Condensation on A Rated Windows and possibly on other energy-rated windows is really niggling me at the moment. After reading many articles about condensation forming on the outside of the glass in energy-efficient windows, I’m beginning to wonder how big this problem is, what the consequences will be and what can be done to resolve it.
The worst thing about this is that it’s been forced upon the double glazing industry by the government in the form of the new Part L Building Regulations that specify minimum U-Value requirements by way of fitting Soft Coat Low E double glazing units which are argon filled and fitted with warm edge spacer bars.
I have three major concerns:
- The disappointment and unpleasant environment that could be experienced by our customers after spending thousands of pounds of their hard-earned cash
- My company’s reputation could be damaged by fitting windows that produce condensation
- Our customers refusing to pay for their windows because of the condensation issue and therefore causing disputes and increasing bad debt
But what can be done about it? For a start, we could advise our customers of this potential risk and at the point of sale, recommend they purchase C Rated Windows which will comply with the new building regulations and at the same time reduce the risk of causing condensation.
However, in my experience, taking this kind of approach is likely to shake your customer’s confidence and could make them think it’s just YOUR A Rated Windows that causes this problem. This is something that you would have to explain very carefully.
I’m a little nervous about how far the condensation with energy-rated windows problem could escalate and how much it could cost installers. I think condensation should be as much of an important consideration under building regulations as to energy ratings but it seems that this has been unforeseen and solving one problem has ultimately led to another.
Conservatory Base Foundations
Ever since we can remember, conservatory base foundations have been constructed in the traditional way with concrete footings and brick walls but now there is a much quicker and easier method of conservatory base construction.
Steel conservatory bases are the modern way of building conservatory base foundations. Steel bases enable you to build your conservatory base in just 1 day and furthermore, they eliminate the need for builders and bricklayers making them ideal for DIY construction.
Steel substructures have been used for many years to support bridges, skyscrapers, and commercial buildings and are now the future of conservatory base foundations. This makes conservatory base construction extremely fast and easy without the need for concrete lorries, brick lorries, or skips on your garden. It ensures minimum disruption to your garden meaning that your home won’t be turned into a building site for weeks on end.
Steel conservatory bases are ideal for DIY conservatories and reduce a three-week project to just three days saving you money on contracted labor.
Conservatories Are Pleasant Places
Conservatories have become a real alternative to traditional home extensions over previous years and continue to gain in popularity for a variety of different reasons.
One reason is the recent recession which has encouraged homeowners to improve their homes rather than move. One of the most popular home improvements is conservatories. This is because they provide a pleasant place for general day-to-day living including watching TV, reading, dining, listening to music, and a multitude of other uses.
Conservatories provide the most pleasant area in the home in which to relax, they bring the outside world into your home and can be seen as an extension to your garden.
Another major reason why conservatories have become so popular is the cost. Compared to the traditional brick-built extension, a conservatory can cost up to 75% less and typically save around £20,000.
Even more, cost savings can be made with DIY conservatories which are easier to assemble than you might think, particularly when purchased with a steel base and modular wall system which can all be assembled by anyone with average DIY skills.
A typical DIY’er and his mate can construct the foundations and assemble the conservatory from start to finish in just two or three days without the need for outside trades, skips, or concrete. Using steel bases for conservatories also eliminates a lot of the hard work and mess that is often associated with conventional builds.
Conservatories add valuable extra living space to any home at the fraction of the cost of an extension and are far more pleasant places to live.