For many years the home improvement industry has been trying to change the way double glazing is viewed by planners and those making decisions about new windows in listed or traditional buildings. Now a test case is being brought about by a Hampshire resident and owner of a listed home whereby he is challenging the planning decision that prevents him from replacing his windows with double glazing.
Should old metal windows that are vital in retaining the look of a listed building ever be replaced?
Timothy Guinness the owner of a 16th Century property in Ellisfield, Hampshire has commenced with legal action against his local authority after his application to change the windows was rejected. It is reported he is applying to replace his original metal windows with timber double glazed windows claiming the new windows he wishes to install will make the property more energy efficient as well as enhancing it’s appearance.
Owners of many traditional properties in conservation areas and those in listed buildings are restricted when it comes to the replacement of their old windows. Conservation areas and planners have already forced homeowners to change their windows when they replaced them without making the necessary checks to ensure that they would approved by their local council.
Somewhat frustratingly for property owners there is no discretion relaxing the rules. The rejection is based on rigid rules and no reason has to be given, other than that the proposed alterations do not comply with the regulations.
Should owners of listed buildings be restricted from the benefits of new windows and double glazing?
The window industry is of course in the business of selling windows and doors and will be keen for a positive outcome whereby restrictions on new windows are relaxed. One needs only to look at Edwardian and Victorian houses not subject to planning restrictions where for decades the original look of these properties has been changed with the installation of new casement windows in both aluminium and upvc. Many will already live in streets that no longer look the same due to the many different materials and styles of new windows that have been installed.
With so many window replacements having been carried out during the last 30 or 40 years with new double glazing, some experts also believe that some poorly designed replacement windows have actually done more harm than good. Listed building experts have claimed that installing new windows in properties that were not originally designed to be completely sealed has resulted in damage and other issues including destroying period features such as box sashes, timber and plaster mouldings and other beautiful window features. Other issues caused by new double glazing in older buildings have been the creation of condensation traps, additional humidity and much reduced ventilation into the property.
Where commercial interests of some double glazing firms have often come before preserving our historic buildings is it right that Mr Guinness is challenging the planning decision by taking it to the high court? If he wins, would we see many historic buildings such as Royal Crescent in Bath, or many Cheltenham Regency Terraces changed forever with the installation of new PVCu or timber windows?
For years window companies and some homeowners have not really cared. The double glazing salesman will simply want to sell a customer new windows and in many cases the customer will also not consider that their new windows in a different style or material will compromise their property in any way.
Some window companies such as Masterframe Windows with their sliding sash windows and Liniar with their flush sash upvc windows have already convinced a few local authorities to approve their windows. Both these companies and others have done a lot of design and development work over the years to try and make their plastic windows as representative as possible of the old ones they are replacing. But for many Planners, the fact that they remain PVCu windows is reason enough to refuse them.
Aluminium window systems companies have also done the same.
Balancing the need for energy efficient modern windows whilst retaining the look of our historic buildings has always been a hard for homeowners and local authorities. Some local authorities understand the need of homeowners to have even older properties as energy efficient as possible whilst not compromising the original look of the property. In the case of aluminium windows there are already several systems that have Crittall Replacement Windows designed to replicate the original look of old metal windows with all the advantages of double glazing, high security and window energy ratings.
What is the solution to improving the windows in a listed property?
Many historic terraces would not look the same again if their windows were replaced.
When you make a decision to buy and live in a listed or conservation area property it can be argued that with it comes a responsibility to look after the property for future generations. With the original metal or timber windows being vital to keeping with the original features of the building, is replacing the windows with anything other than an exact match the only solution? What are feasible and reasonable options?
Refurbishment of the existing windows is one option whereby the original metal windows can be improved with new seals, draught proofing and adjustment to ensure any opening sashes close firmly and tightly against the frame, helping to reduce any draughts. There are specialist window companies that are very experienced in refurbishing old metal windows even those that are hundreds of years old. Today, most old windows can be refurbished in this way and removes the need for them to be unnecessarily replaced.
Similarly there are specialist companies that could make new replica metal windows that would be a substantial improvement over the old metal windows whilst retaining the original look. What is not explained in the reporting of the test case brought on by Mr Guinness is why he believed a timber replacement of his old metal windows was suitable.
Secondary Glazing is also one of the best options for listed buildings.
Secondary Double glazing offers a perfect solution to improving original sash windows such as these period timber windows
Secondary double glazing is the ideal solution to improving the performance of the existing windows in listed properties. It has not been reported whether secondary double glazing was suggested as a solution to Mr Guinness or whether he himself considered it.
Secondary double glazing is already well known to have solved the problem of old draughty and poor performing windows in all types of period buildings such as Grade 1 and Grade 2 listed, buildings in conservation areas, Georgian buildings with casement or sash windows, Crittall or other metal windows in art deco or listed buildings, Edwardian or Victorian buildings with sliding or casement windows.
If you live in a listed or conservation area property, aluminium secondary double glazing will solve many of the concerns of planning officers and homeowners. Here is why:
Secondary double glazing regularly does not fall under the strict controls of local authorities, planning officers and conservation officers.
The installation of secondary double glazing protects the vital external fabric of the buildings and keeps the original windows in situ
Secondary double glazing whether standard or specifically designed for listed properties is virtually invisible from the outside. It is also substantially slimmer than any new aluminium or metal window and is equally discreet from the inside of the window.
Secondary double glazing actually helps preserve our listed buildings. Not only do they help these buildings remain in use, warm, insulated and secure, but they also enhance their value by continuing to make them desirable for years to come.
The installation of secondary double glazing in any listed building should always be checked with the Planning Department of any local council however there are countless examples where aluminium secondary double glazing has been approved time and time again for use in these properties.
Whilst the needs of any homeowner to reduce their heating bills and make their property more energy efficient is totally understood, the historic nature of our buildings must be preserved for generations to come and without the need for new aluminium, timber or PVCu windows, no matter how similar they may be to the original. There are always solutions such as aluminium secondary double glazing.
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