Sash Window Restoration in Wimbledon
Witness the remarkable sash window restoration in Wimbledon, where Vacuum Glazing UK and Grosvenor Restoration elevated energy efficiency with vacuum glazing technology. Retain heritage aesthetics while reducing heat loss.
Discover how Vacuum Glazing UK partnered with Grosvenor Restoration to undertake a comprehensive sash window restoration project in Wimbledon. With a focus on improving energy performance, this project showcases the use of vacuum glazing technology to retain the original charm while significantly enhancing insulation properties. Explore the successful transformation of this historic property in Lingfield Road, Wimbledon Village.
Original Window Renovation
Vacuum Glazing UK’s customer was contacted directly by the home-owner, who wanted a complete sash window restoration in Wimbledon, with a focus on upgrading of the energy performance. The property in Lingfield Road is a fine example of an attractive period residence in the heart of Wimbledon Village, an area of considerable historic value. Our partner, Grosvenor Restoration, supplied high end vacuum glazing and completed all window restoration works on site.
Improving Energy Efficiency
A feature, typical of the period, are the large timber Sash Windows that allow for plenty of natural light and solar heat gain. However, the energy performance for heat retention was particularly poor due to the original single glazing.
The Ug value, a measure of the energy insulation property of the glass, would for single glazing be around 5.8 W/m2.K
The objective was to improve the energy performance of the property by reducing energy loss through the windows whilst retaining the original timber sashes and framework. This would retain the aesthetics of the property as well as the embodied energy within the original timber.
After much research it was decide to solve the problem using two approaches.
- Replace the existing single glass with modern glazing technology
- Renovate the windows to reduce heat loss through draughts
Installing LandVac Vacuum Glazing
The glass chosen was LandVac Toughened Vacuum Insulated Glazing. This is constructed on the principle of the Dewar Vacuum Flask invented in 1892. Two panes of glass separated by a space of 0.3mm from which all the air has been extracted to create the vacuum. The Ug value of this glass is 0.4W/m2.K, so 10 times better than the original. Importantly it is only 8.3mm thick so is able to be installed within the original frames with minimal re-work.
Sympathetic Sash Window Restoration on site
The work was carried out by a local renovation specialist, who regularly undertake sash window restoration in Wimbledon. In addition to installing the new glass they carried out a refurbishment of the original timber windows.
This involved traditional carpentry techniques, starting by the removal of excessive paint that was affecting the operation of the sashes. New timber sections were spliced in where the existing was rotten. Pulleys were checked and serviced to ensure smooth operation and the sashes were aligned properly for correct operation.
During the refurbishment process the balance weights were increased to counter-balance the additional glass weight and ensure the windows work as their original design. At the same time discrete draught seals were installed in the parting beads, the staff beads and the meeting rail to reduce draughts as much as possible.
On completion warranties were issued for the LandVac glass of 15 years and the workmanship of 10 years.