Great British Installation scheme

Suzycoll

Hi
I heard about the Great British Installation Scheme on a tv programme but didn't catch it all so decided to do some research.

As far as i can see the GBIS is for cavity wall & loft installation ? I already have this so wont qualify.

I am a single person, homeowner on a low income. The energy efficiency in my house is OK but can be improved. The main thing I need is a new front window as the draught is awful in bad weather, I use curtains in the winter to try and stop the draught. I appreciate I am responsible for the upkeep of the house ...but my low income is a barrier to update things and keep on top of the bills. Like most I am dreading this coming winter.

I don't qualify for any benefits as just over the threshold for everything. I have checked  my EPC rating and it is D.

I have a gas boiler (old) but working OK atm. I service every year and my plumber said it is working OK for now & not too waste money getting a new one (i don't have the money anyway!)

I have googled but there is a minefield of info and so confusing. Just wondering if anyone has any information on how I can get help to replace my window? I am happy to pay something towards it.

Thanks 

Swipe

Just buy some window insulation tape for less than £5

FreeBear

Suzycoll said: I have googled but there is a minefield of info and so confusing. Just wondering if anyone has any information on how I can get help to replace my window? I am happy to pay something towards it.

In a similar position to yourself (old energy inefficient house and no money). I had looked the schemes that government has offered in recent years. Most were aimed at the low hanging fruit (loft & cavity wall insulation). Where windows were considered, they had to be single glazed. Having seen the standard of work through some of these schemes, I'm not impressed by the quality....

As for your window - Do you know where the draughts are coming through ?

If it is around the side of the frame, expanding foam on the inside and mastic on the outside should kill the worst of the draughts without costing a fortune. If it is the seal between the casements & frames, wear on the hinges is the likely cause. Depending on the age of the windows, new hinges may be available off the shelf at a reasonable price (my DG windows were installed in the 1970s, replacement hinges no longer available).

Sash windows can be made draught proof, but the work of fitting new brushes can be fiddly and time consuming..

Replacing the windows may well be the best long term option - I had to save up and shopped around to get a decent price. Being a bay window, it was never going to be cheap, but the £1600 spent certainly made a huge difference.

born_again

Depending on where the draft is coming from even the cheap clingfilm type stuff will help reduce any drafts.

Suzycoll

thanks both . Yes I have done the foam thing, just think the window needs replacing.

Its so frustrating as there are government grants out there but for people on benefits (no problem with that ). However for ppl just over this threshold there is nothing 

markin

Some wood and a sheet of clear polycarb or even glass can make secondary glazing, but new rubber seals if they have rotted or foam and new outside seal is cheap .

[Deleted User]

Hi,

have a read of this THREAD, might get some tips.