RENOVATION GUIDE
WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING TO REPLACE OR UPDATE, THE RIGHT WINDOWS CAN ENHANCE THE LIGHT, CHARACTER AND VALUE OF YOUR HOME
All you need to know about replacing or updating windows >
Often, it is the windows that help you determine the age of a house. For example, timber sashes were hugely popular from the Georgian to Victorian eras, while casement windows were in favour throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. With this in mind, installing the incorrect style of window in your property has the potential to reduce its value. Where restoration just isn’t possible, new designs can give you
the best of both worlds: sympathetic styling alongside all the performance and longevity benefits of 21st-century technology. However, with so many options available, it’s important that you choose wisely.
IS IT BETTER TO STICK TO THE SAME STYLE WINDOWS FOR A PERIOD PROPERTY?
Not necessarily. You might want to consider treating the front and back of your period property in different
ways. Helen Belton, co-founder of design practice Raum, advises: ‘Generally, the public face of a house is viewed as part of a street scene and the proportions and style of window – rather than the material (pending any specifics around conservation area/listed building consent) – should be retained as they were originally intended, while rear elevations can be more playful and use less conventional materials.’
SHOULD I KEEP THE ORIGINAL SASH WINDOWS?
A period property tends to lose some of its character without the authentic-style windows. However, originals can often be draughty, difficult to open or may have been painted shut. Weigh up whether to keep them by looking at the condition first. If they are a good-quality hardwood window, they can often be restored to give an extended life, which feels like a positive, sustainable step. If, on the other hand, they are dated UPVC sash windows, then the efficiency may be questionable so replacing them would be a value judgement based on cost.
WHAT ABOUT CASEMENTS?
Original casement windows have plenty of character, but they tend to restrict your view and, to a lesser
extent, your light. There are ways to counteract this – clear glass panes instead of lead-effect, for example. You could also look at reducing sill heights to allow for larger windows. Helen Belton advises considering the style of the property, too. ‘Is there a more horizontal or vertical emphasis? If horizontal, look to maximise the glass in one large fixed pane with a smaller side or top-hung opening pane to one end. If vertical, keep additional glazing bars to a minimum for maximum light gain.’
DO LISTED BUILDINGS HAVE SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS?
Yes, always check with your local council. This is the same for properties in conservation areas. Sometimes, your only option may be to install secondary glazing, but it’s still worth considering – even a single glazed option can give a substantial improvement over older glazing in terms of thermal and acoustic properties. We would advise looking at special listed building offerings from timber window specialists.
WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF CHOOSING WOOD?
Timber is an excellent choice for period properties as you can benefit from 21st-century standards of glazing without having to sacrifice your home’s heritage. There are sustainability perks, too; depending on where they are sourced, timber windows can have a lower carbon footprint than UPVC or metal.
WHAT ABOUT COLOUR AND FINISH?
If possible, have a factory-finished colour applied for consistency and
longevity. Choose a shade that sits harmoniously with the property – dual-colour options (different colours inside and out) are also an option so that you coordinate with your interior scheme, too. While engineered frames require minimal maintenance to keep them looking beautiful, strong and stable, timbers such as accoya or redwood have proven longevity and offer a rustic finish, perfect for country homes.
HOW ABOUT METAL?
For a contemporary twist on traditional, metal frames could be a good way to go. They’re sleek, lightweight and often cheaper than wood, too. ‘Evidence suggests our wellbeing depends on frequent exposure to light,’ says Russell Ager, Managing Director at Crittall Windows. ‘Steel-framed windows are ideal for this, allowing large expanses of glass with elegantly slender frames and the slimmest of profiles.’ Metal windows generally have a powder-coated finish, making them low maintenance, and there’s a growing tend for dark colours. Graphite in particular can look attractive against both brick and render walls.
WHAT MAINTENANCE IS INVOLVED?
It depends on your choice of material. The finish on timber frames should last a minimum of 5-10 years, but a fresh application of the paint or stain finish will be required to maintain your windows’ new appearance. Metal and UPVC don’t require this type of maintenance, but a regular cleaning cycle every six months is advisable to ensure they stand the test of time – this includes lubricating moving parts with oil.
CAN WINDOWS AFFECT PROPERTY VALUE?
Yes, absolutely. You may be tempted by the cheaper window frame options out there, but putting in the wrong type of window can create a bad impression to any prospective buyers. This particularly applies if they jar with the original features of the house – the result being that purchasers will be less inclined to pay top price for it.
WITH WINDOWS, IS THERE A MORE AFFORDABLE WAY TO CREATE A SYMPATHETIC LOOK?
Not everyone has the budget for metal or wood. In this instance, composite frames can be a good money-saving option; made up of two or more materials, they mimic the feel and thermal qualities of wood without the high price tag, but will look slightly different to solid wood. In the long run, it’s best to restore where you can to retain authenticity and add value, rather than cut corners.