Every church is designed to be used for a very long time. Therefore, it is important to choose high-quality materials that will last for many years. The windows in a church are not only used for lighting, but also for the necessary air exchange. The way a church is used is very specific, so it is important to choose windows that meet certain requirements.
Use of windows in a church
On a weekly basis, a church is used relatively rarely and periodically. The number of people attending mass during the week is much lower than on Sundays and public holidays. In an unheated church with leaky windows, moisture evaporates irregularly. Problematic periods are celebrations with a large number of worshippers that take place on frosty days. The water vapour from the air then condenses on the windows as water. In the case of a heated church with sealed windows, the situation is different. The conditions are then favourable for the growth of mould and fungi. Moisture absorbed by the plaster can cause salt crystallisation. This situation can contribute to the degradation of both the structure and the equipment of the church. This phenomenon is particularly dangerous in the case of historic buildings with valuable equipment. When planning to build or renovate a church, it is therefore advisable to choose high-quality windows with good parameters.
Micro-ventilation
The need for good ventilation often conflicts with the need to ensure adequate thermal conditions. A church is a public building and must meet the requirements of building regulations. During the winter, churchgoers remain fully clothed at all times. A temperature between 8° and 16° is therefore considered sufficient. It is worth mentioning that church regulations do not cover this issue. The purpose of windows in a church is to protect against uncontrolled draughts. This avoids significant energy losses. Church windows should therefore be airtight and have a high air permeability parameter. Micro-ventilation is useful, as it allows the interior to be ventilated without cooling down.
Windows in historic buildings
In the case of historic churches, the requirements of monument conservationists are usually more important than the energy efficiency of the building. However, it turns out that even for these buildings, it is possible to identify some solutions to improve the insulation of windows. Stained glass windows are a big problem because it is difficult to replace them. The solution to the problem may be to install external windows. This will significantly reduce the costs associated with heating the building.
Replacing windows with new ones
In many sacred buildings, old and leaky windows can cause the building to deteriorate. It should be emphasised that replacing windows in a church should be part of a comprehensive solution that also includes installation issues. The location of the church and the prevailing weather conditions in the area must be taken into account. The new windows must be watertight and resistant to strong winds. By turning to an experienced company for help, you will receive professional assistance. The solutions used will give you many years of satisfaction.
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