Don't Replace Original Windows in Historic Buildings | Glaze & Save

Windows are a much maligned aspect of historic buildings: their seeming fragility and inefficiency, coupled with the double glazing boom over the last few decades has led to original windows in traditional buildings often being seen as something of a liability rather than the asset that they are.

However, as concerns about resource efficiency, retention of built heritage and sustainability become more pressing concerns, keeping original windows is becoming a much more attractive option. But for those of your still considering new windows for your historic properties, here are five reasons why you should never replace the original windows in your historic property.

1. Replacement Windows Aren’t Sustainable

One of the biggest reasons for us at Glaze & Save as to why you should never replace the original windows in your historic property is that it is simply not sustainable. Treated correctly, original wood windows will withstand the test of time, lasting for as long as the property lasts. Replacement windows last anything between 10 to 40 years, with the WWF finding that the average UPVC window unit is replaced after just 18 years. Replacing original windows with new, but poor quality windows, simply commences a cycle or waste and replace. As Scott Sidler from The Craftsman Blog states, “The greenest window is the one that is already installed.”

2. Replacement Windows Destroy Built Heritage

Windows are part of what makes buildings unique, attractive and in-keeping with a specific time, period or design style. Even where a building is not listed, keeping the original windows is an easy way to retain sought-after period features and ensure that your property stays true to the appearance and style of its era. As stated in the Craftsmen Blog “A large part of a historic home’s character is held in its windows. Original historic windows were custom built to fit their frames and complement the design of the house in a way that no replacement can.”

3. You Might Not Get Planning Permission

Leading on from the importance of maintaining built heritage, another reason to never get replacement windows in your historic property is that you may not even be allowed to! Planning permission varies across the country; however, replacement windows for listed buildings are usually not allowed unless they are on a like for like basis, and this means expensive and unreliable slim line double glazing. Even if you do choose to go down the planning permission route for replacement windows, you could wait for months or even years to receive the correct permission that you need. It really is less hassle to restore your original windows where required and invest in discrete and effective secondary glazing.

4. New Windows are Difficult (Sometimes Impossible) to Maintain and Repair

Original windows are made to be repaired and restored, so if your windows are draughty, rattle in the window or are painted shut that doesn’t mean that you need to replace them. Window restoration specialists can carry out a host of maintenance works to get your original windows operating as good as new. According to Time Money a complete window overhaul typically runs £100 to £350 per window, and by the time you’re finished, the old windows may wind up nearly as efficient as brand new ones.

You can even check out our other blog posts on window restoration and repair to get you started, such as this one on How To Restore Your Original Windows.

5. You’ll Have Less Light

According to Double Hung Window Restoration , on average you get 15% less viewing area and therefore less light due to replacement windows being set inside the original window opening. And nobody wants a house with less light!

6. You’ll Be Paying Them Off For Years

Replacement windows may seem like the type of investment that will pay for itself, but is that really the case? The payback period for replacement windows can be anything from 40-60 years, according to Landmark Services or even up to 100 years according to Time Money ! Add this into the fact that the best guarantee that the WWF could find for replacement windows was just 40 years , then you start to see how replacement windows are not quite the sound investment that their often touted as.

7. You’ll Reduce the Value of Your Property

Added to this the reduction in property value you could be looking at if you replace the windows. Buyers of historic properties will pay top dollar for homes that are chock full of original features , and windows have a huge part to play in this, with the most important features that buyers look for being original floors and windows.

Protect your windows and experience a warmer, cozy and more thermally efficient home with InvisiTherm ™ the all-in-one window solution. Reduce heat loss by 63%, Reduce noise by a minimum of 48%, eradicate condensation and draughts, and completely eliminate ultraviolet fading, all without the need for any permissions. Retain your original windows and full working shutters while turning your single glazing into double glazing. Contact today on 01738 562 068 or via our contact form to find out more and arrange your free survey.