Sunday, October 20, 2013

Quality Insulation Shall Surely Offer Many Advantages

By Zara Zambini


Winters can be made less costly and cosier for most businesses and home-owners by insulation. A good source of advice about draught proofing and energy-efficient home improvements is the Energy Saving Trust. Tax relief and reduced VAT rates are available to landlords who implement energy saving measures in their premises. Uncontrolled draughts let in cold air wastefully and permit excessive amounts of warm air to get away. Winter heating costs can be inexpensively reduced through draught proofing.

Cold weather will cost a great deal of money for any building that has not been properly prepared. Many business owners and householders pay out up to an extra fifty percent above what is necessary because their home is not appropriately insulated and they have not adapted according to energy saving advice. All business premises and houses lose a significant proportion (up to one fifth) of their warmth via the windows.

Sash windows comprise of two vertically sliding frames. They look great on period properties. Many listed buildings in London have sash windows that are an integral part of the property's character. People who live in a conservation area or listed building might need the services of a specialised sash window draught proofing company to install non-intrusive window insulation that will comply with local regulations. English Heritage offer advice about how to achieve window insulation for winter on a listed house.

Draught proofing sash windows is a complex task best left to experts. Old sash windows might be better off being replaced or secondary-glazed to save on heating bills. Modern sash windows are often double or triple glazed.

Secondary glazing can be the cheaper alternative. This is where an additional pane of glass in a frame is fitted inside the original window. Frames can be manufactured out of metal, wood or plastic and can have an insulated core . Low emissivity glass makes secondary glazing more efficient. Energy efficient glazing and heavier curtains can reduce waste significantly, keeping the property warmer and quieter for less.

Bespoke sash window draught proofing individually tailored to suit your property will mean fewer cold spots, less condensation on the inner window surfaces and less noise pollution. Look for British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) approved materials and suppliers. The BFRC ratings range from "A" to "G" like the energy ratings on appliances such as fridges. Insulation materials rated "B" and above warrant the Energy Saving Trust's recommended logo.

A reputable draught proofing company can plug unwanted openings around sash windows to trim down heating bills at an affordable price. Any knowledgeable company can advise on where it is essential to have ventilation as well as where it is safe to exclude draughts. Professionals will recognize the particular materials necessary for such home improvement projects.

Proper insulation makes it feasible to turn the thermostat down in the winter, further reducing the heating bills. The BSI (British Standards Institution) Kitemark endorsement indicates that materials have a twenty year life expectancy. Brush strips are the best insulation for sliding sash windows. Companies registered with the Draught Proofing Advisory Association and the National Insulation Association are recommended.




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