Heritage & Timber
Heritage Windows and Ventilation
Heritage properties ( listed buildings or those conservation areas ) can be challenging for window and door installers and fabricators with local authority regulations and consumer expectations often conflicting .
In many local authorities across the UK , building control and / or conservation departments will insist on the type of replacement window and door ( including framing material and type of glazing – single / double / triple ) and enforce legislation . While homeowners ’ specifications for replacement windows may be restricted and affect their decision for replacements . It means homeowners living in heritage properties are often having to compromise on thermal performance and physical appearance when choosing replacement windows and doors .
In the middle of the local authority and homeowner conflicts , leading fabricators and installers are delivering solutions that both comply with regulations and satisfy homeowners . However , since June 2022 , another factor has entered the equation , as changes to Building Regulations Approved Document F ( means of ventilation ) has made it compulsory for companies replacing existing windows and doors , to meet the properties ’ ventilation requirements to the new standard .
With mechanical ventilation being expensive , impractical , inconvenient and time consuming to install , the most practical and affordable way to compliance for both installers and homeowners is to install trickle vents to the replacement window and door profiles or frames in heritage properties .
The choice ( preferred or enforced ) of framing material for windows and doors in conservation areas / listed buildings is usually timber . Compounding the challenges of compliance , many local authorities even insist that the identical type of timber to the original windows and doors is used when installing replacements . Add to this , is the homeowner ’ s discernment and
preferences for a perfect finish and it is easy to see why getting the right ventilation solution is now vital for any installation of replacement timber windows or doors in heritage buildings .
Glazpart , the leading glazing components and trickle vent manufacturer , has one of the best trickle ventilation solutions with its award-winning Link Vent range .
The Link Vent range comes in sizes 5000 , 4000 and 2500 EQA and all are designed to fully comply with Building Regulations ( Approved Document F ).
With clever design , simple and userfriendly for both opening and closing - the Link Vent ’ s innovative and flexible closing action allows the closure plate to be positioned so that it reduces draughts by directing air away from occupants .
The Link Vent also has rounded ends to allow for easy installation on timber windows and it is available in either screw or clip in fixing types - the design eliminates the need for end caps whilst the clip fix design ( Pawl ’ s ) allows for a fast and straightforward vent installation .
Easy fitting and functionality are essentials but it is the huge choice of colours and decorative finishes that sets Glazpart ’ s Link Vent range apart from the competition .
For over ten years , Glazpart has consistently invested in state-of-the-art machinery and tooling to provide a vast spectrum of colours and finishes for the Link Vent range including Premium Woodgrain Link Vents which are ideal for timber products . When it comes to heritage properties , many fabricators and installers are using the Link Vent premium ranges because they can blend in perfectly with the look not only of the building but also the surrounding environment .
The Glazpart Link Vent colours are also extremely stable and durable with the vents holding their colour through constant exposure to extreme and constant elements of weather , without noticeable fading .
Dean Bradley , Glazpart Sales Director explains :
“ In heritage buildings , ventilation for replacement windows and doors is important both for compliance and for meeting homeowners ’ expectations . The aesthetics of windows and doors is a key consideration for homeowners and fabricators and installers should be offering the widest possible range of colours and finishes for traditional timber windows and doors for heritage buildings . Our Link Vent range not only help compliance but delivers a vast range of colours and finishes that blend perfectly with replacement windows or doors .”
www . glazpart . com
42 OCTOBER 2024 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM