THERMAL INSULATION PROPERTIES
The need to conserve energy and reduce utility costs to a minimum is reflected by changes in European legislation applied to building regulations regarding the energy efficiency of new buildings. Despite listed buildings and secondary glazing being exempt from these new laws, there is much that can be done to support the Government’s efforts in the case of older properties.
After loft insulation, improving the thermal properties of windows is the most effective way to increase the overall thermal efficiency of a building. By introducing secondary glazing you can minimise cost and reduce the time and inconvenience usually associated with the installation of double-glazing. As well as greatly improving noise insulation, users will benefit from substantial energy savings. This, combined with ‘Storm Windows’ light-weight discreet framing systems, will mean that you can continue to enjoy the beauty of your existing windows and frames in comfort.
Single glazing is a relatively poor insulator of heat (Fig 2). Secondary glazing however provides an excellent thermal barrier as good as or better than double-glazing.
When combined with low emissivity ‘K-glass’, secondary glazing systems can offer heat loss coefficients or ‘U-values’ approaching the latest ‘Document-L’ guidelines, depending on condition of primary window. Thermal losses are dependant on the frame material, the quality of the fit of your windows and the glazing materials used. This is why a highly trained Storm Windows’ surveyor measures each and every window aperture prior to manufacturing and is able to offer a variety of glazing options such as low emisivity ‘K-glass’, UV blocking films and solar rejection filters to suit your needs. Please ask one of our technical specialists for further information.
TESTIMONIALS
Trevor Guyler, Building Manager at the National Trust for Birmingham Back to Backs
“The National Trust has used Storm Windows to install secondary glazing in a number of its properties. We were confident that they would provide a quality product that met the needs of these particular properties and install them with care so as not to damage any of the building’s infrastructure. Each window is a slightly different size and shape so it was important that the secondary glazing was specifically made to measure."
Mrs March, Old Chapel
“Even the early morning mail plane is barely noticeable and it is so quiet in the evenings you can hear a pin drop. The heating bills are considerably reduced and we noticed how much warmer the house was immediately. Another benefit is that, although we live in a lovely quiet area with little crime, having secondary glazing gives me more confidence that a thief could not just smash through one of our lovely windows and break in as easily.”
Mr Trevor Paterson, Edinburgh
“Faultless service and a superb product. Thanks”