Despite the ZCTF’s brief to focus on new build schools, there were also strong recommendations that the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) should review the positive results that could be achieved from a programme of refurbishment to older schools.
Carbon emissions can generally be reduced by 5% to 20%, and sometimes more, as a result of refurbishment, and modeling has suggested that savings of 53% to 70% can be achieved by “whole school energy efficiency refurbishments”.
And with last year’s decision to abolish the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme, schools can benefit in more ways than one by choosing to renovate their windows.
Ventrolla has seen an increase in enquiries from schools looking to renovate windows, as it would seem that the message is getting through - repairing and refurbishing is a more economical move than outright replacement.
For schools with traditional wooden windows, renovation is an extremely viable proposition which can be delivered for a fraction of the cost of outright replacement, but still achieves impressive performance gains.
And Ventrolla has plenty of experience working with schools, with the fantastic results being a testimony that replacement is often not the best option.
Ventrolla played a major role in converting an empty hall into an award-winning library for a girls’ school in Plymouth.
Plymouth High School for Girls appointed Devon Contractors to carry out the project and Ventrolla were recommended to refurbish the windows.
Ventrolla refurbished seven windows, five of which were fitted with special acoustic glass to keep external noise to a minimum and the library as quiet as possible.
Andy Wells, Contracts Manager for Devon Contractors, said: “We were delighted with the results of the soundproofing from the re-glazed windows. Ventrolla were really flexible and carried out the work around the other phases of the project.
“The windows are a stunning feature of the building and the renovation has made them fully functional. The library has now become very light and airy since the work on the windows.”
The project has since been recognised with an award for the Best Technical Design in the LABC Building Excellence Awards for the South West region.
Ventrolla’s two part service starts with repairing existing materials such as rotten timber, and then improves the window’s performance by inserting their unique Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) into the gaps surrounding the sashes.
University College School in Hampstead also benefited from VPSS, improving the movement of the sash windows, eradicating draughts and reducing rattles.
The independent school appointed Ventrolla London Commercial to help them out of a sticky situation. The senior school had 11 sash windows renovated because they were stuck shut with layers of paint and therefore difficult for staff and students to open.
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Eight of the sash windows were renovated, with the remaining three crittall (steel-framed) windows replaced with new hardwood sashes. These replacements replicated the original style in keeping with the Grade I listed building and were deemed to be a more sustainable alternative to the previous steel windows that had rusted together.
The work was carried out across two rooms, a student classroom and the staff office, and took place during the summer break to avoid any disruption to the school.
Peter Rowe, Facilities Manager at University College School, said: “Opening the windows used to be a real struggle as they were stuck so tightly.
“It’s great that we can now open them so easily and get some fresh air into the rooms.
“Ventrolla was recommended to us by a contractor. We are so pleased with the work we will be bringing them in again to renovate more sash windows we have that also don’t operate fully.”
Ventrolla has also completed its second sash window renovation project for the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) and is about to commence work on a third school.
After a successful scheme at Sheffield High School last year, the company was instructed to renovate 26 windows at the GDST’s historic Central Newcastle High School.
Work was carried out in two phases, starting with repairs while the school was still operating and then two weeks of activity during the holidays.
Ventrolla installed its unique Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) to improve energy efficiency, eliminate rattles and reduce external noise penetration. Defective timbers were replaced and matched closely to the building’s original materials.
Stephen Greenhalgh, Building Surveyor for the Girls’ Day School Trust, said: “We continue to be impressed with the high standard of workmanship from Ventrolla and the efficiency gains achieved through having properly sealed windows.
“Our renovated windows not only look smart but they are easy to operate and prevent unnecessary heat loss, which will help reduce the school’s overall energy costs.”
Ventrolla’s central office is based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, with offices throughout the UK and Ireland, and offers a bespoke renovation service for timber sliding sash and casement windows as well as timber doors.
0800 0277 454
