Majorworks
existing fabric is theright
choice.Instead, itmay be timeto invest in complete replacementaspartofalongertermstrategy. At first glance thecasefor undertaking awholesale schemeofwindowand door replacementhasmanyapparentadvantages. Theseinclude: n costsavingsin futuremaintenanceWith manyblocksrequiringexternalredecoration everyfive yearsorso(oftenlargely dictated by keeping thetimberormetal windows in good order)the costs canbesignificant. Factor in the common requirement for expensive scaffolding or other access methods and it is obviouswhy flatowners might be keen to find away to circumvent such regular cyclical maintenance. n ThermalefficiencyWhere blocks have original timber ormetalcasementwindows with singleglazing there is no question that huge improvements in thermal performance can be provided by new, highly insulated windowsordoorsets. Even blocks that featureearlier generationsofaluminum windows and double glazing nowfall well belowmodernstandards;manyoriginal windows have had chequered histories
*
TherecomesaTimein thelife of anybuildingwhenit’swise to consider whether simply repairing and maintaining the
where thestandardofrepairsisconcerned andfrequentlyfailtoprovide thesame levelofwindand weathertightness as they
didwhennew.Also, therisingcost of energy,whether this is ablock or individual expense, is increasingly significant. n comfortNot only are draughty windows a huge causeofwastedenergy, ill-fitting units can also be noisy, let in dampandmake life generallyless comfortablefor those living with them. n appearanceThere arecompelling arguments to suggest that carefully selected modern windowunits can give a great lift to thelookofabuilding.Where buildings can look slightly downat heel towards the onset of each cycleofworks as paintstarts to flake off or rot becomesmore apparent, items whichdon’t requiredecorationcan appear very attractive. n carbonfootprint Tied to theissue of thermalperformance,clearly any improvementthatcan bemade in saving fuel (aside fromthefinancialaspects)has huge environmental benefits-and we all have our part to play in tackling this issue. n securityWindowsmanufacturedto modern standardshavemanyinherent security enhancements that surpassthe levels offeredbyolderinstallations in their standard form.
old windows can be noisy, let
in damp andmake life generally uncomfortable forresidents
Flat Living Issue 17 37
✁
Cutoutandkeep
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