Preserving history – A guide to double glazing for listed buildings

One of the greatest features of the English landscape – urban and rural – is its architecture. There are the very grand and historic properties that the tourists flock to, and many other lower-key properties that the nation feels worthy of preservation. 

All these are described as ‘listed’ buildings and in total there are 500,000 of these across England. Around 10,000 of these lie within West Yorkshire’s boundaries. Some are grand houses, some are terraced properties – either way, they all add something to the unique character of this country. 

What is a listed building?

According to Historic England, which advises on old and historic buildings, ‘listing’ is the term given to the practice of listing buildings, scheduling monuments, registering parks, gardens and battlefields, and protecting wreck sites. This is done to ‘highlight what is significant about a building or site, and helps to make sure that any future changes to it do not result in the loss of its significance.’ 

For anyone living in a listed building, large or small, the last part of that sentence is very important. Plans to make visual changes to a listed building will almost certainly need the consent of the local authority and Historic England. This doesn’t mean that changes can’t be made; however, there are stringent rules about what can or can’t be done to a listed building.  

If you don’t live in a listed building, but you DO live in a place where there are a few such buildings dotted about, it’s likely that you’re in a conservation area. Some of these areas are subject to what is known as ‘Article 4 directions’, which restricts work that wouldn’t normally need planning permission, such as replacement windows and doors. 

Listed building consent

While the rules about altering listed buildings are strict, planners and building conservationists do understand that we’re also living in the 21st century, and that sometimes work needs to be carried out to preserve the building for future generations. A good example would be a timber window frame. As we know, timber doesn’t last forever and there will come a time when it needs replacing. Years ago, the obvious solution would’ve been to replace ‘like for like’, i.e. a single-glazed window in the same or similar wood as the original windows. 

Today, however, we have the issue of climate change and global warming, and as we head to a net zero carbon future, we all need to look at how we use energy – particularly when energy bills are so high. In terms of thermal efficiency, a single glazed window is obviously nowhere near as good as a double glazed one. So what’s the answer? 

Can I have double glazed windows in a listed building?

The good news is, yes, you can have double glazed windows in a listed building, subject to planning permission and conservation guidelines. Many such buildings have successfully navigated this process and are much warmer and well-preserved as a result. In fact, in recent years many glazing companies, including ourselves at Emereo, are offering double glazing products that dovetail beautifully with listed buildings and properties in conservation areas. 

What Emereo products are suitable for listed buildings?

Our range includes outstanding timber effect windows that have been created to retain the authentic look of traditional wooden windows, except without the maintenance issues. These windows have several advantages including strength and durability, sustainability, excellent thermal performance and they are extremely low maintenance. Our timber effect windows are sure to enhance the character of your home.  

Hang on…. aren’t these windows uPVC? Are you sure they will be allowed in a listed building?

It’s a good question, and the answer is that it’s usually down to the local planning authority to make that final decision. However, local authorities are now used to dealing with uPVC-based timber effect products and will have up-to-the-minute information about what will work and what won’t. At Emereo, our comprehensive range of timber-effect uPVC windows can be custom-designed to meet your exact specifications. This makes them far more likely to be accepted for use in UK heritage properties. 

What are the benefits of timber-effect uPVC windows?

Thermal performance is probably the biggest benefit of having timber-effect windows installed. Older houses can be incredibly draughty, so when modern double glazing is installed the benefits in terms of heat retention can be felt immediately. Our windows are A+ rated, giving a very high level of energy efficiency, plus they have low-E glazing to reduce prevent heat loss. Additionally, they come with 28mm double glazing or an optional 40mm triple glazing upgrade. 

We offer flexible design options for all our windows, meaning that we can create something completely bespoke and in line with the demands of your listed property. Our timber-effect windows have a range of realistic wood grain finishes, a choice of painted effect and treated wood colours, optional Georgian bar detailing, a selection of decorative glazing and flush sash frames, along with authentic period hardware. 

In conclusion, there are plenty of options for the fitting of timber-effect windows into listed or conservation area buildings. We must stress that it is vital to talk over your ideas with the local planning authority and have a Planning Officer assigned to your case.  

In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information and expert advice. We have plenty of expertise in this area and we’re always willing to help where we can. You can also get in touch by ringing 01484 792203.