Roni LaBree

Is there another plague going on? Yes - the plague of plastic windows in London is just getting started. But in this case, the vermin responsible are those cheap plastic windows being used more and more to replace the original elegant antique sash windows - once such a natural part of a historical Victorian home. And you can blame the economy as being responsible for pushing many to purchase them for their landmark homes, in the first place.

Here are some details on why many Londoners are battening down their wallets, and opting for plastic frames for their majestic homes - along with some alternative materials and tips that work with the original windows - so they can stay with the house like they're meant to:

Although those who market double glazing definitely have an agenda with their advertisements and news updates on the affordability of the new plastic replacements - the truth is, those wonderful antique sash windows can get very expensive to repair, and many lack the funds these days to have it done.

Conservationists have tried to remind consumers that it's less of a cost - in the long run - to have the antique windows repaired because the lesser-quality plastic ones need to be replaced more often - which adds up to significant cash going out. However, many homeowners choose to opt for them anyway because of the affordability, and throw caution to the wind on future replacements.

In addition, environmental committees are extolling the virtues of double glazing in stopping carbon emission leaks from inside heat that can get through openings between the frames and wall, and further pollute the air.

However, historical societies, who are lobbying for the return of antique wood sashes to the homes, have named several cost-effective alternatives for weather and emission proofing that work just like double glazing - and can be used in conjunction with the original frames. One way is to draught-strip the edges of the frames with brush stripping to create a seal. And for those who say that's too expensive - tubes of rubber or silicone are available at a very affordable price, and do the same thing.

Yet another example having the benefits of double glazing, is shutters that are placed over the length and width of each window. If you can't afford this, you can substitute heavy curtains instead - just make sure that the windows they cover stay completely closed. And lastly, there's a type of glazing that you can get that performs the like the "double", and keeps the heat in and the emissions from getting out into the air.

So while there are two different sides to the plague of plastic windows in London saga that continues on, and each side disagrees with the other - it's most likely that the one point on which they do concur, is the importance of finding a solution that is low-cost, harmless to the environment, AND allows the beautiful Victorian buildings to keep their antique wooden sash windows.