A heritage window company is a great asset to any renovation project
Why would you need to use a heritage window company like Gowercroft? Did you know that heritage windows are there to preserve and protect our cultural heritage?
A heritage window company is a vital partner for any renovation project involving traditional or historic buildings.
Why have heritage windows?
Heritage windows play an important role in protecting the character of our built environment. They are often more than just functional elements; they’re architectural artefacts that help preserve the history of a building.
As Historic England explains:
“Traditional windows and their glazing make an important contribution to the significance of historic areas.”
Restoring original windows is always preferred, but when restoration is no longer possible, replacement becomes the only option. In these cases, building owners are expected to use designs that reflect the original windows as closely as possible. For more detail, refer to Historic England’s guidance.
What is a Heritage Window?
A heritage window is designed to replicate the style of a traditional window, often found in older or historically significant buildings. One of the key challenges is mimicking the look of single glazing while incorporating modern performance features.
Ultra-thin vacuum double glazing is ideal in these situations. It replicates the appearance of a single glazed unit but offers the thermal benefits of modern glazing.
Situations where you need to install heritage windows?
- Houses that are Listed Buildings
- Houses that are in a Conservation Area
- Houses that were built before 1949
- Houses that were built in the 1950’s
- Houses with “aesthetic and architectural importance”
- Houses that have been designated as heritage sites
- Houses that are being restored to their original state
- Houses that are being renovated for adaptive reuse
- Home where the owner wants to add to the traditional appearance
Why not install standard windows in heritage buildings?
In cases where heritage windows are legally required (such as in listed properties), you must gain approval from the local planning authority before making any changes. Installing unapproved windows is a criminal offence and could lead to fines, enforcement action, or even prosecution.
Even where not legally required, many homeowners choose heritage windows because they improve the building’s character and may increase its long-term value.
What are the advantages of installing heritage windows?
Heritage Windows look great
Heritage windows have a traditional appeal that many of us here in the UK find very appealing. There’s something about old fashioned timber windows, especially a sash window, that evokes a certain feeling of nostalgia in us Brits that’s hard to explain. They represent times gone by and conjure up wistful images of Christmas Cards and biscuit tins. We just love them!
Heritage Windows can give ultra ‘modern performance’
Heritage windows make an older building warmer and more comfortable for the occupants without ruining the traditional appearance of the house.
Despite their traditional appearance, heritage windows give top notch performance. The vacuum double glazing provides exceptional insulation. The timber frames, meticulously constructed from sustainable modern woods like Accoa® and Red Grandis give years of maintenance free service. The micro porous paint finishes preserve the wood even longer, stay smart for the lifespan of the windows and are available in a range of appropriate colours.
Heritage Windows add value to your home
Traditional features and character are heavily sought after by home buyers. Heritage Windows can improve the saleability of your property and will increase the sales price over a like for like property with non-traditional or lower performing windows.
Why use a Heritage Window Company?
An experienced Heritage Window Company will help you with the tricky process of obtaining the correct planning permissions for your listed building renovation project. Make sure the heritage window company you choose has a good portfolio of relevant restoration projects. This will mean that their products have been designed and refined to meet the expectations of the planning officers (and their customers!). See some of our Heritage Window Case Studies [link].
It’s also important to check the quality of your heritage windows. At Gowercroft our heritage windows have won numerous awards and have a reputation for a high level of craftsmanship using the best materials available. The high standards of construction and materials mean that our windows offer the best in energy efficiency, length of service and great looks. We pioneered the use of highly innovative vacuum glazing which is the only sensible option for a sustainable, high performing, heritage type window.
We believe that if you are renovating a listed building or one of architectural importance, then we are the heritage window company you should choose. Learn more by reading about what makes our Heritage Range of windows unique.