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If you live in a period property, you’ll know that maintaining their character and charm while updating them to cope with modern living can be a difficult challenge.
You need adaptations or replacements to blend seamlessly with your architecture and decor, particularly if you live in a listed building or conservation area.
With their traditional appearance and quality finish, Heritage sash windows are an ideal replacement for traditional sash windows. They look like a period feature while giving you all the convenience and energy efficiency of contemporary windows.
The Manchester Window Factory team are experts in heritage window replacement.
In this blog, we give you a brief history of Heritage sash windows, outline some of the many benefits, and help you decide if they are right for your home.
Understanding Heritage Sash Windows
Heritage sash windows are a traditional style of sliding sash windows featuring movable panels or sashes, which slide independently to open or close the window.
Once exclusively made with timber frames, they are now available in UPVC with an authentic-looking wood grain finish.
The Origins of Sash Windows
There is some debate whether sash windows originated in France or the Netherlands or were an English invention. Some of the oldest surviving sash windows were installed at Ham House in the 1670s. Some credit Robert Hooke for inventing the sash window. However, the evidence is far from conclusive.
Wherever they originated, sash windows have stood the test of time, evolving into modern units. Through the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods, sash windows changed with the tastes of the times, creating a wide variety of designs. For example, the Georgian sash window features several small panes of glass held in a heavier frame than the basic model. The Victorians returned to larger sheets of glass and thin frames, with the lifting of the Window Tax in 1800s Britain making windows more affordable. We also saw Gothic influences with mouldings, carvings, different shapes, and leaded glass creeping in.
Today, we enjoy a large variety of sash window designs, all with modern conveniences such as double or triple glazing, draught proofing, and energy efficiency.
Why Heritage Sash Windows are a Versatile Design Element
Available in a wide range of colours and finishes, Manchester Window Factory Heritage windows can be incorporated into most settings. While premium features come as standard, you can also create a bespoke appearance with a factory spray in any RAL colour and a wide range of window furniture.
Incorporating Heritage Sash Windows into Modern Homes
Heritage sash windows can also be incorporated into modern homes, adding character while complementing your existing decor and architecture. Choose modern accessories and colours for a more contemporary appearance.
Do I Need Planning Permission to Install Heritage Windows?
Typically, you do not need planning permission to install heritage windows. However, planning permission may be required if:
- It is not a like-for-like replacement – e.g. installing a different size, shape, type of window or different materials are being used.
- You live in a listed building.
- You live in a conservation area.
- You live in an unlisted historic home.
Listed Buildings
All classifications of listed buildings are on the National Heritage List and benefit from legal protection. You typically need planning permission to make even minor alterations to a listed building. Windows are seen as a pivotal feature of listed buildings and depending on the classification, you may struggle to get permission to replace the windows. If permission is granted, there will likely be stipulations regarding the materials that can be used and the thickness of the glass.
Conservation Areas
Whether you require planning permission to replace windows in a conservation area will depend on how close a match they are to the existing windows and if the same materials are being used.
Unlisted Historic Homes
Unlisted historic homes are properties which have some historic or architectural interest, but do not reach the threshold for the National Heritage List and are not subject to the same level of scrutiny, They may be called ‘non-designated heritage assets and may still be subject to planning permission, though it is likely to be more flexible.
Do I Need to Replace Them?
Historic England recommends repair and restoration where possible. However, you may need to replace elements of your original windows or even the entire units, in some cases.
- If the damage is too extensive to be repaired
- If the windows are highly energy inefficient and secondary glazing is not an option
- If replacements will be more in keeping with the house and period than the existing units
Key Features of Heritage Sash Windows
The components of our Heritage sash windows are as follows:
- Frame - Flat external putty lines and a woodgrain finish
- Exclusive 35mm meeting rail
- Run-through horns (hidden in the frame, and finished with a cap)
- Glass - your choice of glazing
- Bespoke globe claw furniture
- Torsion balances
- Choice of flush or projecting cill (225mm)
- Optional extras such as Georgian bars
Modern heritage sash windows are often made from uPVC with a high-quality woodgrain finish. This is due to the many favourable properties uPVC possesses – low-maintenance, easy to clean, durable and long-lasting, weather-resistant and offering higher security than traditional timber.
uPVC is also energy-efficient and offers good insulation from outside noise when combined with double, triple, or acoustic glass.
The Benefits of Heritage Sash Windows
Our Heritage sash windows offer many benefits, including:
- Authentic traditional appearance
- Versatility
- Security - PAS-24 approved windows and doors
- Draught proof
- High weather performance
- Low U-value
- Can last decades
- Environmentally friendly
- Triple glazing and specialist glazing are available
- Windows tilt for easy cleaning
- Can add value to your home
- A-rated energy efficiency - reducing your carbon footprint and your energy bills
- Excellent acoustic performance
- Ultra-slim sightlines (slimmest of any UK uPVC window available)
- Low-maintenance, saving you time and money on cleaning and repairs
- Can be customised with a myriad of RAL colours and finishes available
- Most local authorities will approve Heritage sash windows in a period, even listed building renovation
Types of Heritage Windows
There are four main types of heritage windows, two sliding sash and two casement styles:
- Sliding Sash Heritage Windows
- Yorkshire Sliding Sash Windows
- Flush Casement Heritage Windows
- Hopper Casement Heritage Windows
Sliding Sash Heritage Windows
Sliding sash Heritage windows have overlapping glass sashes that can be moved with weights and pulleys. They have different numbers of glazing bars and glass panels, depending on the era your home was built.
Flush Casement Heritage Windows
Most modern windows are flush casement windows, so it makes sense that the Heritage version is growing in popularity. Opening outwards on hinges, Heritage flush casement windows are UPVC made to look like a classic woodgrain. They have a smaller profile than sash windows.
Energy Efficiency of Heritage Windows
Traditional sash windows were not the most energy-efficient windows. However, Heritage windows use innovative technology such as slim double glazing and vacuum glazing to retain that premium period aesthetic without compromising on insulation, ventilation, overall comfort and energy efficiency.
Traditional windows often have single glazing and the frames may not be equipped for modern 28mm thick glass – the standard for double glazing. However, you can now find double glazing with thinner profiles and vacuum glazing, where the air has been sucked out from between the two glass panels to create an ultra-slender profile. Vacuum glazing also does not have the ‘double reflection’ that can put some homeowners off double glazing. No double reflection may be a requirement for window replacement in some listed buildings and historic homes as it is visible from the street, compromising the window’s authentic appearance.
Installation Process
1: Consider the property and area you live in
When installing heritage sash windows, you must consider the property and the area you live in. If it is in a conservation area, there may be strict requirements you must adhere to. Thankfully, our Heritage sash windows meet these requirements and have been used successfully in conservation areas and even listed buildings.
2: Contact Us
Contact us for a free no obligation quote, based on your measurements and requirement, and we will arrange a convenient date and time for the installation.
3: Be courteous
Inform your neighbours well ahead of time. Not only is his basic manners as they may find the building work disruptive, but your local authority will inform them anyway.
4: Installation
Our in-house specialist fitters are familiar with heritage regulations and will install your heritage window replacement with all the requirements in mind.
5: Enjoy
Sit back and enjoy your new authentic-looking Heritage windows, with the reassurance of a 10-year insurance-backed guarantee as standard.
Choosing the right installer can make all the difference. By hiring us, you have the peace of mind of knowing our in-house fitters are experts and will fit your Heritage sash windows perfectly, for optimal performance.
Conclusion
Offering a seamless replacement for outdated traditional sash windows, Heritage sash windows give the appearance of authentic timber, with all the modern benefits of uPVC.
While original sash windows are beautiful, they’re simply not designed for modern living. If you are renovating a period property, Heritage sash windows provide the perfect upgrade.
Almost indistinguishable from the ‘real thing’ to the naked eye, Heritage windows are far more energy-efficient, noise-insulating, and secure.
Remember to check planning permission requirements in your area and try to match the original features as closely as possible for the best repairs and replacements.
How to Get in Touch
If you want to find out more about creating customised windows, doors, and conservatories, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call us on 0161 976 4739, use our contact form or chat with us via the chat button at the bottom right of this website. If you live locally, you can also visit our Altrincham showroom, and check our contacts page for up-to-date opening hours.
We look forward to hearing from you!
FAQs
Replacing your windows in a listed building or conservation area without the appropriate planning permission will usually result in the work having to be redone (at your expense) to properly adhere to the specific regulations of your local authority.
In addition to the extra expense, you may have to pay a fine or in some cases may face a prison sentence due to damaging a historic building.
Features such as original putty lines, slim glass and slender sightlines contribute to the traditional appearance of a sash window, creating an authentic Heritage look ideal for period properties.
All our Heritage sash windows are A-rated for thermal efficiency, with enhanced security and high acoustic performance.
Almost certainly yes. You are required to obtain consent from the proper authorities before commencing any work that could affect the historical or architectural interest of the building. Windows would typically fall under that category. However, it may depend on the class of the listed building and whether the current windows are the originals.
Due to the disparity of the thickness between traditional glass in listed and modern double glazing (around 22-28 mm thick to 2-3 mm thick respectively), it is not usually possible to simply add double glazing to existing heritage windows.
If the windows have already been altered, however, double-glazing may be allowed.
All our window styles come double-glazed as standard. You can also incorporate a range of glazing designed to tackle specific issues, such as self-cleaning glass, or obscure glass to increase your privacy.
