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Press release / Energy-saving now realistic for period property owners

Press release issued for Somerset-based Sash Consultancy – suppliers, restorers and installers of timber sash windows

Somerset firm breaks through double glazing barrier

Traditional sash windows with double glazing ARE now an option for owners of listed and period property, thanks to an idea inspired by traditional joinery.

Somerset-based Sash Window Consultancy has pioneered a double glazed sash window that has found favour with local authority conservation officers.

The hand-crafted Slenderglaze, developed by the experts in replacing and repairing traditional wooden windows, has been granted listed building consent where the property’s existing windows were deemed inappropriate.

“This is very much a design driven by necessity.  The majority of owners of period property are keen to make their homes more energy efficient, but have their hands tied by planning when it comes to upgrading the building” explains Neil Jackson of the Sash Window Consultancy.

“We’ve developed the Slenderglaze window to maximise energy efficiency without compromising on the character, historic appearance and value of the property.  We’ve not seen another double glazed sealed sash window that provides a more thermally efficient and aesthetically pleasing option.”

In place of an aluminium spacer bar, the Slenderglaze sash window features warm edge polymer spacer bar technology, which enables the double glazed unit to fit into traditionally constructed window rebates, without the need for unsightly timber glazing beads and stuck-on glazing bars.

Before the arrival of this window technology, the upgrading of period properties with double glazing was deemed undesirable owing to the plastic, aluminium and unsuitable timber window frame options available.

While timber provides the material of choice, until now, the accompanying glazing did not fulfil the planning criteria for listed properties or those in conservation areas.

“We’re already working with conservation architects and builders renovating period properties, who’ve been genuinely amazed by this product. The windows replicate every detail of the original single-glaze sash window, including real glazing bars; and offer all the benefits associated with modern double glazing.

Even to the trained eye, these products are difficult to detect as being new.

“This product has been recognised as an acceptable upgrade option by the conservation planners we’ve worked with and we’re hoping this recognition becomes much more widespread amongst those involved with period and listed properties.

“It’s no longer realistic to expect people who live in old buildings not to optimise their insulation.  This product provides the alternative to turning up the heating and allows people to live more comfortably in older properties.”

Sash Window Consultancy is FENSA registered and offers a complete professional service installation.  For friendly and free advice or to arrange a survey, call 01225 424434 or visit www.sashconsultancy.co.uk for further details.