Today, sustainability is one of the most important topics when it comes to buildings. It’s the focus with new builds and renovations. Crucially, the aim with many projects is to make sure the properties are more airtight to reduce energy bills and carbon emissions. Doing that isn’t always for the best though, and could actually lead to problems in some cases. We want to have a closer look here, then if you need help with sash window restoration in Northumberland, you can trust us.

A different kind of construction

As we said, airtightness is really important today. In fact, the Future Homes Standard encourages designers to make the fabric of buildings as energy efficient as possible. The goal is to make properties warm up quicker and stay a comfortable temperature for longer, without having to leave the heating on. A good design needs to tackle key things like thermal bridging and ensure the ventilation is appropriate to avoid trapping moisture and creating problems like mould.

Unfortunately, airtightness and traditional construction methods can sometimes end up at odds. Older buildings typically weren’t designed to keep warm air in. Instead, the idea was to get rid of bad air and any contaminants as easily as possible. This is why sash windows were invented in the first place; they are one of the most effective designs when maximising ventilation is important.

Permeable

One of the key things to think about if you have original timber sash windows is they are usually permeable. Many timbers actually work to help the property breathe. Therefore, if you try to upgrade them, you can cause serious issues. Speak to us about sash window restoration in Northumberland.

The main thing you need to do is respect the permeability. If you have timber windows, you can upgrade them to improve performance, but you must avoid locking in moisture. If that happens, it can cause the wood to deteriorate and damage the fabric of the building too. Make sure you use compatible materials and appropriate sealing systems.

A great thing about timber windows is they are repairable in the majority of cases. You can’t say the same for other materials, such as uPVC and aluminium. However, if you do need to replace any parts of the wood, you need to select a suitable material. Again make sure you think about the permeability. At the same time, ensure it will be durable and look good. Additionally, consider the ethical side and sustainability.

Get professional sash window restoration in Northumberland

Retaining sash windows can be a challenge, but it is well worth it. It can protect the history and heritage of buildings, as well as the local areas. Make sure you choose the right service and appropriate techniques. This will tick all of the right boxes, and ensure you are less likely to have issues like mould and damp.

David Humble is one of the very best experts if you need help with sashes. We’ve been providing sash window restoration in Northumberland for a long time. In fact, we’ve expanded over the years to serve other areas too. Using traditional techniques and all of our experience, we deliver top services every time.

So, if you want a quote or have questions, please feel free to contact us.