Retaining historic windows on your listed property
If you have purchased your period property, it may need some work both internally and externally to ensure it is watertight and retains your heat. Renovating period properties, however, can be an expensive and daunting task as they are protected under UK Law. Replacing windows without permission, for example, could mean you are breaking the late, so it's essential to check the status of your home, any regulations and buildings consent before you start work on your home.
Different grades and what they mean
A listed building is considered of particular architectural or historical interest and is therefore protected. Listed homes can be found on the National Heritage List for England, and you can use this to check whether your home is included and the grading of your building. Depending on your home, it may be listed for different things and may not cover the entire building, so it's always best to clarify further with your local council.
Grade I - The property is of exceptional interest, generally historically. Only 2.5% of homes have grade I listing.
Grade II* - These buildings are considered particularly important and usually have stunning exteriors.
Grade II - Your building is of particular historic or architectural interest and should be preserved in every way possible.
Planning permission is required when you are replacing windows
if you plan to replace windows in your listed property, you need to be prepared for a potentially long and arduous road ahead of you. Renovating any part of your listed property will need proper planning, and consent will be required before moving the project forwards. Ensure you submit a planning application to record the work you will do, the materials you will be using and how this will affect the look and style of the overall building.
As listed properties need to be protected in every way possible, it's likely that if you are trying to change the look or purpose of the exterior, your planning permission will be declined. Your local council grants building consent, and they will ensure that any works due to be carried out are done with respect to the existing property's period and style. Work should be completed sensitively, and the property's exterior should remain the same.
Installing double glazed windows to retain heat in your home
Double glazing is a relatively new invention and was not used on our traditional properties now listed. It stands to reason then that to be in keeping with the style and period of your property, any classic double glazed or UPVC windows are likely to be denied by your local council because they will change the exterior look of your home.
There are, however, window choices that would be deemed more acceptable to your local council. Slimline double glazed windows with a cavity of 14mm (or less) look and feel of a single glazed window pane, and the surrounding window frame of box sash or casement can be included to finish off the period design. These window panes can still offer energy efficiency in your home, and you won't lose the period property look.
Using traditional window materials when replacing windows
According to English Heritage, the use of materials in your renovation plans should be appropriate to the relevant period of your property. For example, if your building had original Georgian sash windows, you would not be permitted to change these for UPVC window types. This is also true of any other work you complete on your home, not just when replacing windows. You may be asked to repair rather than replace your window frames as this is a way of ensuring none of the styles of the property will be lost during renovation.
Before starting to look at the designs for your home exterior, it is worth finding out everything you can about your property. When it was built, the materials used during this time and how you can renovate your property to a modern-day standard without negatively impacting its period style. A custom made project team like Hinson Custom Made will be able to work with you to find the perfect window style and material ready for when you are replacing windows.
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Hinson Custom Made support listed properties with window replacement
Since our beginnings in 1984, Hinson has worked with many clients to repair or replace the windows and doors in their homes. From listed properties with complicated source materials to modern and high-end barn conversions, our skilled team of master craftsmen have created custom made products that are in keeping with the style and look of their buildings.
Working with an experienced woodcraft team to replace your windows is always more beneficial as they will have experience working with listed properties. Whether you are looking for support with replacing your windows or you need to repair the existing frame, call Hinson Custom Made today to see how we can help.
