| Building
Regulations and the Home Improvement Pack
Building Regulations Part L 2002 state that timber windows should
provide an energy rating of at least a "C" grade (2.2
U value). English Heritage (a government appointed body) have published
a white paper asserting an interpretation protecting the box sash
window pre-existing in British housing stock (even those outside
conservation areas) declaring it “historic” and thus
exempt in cases of refurbishment and copy replacement. English Heritage
agree that we should take the new building regulations in the “spirit
in which they were meant”. So making an effort to utilize
modern techniques of weather proofing sash windows is encouraged,
especially in consideration of the new 'Home Information Pack' directive.
The Part L building regulations do, however, effect new house building
and extensions to existing houses.
Glazing
is, of course, an important aspect in improving window insulation.
New slimmer double glazed sealed units specially made for period
windows are now available and can bring your existing sash windows
up to current building regulation standards but only when combined
with an adequate weather proofing system that seals the perimeter
of the window in the closed position.
Consider
this quote direct from Building Acts & Regulations Applied:
“The frame of the window effects the thermal performance as
well as the glazing fitted. The traditional timber frame offers
one of the best insulation standards & simple metal frames the
worst. The newer PVC-U frames are manufactured to have almost the same thermal resistance of timber.” In other words timber
has better thermal properties than 'cold' materials such as PVC
or alliminium and with much improved paint systems the good news
gets better as maintenance is not as frequently required as in the
past.
The
above statements are quoted directly from published and authorised
government material. Improving your living conditions and keeping
the aesthetic value of your property intact as well as being responsible
to the environment is your decision.
NB.
FENSA
applies only to PVC double glazing suppliers and fitters and is
not in any way relative to period timber sash windows. |
