Sash Windows in High Wycombe Royal Grammar School Repaired

Key features: Commercial, Grade II Listed, Sash Windows, Education, Renovation, Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS), Victorian.

This year pupils at the Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe will be able to celebrate their main building’s 100th birthday draught-free, following renovation by period window specialist Ventrolla.

The school, originally founded from a medieval hospital school in the middle of the 12th century has a special history, receiving a Royal Charter from Queen Elizabeth I in 1562 to become the Royal Grammar School. As numbers grew over the centuries, a new building was constructed on Amersham Hill in 1914 for the school to move into, which is still in use today.

Following consultation from the project architect, Ventrolla was called in to survey the sash windows which had sadly fallen into a sorry state and were in desperate need of repair. It was decided that instead of an overhaul the Ventrolla craftsmen would restore the beautiful old sashes to look like new.

In order to preserve the unique heritage of the building, the curved-head sashes were repaired by removing the rotten timber from the frames and splicing in new timber, finished with the patented Ventrolla epoxy resin VR90.

New double glazing for High Wycombe school

Custom-made slim double-glazing units were then installed to improve the building’s energy efficiency.

To remedy draughts, rattles and external noise, which often caused distractions in the classrooms, the unique Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) was also installed. Bursar for the Royal Grammar School, Tim Maunder, said:

Before Ventrolla restored the windows, they were rotting and allowed in chilly draughts. Now everyone at the school can feel the difference.

The project was particularly difficult as Ventrolla had to work around the school timetable and the needs of our pupils, but the flexibility and communication of the Ventrolla team meant the project ran smoothly and successfully.

New windows for heritage properties in High Wycombe and across the UK

With over 30 years experience, Ventrolla offers a tailored range of period window solutions.  Their unique service includes draught-proofing with the Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) and fitting replacement double-glazed sashes that incorporate the patented Sash Removal System (SRS) for easy painting and future maintenance.

They also offer complete new timber windows, secondary glazing solutions and a wide range of window hardware.  The company has its head office in Harrogate, North Yorkshire and regional offices located throughout the UK and Ireland.

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