Poor PVC-U - it seems people never tire of bashing it. Over the years various claims have been made about the environmental credentials of PVC-U.

However, perhaps the times they are a changin’ - as Martin Randall, the Chairman of Crystal Direct has created a new initiative to promote the benefits of PVC-U with his new fact sheet: The Truth about PVC-U - Facts & Fibs.

As a consumer it can be really hard to know what to believe, so this new fact sheet really is a great resource. It’s been compiled using a variety independent sources including - Reco Vinyl; Vinyl 2010; PVC Awareness; BPF; PVC Aware; Public Sector News Line; & Friends of the Earth.

The factsheet aims to debunk the myths (or indeed ‘fibs’) we are told about PVC-U and instead present the facts. Highlights include:

Fib: PVC-U Cannot be Recycled

Fact: PVC compounds are 100% recyclable, in fact PVC-U can be recycled over and over again. In 2007 the UK recycled more than 42,000 tonnes of used PVC-U windows and doors.

Fib: PVC-U is dangerous

Fact: Numerous independent studies have been undertaken by such bodies as the World Health Organisation and the European Union, which have repeatedly shown that the material is safe.

“Ministers have made clear that independent evidence such as that from Professor Rappe, the independent scientific advisor to the EU and World health Organisation, demonstrated that PVC is a safe material” - John Battle MP, former Minister of State for Science, Energy and Industry.

Fib: Manufacturing PVC-U harms the environment

Fact: A typical European PVC production plant would have to operate for 30,000 years to produce the same amount of dioxins released into the atmosphere during bonfire night!

“The balance of evidence suggests that there is no alternative material to PVC in it’s major product applications that has less overall effect on the environment.” - Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation.

Fib: Alternative materials are just as good as PVC-U when it comes to energy-saving and durability.

Fact: PVC-U is far more thermally efficient than alternative materials and the PVC-U industry is at the forefront of the development of energy efficient window frames. In addition to this, the Building Research Establishment estimates that a typical PVC-U window will have a lifespan of 35 years.

Download the fact sheet in full here - it’s definitely an eye-opening read!

Recently, Ian Jack wrote a piece in the Guardian - titled ‘Beware the Double Glazing Salesman’ postulating that the biggest threat to conservation areas is not new development, it’s PVC windows (or indeed perhaps PVC double glazing salesman).

The conservation movement back in the UK way back in 1877, when William Morris founded the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. Initially the conservation movement was primarily concerned with protecting the heritage of cathedrals, churches, large country manor houses and so on.

However in 1968, the creation of conservation areas began touching the lives of us everyday folk, when some Victorian terraced homes also became protected.

England alone has 9,300 conservation areas, of which English Heritage claim one in seven are ‘at risk’.

At risk of what?

Well, essentially conservation areas are created to preserve the distinctive character of the locality, mainly via protecting the existing architectural features of the buildings.

Seemingly, in many areas the conservation rules are ignored, and the local authorities are either unwilling, or unable to step in to try to enforce them.

According to English Heritage the biggest threat to conservation areas is ‘unsympathetic’ replacement windows and doors. The Government’s English House Condition Survey seemingly backs this assertion as they found that 40% of houses built in the last half of the 19th century has replaced their wooden sash windows with PVC double glazing by 2006.

Now, whilst we wouldn’t dispute that indeed double glazing has increased in popularity, it seems to me to be a massive leap to blame double glazing, and indeed double glazing salesman for what is essentially a failing in local authorities to enforce these conservation rules.

At SEHBAC we believe that replacement double glazing should be sympathetic to the character of a home. It should enhance rather than detract from the house’s appearance. In any given part of the country there are of course examples of poorly selected double glazed windows which do not complement the character and style of the original structure.

However, we resent the notion that all double glazing suppliers are out to sell ugly windows which spoil the appearance of protected architecture. Our business certainly would not have succeeded for past 38 years if that was our raison d’etre.

We offer a wide range of double glazed windows in a variety of styles, and indeed in a variety of materials.

We’re not alone.

There are many other reputable companies out there like us who offer homeowners the opportunity to install modern double glazing, with all of the associated benefits - improved security, savings on heating bills, etc, without compromising on how their home looks.

It’s seems to us to be both a gross generalisation, and indeed pretty sensationalist journalism from what is supposed to be a ‘quality’ newspaper.

This week, the Daily Mail reported that Government advisers are suggesting that householders who do not take steps to make their homes greener should face higher council tax and stamp duty.

Those homeowners who do not have either double glazing or insulation would be hammered under the new proposals which are currently being considered by ministers. These proposal were drawn up by an environmental pressure group.

The pressure group would like to see ‘green mortgages’ under which homeowners can apply for loans to make energy efficiency improvements to their home. Improvements might include double glazing, new boilers, solar panels, insulation and so on. However, in addition to this, they would also like to see punishments handed out to those who elect not to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

Ed Milliband (Climate Change Secretary) is expected to welcome the plans for ‘green mortgages’, but will not make any announcement with regard to the potential penalties until later this year.

John Adams (who put together the proposals) said that the ‘green mortgages’ would be unlikely to take off unless the penalties were also implemented, saying that a ‘carrot and stick’ approach needs to be employed.

These penalties could take the form of higher council tax rates and higher stamp duty which could put off potential buyers as and when homeowners elect to sell their homes.

Matthew Sinclair (from the Tax Payers’ Alliance) said:

“It is absolutely shocking that the Government is still threatening new bogus green taxes when taxpayers are already paying a fortune in higher prices for their electricity, gas and petrol thanks to ineffective global warming policies… There is no need for these new taxes that will punish people already paying a heavy price for the Government’s clumsy and failing energy agenda.”

The aim of the ‘green mortgage’ plan is to make repayments so small, that they would be outrstripped by the savings on energy bills - meaning that homeowners will actually save money by taking out the loans.

Officials have calculated that a typical Victorian end of terrace house would spend £10,280 on energy saving measures. This would lead to repayments of £514 per year. However as the energy savings would amount to £802 per year, homeowners would actually make a profit of £288 per year.

Here at SEHBAC we welcome the ‘green mortgage’ scheme as we believe it will make energy efficiency measures within the grasp of far more homeowners. However, we feel that the potential penalties for those who elect not to make these improvements are unfair; particularly as whilst some will be keen to take out loans to make these improvements, the chances are that there will still be many who are unwilling (or indeed unable) to go into debt.

It should be noted that whilst Ed Milliband is expected to back the proposals for green mortgages, he will not make any announcement on the potential stamp duty and council tax penalties until the Autumn. We’ll be watching with interest to see how this all progresses, and of course will provide updates here.

Image credit L’Enfant Terrible

In the current climate, many homeowners are electing to improve their property in the hope of adding to it’s market value; but sadly, it seems that many are making expensive mistakes.

Homeowners looking to make improvements - specifically with the aim of increasing the value of their property should think about practical, functional improvements which will have broad appeal - rather than putting an ‘individual’ stamp on their homes.

Below are our top five home improvement blunders, which are likely to detract from your home rather than adding value:

1. Outdoor Hot Tubs - whilst this might seem like a nice idea, they’re rarely used. They also take up space in the garden and require maintenance. They’re also expensive, and not likely to add anything to the value of your property.
2. Extravagant Kitchens - whilst a kitchen can really sell a property - rather than choosing something ‘bold’ - go for a clean unfussy design that is likely to appeal to the broadest audience.
3. Crazy Bathrooms - again, if you’re looking to sell your property a clean, unfussy white bathroom suite is what you need. ‘Individual’ touches are not required (you might love the barbie pink floor tiles, but others might not).
4. Eccentric Decor - buyers look for high quality finishes, not gimmicks. Neutral colours often work best - you can always add splashes of colour via furnishings, cushions, rugs, artwork etc. These are easier for buyers to see past if they are not to their taste. 
5. Unsympathetic Renovations - stripping a Georgian cottage of all it’s character to try to create modern open plan living is a definite no-no. Likewise a period fireplace in a new build is probably not the best way to spend your money. Be sympathetic to the style and character of the property you own. 

So what should you do? 

Nationwide Building Society suggests that home owners should focus on functional renovations in order to stand the best chance of boosting the market value of their home:

1. A 10% increase in floor space (i.e. square footage) adds between 5%-7% to the value of a property. However, the additional space needs to be usable - e.g. add a conservatory, home office or similar.
2. Adding an extra bedroom and en suite bathroom via a loft conversion or by extending over the garage can add 11%-20% to a property (for those homes that are expanding from a two bedroom to a three bedroom, or those that are expanding from a three bedroom to a four bedroom).
3. Energy-efficiency measures such as double glazing can also boost a home’s value and make it easier to sell. If you are selling or renting your home, you’ll need to provide prospective buyers / tenants with an energy performance certificate; undoubtedly homes which are more energy efficient are likely to appeal more. 

Other top tips:

1. It’s worth spending money making sure your home has curb appeal - make sure your front garden and driveway are presentable and your front door is well maintained - you don’t want people to be turned off before they’ve even entered your property.
2. If you do have an extension make sure that you get the necessary planning consent. If you don’t have the consent, then a buyer is unlikely to go ahead and purchase your property, as they may be asked to take the extension down.

Want to Go Green?

If you’re thinking about replacing your windows with a more energy efficient alternative, you’ll be pleased to hear that the GGF have launched their carbon calculator.

Who are the GGF?

GGF stands for the Glass and Glazing Federation. The GGF is a trade association for companies who make, supply and fit glass and glazing products.

The calculator was developed by the GGF in conjunction with the government and the Energy Savings Trust who have verified the calculations.

The Carbon Calculator

The Carbon Calculator is a simple tool which allows homeowners to calculate how much they could save on their energy bills, and how much they could reduce their carbon footprint through the installation of energy efficient double glazing.

Best of all it illustrates how the highest rated (’A’ rated) energy efficient windows perform versus those rated ‘B’ to ‘G’. So you can see for yourself the saving you’ll make if you elect to have ‘A’ rated windows installed, versus ‘C’ rated windows.

How to Use the Carbon Calculator

Click here, then simply enter:

1. The type of windows you currently have
2. The kind of property which you live in
3. The approximate size of the windows you are planning to replace
4. The type of fuel you use
5. The rating of your replacement windows

The calculator will then return your annual savings, the total savings made over a period of years and the total amount of carbon you will save.

Here at SEHBAC we think that this is an amazing tool, and will be very useful for consumers who are keen to understand the benefits of installing energy efficient windows; and helping them to decide which rating they should go for.

Further Reading…

If you’re looking at replacing your windows and are particularly interested in energy saving you might find our other blog posts on the subject useful:

Energy Savings - a Question of Trust

What are Energy Efficient Window Ratings?

If you have any questions, or further queries with regard to energy efficiency and/or double glazing we’d be happy to help. Please leave a comment on this post, call us on 0800 666 444 or drop into one of our show centres where our staff will be happy to assist you.

Image credit kevindooley