Environmentally Friendly Windows: A Sustainable Way to Keep Your Home Warm

Environmentally Friendly Windows
A Sustainable Way to Keep Your Home Warm

Making your home more energy-efficient is an important step towards reducing your environmental impact. And when it comes to keeping warmth in and cold out, your windows play a significant role. For period and heritage properties, improving thermal efficiency doesn't have to mean replacing beautiful original windows. Bespoke secondary glazing offers a sustainable alternative.

Making Historic Homes Part of a Greener Future

With the UK's commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 (link to: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9888/), improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings has never been more important. According to Historic England, around 21% of homes in England were built before 1919, with approximately 350,000 listed dwellings and 2.8 million homes within conservation areas. These figures highlight the importance of finding sustainable ways to improve older properties while protecting their architectural heritage.

How Can Secondary Glazing Improve Energy Efficiency?

Older, single-glazed windows can be a significant source of heat loss, particularly during colder months. Secondary glazing adds a discreet internal window behind existing glazing, creating an insulating layer of air that helps reduce heat loss and draughts.

Storm's bespoke secondary glazing can improve thermal efficiency by up to 60%, helping properties retain warmth for longer and potentially reducing the heating needed to maintain a comfortable temperature. Less heat escaping means less energy needed to keep your home warm – helping to lower heating bills and reduce your property's carbon footprint.

Why Retaining Original Windows Is Better for the Environment

Replacing original windows isn't always necessary, particularly when existing timber frames can be repaired. Retaining them reduces waste and avoids the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and installing replacements. At Storm Windows, we believe in preserving original windows wherever possible. Our virtually invisible secondary glazing improves thermal performance without compromising their appearance, while our sash window servicing helps extend the life of traditional timber windows.

Sustainable Materials and Responsible Manufacturing

Sustainability is central to our approach at Storm Windows. Every system is carefully surveyed, meticulously measured and handcrafted in our West Midlands workshop, with a commitment to quality, longevity and responsible manufacturing.

Our approach includes:

• Built to last
  Durable systems designed to perform for decades.
• Recyclable materials
  Aluminium and glass are recyclable, with workshop offcuts responsibly recycled.
• Lower-carbon options
  ORAÉ® low-carbon glass and recycled-content aluminium extrusions available on request.
• Responsible sourcing
  Sourcing materials locally wherever possible to minimise environmental impact.

A Greener Future Without Compromising Character

Making your period property more environmentally friendly doesn't mean sacrificing the windows you love. Storm's beautifully discreet secondary glazing helps improve thermal efficiency, reduce heating demand and preserve your property's original character.

Ready to make your home warmer and more energy-efficient? Contact Storm Windows on 01384 636365 to discuss your requirements or book a FREE secondary glazing survey.