Tag Archives: sash window renovation

BEST OF BRITISH!

Ventrolla: Best of British: Diamond Jubilee Year

With the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and London 2012 Olympics nearly upon us, we not only have an extra bank holiday to be grateful for but centuries of British heritage that makes us the envy of other nations.

Has there ever been a better opportunity to celebrate the Best of Britain?

If you are the owner of a quintessentially British period home, this summer is the perfect occasion to join the celebrations by preserving your own piece of our built heritage.

Sash windows have been a key architectural element of British buildings since the early seventeenth century. The glass panes and wooden frames of your sash windows have spanned over 400 years of British history. It is important to preserve these traditional features that bring British heritage into the contemporary home and emit an abundance of character and British charm.

Maintaining these features of your home has never been so simple with Ventrolla’s free, no obligation survey and quotation for sash window renovation and performance upgrade, which individually assesses each timber window with the objective to retain as much of the originals as possible, wherever economically possible.

Many think that the only solution to rotten, draughty and rattily old windows is to replace them, but this isn’t usually necessary since timber sash windows and casement windows are often perceived to be in much worse condition than they actually are.

With over 25 years worth of experience, Ventrolla installs its unique Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) Weatherfin Pile, which is manufactured in Britain and upgrades the windows performance by eliminating draughts, rattles and helping to reduce external noise. New joinery, such as new sashes, slim double glazed sashes, or window sills can form part of the quotation too – all of which are also manufactured in Britain.

Having been established nearly 30 years with a network of offices and workshops throughout Britain, and all work covered by a 5 year guarantee, you can be sure of a sash window renovation service of the highest of standards from Ventrolla– a service fit for the Queen herself.

Happy Anniversary Your Majesty!

Read more about the Ventrolla timber window renovation services here - http://www.ventrolla.co.uk/

Take a look at the staff at Ventrolla HQ getting into the spirit of the Jubilee on our Flickr page! - http://www.flickr.com/photos/8427154@N07/sets/72157629994690908/show/

1 Reply

PRIORITY SCHOOL BUILDING PROGRAMME UNVEILS LIST OF 261

University College School Senior School

University College School Senior School

It has been widely reported this week that the Government has confirmed the full list of 261 schools that will be rebuilt or revamped under the Priority School Building Programme.

The value of this programme has been set at £2.4 billion and replaces the Building Schools for the Future initiative.

42 schools deemed in the worst condition will commence work immediately at a value of £400 million, funded by capital grants rather than the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) scheme.

Education Secretary, Michael Gove, revealed in a written ministerial statement that 587 schools applied to the programme with the final 261 being successful.

He said “Officials have written to all schools who applied for the programme to confirm whether their application has been successful. Work will begin immediately and the first schools will be open in 2014.

I recognise that many of the schools that applied to the PSBP and have been unsuccessful will also have significant condition needs. Some of those will have their needs addressed through the other funding we have made available for maintenance.”

This is a welcome move say Ventrolla, the sash window renovation experts, who have worked on many education establishments since they formed in 1983, helping to retain original timber windows and maintain established building stock within the education sector.

Ventrolla’s recent education projects include Central Newcastle High School, Sheffield University Sir Frederick Mapping Building, Wolverhampton Grammar School, University College School Senior School (pictured right) and Plymouth High School for Girls, to name a few, whereby Ventrolla were called upon to renovate the timber sash and casement windows in these buildings.

Alan Bell, Sales and Marketing Director for Ventrolla, said “We’ve worked on some fantastic education projects over the years, and hope to be involved in some way in the development of the schools on this list. We have a lot of experience of working with Schools and Universities, and have worked round many timetables and school holidays to be able to play a part in retaining some beautiful buildings.”

Mr Gove went on to explain in his statement that the funding had been found through savings in the department on construction and procurement, saying “This limited capital funding has become available by taking a more disciplined approach to managing my Department’s capital budgets.

Savings have been made by driving down the cost of new schools, shortening procurement times and challenging contractors to look for savings in all areas. These savings mean that more schools will benefit from the programme.

We are determined to reduce the wasteful processes of the past. That is why we have developed new baseline designs which will speed up the process and increase efficiencies and we are reducing the regulations and guidance governing school premises. This will encourage lower-cost build processes to be designed-in from the start.”

Others commenting on the Governments introduction of the programme include Cllr David Simmonds, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, who said “This funding will go some way to addressing the problems facing some of our most dilapidated schools. But we are still in a situation where more than 300 run-down schools have been left in limbo after lengthy delays in government decision making.”

Ventrolla fully supports the iniciative – championing renovation wherever possible in the development of existing buildings, helping to reduce project costs…And if it’s for the benefit of young children in education then even better!

 

See the full list of schools with funding here - http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/p/priority%20schools%20building%20programme%20list.pdf

Take a look at Ventrolla’s recent case studies here - http://www.ventrolla.co.uk/about/case_studies/

Read more about the Ventrolla sash window renovation service here – http://www.ventrolla.co.uk/services/

2 Replies

TAKE ACTION AGAINST NOISE WITH VENTROLLA!

noise action weekHear! Hear! It’s Noise Action Week across the UK and Ventrolla is here to (quietly) sing its praises.

Noise Action Week is aimed to raise awareness of the negative impact that excessive noise can have on individuals and communities, and so it seems the perfect time to mention how Ventrolla’s services can reduce the external noises that may impinge on the peace and privacy of a period home.

If you’re fed up of those noisy neighbours, the hum of traffic, the screeches and scurries of boisterous wildlife, the howling winds or the rattles ringing from your sash windows, listen to this… The services that Ventrolla provide could improve the soundproofing of your windows.
Should you have gaps causing rattles and draughts around your existing sash windows, our unique Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) can be installed to provide a weather seal. As well as eliminating draughts and rattles it also, as an added benefit, reduces environmental noise.

Ventrolla Noise Reduction Comparison Tests

Ventrolla Noise Reduction Comparison Tests

To explain – sliding sash windows normally require at least a 3mm gap around the sashes in order to slide past each other properly. In an average sized window of 1.2m x 1.8m, the aggregate gap area would be 15cm x 15cm, amounting to 1% of the total area of the window. The Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) eliminates this air gap and, under live tests, achieved a noise reduction in the 6 – 10dB range, which in acoustic terms is deemed ‘significant’.

However, whilst VPSS can provide a positive impact on noise reduction, this should be viewed as an added benefit rather than as a solution to external noise. For such problems, secondary glazing should be considered, which you’ll be pleased to know Ventrolla can also help with.

By installing secondary glazing to sit in front of your primary window internally, you can achieve a much better reduction in noise.

Recent Ventrolla customers have also commented on the sound reduction benefits of their renovated windows.

Mr Pearson of Chapel House in Ormskirk, Lancashire, said: “The timber itself was generally in pretty good condition, but we couldn’t open many of the sash windows because they had been painted shut. Ventrolla was able to free up the mechanisms and then draught proof the sash windows effectively in order to reduce the amount of external noise. The house is near a main road and since the repairs we hardly notice any traffic noise at all.”

These sentiments were also echoed by Wayne Bass, Building Manager for Coleherne Court Maintenance Fund in South West London: “Our priority in all we do is maintaining the original features of the buildings. Ventrolla gave us the perfect solution when it came to updating our sash windows and we have noticed a definite reduction in noise and draughts.”

The action against noise begins at home. If your sash windows are keeping you up at night don’t just lie in bed and grumble. Take action against noise and make use of Ventrolla’s free, no obligation survey and quotation- it could be your solution to a quieter life.

Read more about noise reduction with the Ventrolla system http://www.ventrolla.co.uk/services/technical_information/noise_reduction/

Find out more about the Ventrolla sash window renovation service http://www.ventrolla.co.uk/services/

Contact Ventrolla for your free, no-obligation survey and quotation http://www.ventrolla.co.uk/contact/

 

4 Replies

79% OF UNIVERSITIES TO START MAJOR BUILDING PROJECTS BY NEXT YEAR

Ventrolla Sash Window Renovation at Plymouth High School for Girls

Ventrolla Sash Window Renovation at Plymouth High School for Girls

Nearly eight in ten universities will undertake a major construction project within the next year, according to research from contractor Wates, and as reported by Construction News this month.

The survey of 52 senior estates staff at universities found 79 per cent would start a major construction project worth £5m or more this year or next, with the more popular types of projects being improvements to teaching areas, research facilities and student accommodation.

These plans have come into play since it was announced that student course fees will increase from September 2012. Over two thirds of the survey respondents said they were making the changes to attract more international or postgraduate students.

Universities Lead at Wates Construction, Ian Vickers, said: “Students are being asked to pay more than ever before for a university degree. That means they expect a quality of experience that reflects the high price they are paying. In order to remain competitive, universities are therefore looking to deliver modern facilities that have the ‘wow’ factor while also encouraging more efficient and collaborative use of space.”

In addition, over a third (38%) thought that they were not making efficient use of space, thus providing scope for further conversions and renovation of existing university properties.

In recent times, Ventrolla has experienced an influx in education establishment renovation projects, whereby sash or timber window renovation has been required to improve energy efficiency, correct operational issues and/or for aesthetic reasons in order to improve the general look of the building.

These recent Ventrolla sash window renovation case studies include Sheffield University (Sir Fredrick Mapping Building), University College School in Hampstead, Plymouth High School for Girls and Central Newcastle High School.

Alan Bell, Sales and Marketing Director for Ventrolla, said “We’ve seen a recent rise in window renovation enquiries from education establishments - namely universities wanting to improve the standard of their teaching and accommodation facilities. This is great news for our built heritage, as many universities throughout the UK and Ireland occupy listed buildings.”

Ian Vickers of Wates Construction, added “Our survey shows that universities cannot, and will not, stand still. With the market becoming more competitive and international, estates directors need to do more for less. If the UK is to remain a world-leader in higher education at a time of constrained funding, innovative solutions will be required to extract the maximum possible value from new and existing assets.”

It would seem that, in time, the phrase ‘student accommodation’ may no longer have the same connotation for people as it once did!

 Read more about Ventrolla’s recent case studies - http://www.ventrolla.co.uk/about/case_studies/

Read more about the Ventrolla sash window renovation service - http://www.ventrolla.co.uk/services/

 

SAVE OUR SASHES!

Save our sash windows! By VentrollaIn last months Budget announcement, it was proposed to dispose of the zero VAT rate for listed properties as from October 2012 – increasing the cost of development and maintenance in listed buildings and putting the future of our listed heritage at risk – and thus their timber sash windows!

In outrage, The Heritage Alliance have launched their “NO Campaign” and are urging people to sign up to the online government petition to show your support!

Read more about the changes and Ventrolla’s stance on our website.

Ventrolla sash window renovation service – http://www.ventrolla.co.uk/services/

Ventrollas News & Press - http://www.ventrolla.co.uk/about/press_release/

UPDATE ON RULES RELATING TO ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES

Significant changes in the requirements for delivering EPCs will come into effect from 6th April 2012, as reported by RICS today. 

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are required when any building is sold, rented out or constructed, and sometimes after refurbishment work. They give information on a building’s energy efficiency in a sliding scale from ‘A’ (very efficient) to ‘G’ (least efficient), as well as provide a report setting out how the rating could be improved. 

The key change to the update is the requirement to include the full first page of the EPC to all particulars for the sale or letting of all properties, both residential and commercial. It is no longer sufficient to just simply include the rating graph within the body of the particulars.

RICS members can download a helpful guide detailing the amendments to the current requirements online.

Recommendations for improvement contained in an EPC will continue to be categorised into ‘Low Cost’, ‘Higher Cost’ and ‘Further Measures’, based upon their capital cost, environmental benefit and energy payback period.

It is important to remember that, due to the high cost and 100 year payback period, uPVC (i.e. plastic) double glazing is categorised in ‘Further Measures’, therefore renovating existing timber sash windows or casement windows can be a much more cost-effective energy-saving option for homeowners.

‘Low Cost’ measures (up to £500 cost) include cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and low energy lighting, whilst ‘High Cost’ measures (over £500 cost) include installing a new boiler.

Read about Ventrolla’s green credentials - http://www.ventrolla.co.uk/green/

Read about Ventrolla’s sash window renovation service that improves energy efficiency  - http://www.ventrolla.co.uk/services/

 

LIGHTS, CAMERA, WINDOW, ACTION!

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe’s new film The Woman in Black hits the big screen this month and all of us here at Ventrolla are excited to be queuing up for our tickets and popcorn! 

The Hollywood blockbuster features the picturesque Halton Hall in the hamlet of Halton Gill in Yorkshire, which was chosen, in part, because of its Ventrolla treated removable sash windows. Scenes were filmed in the summer of 2010 in Halton Gill, which plays the part of the fictitious village of Crythin Gifford in the film.   

After purchasing the property, owner Doug Macleod instructed Ventrolla North East & Yorkshire Ridings to give the windows a performance overhaul. Their unique Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) was installed to eradicate draughts and rattles, whilst their Sash Removal System (SRS) enabled easy removal of sashes for future maintenance. 

This removable function proved an important attraction for the production company as it allowed the film crew to easily replace the sashes with rotten looking alternatives to create the impression of a derelict building on fire. Afterwards – thanks to Ventrolla’s Sash Removal System - the sashes were simply slotted back in place leaving the building looking as good as new. 

The film’s star Daniel Radcliffe has described his time filming in Halton Gill. He said: “Halton Gill is a complete gem of a village and was the ideal place to film the Crythin Gifford scenes for The Woman in Black.

The original buildings and stunning surrounding countryside combine to create a timeless quality.”

Built in 1877, Halton Hall is now rented out as a holiday home by Mr Macleod, who has since moved to South Wales where he is planning another renovation project. 

Let’s hope this is the beginning of a glittering film career for Ventrolla. Look out for us on the big screen again soon!

Ventrolla Sash Removal System (SRS) – http://www.ventrolla.co.uk/services/technical_information/sash_removal_system/

Sash Window Renovation – http://www.ventrolla.co.uk/services/

RIBA AND SARAH BEENY PRESENT ‘A PLACE TO CALL HOME’

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has launched a major new exhibition and the guest curator is none other than Ventrolla champion Sarah Beeny.

Prepare to be taken on a journey by Beeny in her exhibition ‘A Place to Call Home: where we live and why’ as she travels back through the past 300 years to showcase the changing design and appeal of homes. This will reveal our British obsessions, experiments and trends that have shaped the way we live today.

We can’t think of anyone better suited to be involved with the exhibition. Beeny is not only a face on TV but also a property expert with her own Channel 4 series, property website and directory. One of her most high profile projects was renovating her own Grade II listed home, Rise Hall in Yorkshire, where she enlisted Ventrolla to renovate over 140 Georgian timber sash windows.

In an interview with The Daily Telegraph about the exhibition, Beeny said: “As society has evolved, so have our houses, but most people don’t really think about it.

I thought it was important to show people that not many Architects get to make a Shard or a Gherkin, and that most architecture is really about making places for people to live in. Expectations haven’t really changed, they’ve just evolved.”

‘A Place to Call Home’ is being showcased by RIBA until 28 April 2012. To find out more, visit RIBA’s What’s On guide.

Read about the work Ventrolla did at Sarah Beeny’s home, Rise Hall, and see the images.

Ventrolla offers sash window and casement window renovation and performance upgrade throughout the UK and Ireland. Freephone 0800 0277 454.

TIMBER WINDOW RENOVATION MADE AFFORDABLE, THANKS TO VENTROLLA

With so many jobs to do around the house, it’s hard to know where to begin – especially when we have to keep an eye on the pennies.

Ventrolla Finance Offer

To give homeowners a helping hand in getting started, and as it’s the season of good will, Ventrolla has introduced a new and exciting limited time finance offer, for those wanting to renovate their timber sash or casement windows and spread the cost.

So now there is no reason to suffer through the cold months with draughty windows – get them draught-proofed with the Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) for increased heat retention and energy savings!

Ventrolla is offering two years’ interest free credit, enabling customers to spread the cost over 24 monthly direct debit installments, making payment more manageable.

Orders need to placed before 29th February 2012 to benefit from this great limited time offer!

To find out more about the Ventrolla payment option, or to make an application, call us on 0800 0277 262, or fill out our quick and easy online contact 

form.

VENTROLLA GIVES A BOOST TO YORKSHIRE AIR AMBULANCE

Sash window renovation experts Ventrolla North East bowled over a local charity cricket match this summer by kindly sponsoring the match programme.

Ventrolla support The Yorkshire Air Ambulance

This year the annual cricket match, held at Undercliffe cricket club in Bradford, aimed to raise vital funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Undercliffe Cricket Club’s Treasurer, Nigel Allsop, said: “The day was a complete success, we had an excellent attendance to a superb game of cricket and most importantly we raised £2,200 on the day for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The donation from Ventrolla was greatly appreciated and without the support from local companies the air ambulance would not be able to continue the amazing work they do. On the afternoon of the match the Air Ambulance was called out on three missions, helping to save lives by quickly transporting them to the nearest hospital for treatment. We can’t thank Ventrolla enough.”

Ventrolla’s Managing Director David Greaves said: “We were delighted to be able to support the cricket match and help raise money for such a good cause.”

To keep both of Yorkshire’s ambulances in the air they need to raise £7200 per day, equivalent to £2.63 million per year. Both helicopters can reach speeds of up to 160mph and together can cover the whole of the region seven days a week, 365 days a year.