Wooden Double Glazed Windows For Historic And Period Properties
Looking after the country’s historic and period properties has always been an essential task, especially for those that are grade-listed or located within conservation areas. These properties often have historic or architecturally important features and character that need the protection of the National Trust, English Heritage, and other organisations.
But for homeowners of historic and period properties, it can be a different story. The challenge of making homes more energy-efficient while sticking to strict conservation regulations surrounding wooden double-glazed windows has always been difficult. This is especially true as we shift towards more sustainable living and improved energy efficiency. But, thanks to newly released advice notes from Historic England, this is now much easier to achieve.
New guidance on historic and period properties
Historic England is the public body that looks after the country’s historic environment, indoors and outdoors. In recognising the importance of having improved energy efficiency in historic and period homes, it’s very much in favour of them being sensitively adapted so they remain practical and suitable for residential living in the future.
In their recent Advice Note, Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency (HEAN 18, July 2024), Historic England has produced new guidance on the “acceptability of changes to historic buildings as managed through the planning process”, which, among other things, includes the ability to install slim-profile double-glazed windows within existing or new replacement frames that are created to match the building’s historic character.
This development will give clarity, support, and recommendations to all homeowners, architects, and manufacturers of bespoke handcrafted timber windows, helping them make more informed decisions about reducing carbon emissions and improving the energy efficiency of historic and period homes, including Grade I, II, or II* listed properties, without affecting their architectural style.
What does the new guidance really mean?
Historic England says slim-profile double-glazing is now acceptable for many historic buildings. So, the main aim of the new HEAN 18 guidance is to ensure that any changes or improvements, including the installation of new windows, will consider the historic and architectural significance of the property.
The advice shows a major shift in their approach to window replacements for historic and period homes. Period property homeowners, architects, and manufacturers can now take the environmental impact of the renovations being done into consideration without fear of non-compliance.
Together with installing new energy-efficient windows, other acceptable changes also include energy-saving actions like improved insulation, draught-proofing, and secondary glazing. Done sympathetically, these changes will help reduce heat loss effectively while maintaining the property’s aesthetics.
Why using slim-profile double glazing is a game changer
Traditionally, regulations for conserving historic and period properties have recommended using single-glazed windows, often opting for repair rather than a replacement. While this way of doing things would maintain the historical construction of historic, period, and listed properties, single glazing is far less efficient against heat loss, leading to higher energy use and heating costs.
Slim-profile double-glazing gives homeowners the combined benefit of energy-saving with modern window technology and the historical sensitivity needed for these types of properties. While slim-profile glazing is designed to fit inside existing window frames or new handcrafted wooden frames, they’re ideal for use in period homes, with benefits including:
Improved thermal efficiency
Slim-profile double-glazed windows are a highly effective way to reduce heat loss, so your home stays warmer for longer and uses less energy to heat. As a result, you can benefit from savings on energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
Minimal aesthetic impact
One of the biggest issues for period homeowners is maintaining the visual character of their property. Slim-profile double glazing is made to look like traditional single glazing thanks to its thin sightlines.
Improved internal comfort
Alongside the energy savings, double-glazed windows will improve the comfort inside your property by reducing draughts, cold spots, and condensation while also giving better sound insulation from outside noise.
If your period property is one of the 2.8 million homes within a conservation area or is a Grade I, II, or II* listed building, it’s still essential to work closely with your local planning office or our planning team to ensure that any window replacements meet the necessary regulations. The new guidance from Historic England gives helpful advice, encouraging consistent decision-making across the board.
For example, replacing single-glazed windows with slim-profile double-glazing is now widely accepted in many conservation areas, provided the new windows are installed in historically accurate frames.
The benefits of wooden windows
When you replace windows in your historic or period home, choosing the right materials is just as important as the design. With different glazing options, including the slim-profile double glazing now approved by Historic England, wooden frames have always been the preferred material for these properties, not only for their natural beauty but also for the ability to recreate original architectural window styles.
Why choose wooden windows?
Aesthetics
Wooden windows offer a warmth and authenticity that modern materials can’t match. Whether your home features Georgian, Victorian, or Edwardian architectural elements, wooden windows can be handcrafted to match the details of the original designs, keeping your property’s historic character.
Durability
When properly cared for, wooden windows can last for decades but aren’t fully resistant to warping and damage. This is where Accoya wood makes a real difference. Made from softwood, Accoya is highly durable and has a rating for the highest level of Class 1 durability.
Sustainability
Timber sourced from sustainably managed forests is one of the most environmentally friendly materials available. However, Accoya wood frames are guaranteed for 50 years without needing replacement, making them an excellent long-term investment for period homeowners.
Slim-profile double glazing in wooden frames from NMJ
Every historic and period home is uniquely individual, and NMJ offers custom-made windows to fit and suit your property’s specific needs. While handcrafting timber frames specifically designed to replicate the original features of your home, we ensure compliance with planning regulations by using specialist Slenderpane 7mm sightline doubled-glazed units that come with a full 10-year warranty.
Whether you need sash windows, casement windows, or another design, we handcraft windows that perfectly reflect the heritage of your home while providing the energy-saving benefits of slim-profile double glazing.
With wooden double-glazed windows that combine slim-profile double-glazing and bespoke, handcrafted frames, you can achieve the perfect blend of aesthetics, energy efficiency, and historical preservation. For more information on wooden double-glazed windows for your historic home, to arrange a site survey, or to discuss window types, call us today on 01822 615 010, email us at info@nathanmccarter.co.uk, or send us a message.