Fenestration Professionals Advised to Review Portfolios Following Energy Efficiency Drive for Historic Homes

Installers and fabricators are being advised to adapt their portfolios to meet rising demand for high-performance frames sympathetic to traditional housing designs in the wake of the Government’s new energy efficiency drive for historic homes.

02.05.2024

Announced by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, the wide-ranging review will look to tackle barriers to making houses built before 1919 more energy-efficient in line with the UK’s net zero emissions commitments1. With the drive focusing on protecting the beauty of the affected buildings, polymer solutions supplier REHAU is highlighting how fenestration professionals could review their existing frame offerings to secure more retrofitting work.

“It is well-known that retrofitting historic buildings, including listed properties and those in conservation areas, can pose unique challenges for both the homeowners and project stakeholders,” explains Russell Hand, Head of Product Management and Technical at REHAU UK. “This new drive from the government should therefore be welcomed as a key step to ensuring energy-efficient housing in line with legislation such as the Future Homes Standard.

“However, the drive to make these structures fit for the future should not come at the cost of their aesthetic appeal. As a key factor in building thermal performance, windows should be one of the first structural components to be considered for upgrading work. Consequently, window fitters and fabricators would benefit from including frames in their portfolio that can assuage concerns over ugly or inappropriate retrofits if they are to win new business from people who own or live in historic homes.”

Though aesthetics and thermal performance remain key considerations when specifying for such properties, REHAU is advocating the benefit of fenestration professionals adopting a holistic approach when considering new frames for their portfolios. By doing so, installers and fabricators could create a competitive edge as demand for traditional frame designs increases.

“It is clearly vital that installers and fabricators should lead on kerb appeal and energy efficiency when selecting frames for this particular market,” Russell concludes. “However, this should not be at the cost of other important features that may influence or sway a homeowner’s decision when selecting an installer. For example, while our own Heritage Vertical Sliding window system can be marketed on its u-value of 1.2 W/m2K and customisability with colours, Georgian bars, run-through sash horns and other window furniture, other factors may also be considered.

“Promoting jointing and sash options, security accreditations, weather performance and other considerations may provide the difference if businesses are to thrive in what may soon be a booming market. We would therefore advise fenestration professionals to work closely with their supplier to see what is possible. For example, at REHAU, our commercial team are already working closely supporting fitters and fabricators to demonstrate how new uPVC window designs can work alongside other features on historic buildings, including shutters.”

To find out more about REHAU’s Heritage Vertical Sliding windows, click here.