Selectaglaze offers a handy window retrofit checklist to help with heritage or listed building projects
The UK has the oldest building stock in Europe, with around 5.9m buildings (21%) built before 1919.
Many will have heritage and listed status, with all of the associated renovation
restrictions and protections.
As the UK looks to transition to net zero by 2050, effective glazing solutions have their
part to play. That’s why Selectaglaze have put together this handy window retrofit checklist
to help with your next heritage or listed building project.
1. Know the benefits
Thoughtfully retrofitted secondary glazing can improve all window performance elements,
so that it is warmer and quieter inside while retaining the period appearance externally.
Improved thermal performance can lead to lower energy bills – and greater energy
efficiency. Meanwhile, the primary windows remain unaltered and aesthetically
uncompromised, maintaining the original character.
Secondary glazing is also often the best choice for heritage and listed properties, as it
tends to be fully accepted by conservation officers as a reversible adaptation. It retains
the original period glass and can be removed with almost no impact on the original fabric
of the building apart from minor repairs and redecoration.
2. Explore the challenges
Some older properties can be architecturally challenging when it comes to secondary
glazing.
Very few buildings were designed for secondary glazing, and this is more apparent
in historic properties where period features can’t be modified or removed.
Traditional bay and bow windows may need bespoke solutions to make sure that units
blend in. Ornate designs can look beautiful but be restrictive. Architectural details such
as hopper lights, timber panel shutters and cast-iron window latches and stays can alter
the product outcome from one secondary unit to another.
Selectaglaze’s experienced team are always on hand to guide you with the process.
3. Choose your products
From frames and locks to glass treatments and thickness, the Selectaglaze technical
team can help you specify appropriate products.
Selectaglaze has the know-how and many years of experience working in listed and
heritage buildings and designs products with historic preservation in mind. You can
find out more here.
4. Do your research
Who you choose for your secondary glazing can really make a difference, especially when
it comes to obtaining LBC.
Take a look at Selectaglaze’s growing portfolio of heritage properties showcasing
wide-ranging expertise.
Selectaglaze works closely with conservation officers and heritage bodies to achieve the ultimate solution.
5. The A-Z of LBC
If you work with heritage and historic buildings, you no doubt know that it’s
important to check if you need LBC as it is a legal obligation. LBC safeguards the
building’s cultural preservation, but the challenge is making sure these buildings are
fit for the future and support progress towards net zero 2050.
If you’re working on a listed property and you’re planning on making any alterations
that would affect a property of historic significance, it is a criminal offence to carry
out these works without consent.
You’ll need to contact your local authority and, if the building is in a conservation area,
speak to a conservation officer. You may discover that there’s no need for an application. Sometimes a quick chat and visit to the property is all that’s needed.
At Selectaglaze, an in-house design team can supply detailed LBC drawings to support
you on your journey. Before then, it’s certainly worth having a chat with the
Selectaglaze technical team about your upcoming secondary glazing projects.
The post Heritage and listed buildings: Window retrofit checklist appeared first on Planning, Building & Construction Today.
