proofing your windows may be as simple as re-glazing the glass panes with putty or sealant or applying weather stripping to the frames. It can also be more involved, as in installing secondary double glazing or upgrading the sashes themselves. When faced with the choice of refurbishing the older, existing windows or replacing them with new units the decision should be to repair, if possible.

If your home is listed or you happen to live in a conservation area you may not be allowed to replace older windows with modern versions. Some regulations disallow this practice and leave few alternatives. Proper maintenance and good draught proofing are particularly important in these situations.

Do it your self sash window draught proofing can be a worthwhile project to pursue. If the windows are still in good shape and only need some ‘tightening up’ it can be fairly easy and painless. You’ll never regret spending the time and money, as the benefits are long-lasting and tangible.

Using a sash window draught proofing process can be completed as a do-it-yourself task, or by using a sash window company. Halting those air leaks will reduce the cost of heating and cooling your home.

Pointers On The Environmental Benefits Of Sash Window Restoration

July 27th, 2010 No comments

Many home owners are surprised to find out about the environmental benefits of sash window restoration. In fact, this can be a far better option than replacing each window. A lot of the newest products for house renovations are touted as being good for the environment; however, the most environmentally friendly strategy is to restore existing windows.

Many home owners are looking for windows with good energy efficiency. You won’t have to purchase brand new windows to get this benefit. It is possible to restore a sash window to make the most of its thermal efficiency. For instance, adding extra layers of glass can provide more insulation. It can also cut down on outside noise. In addition, a good seal can help windows to conserve heat.

Old sash windows help a house to ‘breathe’. They provide excellent ventilation and can keep moisture from accumulating. Air quality can have an effect on your overall health. Excess moisture in a home can cause damage to plaster and wood, a problem which is expensive to fix.

Indeed, a sash window has a unique method of ventilation. If it is very warm outside, you can regulate the internal temperature by opening the window both at the top and bottom. That will allow cooler air to flow through the bottom and warmer air to escape through the top. It is easy to see how a sash window is a more environmentally friendly choice than a fan or air conditioning.

It is an obvious point but worth stating: replacing wooden sash windows with new PVC frames means more production of plastic. Taking steps to restore wooden sash windows is a more environmentally friendly choice.

Even though you may decide to replace windows with wood instead of PVC, it still has a negative effect on the environment. A worldwide shortage of many natural resources means that restoring old wooden frames is better than using new wood. As well, old wooden frames are often of a higher quality than new ones which have been produced quickly and cheaply.

How the environment looks should also be considered when making decisions about your windows. Original sashes look better than new replacements, reflecting well on your neighborhood. A good restoration blends beautifully with the period and architectural style of your house.

The environmental benefits of sash window restoration can’t be ignored. In addition, a restoration is often less costly than replacing windows. There are many companies specializing in home restoration. Look online for listings of local companies. Many firms offer fee-free consultations and quotes.

Sash window restoration London location is a wise ecological move when you are dedicated to reusing rather than replacing. Sash windows ensure energy savings and add beauty to your residence or business.