Issue 01 • Spring 08

INSIDE:
• Case studies: Focus on the South East
• Dispelling the myths of Part L
• The Green Room - Renovation vs UPVC
• The art of sash window repair
• FAQs

Welcome to In the Frame
Welcome to the first issue of
In The Frame, the newsletter from
Ventrolla, the UK’s leading sash
window renovation specialist.
In this issue you’ll find news of what’s been
happening within the Ventrolla network,
including some of the high profile projects we’ve
been working on recently. We also dispel some
of the myths out there concerning the latest
In the FRAME
legislation and how it affects listed buildings and
conservation areas, as well as our focus on
green issues and how renovation is the best
option to help our environment.
I hope you enjoy reading this first issue of In The
Frame and would like to take this opportunity of
wishing you a successful and prosperous 2008.
Steve Emmerson,
Managing Director, Ventrolla Ltd

Renovation vs Replacement -
The truth about HIPs
Last August saw the UK launch of
Home Information Packs, HIPs. Initially
they only applied to homes with four
or more bedrooms, but as of 14th
December 2007 all houses are now
subject to the legislation, with many
homeowners wondering how this will
affect them.
An integral part of the pack is the Energy
Performance Certificate (EPC). This has
been designed to give an A – G rating on
properties, based upon their energy efficiency,
which is similar to the system used for white
domestic goods.
The rating given provides recommendations on
how to improve the property’s energy efficiency.
These are categorised into low cost, higher cost
or further measures and are based on the
capital outlay, the resulting environmental
benefit and critically, the payback period.
In the past, many homeowners have rushed to
take out original window frames and installed
U-PVC double glazing, thinking they’re doing
the right thing to prevent draughts and heat
loss. But U-PVC is expensive to install, has an
astonishing estimated 100 year payback period,
consumes up to 40 times more energy, and
possibly more importantly, will never biodegrade
when removed and left on the landfill site.
You can significantly improve the energy
efficiency of windows by using modern
renovation techniques such as the Ventrolla
Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS). When
installed into an existing sash window, it is
possible to achieve up to a 30% improved
Window Energy Rating (WER).
Most importantly, this will retain character and
add value to a property.
For the Ventrolla Green Pack
email: info@ventrolla.co.uk
or download it from
www.ventrolla.co.uk

For more information and to find our nearest office call FREEPHONE 0800 378 278 or visit www.ventrolla.co.uk

Sshhhh… Ventrolla makes
the grade at Kingston Library
Ventrolla South East were tasked with
renovating 15 sash windows at
Kingston Library and have restored
the decayed window frames to their
original appearance.
Although initially the client believed all 16
would need to be completely replaced, only
one new sill was required where the timber
was beyond repair.
This landmark building is grade two listed,
meaning it was essential to restore as many
of the sash windows as possible to retain its
distinctive look and character, with the added
benefit of reducing the overall cost.
Most of the windows could not be opened
properly and it was not possible to ventilate
A CLEARER VIEW - Dispelling the myths
of Part L in relation to windows
There has been a great deal of
confusion surrounding the Building
Regulations, Document Part L
relating to windows since the
revision in April 2006 (L1B and
L2B – existing properties).
In some circumstances this has led to the
unnecessary replacement of windows, involving
cost implications for the customer, spoiling the
character of the building and having a
detrimental impact on the environment.
If it is possible to repair the window then it
does not have to comply with Part L, unless
the project will ultimately involve a change
of use of the building.
Kingston Library
the building, meaning the library would get
uncomfortably hot.
In addition to restoring the functionality of
the windows, they were also upgraded with
our unique Perimeter Sealing System which
minimises draughts, external noise and
dust ingress.
Kingston Library celebrated its centenary in the
current building on Fairfield Road in May 2003.
The library plays host to regular events such
as ‘Rhyme and Story Time’ sessions for under
fives and an adult readers group.
For further details on this and other projects,
please go to:
www.ventrolla.co.uk
Even in these circumstances, compliance
with the regulations may not be compulsory,
particularly if it is a listed building or a property
situated in a conservation area, as exemptions
may apply. However, there is still a requirement
to show an improvement in the overall energy
efficiency of the window, providing the changes
do not alter the character or appearance
of the building.
Most of the heat loss suffered through sash
windows is caused by the required gap
around the sashes, allowing them to slide
past each other. Sealing this space prevents
the heat escaping and cold air passing
through from outside.
Installing our Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing
System (VPSS) can create improvement by
Ventrolla scores top marks
at Brighton schools
Ventrolla South East have successfully
renovated and upgraded 60 sash
windows in two junior schools in Brighton.
The Ventrolla South East office, which is part
of our network of 25 offices throughout the UK,
was specified by NPS Property Consultants to
repair the sash windows at Downs and St Luke’s
Junior Schools.
With 573 pupils, St Luke's Infant and Junior
School is a striking building in St Luke's Terrace,
located in the Queen's Park area of Brighton.
It was built in 1903 and designed by prestigious
local architect for the Brighton and Preston School
Board, Thomas Simpson.
Downs Junior School on Ditchling Road is in a
conservation area, built in 1890 and has 501 pupils.
The project at St Luke’s included removing four
plastic arch sections and replacing with timber, to
remain in keeping with the character and style of
the grade two listed building. The work involved
Downs Junior School
eliminating draughts that can result in potential
energy savings.
When assessing a window, it is advisable to
consider repair rather than install new U-PVC
frames. Traditional sash and other types of
wooden windows often don’t need to be
replaced and it is possible to improve
energy efficiency whilst retaining the
original frame and glass.
Where a change of use is concerned, your
local Conservation Officer can provide valuable
assistance. Refurbishment projects on listed
and historic buildings should endeavour to
retain the aesthetic appearance and the
character of the building.
FOCUS
on
South East
35 windows, 34 of which required new sills and 20 needed
replacement sashes.
At Downs Junior, there were 25 windows with 22
replacement sills and five new sashes. Where the wood
was beyond repair, the replacement work was carried out
so the windows match the original design to retain the
appearance of the historic buildings.
Registry Office
Sales Director for Ventrolla South East, Jim Neale, said:
“There were issues with the operation of the windows in
‘A Touch of Glass’
both schools, with some of the top sashes having been
painted shut, which were rectified as part of the service.
thanks to Ventrolla
A traditional sash window requires a minimum 3mm gap Ventrolla South East has completed a large renovation project
around the sashes, which can cause draughts, dust
ingress, rattling and increased noise levels from outside.
However, after installing our patented Ventrolla Perimeter
at Kingston Registry Office.
Jim Neale, Sales Director of Ventrolla South East, said:
“The existing windows were not effectively insulating the building
Sealing System (VPSS) these problems have been
eradicated and the sliding action of the windows is now
incredibly smooth.”
in the colder months or allowing for ventilation when the outside
temperature was warmer because staff couldn’t open the
windows, as many were painted shut.
For further details on these and other projects, please go to:
Kingston Registry Office is a grade two listed building in a
www.ventrolla.co.uk conservation area, therefore it was essential to restore as
many of its sash windows as possible to their original, classic
appearance to maintain the character of the building”.
NPS Property Consultants, based in Norwich, specified Ventrolla
because of our 21 years expertise of working with sash windows
and our sympathetic approach to renovation.
More than 100 sash windows were renovated to their former glory,
with only three requiring replacement bottom sashes
and seven needing new lower box assemblies.
All sash windows were performance upgraded and
renovated using our patented Ventrolla Perimeter
Sealing System - achieving their key objectives.
The For details on this, and other case studies,
please visit our website at:
GREEN ROOM www.ventrolla.co.uk
Window Renovation vs. U-PVC
It should be obvious that a window
renovation process, which retains
• 15% of U-PVC is incinerated
• Only 3% of U-PVC is recycled
much of the existing material, has
clear environmental benefits over • U-PVC has a 100 year payback period
manufacturing replacement windows.
In contrast, the environmental benefits of
However, many people fail to consider renovating your wooden sash windows are:
the whole picture and wider implications
• Replacement consumes up to 40 times
such as energy consumption.
the energy of renovation
By renovating windows, our system
• Material sent to landfill is reduced
effectively recycles materials at source,
which minimises waste. This is an • Use of finite resources is minimised
important environmental benefit when • Invested energy or carbon store is retained
compared to U-PVC, where:
• 82% of U-PVC goes to landfill
• 43% of U-PVC is made up of Keep an eye out for the launch of our
Kingston Registry Office
non-renewable resources “Save Our Sashes” campaign, in 2008!
For more information and to find our nearest office call FREEPHONE 0800 378 278 or visit www.ventrolla.co.uk
The Art of Sash Window Repair
Our aim is to renovate windows
wherever possible, thus maintaining
the original aesthetics and character
of buildings at minimum cost.
Ventrolla provides a bespoke renovation service
for both sliding sash and casement windows.
This means the first stage of any project is a
detailed site survey.
On our installation visit, the upper and lower
sashes are released and any adjustments are
made to restore a minimum 3mm gap between
the upper sash face and parting bead face.
We inspect over 100,000 windows every year
and of these only 5% require major wood
replacement. The ability to repair the windows,
using our patented products not only avoids
costly replacements but also benefits the
environment by reusing the invested energy
within the original materials.
Our VR90 wood repair has been specifically
formulated to our specification. The key benefit of
VR90 is its ability to behave in the same manner
as wood, by expanding and contracting at the
same rate, thereby providing a long-lasting repair.
In order to achieve a seamless repair we remove
any decayed wood. The remaining wood is then
stabilised using VR90 WS Solution, which
penetrates the wood to provide a permanent
anchorage for the VR90.
By using this system we are able to impart the
original strength to sash tenon joints and fill any
cavities in the sill. If a sill is beyond economical
repair we will carefully remove the existing sill
causing minimum disruption. This will be replaced
using original techniques with a new sill that
matches the original profile.
Having completed the repair we then install the
Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) into
the top sash, bottom sash, mid rail, parting bead
and staff bead, which fills the 3mm gap that is an
inherent design element of sash windows.
At this time we can also install our innovative
Sash Removal System or Swing Sash system
as an optional extra, which facilitates sash
removal for maintenance, cleaning etc.
Find out more @
www.ventrolla.co.uk

FAQs: Top 05
01. What does Ventrolla offer?
Ventrolla renovate and upgrade original
sliding sash windows:
• Rotten timber repaired or replaced
• Sash pulleys serviced
• Sashes weighted and re-balanced
• Sash cords renewed
• Performance improved by installing unique
Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS)
• Ventrolla Sash Removal System installed to
simplify future maintenance
02. What are the benefits of the VPSS?
• Maintain character of property
• Virtually eliminate draughts
• Eradicate rattles
• Possible noise reduction
• Dust ingress minimised
• Sliding action of windows improved
• Comfort levels maximised
• Energy efficiency and reduced heating bills
03. How does the VPSS improve
comfort levels?
Typically a sliding sash window has gaps
of 3mm around the sashes to make it work.
In an average sized window these gaps are
equivalent to a hole nearly 6’’ square.
This can cause:
• Air in the room to change excessively,
resulting in inefficient use of energy
• Difficulty in maintaining room temperature
The VPSS eliminates gaps so room
temperature is controlled.
04. Will Ventrolla reduce outside
noise levels?
By eliminating the air gap in an average sized
window, the Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing
System (VPSS) can help reduce noise.
05. Should I replace my existing timber
windows with new timber windows?
Usually this is not necessary, as timber sash
windows are often perceived to be in a much
worse condition than they actually are.
We often find that 95% of the timber in an
How it works:
original window can be retained. The Ventrolla Perimeter
Replacement is only suggested in the rare
cases where it is considered the more Sealing System (VPSS)
economic alternative. Sash windows require a 3mm gap in order
Where wood needs repair we can apply our to operate, which is the cause of draughts
unique repair system, which bonds with the and rattles associated with sash windows.
parent wood and restores the original Installing Ventrolla’s high grade, low friction
strength to sash tenon joints. sealing system, that is tested to BS 6375
Class 3, significantly improves the windows
Find out more @
performance and makes draughts and
www.ventrolla.co.uk rattles a thing of the past.

For more information and to find our nearest office call

FREEPHONE 0800 378 278 or visit www.ventrolla.co.uk