Pablo and his partner Grove own a Grade-II listed Georgian Cornish bed and breakfast, which they bought after falling in love with the area on their honeymoon
After doing everything they could themselves to cut heat loss, the couple turned to Mitchell & Dickinson to draught-proof the sash windows in their property.
‘We really love being custodians of these kinds of properties,’ says Grove, ‘and making sure that we leave them in a better position – extending their lives as much as possible.’
The problem
Like many houses of its time, the property, a former vicarage full of charm, had a solid structure but was very draughty. ‘You could feel the cold moving if you stood upstairs. There wasn’t wind; it was like a ghost,’ recalls Pablo.
A computer engineer by trade, Pablo was determined to find a solution. He managed to reduce heat loss from the doors, but knew the sash windows needed specialist help.
While researching possible options for their top-floor windows, Pablo was put off double-glazing by others with similar properties. ‘It was insanely expensive, and a lot of people told us not to do it because it never works properly with these windows,’ he says. So the couple looked for another way to resolve the problem.
The installation
They opted for secondary glazing, which, when installed with precision, can significantly reduce heat loss. Mitchell & Dickinson fitted a magnetic secondary-glazing system which is discreet and removable, making it compliant with heritage-property regulations.
Within just a few days, the team restored 12 window frames with quality timber, draught-proofed them and installed the glazing system, creating a layer of protection from the cold coastal winds. ‘It’s beautiful, solid wood that you know is going to last hundreds of years,’ adds Pablo. ‘It’s that type of work.’
The results
The couple noticed improvements almost immediately. Previously, turning off the heating in colder months caused a sharp drop in room temperatures as warm air escaped. Now, the rooms cool down much more gradually thanks to the improved performance of the windows.
‘It’s incredibly good to know that all of those windows upstairs are restored to their absolute peak,’ said Grove.
This draught-proofing and secondary glazing should reduce heat loss by around 36%, paying for itself in roughly six years.
With the improved windows in place, Pablo and Grove installed a mechanical ventilation system to maintain air quality and prevent dampness. ‘These old houses breathe moisture through the walls,’ explains Pablo.
Project leader – and our managing director – Tom Coles warns that ventilation is crucial when sealing up a period property and should never be ignored to avoid problems with damp.
Following the success of the top floor, the couple plan to renovate the ground-floor windows and refurbish the property’s cellar.
