Posts Tagged ‘insulation’
Thursday, August 26th, 2010
You should not underestimate how much you can reduce your energy costs by draught proofing your sash windows. A third or more of most home heat is lost as a result of preventable drafts and leaks. Among the biggest culprits are sash windows. Here are a few things to consider when trying to address this issue of home heat loss through drafty windows.
Sash windows commonly cause a great deal of a home’s heat loss. They are usually older and less technologically advanced than other window designs. There are a number of ways you can try to reduce or eliminate heat loss from sash windows, and they all have advantages and disadvantages.
One quick and easy solution to drafty windows is to use thick curtains, blinds or drapes. Drapery helps reduce heat loss, but it is less effective than other more comprehensive measures. Also, drapery requires cleaning, possible repairs, and replacement, all of which presents costs to off set any savings in energy costs.
Another approach is to completely replace the window units. Replace your old leaky units with new, double-glazed, energy graded windows. This is not an inexpensive alternative. Also, you my have difficulty matching the new windows to the design of your home without the added expense of customized window units.
Another lasting solution, especially for older windows, is to have the windows re-glazed. This could allow you to improve your old panes while allowing you to retain the original sash design. Accompanying this with a complete overhaul and re-fitting of the windows with upgraded parts, fixtures, and seals will ensure the best protection against heat loss.
Overhauling your sash windows might seem expensive at first, but the savings in energy costs over the long term will ultimately far out shadow those one-time costs. Also, refitting and resealing the windows will help with noise abatement as well. By repairing and replacing worn parts, a major overhaul will also add life to your window units.
You should do all you can to improve the energy efficiency of your home. But one of the most effective ways to do this is to address leaks and drafts from your window units. It may seem expensive at first, but ultimately you will find the benefits will far surpass the costs when you reduce your energy costs by draught proofing your sash windows.
Find the best sash window insulation company to use by looking online. There you can find secondary glazing London and other areas to consider using. Go online today and learn more.
Tags: carbon foot print, carbon footprint, construction, DIY, energy saving, Environment, home, house, insulation, office, property, sash windows
Posted in Environment | No Comments »
Thursday, August 26th, 2010
If you live in Europe or North America, or anywhere where the winters are cold and wet, you will know how unpleasant a house or apartment can become if the windows are leaky. Fortunately you don’t have to live with this: windows can easily be draught-proofed again by a simple process. You will in the process also save money. In this article we will explain how you can reduce your energy costs by draught proofing your sash windows.
Draught-proofing windows has a number of benefits. Not least of this is the fact that a lot of energy is lost when windows are not sealed properly. This will of course have financial impacts and you are bound to have a much higher electricity bill than you should have.
The problem can easily be corrected by draught-proofing round the sashes, sills and jambs of your windows. It’s best to get a professional to do the job - unless you have experience of this, doing it yourself could easily result in a less than perfect job.
When new seals are fitted during the draught-proofing process, the windows will be as good as new again and your living space will once again remain dust free. This alone justifies the relatively small cost of draught-proofing.
As windows become older, the parts round the sills, jambs and sashes become worn out. Eventually the windows must be replaced. This is where draught-proofing has another less than obvious benefit: it can easily extend the life of an older sash window by at least 3 to 5 years.
One other important benefit of having your windows made draught-proof is that of noise reduction. When windows don’t seal properly, they allow a lot of noise to enter your home or apartment. When these seals are replaced during the process of draught-proofing, the windows will once again keep noise out, just as when they were new. You will really appreciate this if you live on a very noisy street.
You might by now be used to the astronomical energy bills you receive every month, the dust slowly settling on your furniture and the never ending noise. This does not say you have to live with it forever. Get a few quotes and reduce your energy costs by draught proofing your sash windows and enjoy the additional benefits free of charge!
When it comes to creating a better insulation for windows, you won’t get any other company like the sash window insulation company. They also have a secondary glazing London insulation that helps keep you warm and keeps energy cost at an all time low.
Tags: carbon foot print, carbon footprint, construction, DIY, energy saving, Environment, home, house, insulation, office, property, sash windows
Posted in Environment | No Comments »
Thursday, August 26th, 2010
Sometimes heating costs can get out of hand in older homes. These are the homes that still have sash windows in which the seals have become hard and no longer effective. One can sit next to one of these windows and literally feel a breeze. By using do it your self sash window draught proofing it is easy to see results in the first month of utility bill.
Windows of this type originally had wood strips that separated the panes of glass with putty that created a seal for the window. They were comprised of a wood frame and at least two sheets of glass called window lites. The putty was used to prevent the windows from leaking. Many times this putty becomes old and begins to break away leaving gaps in the seal.
Putty can be replaced to create a new seal between the window and the wood. Use a putty knife to scrape away cracking and broken putty to reveal a clean pane of glass. Then use the same knife to apply new putty in its place. Allow it to set and then paint to match the framing around each window.
Wood tends to swell and retract when temperatures change. This sometimes allows it to warp or bend in some spots leaving gaps between frame and track. If this happens, it usually takes a little more work than putty will fix but can still be corrected.
It may require more work than one is committed to but there is a fix for gaps between the frame and the track of a sash window. Purchase brush seals from any home or building supply store long enough to span the height of each window. Remove the inside trim work and attach the brush seal to the top and again at the bottom.
Sometimes windows can leak beneath the interior trim that is placed for decoration and seal each window track. This is caused by the change from warm to cold weather over many years. Trim should be removed and new put in its place. After cutting the trim, place some caulking on the back of it and then nail it into place around the window.
In the event windows are still not energy efficient, a plastic shrink cover can be purchased to place over the windows. These come complete with the plastic, strips of thin cardboard and tacks to attach it to the trim. Once the plastic is securely in place, use a hair dryer to add heat and allow the plastic to shrink to the size needed for each window. There are several tips to do it your self sash window draught proofing that are very effective in reducing heating costs.
Does your windows have the greatest insulation? Well, if there not, you can get with the sash window company. You will find out that the sash window draught proofing can really help keep the windows insulated and ready for any winter.
Tags: carbon foot print, carbon footprint, construction, DIY, energy saving, Environment, home, house, insulation, office, property, sash windows
Posted in Environment | No Comments »
Thursday, July 29th, 2010
The average house owner may be pleasantly surprised to learn about the environmental benefits of sash window restoration. Indeed, conserving old windows can be a better choice than buying new ones. Many of the newest window designs are claimed to be a good environmental choice. Nonetheless, the best environmentally friendly decision may be to restore your original sash window frames.
A window which conserves energy and heat is very sought after. Nonetheless, you need not purchase brand new windows to conserve energy. An old sash window is relatively easy to restore so that it is more thermally efficient. Double or triple glazing can act as an insulator and block out noisy traffic, loud neighbors, etc. Sealing a window properly will also improve how much heat it keeps in.
Aiding in ventilation, a sash window helps your home to ‘breathe’. This can improve air quality, contributing to a healthful living space. Furthermore, a sash window helps to keep moisture from accumulating. Moisture can cause costly damage to the interior of your home.
In fact, sash windows have their own ventilation system. On a hot summer day, you can open them at the top and the bottom. This lets in cool air through the bottom and releases warm air through the top. Thus, sash windows are a more eco-friendly alternative to using a fan or air conditioning.
Many home owners consider installing new PVC windows. However, opting for PVC replacements for old sash windows means that more plastic will be produced. The restoration of an original sash window is a decidedly more eco-friendly choice.
Although you might choose to replace frames with wood rather than PVC, this choice still has some environmental downfalls. The global shortages of natural resources mean that reusing old wood is preferable to cutting down more trees. In addition, old wood is often more sturdy and lasting than new wood which has been cheaply produced.
Besides the natural environment, the neighborhood environment should be taken into consideration. An original window restoration usually looks better than a new replacement. An original sash window will also look more suited to the period of your home.
The environmental benefits of sash window restoration far outweigh the time and effort required. In addition, restoring sash windows is often more affordable than replacing them. There are numerous companies which can help you with sash window restoration. Look online for qualified professionals in your area. Many do not charge fees for an initial consultation and estimate.
Sash window restoration London location is a wise ecological option when you are dedicated to reusing rather than replacing. Sash windows provide energy savings and add beauty to your residence or business.
Tags: builders, construction, decorators, DIY, double glazing, Environment, home, house, insulation, painting, property, sash windows, windows, wood
Posted in Environment | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
A lot of the latest window and door products are geared towards thermal efficiency in an effort to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Nevertheless, deciding to recondition original sash windows as an alternative to buying new ones can be better for the environment. The environmental benefits of sash window restoration are noteworthy.
Some home owners choose to replace wood sash windows with PVC types. Yet, restoring wood frames instead of supporting the production of new PVC is a more environmentally friendly choice.
Even if you decide on wooden frames rather than PVC to replace sash windows, there are environmental issues. The problem of deforestation means that to recycle old wood is a more eco-friendly choice than using new wood. As well, old wood window frames may be of superior quality to new wood products.
The advantages of restoring sash windows pertain not just to the natural environment but to the built environment. To many people, wood is more attractive than PVC. Furthermore, sash windows add authenticity to an old house.
If you are concerned about insulation, there are many adjustments which can be made to existing sash windows to reduce heat loss. For instance, double or triple glazing provides extra insulation and sound proofing. Sealing windows can help to exclude drafts.
Sash windows are cleverly designed to ventilate a house. That’s why, in the summertime, opening the top and bottom sashes can keep the house cool. Warm air flows outside through the top sash. Cool air enters through the bottom sash. This can keep you from using fans or air conditioning, and is thus an environmentally friendly option.
Simply put, old sash windows are like a breathing apparatus for your home. They can help to maintain good air quality. On the other hand, some new window designs have poor ventilation. Good air circulation is important for your overall health. Plus, it helps to cut down on excess moisture in your home. Too much humidity can lead to a serious damp problem which is damaging and costly.
The environmental benefits of sash window restoration are clearly worth considering. Furthermore, fixing an old sash window is often more cost-effective than replacing it. A variety of sash window restoration experts can be found online; many provide free estimates at no extra cost.
Sash window restoration London area offers a service to homeowners who want to protect the environment. Instead of replacing or discarding sash windows, you can restore them instead.
Tags: builders, construction, decorators, DIY, double glazing, Environment, home, house, insulation, painting, property, sash windows, windows, wood
Posted in Environment | No Comments »
Thursday, May 20th, 2010
If you live in an older house with sash windows it’s sort of a mixed blessing. The windows may be beautiful and since they have been around for decades (or centuries) they are no doubt steeped in tradition and character. But they are also old and have probably lost some of their efficiency and functionality. With new advancements, however, it’s become amazingly easy to reduce your carbon foot print with sash window draught proofing.
You have probably seen advertisements from window replacement shops touting how great new window technology has become. Their position is that it is best to remove older sash windows and to replace them with new, ‘modern’ units. They offer double-paned, gas-filled vinyl (plastic) framed windows as the alternative.
The best advice regarding older windows is to repair whenever possible and to replace only if absolutely necessary. Old windows are almost always worth saving and, with proper restoration, can be made to look and operate as they were designed to. And new, modern windows do not really look good on an older house.
Your older windows were built to last as long as the house and the house has not fallen down yet, right? But if they are old they are also tired and worn and they need some attention to get back into form. Your windows may have never worked for you the way they were meant to work but they can with some proper maintenance.
Paint may need to be scraped and sash cords may need to be replaced. Counter weights may need balancing and pulleys may need servicing. But the most important thing to complete on older sash windows is draught proofing.
It is easy and cost-effective to reduce your carbon foot print with sash window draught proofing. Not only will a proper job stop the draughts but it will also minimize dust and noise. It will even help eliminate rattling of the panes. It will help the heat stay in during winter and stay out during summer. It’s a very sound strategy.
Sash window repairs London professionals provide make your older home more attractive. A sash window renovation is a good choice when upgrading your home or business structure.
Tags: building, carbon foot print, construction, eco friendly, Environment, global warming, home, house, insulation, office, property, real estate, windows
Posted in Environment | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 20th, 2010
As the report by the Industry Taskforce For Peak Oil and Energy Security has pronounced, within five years UK faces oil scarcity. But, the sluggish efforts of the Government reveal it is not ready for the prognosis. Our habit patterns need changing. The VAT reduction to 5 percent already available to professional installation; but, excluding nonprofessional installation should be changed. The environmental benefits of the UK government reducing VAT on all insullation work to five percent would benefit all excluded potential beneficiaries.
One group left out is the householder. Yet, under the credit crunch and falling market price of houses era we face, householders are likely to go the do it yourself route. Not surprising the Construction Products Association has seen the light and said it supports the extension of the reduced rate to those who decide to do renovations this way.
It has been noted that the market for thermal insulation has grown due to favourable regulation and rising energy prices. A reduced rate would enhance the appeal for this measure. A test mimicking the VAT exemption increased sales by 120 percent to reveal the potential of what is possible if this is done. This would lead to reduction in CO2 emissions.
The Construction Products Association is well aware that homeowners can install insulation without professional hires. But, the current Government tax policy seems to ignore this fact. Any further potential for reduction in greenhouse gas emissions should be entertained and supported as buildings are the largest energy-using segment in the region.
A study commissioned by EU has found that a reduced VAT rate on insulation products might not be passed through fully by installers to the consumers. Despite the rate cut for commercial installation, this is one reason it has been surmised why the uptake in the UK market has been low. This is because since the installer purchases the product on behalf of the residential customer, the reduced rate may not be clearly apparent to the end consumer. Of course, when the residential owner is the installer, this is not the case.
The experiment of the Isle of Man of a rate reduction, which led to increased revenue from taxation shows the economic gains that are a potential ignored by the UK government. The improvement in the stock of existing housing and a reduced push on development of green field location reveal the ancillary beneficial results. The UK government should learn from the example set by the Isle of Man Government. A change uncurrent Government policy would demonstrate the Government would like consumers to participate in doing what they can to aid the environment. It can also point out the economic gains to be had by taking this path to prod them in this direction. Meanwhile, the Government should keep in mind the message of that report about peak oil and how this rate reduction would encourage people towards changing their consumption habits.
Find the best sash window restoration company London residents by heading online. With sash window draught proofing company you will make your home look better. Go online today.
Tags: builders, business, carbon foot print, construction, eco friendly, Environment, home, house, insulation, money, tax, vat, windows, wooden windows
Posted in Environment | No Comments »
Monday, April 19th, 2010
Spray foam insulation is often considered to be the best type of insulation over many of the other choices available out there. When compared to fibreglass insulation, for instance, it is said to offer maximum moisture and air protection, along with many other different benefits that leave the rest behind in various areas concerning one’s home or that of a structure.
Several studies taken have shown that around 40% of a structure’s energy may be lost due to poor air insulation. Insulation like fibreglass often is stabled into place or bears gaps along the edges when stuck against walls or within crevices, allowing for ample enough room for air to pass through quite easily, making the insulation less than efficient.
Spray foam insulating allows for superior prevention of air infiltration and adds to energy savings due to the fact that it adheres, floors and crevices, providing tight-fitted seal and maximum insulation. It also helps to cut down on costs of heating and cooling due to its high R-value per square inch, providing overall high-quality insulation, allowing for a more comfortable and insulated environment.
Because of foam insulating have a high-quality barrier, it can help protect against moisture infiltration. Excess moisture can often create harmful health matters when concerning mould and mildew issues, which often a result of poor moisture protection or insulation, allowing for mould to wreak havoc on the structure itself and possibly its inhabitants.
Unfortunately, completely preventing mould isn’t possible, but by adding the barrier protection and sealing of spray insulation, one can help to better reduce problems in advance. Since mould often is a result of moisture problems, generally due to weather conditions and outside elements, having the barrier protection and superior sealing of spray foam can help matters.
Foam insulation also helps when it comes to sound protection and adding structural benefits as well. Due to the monolithic and seamless nature of foam insulation, it can offer reduction of sound from travelling due to tighter acoustics, and it can also add structural strength when it comes to rack and sheer due to its monolithic stability.
There are many reasons as to why spray foam insulation ranks above the rest. It not only helps reduce pollen and dust, but also adds strength structures, has a long-lasting lifespan, helps to reduce sound issues, adds superior protection against moisture and air, as well as helps to maintain overall energy savings.
Visit Fusion Insulation now if you are interested in finding out more about Foam Insulation and Home Insulation.
Tags: building, construction, DIY, Environment, health, home, Home and Garden, how to, insulation
Posted in Environment | No Comments »
Monday, April 5th, 2010
Installing double glazing in your own home or office can help you to reduce your carbon footprint. But what is a carbon footprint? Well, this is usually worked out by looking at how you live and how you spend your recreation. How many tonnes of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide do you use in a year? It might surprise you to learn that by simply installing double glazing in your home or office, you can dramatically cut down this footprint.
The quickest and easiest way to work out your own carbon footprint is to go online. Rather than sitting down with a piece of paper, there are many websites now which will calculate it for you by asking you some simple questions. Such as how many holidays you take each year, and questions about your home. This is your primary footprint.
Next, it asks questions about your indirect carbon usage. This is your secondary footprint and involves things such as where your produce comes from. Do you buy sugar produced in your own country or shipped in from far away for example?
Double glazing is an excellent way to trim down your carbon footprint. They act as insulators for your home. They trap air between two panes of glass - a sort of mini greenhouse effect, and keep your house warmer.
Adding double glazing to a property can have an immediate impact on the energy efficiency of the house. It can significantly reduce your monthly bills. It can also have an immediate impact on your carbon footprint by reducing it by up to 740kg a year as soon as you have it put in!
If we all decide to do this in our homes, then not only can we be a little richer, we can know that we are helping to save the planet too!
You can locate the important details you will need to locate a reliable sash window restoration company fast and easy! The professionals at Sash Windows London will provide you with the quality of service you want.
Tags: builders, carbon foot print, construction, decorators, double glazing, eco friendly, Environment, Green, home, house, insulation, mortgage, office, sash windows
Posted in Environment | No Comments »
Saturday, March 13th, 2010
Why ought to just about every Australian homeowner be lining up and using benefit of the federal government’s insulation rebate software? Just just lately, the us government announced some changes with regards to insulation rebate provided countrywide. Why would the us government pay out citizens to avail these insulation rebates? In the first area, what is insulation rebate and how does it function?
Australian government is giving away free ceiling insulation as this proves to reduce the greenhouse emissions from its almost 5 million population, lessening any individual’s carbon footprint too in the future. You get to enjoy a fairly warm house during winter and cool in summer without consuming too much energy.
It may be verified that about 40% gets chunked out of your common homeowner’s bills which has a correct insulation set up in their ceilings. This will specially benefit low-income households from their potentially higher energy consumption due to absence of correct insulation. Other than that, it will also produce a huge selection of work mainly to insulation industries who’re handling the installations.
In lieu of this, the federal government has interjected in aiding increase the regime by way of insulation rebates. They’ve specifically allotted a $4 billion plan plan for being granted to eligible people to help them install insulation in their houses not having charging anything at all. Under insulation rebate, all eligible homeowners can avail of totally free installations of up to $1,600. For those who personal rental properties, they could avail all over $1,200 for their roof insulation. By availing this federal package deal program, people are currently acquiring element in supporting the environment by cutting down their carbon footprints although enjoying a warmer residence and decrease bills.
Australians have actually absolutely nothing to lose, but considerably to obtain, in this program so why not contact any licensed insulation installer close to you and know much more in regards to the insulation rebate as well as the processes on tips on how to avail it.
Free Insulation Rebate Victoria are the home insulation rebate specialists. We help our clients take the best advantage of the Federal Governments Free ceiling Insulation rebate. Australian Homeowners are entitled to $1200 Free ceiling insulation
Tags: Environment, Free Insulation, free insulation rebate, Government Insulation Rebate, insulation, insulation rebate, insulation rebate australia, Insulation Rebate Eligibility
Posted in Environment | No Comments »