Respecting heritage, enhancing performance
By Mark Flanagan, managing director, Ventrolla.
Anyone in a heritage, listed or period property will understand how important retaining the home’s original features are. Timber sash and casement windows are a prime example of this, they add more value than being just functional, they embody the craftsmanship, history and architectural charm of the building.
At Ventrolla, we always take a restoration-first approach, considering replacement only as a last resort. It is possible to deliver enhancements to existing windows that bring them up to modern standards of performance, sustainability and comfort whilst still respecting the building and its heritage. We always say, once that history is lost, it can never be recovered.
The foundation of any successful restoration begins with the materials being used. At Ventrolla, we carefully source the finest timbers best suited to each project, including sapele, redwood and sustainable Accoya.
By selecting wood of this quality, we ensure that the new sections blend seamlessly into the existing frame, standing the test of time and remaining visually pleasing. Our VR90 wood repair system is designed to extend the life of decaying timber windows that are in a suitable condition. The powerful two-part epoxy resin strengthens wooden joints and fills gaps, preserving the original features.
This meticulous approach allows us to respect the building’s heritage while also delivering resilience where it is needed. Unlike the cheaper, short-term fixes, our restorations only use materials that meet the strictest durability standards, providing homeowners with the peace of mind that the investment will last for generations into the future.
Where we truly excel is with our technological enhancements for timber sash and casement windows. Our innovative draught proofing technology, the Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System (VPSS) creates an effective barrier against cold air and draughts, while preventing heat from escaping.
VPSS is typically fitted as standard to all renovated existing windows, as well as all replacement sash and casement windows or doors. This draught proofing technology delivers measurable performance benefits, helping with rattle and draught prevention, protection against water and dust ingress, whilst also providing superior sound proofing – with noise reduction levels of up to 6-10 dB(A) range, offering smoother window operation and improving the Window Energy Rating (WER) by up to 30%.
Due to its unobtrusiveness and availability in any colour, the VPSS is recognised by planning authorities and conservation officers. It conforms to BS 7386:1997, BS EN 12207:2000 and BS 6375-1:2009 Class 3.
During VPSS installation, we also fit our signature patented Sash Removal System (SRS), designed to make ongoing maintenance safer, easier, and less disruptive. The SRS eliminates frustrations like lost sash cords and the need for scaffolding during routine maintenance, whether for existing or newly crafted windows.
Its unique ‘brake’ mechanism secures sash cords firmly in place and allows for effortless removal of upper and lower sashes, providing unrestricted access to the box frame for easy maintenance. It is also discreetly mounted inside the sash, meaning it is hidden internally and externally during normal use.
Restoration is only part of the process, with ongoing maintenance an absolute necessity to protect the window and entire building. The main task is ensuring the windows are cleaned regularly, and any damage is repaired as soon as possible. This, alongside paying attention to any other issues like draughts, rot or cracks can help to extend the lifespan of the window. It’s important to also consider the strict planning restrictions placed on heritage properties, which often make replacement impossible, highlighting the importance of maintenance even more.
In a marketplace dominated by short-term solutions, we aim to stand apart. Our expertise lies in delivering restorations that are sympathetic to heritage, robust in quality and discreetly enhance the product with modern technology. For anyone lucky enough to own a heritage property, the windows are a part of the long story. With Ventrolla, we aim to make that story continue long into the future, the timeless beauty of traditional craftsmanship combined with the best of today’s performance enhancements.