Allan Corfield, architect, AC Architects
Installing new timber sash windows has improved comfort levels in this London flat
Sheila Thompson and her husband noticed that their London flat was becoming very cold and draughty. She believed that installing double glazing in her timber sash windows would help reduce the draughts and heat loss, therefore also reducing their energy consumption. Having recently undertaken some refurbishment work, she wanted a solution that would cause the least disruption and not damage the new plastering and decorating.
Sheila was recommended The Sash Window Workshop, a member of the Wood Window Alliance (WWA).
Richard Dollar, managing director at The Sash Window Workshop, said: “After carefully examining each of the existing timber window frames, we recommended installing new sashes into the existing window frames as the current sashes were not in good enough condition to take replacement glass. This would help solve the draught problem, while also not ruining the décor.”
The quality and engineering of wood windows have undergone a revolution in recent years, delivering frames that can be expected to last around 60 years with low-maintenance coatings that only need refreshing every 8-10 years in certain environments. Double or triple glazed for unbeatable energy efficiency, WWA made-to-measure windows and doors arrive beautifully fac- tory-finished in your choice of colour. They can also be readily re-painted for a new look whenever you change your colour scheme.
Sheila concluded: “The process was very smooth from start to finish. The work has retained the beauty of our existing sash windows while also solving the cold and draught issues we were experiencing — making a huge improvement to both the look and the energy efficiency in our flat. We were happy this was the best solution for our needs and an excellent long-term investment for our home.”
All WWA members are FSC or PEFC Chain of Custody certified and meet strict quality, performance and sustainability criteria. Visit woodwindowalliance.com for more information and to find the member for you.
For more info about The Sash Window Workshop, visit sashwindow.com.
spend time and effort looking at the various materials and finishes, and realise that sometimes you may have to make some compromises. perhaps you want a hand-quarried local stone, but will have to settle for a different product. always look at better-value alternatives.
spend money to save money
Work with consultants that are used to working on a budget. We worked with a structural engineer who came up with a solution that saved the client the necessity of lowering the first floor of a building in order to gain room height in a loft extension — this knowledge saved the client in the region of £35,000.
the secret to maximising value and minimising cost is keeping the number of interfaces to a minimum. if you have complex interfaces then construction costs can soar because they are hard to build, could leak and are costly to repair. make sure your house is ‘buildable’ by speaking to experienced trades, explaining what you’re trying to achieve and asking them to work with your architect so that you can develop good, practical construction details.
roll your sleeves up
We have some clients who have really embraced self-build and gone to extreme measures to get the home they want. one client wanted a standing seam metal roof, but couldn’t afford one. so he went on an approved installer course (free, if you buy their fitting tools) and then fitted his own metal roof — which, as he was a certified installer, came with a 20-year guarantee.