Is there another plague going on? Yes - the plague of plastic windows in London is just getting started. But in this case, the vermin responsible are those cheap plastic windows being used more and more to replace the original elegant antique sash windows - once such a natural part of a historical Victorian home. And you can blame the economy as being responsible for pushing many to purchase them for their landmark homes, in the first place.
Here is a short list of just a few reasons cheap plastic is making more of an appearance in London these days - along with some alternatives for mixing affordability with original quality:
Although it definitely helped their sales, double glazing manufacturing companies aren't lying when they tell consumers that the new plastic product is much cheaper to install and replace when needed, especially when compared to the only other option, which is spending through the nose to fix the original antique wooden ones.
Conservationists have tried to remind consumers that it's less of a cost - in the long run - to have the antique windows repaired because the lesser-quality plastic ones need to be replaced more often - which adds up to significant cash going out. However, many homeowners choose to opt for them anyway because of the affordability, and throw caution to the wind on future replacements.
In addition, environmental committees are extolling the virtues of double glazing in stopping carbon emission leaks from inside heat that can get through openings between the frames and wall, and further pollute the air.
But the historical conservation societies are begging people to keep using their antique wooden sash windows on their houses, and even have a few suggestions for alternatives that work like double glazing. The first is to use brush stripping around the edges of the window frames, creating a seal that way. If that's too costly, there's always silicone or rubber that work just as well, and are cheap to buy.
Another good way to seal and proof is to install shutters that completely cover the windows. If you can't afford them, you can substitute some very heavy curtains to drape over the windows instead, and this does wonders in containing the heat to the house - as long as the windows remain completely closed. And still another workable choice is an actual secondary glaze - provided by a unit on the inside window - that performs like double glazing.
So there are some of the arguments for - and against - the plague of plastic windows in London these days. Although it's easy to see the story does, indeed, have two sides - both are sure to agree that one common solution needs to be found that allows for continued use of those fine old windows, AND affordable protection to both the home, and the outside environment.
Here is a short list of just a few reasons cheap plastic is making more of an appearance in London these days - along with some alternatives for mixing affordability with original quality:
Although it definitely helped their sales, double glazing manufacturing companies aren't lying when they tell consumers that the new plastic product is much cheaper to install and replace when needed, especially when compared to the only other option, which is spending through the nose to fix the original antique wooden ones.
Conservationists have tried to remind consumers that it's less of a cost - in the long run - to have the antique windows repaired because the lesser-quality plastic ones need to be replaced more often - which adds up to significant cash going out. However, many homeowners choose to opt for them anyway because of the affordability, and throw caution to the wind on future replacements.
In addition, environmental committees are extolling the virtues of double glazing in stopping carbon emission leaks from inside heat that can get through openings between the frames and wall, and further pollute the air.
But the historical conservation societies are begging people to keep using their antique wooden sash windows on their houses, and even have a few suggestions for alternatives that work like double glazing. The first is to use brush stripping around the edges of the window frames, creating a seal that way. If that's too costly, there's always silicone or rubber that work just as well, and are cheap to buy.
Another good way to seal and proof is to install shutters that completely cover the windows. If you can't afford them, you can substitute some very heavy curtains to drape over the windows instead, and this does wonders in containing the heat to the house - as long as the windows remain completely closed. And still another workable choice is an actual secondary glaze - provided by a unit on the inside window - that performs like double glazing.
So there are some of the arguments for - and against - the plague of plastic windows in London these days. Although it's easy to see the story does, indeed, have two sides - both are sure to agree that one common solution needs to be found that allows for continued use of those fine old windows, AND affordable protection to both the home, and the outside environment.
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