Heritage Made Easy: Trade Tips for Period-Perfect Windows
When it comes to working on heritage and conservation projects, there is a unique challenge and reward. This market demands authenticity and modern performance.
But the problem is that traditional installations often fail to meet conservation standards or offer poor modern energy efficiency. Therefore, installers need to navigate compliance while delivering a high quality product.
This article is going to provide practical trade tips and highlight the right, modern, heritage products from Glazerite to make these types of installations simpler, compliant and profitable.
Decoding The Conservation Landscape
As a professional installer, understanding the two primary designations for heritage properties is the first step towards project success and compliance.
A conservation area is designated by the Local Planning Authority as an area of special architectural or historic interest. It is where it is desirable to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of a property and protects the collective character of a neighbourhood including streetscapes, building materials and overall aesthetics.
The rules are stricter as the overall visual cohesion is protected, primarily the external alterations that are visible from the street.
A listed building on the other hand is an individual structure of special architectural or historic interest placed on the National Heritage List. These properties are graded by Historic England based on significance and the listing protects the whole building, inside and out. Work carried out on these types of properties also require Listed Building Consent for fabrics used.
The Installer’s Compliance Checklist
Understanding the two primary designations for heritage properties is extremely important and helps set the way for your compliance checklist:
– Authenticity First: The need to match guidelines, proportions, and detailing. Particularly joint construction and hardware.
– Material Matters: Timber alternative uPVC is now accepted and true timber isn’t.
– The Approval Process: It is important to acknowledge local planning or a conservation offer for approval before starting work.
– Glazerite’s Installer Tip: Always request design plans and necessary permissions before ordering.
Product Deep Dive: Achieving Authenticity with Modern Materials
At Glazerite we have two specific products that solve the heritage challenge.
Residence 9 Windows – The Ultimate Timber Alternative
Our Residence 9 windows are known for their flush fit design and 9-chamber construction.
For tradespeople, their butt-joint look and authentic detailing satisfy most conservation requirements without the maintenance of timber.
Residence 9 windows are also equipped with modern thermal efficiency with low U-values and security that older windows can’t match.
Vertical Sliding Windows – The Classic Sash
Glazerite’s vertical sliding windows are known for their sliding action with hidden spring balances.
They are easy to install compared to traditional box sash windows and feature run-through horns and deep bottom rails for a period look.
The perfect low maintenance solution for high level windows, vertical sliding windows are a sought after heritage product ideal for properties in conservation areas.
Practical Trade Tips for Heritage Installation
When fitting heritage products into listed buildings or conservation areas, there are a few hands on aspects that installers like you will value the most:
Surveying for Success
Proportion is key. Is it important to measure the existing window’s ratio of glass to frame to ensure the new replacement doesn’t look bulky. Period homes also rarely have perfectly square openings. Our tip is to use architraves and sealants to compensate without compromising the period look.
The Fitting Technique
We advise that careful removal of old windows will help to preserve period plaster or stone work. It is also important to fix points and ensure a solid, draught proof seal which is essential for performance.
Finishing Touches & Detailing
Finishing touches are just as important as the heritage products themselves. For example, period appropriate ironmongery like monkey tail handles and peg stays as well as popular heritage colours create the perfect overall finish.
Glazerite: Your Partner in Heritage Projects
Marrying conservation requirements with modern performance is achievable with the right product and knowledge.
Here at Glazerite, we are your trusted supplier that provides not only the authentic products of Residence 9 windows and vertical sliding windows, but also the trade support and knowledge needed for complex heritage projects.
We are here to empower installers like you and help your business grow.
Contact us today to discuss your next heritage project and access our full range of approved products and services.
Alternatively, request a free quote and begin your heritage project by choosing Glazerite.
