Aid for energy renovation: UFME proposes to adapt the eligibility criteria for windows to the existing residential stock

The Union of Joinery Manufacturers (UFME) highlights the need to integrate the change in windows equipped with first generation double glazing manufactured before 2000 to contribute effectively to achieving the objectives set. It therefore proposes to make their replacement eligible for energy renovation aid, in particular MaPrimeRénov'.

This type of window (thermal transmission coefficient greater than 3W/m2.K) was installed until the end of the 1990s, before the generalization of glazing with high insulation performance. These joinery now represent almost a quarter of the existing stock and equip most French housing known as “thermal sieves” (classes F and G of the DPE) or low energy performance (class E). This proportion can even rise to more than 30% for collective housing*. Beyond the deterioration of the energy performance of buildings, their conservation can also lead to an increased risk of harmful pathologies for occupants (appearance of mold, deterioration of indoor air quality or even unsanitary conditions).

For Bruno Cadudal, President UFME: “However, almost all of the renovation assistance schemes are backed by the same official text** which limits the eligibility of window renovation to the replacement of single-glazed walls. This condition constitutes a major obstacle, dissuading us from replacing obsolete windows that do not meet this criterion. The sector supports France's commitments to achieve the objectives set by the National Low Carbon Strategy. Drawing on its expertise and its ground roots via its members, UFME provides all of its studies and analyzes in order to support the channeling of public aid towards high-performance products manufactured in France. »

How to simply identify these windows?

Replacing windows is an essential step in the overall renovation process in individual homes and collective housing, to escape the status of an energy sieve.

For Ludivine Menez, UFME Technical Delegate: “In order to achieve the energy efficiency objectives of renovations, we propose to supplement the single glazing criterion with that of the age of the window. This technique will make it possible to take into account the degradation of components and in particular to integrate products equipped with first generation double glazing. From a practical point of view, we wish to rely on simple identification criteria, namely the marking of the joinery or its double glazing. The marking of insulating glazing became widespread from 2000 for all windows installed in France and allows direct reading in the interval of the manufacturing period (at least year and half year). Roof windows, for their part, have always included a marking allowing them to trace their date of manufacture. »

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.