Refurbishment of Windows

Ruchita Dasgupta (40053991)

M.Sc. Architectural Technology and Building Performance
School of Engineering and the Built Environment
Building Performance 3
BSV11134 – Coursework 1

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 Abstract
Windows account for 10 per cent of the total heat loss in a building (Changeworks,
2008). The report explores the reasons for heat loss through the windows in a
traditional building in South Uist and analyzes the alternatives that can improve their
energy performances.

Keywords: Windows, U-value, Repair, Replace, Draught proofing

Table of Contents
Page
1.0 Introduction ……………………………………………………………….. 3
2.0 Overview of the Building ………………………………………………… 3
3.0 Selected Component …………………………………………………….. 4
4.0 Alternatives to improve energy performances ………………………… 5
5.0 Conclusion …………………………………………….………………….. 8
References

Appendices
APPENDIX 1 HEAT LOSS THROUGH WINDOWS …………………. 12
APPENDIX 2 OVERVIEW OF THE BUILDING ………………….…… 13
APPENDIX 3 MATERIAL AND TECHNOLOGY ………………….…... 15
APPENDIX 4 REPAIRING THE EXISTING FRAME …………………. 16
APPENDIX 5 DRAUGHT PROOFING ………………….……………… 17
APPENDIX 6 VENTILATION ………………….………………….……... 19

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1.0 Introduction
Windows are one of the key features governing the visual character of a building,
besides modulating the inlet of light and ventilation. These opening are however,
responsible for a significant amount of heat loss from the building. This loss may be
though radiation through the glass, conduction through the frame or the glazing
space bars or air leakage through junctions (Appendix 1 Fig 1.1) (Greenspec). The
problem becomes more serious in case of traditional buildings since the window
components rot due to weathering and lack of maintenance.

According to Scottish Border Council (2011), certain issues such as ventilation and
daylight, heat insulation, sound insulation, ease of maintenance and repair, cost of
environment, security, safety in case of fire, ease of operating the window and
disturbance to the finishes during installation need to be addressed during
refurbishment. It is however, essential to explore the alternatives of materials and
technology available in the market.

On the basis of the current state of components and available market, the
components can either be repaired or replaced. The report analyses the potential of
window components in the building on the basis of repairing or replacing.

2.0 Overview of the Building

The building was built as a small cottage in Daliburgh area of South Uist. The single
storey traditional residence has a pitched roof with corrugated asbestos cement
sheeting and gable chimney stacks. The building houses a small entrance lobby with
two rooms, a kitchen and a toilet. The outhouse on the western side of the building
has been demolished. (Appendix 2 Fig 2.1)

2.1 Location and Climate

Daliburgh is a small settlement in a western island of Scotland, the Isle of South Uist.
The location of the region adversely impacts the climatic conditions of the city, with
low temperature, but high humidity and wind speed (Appendix 2 Table 2.1). Under
such weather conditions, thermal comfort in the indoor spaces can only be achieved
by making the building warm and airtight.

2.2 Construction and Limitations

(Changeworks, 2008) The thermal behaviour of a traditional building is a result of the
porosity of the walls and roof. In this cottage, the walls act as a heat sink and do not
allow the internal heat to escape due to the absorption of water in the walls. There is
limited solar gain through the small window openings. (Appendix 2 Fig 2.3)

The ventilation of the indoor spaces is through the sash windows and the fire place.
Controlled ventilation is achieved beneath the ground floor, walls and through the
roof respectively through the suspended floor system, cavity between rubble

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masonry and plasterboard and the air gaps in the eves. This reduces the possibilities
of wood rot due to condensation on concealed areas (Changeworks, 2008).

Though the functioning of a traditional house is very efficient, a tremendous amount

of heat is lost because of air leakage and lack of air tightness and draught-proofing
at the junctions of doors, windows, roof, wall and floor. Similar issues are visible in
this cottage.

3.0 Selected component

Windows account for 10 per cent of the total heat loss in a building (Changeworks,
2008). The percentage rises due to the presence of draughts in sill, lintel and wall
edges. Though the number of windows in this cottage is small, there has been a
significant deterioration in the quality due to exposure to adverse weather conditions
and poor maintenance. This has led to an increase in the heat loss of the building
through the windows and their draughty junctions with the wall.

3.1 Materials and Construction Procedure

The 400mm thick Lewisian Gneiss random rubble stone wall is externally finished
with a layer of 6mm render on 50mm in situ concrete facing. On the inside, there is a
10-50mm air followed by 12.5mm plasterboard on 25mm x 50mm wall framing.

The faces of the window opening are finished with plain cement concrete quoins.
The sill stones project out of the external building surface, thereby creating a visual
band under the windows. The lintels are cast in situ concrete. The stone of the side
walls and the lintel form a small step toward the outside of the opening. This not only
forms a base for the window frame to sit, but also provides a good weather seal
(Scottish Border Council, 2011). There is however, no draught-stripping around the
windows, leading to excessive air leakage.

All windows of the residence are double hung sash windows with single glazing. The
timber used for the frames and sashes is softwood. Both upper and the lower sashes
are equal in height. The lower sash of the window slides vertically and can be fixed
at any height. The vertical frame posts form a case for a pair of weights that balance
each sash by cords or chains passed over pulleys fixed to the case (Planning
Committee, 2010). The sashes of the windows in the rooms, except the toilet and the
kitchen, are divided into two panes through astragal or glazing bar.

3.2 Current state of component

3.2.1 Window frame

Due to excessive moisture penetration, the softwood timber frames used in the
windows have developed excessive cracks. The phenomenon, commonly known as
‘wet rot’, is significantly visible at the places where the white paint of the window

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surface has worn out. This has led to the damage of the window frame edges
resulting in leakage through the wall-window interfaces. (Appendix 2 Fig 2.2)

3.2.2 Glass
The glass of the windows does not display any significant signs of cracks. However,
similar to the window frames, the beadings connecting the glass to the frames are
heavily damaged due to wet rot.

3.2.3 Window edges

There are signs of deterioration of the edges due to driven rain. This is visible
through the green patches of the water formed on the sill and the sides of the quoins.

4.0 Alternatives to improve energy performance

In order to improve the energy performance of the windows, mitigations need to be
done at two levels – refurbishing the window components and draught proofing the
wall-window interface.

4.1 Refurbishment of the window components

The refurbishment of the window components may be done in two ways – by
repairing the existing windows or by replacing the windows.

4.1.1 Repairing the window components

Since the window frames have decayed due to wet rot, they can be repaired on site.
However, the window units need to be removed and the glass will have to be taken
out carefully to mend the high levels of deterioration of the frame.

Repairing the timber frame shall be done in two ways:

i. In places where the damage in extensive, the wood shall be removed and
replaced by softwood treated with epoxy resin (Anink, Boonstra and Mak, 1996).
It is important that the replacement sections used for repairing should have the
same cross section as those in the existing window. (Appendix 4 Fig 4.1)
ii. In places where the decay of wood is small, the cracks can be filled with Ultra
Tough Wood Filler. This filler material is “fast setting, non-shrink and weather
resistant with excellent adhesion to wood” (Highfield, 2000).
Once the timber frame is repaired, the glass shall be carefully cleaned and fixed
(Newsom, 2002).

Single glazed window does not comply with minimum U-value requirement for
windows in the Building Regulations (Scottish Government, 2011). It is therefore,
compulsory to add a secondary timber glazing on the inside of the existing glazing.
Though secondary glazing eats up effective sill space, it can reduce heat loss
through windows by 63% (English Heritage, 2010). (Appendix 3 Table 3.2)

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4.1.2 Replacing the window components
(Highfield, 2000) Repairing the decayed window frame might be less costly than
replacing them, but it requires high levels of skill and accuracy. Moreover, if the
decay in the frame is extensive, repairing it and adding a secondary glazing will be
more expensive than replacement of the window units. Replacing in such a condition
is more appropriate than repairing.

4.1.3 Materials
A few alternatives of the materials and technology that can be used for the
secondary glazing or the new window components are mentioned below.

(a) Window frame

A number of materials from which window frames can be manufactured are available
in the industry. Besides timber, these include aluminium, steel and PVC. Though
some of these are more durable and less expensive than the others exhibiting
approximately similar thermal conductivity, the impacts caused by their manufacture
on the environment are severe (Appendix 3 Table 3.1).

In order to retain the appearance of the facade and reduce the environmental
impacts due to refurbishment of the residence, wood will be used to make the new
frames of the windows. However, it is necessary to paint the wooden frame once
every five years to maintain the quality of the window. To improve the durability of
the timber, softwood with solid borate implant or treated softwood shall be used
(Anink, Boonstra and Mak, 1996).

(b) Glass
Single glazed window provides minimal insulation, resulting in heat loss from the
house. To enhance the energy performance of the windows, three alternatives might
be considered. (Anink, Boonstra and Mak, 1996)
i. Double glazed windows with standard glass will trap air between the two panes
and thus, effectively reduce the heat loss from the house. The U-value is further
improved through the use of an inert gas, such as argon, between the panes.
The performance increases as the number of glass layers increase.
ii. Double glazed window with low emissivity glass or low E glass possesses a
higher U-value than standard glass. This glass is coated with a transparent metal
layer on one side. During winters, this coating will allow the short wave energy of
the sun to enter the interiors. However, the radiation transformed into long wave
energy due to reflection from the furniture, internal wall, etc. is trapped within the
building. On the other hand, in summers, the coating will reduce the infiltration of
the short wave energy into the house.
iii. The performance of the window can be further enhanced by using double glazed
windows with low E glass, with argon filled between the panes.

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The thermal conductance of glazing increases with the increase in the number of
layers of glass (Appendix 3 Table 3.2). However, glass has an embodied energy
equivalent to 15MJ/kg, emitting 0.85kg of CO2 per kg of its manufacture
(Greenspec). Thus, the more the layers of glass, the worse is the environmental
impact.

4.2 Draught-proofing
Draught-proofing the windows can reduce the air leakage from the window edges by
up to 86 per cent, thereby improving the air-tightness of the windows (Baker, 2008).

4.2.1 Draught-proofing window frame

For replacement windows, the sealants at the edges are pre-fitted and provide
adequate protection against air leakage. The wooden mouldings in the multiple
layered glazed windows are sealed with rubber sealants (Anink, Boonstra and Mak,
1996). These sealants ensure greater durability of the windows, along with better
energy performance.

For existing glazing, the process includes replacement of the parting bead with a
new component incorporating rubber blades to maintain the seal at the stiles and
applying compression seals to the meeting rail, top rail and bottom rail (Darlington
Borough Council, 2010). A draught-proofing pile shall be used in this case. The pile
is mounted by a fine nylon fibre brush seal in the centre, generating an effective
compression seal. The use of nylon fibre reduces the scope of wear and tear during
operation of the sashes.

The pile carrying the brush is made of PVC and is weather resistant. The staffs and
the beads, into which the pile is embedded, are manufactured from timber (FENSA).
The slender sections used for the piles are thus, concealed and do not interfere with
the appearance of the existing window. (Appendix 5 Fig 5.1)

4.2.2 Wall-Window Interface

The discontinuity of materials in the openings results in gaps subjected to water
penetration, air infiltration and efflorescence in the masonry wall. Since the window is
an integral part of the wall, upgrading the wall will prove more beneficial to the
energy performance of the windows.

Mineral wool insulation will be added in the frame holding the plasterboard on one
side and an OSB sheet on the other. The cavity between the plasterboard frame and
rubble masonry shall remain unfilled for ventilation (section 2.2). The vapour control
membrane and the vapour permeable membrane are provided to reduce the
chances of condensation within the cavity. The insulation is continued beneath the
sill board to minimize thermal bridging. (Appendix 5 Fig 5.2)

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 4.3 Ventilation
Though draught-proofing will improve the energy efficiency of the building, it might
exhibit negative implications on the indoor air quality. The issue can be tackled by
the use of trickle ventilators in the windows that can be installed in new as well as
existing window frames.

For secondary glazing frames or replacement window frames, these ventilators and
fitted as a part of the unit. However, for existing window frame, these need to be
installed on site. According to Historic Scotland (2008), alternative methods to install
the ventilators to existing frames are:
i To allow ventilation over the top of the window, chamfer the outside edge of the
head of the top sash. Insert an adjustable grille into the head of the window case
on the inside and a fixed grille on the outside. (Appendix 6 Fig 6.1)
ii To allow ventilation through the weight box, insert a permanent grille in the
external pulley stile and an adjustable grille in the inner pulley stile.

Use of trickle ventilators will play a significant role in the ventilating the rooms with
fire places and the kitchen. Moreover, these will also reduce the possibilities of
condensation between the primary and secondary glazing arising due to the high
level of humidity in the region and differences in indoor and outdoor temperatures.

5.0 Conclusion
Part L Approved Documents state that the U-value for windows should achieve the
standard of 3.3W/m2K (Scottish Government, 2011). The U-value of the existing
window indicates that the residence will not be approved for refurbishments until
appropriate mitigations are undertaken.

Double hung sash windows were used in traditional buildings for two main reasons.
Firstly, these added a basic symmetry and elegance creating a visual balance in the
facade. Secondly, since the height of the sashes could be adjusted, they provided a
controlled means of ventilation in the room (Forsyth, 2008). Thus, to minimise the
impact of the interventions on the building fabric, replacement of the windows should
be avoided as far as possible.

The environmental impact of a building plays an important role for the sustainability
of a project. The embodied energy of single glazing with low E glass will be lower
that glazing with multiple layers of glass. Moreover, these glazing will significantly
increase the cost of refurbishment (Changeworks, 2008).

Even though a replaced argon-filled double glazed window exhibits a lower U-value
than the addition of a secondary glazing, secondary glazing complies with the
Building Regulations. Softwood will be used for any repair or manufacture of the
window frame, due to the low embodied energy. It is thus, preferable to introduce a
secondary window with single glass after repairing the frame. However, it is essential

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to consult a timber specialist for determining extent of the decay in the existing
window frame before deciding to repair it (Highfield, 2000).

To reduce air infiltration through window openings, all edges of the frame and the
wall-window interface should be sealed. Draught proofing is extremely essential for
this project (Appendix 5 Fig 5.1 and Fig 5.2). It is also essential to provide controlled
ventilation in the frames to improve the durability of the integrated window units.

Incorporating appropriate solutions along with regular maintenance of the windows

will enhance the thermal conductance of the cottage, thereby improving the energy
efficiency and indoor thermal comfort.

References
Anink, D., Boonstra, C. and Mak, J. (1996), Handbook of Sustainable Building: An
Environmental Preference Method for Selection of Materials for Use in Construction
and Refurbishment, London: James & James Ltd., ISBN: 1-873936-38-9

Baker (2008), Technical Paper 1: Thermal Performance of Traditional Windows,

Historic Scotland and Glasgow Caledonian University, available from
http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/thermal-windows.pdf [accessed on 23rd February
2012]

British Standards Institution, A Designer’s Manual for the Energy Efficient

Refurbishment of Housing, Milton Keynes: British Standards Institution

Changeworks (2008), Energy Heritage: A Guide to Improving Energy Efficiency in

Traditional and Historic Homes, EAGA Partnership Charitable Trust and Edinburgh
World Heritage, Edinburgh: Changeworks, ISBN: 0 9556 542 06, available from
http://www.changeworks.org.uk/uploads/83096-EnergyHeritage_online1.pdf
[accessed on 23rd February 2012]

Darlington Borough Council (2010), Energy Efficiency and Traditional Buildings: How
Energy is Lost from Buildings, available from
http://www.darlington.gov.uk/Living/Planning+and+Building+Control/Planning+Servic
es/ProtectionControl/Conservation/Energy+Efficiency+and+Traditional+Buildings.ht
m [accessed on 4th March 2012]

Douglas, J. (2006), Building Adaptation, Second Edition, Oxford: Elsevier Ltd., ISBN-
13: 978-0-7506-6667-1 and ISBN-10: 0-7506-6667-6

English Heritage (2010), Energy Efficiency in Historic Buildings: Secondary Glazing

for Windows, available from http://www.helm.org.uk/upload/pdf/eehb-secondary-
glazing-windows.pdf [accessed on 23rd February 2012]

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FENSA: Draught Busters Ltd., The Perimeter Sealing System, available from
http://www.draught-busters.co.uk/products.html#Casement [accessed on 3rd March
2012]

Forsyth, M. (2008), Materials and Skills for Historical Building Conservation, Oxford:
Blackwell Publishing Ltd., ISBN: 9781405111706

Greenspec, Window Frames: Materials and Design, available from

http://www.greenspec.co.uk/window-frames.php [accessed on 3rd March 2012]

Greenspec, Windows: Energy and Materials, available from

http://www.greenspec.co.uk/windows.php [accessed on 3rd March 2012]

Greenspec, Embodied Energy, available from

http://www.greenspec.co.uk/embodied-energy.php [accessed on 3rd March 2012]

Highfield, D. (2000), Refurbishment and Upgrading of Buildings, London: E & FN

Spon, ISBN: 0-419-23160-9

Historic Scotland (2007), Maintaining Sash and Case Windows; INFORM:

Information for Traditional Building Owners, Edinburgh: Technical Conservation
Research and Education Group, available from http://www.historic-
scotland.gov.uk/informguide-sashandcase.pdf [accessed on 23rd February 2012]

Historic Scotland (2008), Sash and Case Windows: A Short Guide to Home Owners;
Short Guide: Information for Traditional Building Owners, Edinburgh: Technical
Conservation Group, ISBN: 978 1 904966 57 9, available from http://www.historic-
scotland.gov.uk/caring-for-your-sash-case.pdf [accessed on 23rd February 2012]

Historic Scotland (2009), Managing Change in the Historic Environment: Windows –

Consultation Draft, Edinburgh: Historic Scotland Inspectorate, available from
http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/managing-change-consultation-windows.pdf
[accessed on 23rd February 2012]

Newsom, S. (2002), Guide for Practitioners 3: Conservation of Timber Sash and

Case Window – Maintaining, Repairing and Improving the Performance of Traditional
Windows, Edinburgh: Historic Scotland, ISBN: 1 900 168 871

Planning Committee (2010), The Window Trial Project and Revised Edinburgh
Planning Guidance: Replacement Windows and Doors – Draft for Consultation, the
City of Edinburgh Council, available from
www.edinburgh.gov.uk/download/.../window_trial_project_report [accessed on 23rd
February 2012]

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Sash Repairs Ltd., Sash Window Draught Proofing, available from
http://www.sashrepairs.co.uk/sash_window_draught_proofing.html [accessed on 4th
March 2012]

Scottish Border Council (2011), Scottish Border Consolidated Local Plan: Draft
Supplementary Planning Guidance on Replacement Windows, available from
http://www.scotborders.gov.uk/downloads/file/329/draft_replacement_windows
[accessed on 23rd February 2012]

Scottish Building Standard Agency, Accredited Construction Detail (Scotland),

available from http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/217736/0088295.pdf
[accessed on 23rd February 2012]

Scottish Government (2011), Handbooks 2011 Domestic Part 6 – Energy, Section

6.2 – Building Insulation Envelope, available from
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/217736/0120386.pdf [accessed on 3rd
March 2012]

Tutiempo Network, Climate South Uist Range, available from

http://www.tutiempo.net/en/Climate/SOUTH_UIST_RANGE/30230.htm [accessed on
6th March 2012]

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APPENDIX 1: HEAT LOSS THROUGH WINDOWS

Fig 1.1: Ways of Heat Loss through Windows

Source: Greenspec

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APPENDIX 2: OVERVIEW OF THE BUILDING

Fig 2.1: (top) Sections of the residence, (bottom left) Plan of the residence, (bottom / middle right)
photographs from front and right hand side
Source: Coursework Notes

Fig 2.2: Current State of Windows,

(left) room 1 window,
(middle) room 2 window,
(right) toilet and kitchen window
Source: Coursework Notes

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YEAR T T max T min PP V V max RH
°C °C °C mm km/h km/h %
2007 10.0 20.4 -8.7 1040.40 27.9 122.2 84.4
2008 9.6 23.0 -3.5 1143.17 27.9 122.2 81.8
2009 9.7 23.4 -2.1 1211.77 27.3 157.6 85.3
2010 8.4 19.6 -6.5 879.95 24.0 105.4 84.3
2011 9.7 19.7 -3.7 1292.78 29.5 137 83.7
Table 2.1: Weather Data of South Uist in the past five years
Source: Tutiempo Network
T Annual Average Temperature T max Maximum Temperature
T min Minimum Temperature PP Total Annual Precipitation
V Annual Average Wind Speed V max Maximum Wind Speed
RH Annual Average Relative Humidity

Fig 2.3: Thermal Behaviour of Traditional Buildings

Source: Changeworks, 2008

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APPENDIX 3: MATERIAL AND TECHNOLOGY

Material Conductivity Life Embodied energy kg CO2 / kg of

(W/mK) (years) (mJ/kg) material
Aluminium 45 30 – 50 155.0 8.24
Steel 45 30 – 40 21.5 1.42
PVC 0.16 25 – 40 77.2 28.10
Painted softwood 0.12 – 0.14 30 – 50 10.0 0.72
Table 3.1: Comparison of thermal efficiency and environmental impacts of window frame materials
Source: Greenspec

2
GLAZING TYPE AVERAGE U-VALUE (W/m K)
Single glazing (existing) 5.70
ALTERNATIVES
1. Secondary glazing with standard glass
Standard glass 2.30
Low E glass 2.00
2. Multiple layers of glass with air filled between panes
Double glazing 3.00
Triple glazing 2.00
Quadruple glazing 1.50
3. Low E coating with air filled between panes
Double glazing with low E glass 1.80
4. Multiple layers of glass with low E coating and argon filled between panes
Double glazing 1.60
Triple glazing 1.20
Quadruple glazing 0.85
Table 3.2: Comparison of U-values of glazing (excluding frame and draughtproofing)
Source: British Standard Institution

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APPENDIX 4: REPAIRING THE EXISTING FRAME

before

during

after

Table 4.1: a. (top left) Outcome of repairing existing window frame, b. (top right, middle, bottom)
Illustrations of repairing of existing timber frame components
Source: a. Sash Repairs Ltd., b. Historic Scotland, 2008

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APPENDIX 5: DRAUGHT PROOFING

Fig 5.1: Draught proofing existing window frame

Source: Sash Repairs Ltd.

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 Fig 5.2: Draught proofing the sill:
(above) Section, (below) Plan
Source: Author

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APPENDIX 6: VENTILATION

Fig 5.1: Trickle Ventilators to avoid condensation

Source: Sash Repairs Ltd.

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