Case Study: Upgrading Period Sash Windows with Fineo Vacuum Glazing in Wexford
In the scenic countryside of Wexford, Marie owns a beautiful period home filled with character, charm, and—draughty, single pane, sash windows.
Like many older homes across Ireland, her beautiful property features original timber sash windows that, while aesthetically striking, offered poor insulation and contributed to mounting energy bills.
Keen to preserve the look of her home without compromising on comfort or performance, Marie turned to Energlaze for a solution. Her goal was to retain her traditional sash frames while significantly improving energy efficiency, acoustic insulation, and indoor comfort.
The Challenge: Traditional Frames vs. Modern Performance
Marie’s primary concern was heat loss through her windows.
With only single glazing in 
place, her sitting room quickly lost warmth, particularly during the colder months. She often found herself avoiding sitting near the windows due to the noticeable chill and draughts.
She was clear on one thing: replacing the sash frames outright wasn’t an option. “I love the look of the windows—they’re part of the house’s story,” she said. But she knew something had to change.
The Solution: Fineo Vacuum Glazing Retrofit
Energlaze recommended Fineo, a next-generation vacuum-insulated glazing (VIG) solution that fits seamlessly into existing timber frames. At just 6.7mm thick, Fineo is four times thinner than traditional triple glazing, yet it achieves U-values as low as 0.7 W/(m²·K)—matching or outperforming triple-glazed alternatives.
This ultra-slim profile made it the perfect choice for retrofitting into Marie’s sash frames without altering their appearance. The Fineo units also contain no inert gases like argon or krypton, meaning their thermal performance does not degrade over time. That’s a major advantage over double glazing, which can deteriorate after 10–15 years.
The Installation Experience
Energlaze’s experienced team carried out the work with minimal disruption. “Darren at Energlaze managed the install and was fantastic to work with. They were tidy, efficient, and really respectful of the house,” Marie recalled. The entire process was completed in a few days, with no need to rip out existing joinery or repaint interiors.
The Results: Silent, Warm, and Beautiful
After installation, the change was immediate. Marie described a noticeable increase in warmth and dramatic reduction in draughts. “You can feel the difference just walking into the room,” she said. Fineo’s advanced thermal performance means up to 34% less heat loss compared to standard double glazing, and as much as 8 times better insulation than single glazing.
With Fineo Vaccum Glazing noise is also reduced. Fineo achieves up to 35 dB sound insulation, helping block out noises such as passing traffic.
Aesthetically, the slim profile meant that nothing had changed visually from the outside or inside. Marie’s windows still looked original, but now offered the performance of a modern energy-efficient home.
Why Fineo is Ideal for Heritage Homes
Marie’s case highlights the ideal balance Fineo offers for owners of listed buildings, conservation properties, or any home where window preservation is essential. It delivers all the benefits of modern glazing—thermal comfort, sound insulation, condensation reduction, and longevity—without impacting the building’s architectural integrity.
Fineo Glazing: Key Benefits
- Thermal Insulation: U-value as low as 0.7 W/(m²·K)
- Ultra-Slim Design: Just 6.7mm thick, fits seamlessly into heritage window frames
- Long-Term Performance: No gas-fill = no degradation over time
- Acoustic Insulation: Up to 35 dB sound reduction
- Sustainable: Fully recyclable glass and lead-free spacer
- Condensation Resistant: Up to 12x better resistance compared to single glazing
- Light Transmission: Maintains 80-85% light transmission, similar to single glazing
- Vacuum Seal: Micro-edge seal with no evacuation port ensures a clean, uninterrupted view
Fineo Vacuum Glazing – FAQs
Q: What makes Fineo different from double or triple glazing?
Fineo uses vacuum-insulated glazing (VIG) technology, eliminating the need for gas-filled cavities. It offers the thermal performance of triple glazing in a unit just 6.7mm thick—ideal for retrofit into existing frames.
Q: Can Fineo be installed in heritage or listed buildings?
Yes. Fineo is specifically suited for properties with conservation requirements, as it allows the original window frames to remain in place, preserving the visual character of the home.
Q: How does Fineo perform over time?
Unlike argon-filled double glazing, which can lose efficiency over time due to gas leakage, Fineo’s vacuum-sealed design ensures long-term performance with no thermal degradation.
Q: Will Fineo reduce condensation?
Yes. Fineo significantly reduces condensation build-up thanks to its high thermal resistance, making it an excellent choice for colder climates and bathrooms.
Q: Is Fineo environmentally friendly?
Fineo glazing is lead-free and fully recyclable. It also helps reduce energy consumption, contributing to lower carbon emissions in homes.
Q: What is the warranty on Fineo glazing?
Fineo offers a 20-year warranty, but its performance is expected to last far beyond that due to its stable vacuum-sealed structure.
Q: How quickly can it be installed? Installation is typically fast and minimally disruptive, particularly when retrofitting into existing sash or timber window frames.
Ready to Upgrade Your Windows Without Replacing the Frames?
If you’re looking to improve comfort, reduce bills, and protect the value of your period home, Fineo vacuum glazing installed by Energlaze is a future-proof investment. Contact our team today to schedule your no-obligation consultation and experience the Fineo difference.
