As John Bingham, Religious Affairs Editor for the Telegraph comments, “the Church of England has put its faith in double glazing.”
Indeed, a church near Stoke-on-Trent has demonstrated the benefits of uPVC products, by winning a legal dispute at the ecclesiastical court, concerning the installation of double glazing.
Stained glass protection: Double glazing versus wire mesh
Conservation officials were refusing to allow parishioners to fit a layer – made of polycarbonate – over one of the church’s new stained glass windows.
This was on the basis that it would look “unsightly” in the Victorian building, which is made of stone. There was also a suggestion that the covering would reflect excess sunlight, and present a fire hazard.
Opposing these views, Rev Prebendary Richard Grigson, along with the Parochial Church Council, thought the double glazed alternative would be a much more aesthetically pleasing solution. Especially when compared to the existing, rusty wire mesh, which is commonplace in churches around the country.
A uPVC victory
Ultimately, the church showed its support for uPVC products in its historic buildings, by overturning objections to double glazing.
The church warden, Michael Larner, also dismissed the notion that the uPVC product would pose a health and safety concern. He also stated it wouldn’t be less visually appealing than what had preceded.
A number of positive comments about the plastic covering:
There was a wealth of positivity surrounding the new covering, with some of the comments including:
- “It has to be said that the view inside is magnificent, we can see God’s world from inside now.”
- “It is a lot better and a lot brighter since the window has been put in. People still turn around and look at it.”
- “It is lovely compared with what we had before, which was like a jail with barred windows.”
Traditional visuals, modern benefits
The church’s admittance of modern uPVC products in its centuries-old building is true testament to the versatility of double glazing. So if you were worried that a window upgrade would harm the architectural integrity of your property – think again!
Feel free to speak to our professional glazing team for your options. Our telephone number is 020 8390 4855.
