Time sensitive work completed on schedule

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

Ventrolla has offered counsel to a small business owner in Colchester to help them deal with their damaged sash windows.

Ventrolla, the sash window renovation specialist carried out repairs to three upper floor windows at the Life Force Centre for Natural Wellbeing, a counselling service and training provider owned and run by Nicole Joyce.

Each sash window had been painted shut, which besides the obvious inconvenience of no ventilation, was also making ongoing maintenance of the 250 year old, Grade II listed building increasingly difficult. Nicole Joyce said:

“The only way we could paint the sash windows and carry out repairs was from the outside by climbing a ladder, which is dangerous, or putting up scaffolding, which is expensive.”

“Ventrolla’s solution of renovating the existing windows and then installing a Sash Removal System to allow for future painting or maintenance work from inside the of building was therefore really appealing.”

“They replaced parts of the window sills and frames which had rotted, as well as a few panes of broken glass, in each case managing a very close match to the original materials. The end result was most impressive.”

Nicole was eager to get the work completed quickly to avoid closing the premises and losing business. She added: “The Life Force Centre operates seven days a week so naturally we wanted to minimise any disruption to our trading hours. We had set aside three days to get a number of maintenance issues sorted, including the sash windows, and were delighted when Ventrolla were able to complete their work on time. We were also pleased they could repair the existing sash windows rather than replace them because it is more cost effective, preserves the period looks of the building and saved us having to seek listed planning consent for altering its features.”

Life Force was established in 1990 and relocated to East Hill in Colchester in 2005.

The business comprises of three parts: a Centre for Natural Wellbeing, which offers a therapeutic counselling service and holistic therapies, an accredited School of Counselling and the Institute of Holistic Studies providing training in reflexology, reiki healing, Indian head massage and first aid.

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.