If you’re lucky enough to live in a listed building or a conservation area, there may be limits on what you can do when it comes to replacing your windows.
Clearly, for properties of particular historic or architectural interest, any work done on them must maintain or enhance the area’s character.
This doesn’t mean a complete ban on replacing windows, but it could mean you will be restricted to windows which suit the character of both the immediate building and the wider area.
It’s always worth getting in touch with your local authority’s conservation officer for further guidance on any changes you want to make, not least because each property is considered on its merits. So you need to assess what options may be available to you.
And the good news is there are a number of these. Double glazing, for example, can be made to look like a building’s original windows. Equally, there are some non-intrusive options for window insulation, including heavy, lined curtains, shutters, secondary glazing and sealed blinds.
However, each historic property is, as we said, assessed on its merits.
Listed buildings
If you live in a listed building, again there are tight controls on the external changes you can make, and, depending on the listing, the inside as well. Old sash windows in period properties are sometimes not just protected for their appearance but for the materials and methods used to make them.
However, secondary glazing may be a non-intrusive way insulating older windows from the interior of a building and may be permitted.
As with all methods of energy efficiency, planning permission will be needed from your local planning authority.
At Worthing Windows, with our many years of experience covering replacement windows across our area from Sompting to Lancing, we’re ideally placed to advise you on a variety of stunning new window options, whatever the age of your property.
Talk to a member of our team today, and remember we offer free, no-obligation initial consultations so book an appointment today – we promise we won’t give you the hard sell!