Windows: The present windows have old 6mm gap double glazing and the wooden frames have deteriorated with age so they are draughty. Also they cannot be opened wide to provide good ventilation. The new UPVC windows will reduce heat losses, eliminate draughts and open much wider. They will be made from UPVC and be coloured dark brown on the outside and white on the inside. The outside pane will be slightly obscure for privacy so the old slatted blinds can be retired. The present curtains will be retained. CW&C has waived the need to obtain planning consent as the external appearance will be very similar.
Insulation: A recent survey has revealed that all the building external walls have cavities but only the Craven Room and Arthur Meredith Room extensions have mineral wool insulation in the cavities. The main hall and foyer area wall cavities be filled with bead type cavity wall insulation. This will significantly reduce the heat losses from these parts of the building.
What we'll deliver:
- A more energy efficient and better ventilated building with lower running costs
Why it's a great idea:
We are fortunate to have fixed price gas and electricity contracts taken out in 2021 before the big increases in energy prices occurred. These contracts will protect us until the end of 2023. The new windows and cavity wall insulation help us to limit any increases in room hiring rates which may be necessary in 2024.
Steps to get it done:
- Placing contracts for the new windows and the cavity wall insulation
- Installation of the new windows
- Installation of the new cavity wall insulation
By keeping our room hiring rates as low as possible we will promote use of the building for a wide range of of activities and leisure pursuits.
The new windows and cavity wall insulation are necessary preparation steps prior to changing the building heating and lighting to being powered by air source heat pumps, PV arrays and electricity storage batteries.