Thursday, October 17, 2013

Quality Insulation Shall Surely Offer Numerous Benefits

By Zara Zambini


Insulation can make winters cosier and less costly for most home-owners and businesses. The Energy Saving Trust is a good place to look for advice on draught proofing and other energy-efficient home improvements. Landlords can get tax relief and lower rates of VAT on energy saving measures implemented on their properties. Uncontrolled draughts admit too much cold air and allow too much warm air to escape. Draught proofing is an inexpensive way of reducing winter heating expenses.

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.

It is a complicated process to fit draught proofing to sash windows and is probably best done by experts. It can be a better option to replace old sash windows or to have them secondary-glazed. Double or triple-glazed modern sash windows also reduce heating bills.

Secondary glazing (the fitting of an extra framed glass pane inside an existing window) is often the cheaper alternative for draught proofing. Frames may be manufactured from wood, metal or plastic and some will have insulated cores. Secondary glazing that uses low emissivity glass increases the efficiency of the additional window pane. Heavier curtains and energy efficient glazing can reduce heat loss considerably, keeping the property warmer and more peaceful.

Custom-built sash window draught proofing personally tailored to match your property will lead to fewer cold spots, reduced noise pollution and a decreased amount of condensation on interior window surfaces. Seek out suppliers and materials that have BFRC (British Fenestration Rating Council) approval. Similarly to the energy efficiency ratings used on fridges and other appliances, BFRC ratings vary from A to G. Insulation items with a "B" or better rating merit an Energy Saving Trust's recommended insignia.

Draught proofing companies can block up unwanted gaps around sash windows to reduce heating bills for a reasonable price. A specialist firm can advise about where ventilation is essential and where draughts can safely be excluded. Professionals will know the precise materials required for these home improvements.

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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