Window Design
Choosing the right window design is important in preserving the character of a period home, so be advised on the best materials and authentic styles with our guide
Windows play a defining role in a home’s curb appeal, and the chosen design can make or break the aesthetics of a house exterior. Deciding between repair or replacement of windows, to selecting the materials, style and colour of new can often seem daunting. Experts share their advice to help guide you in your decisions.
Repair or replace?
Before you consider replacing old windows, establish whether you can repair the existing ones. Not only is this much more affordable than buying new, but you will be surprised as what improvements and repairs can be achieved through a sensitive restoration.
‘Draught proofing or installing new double-glazed sashes into the existing window frames can keep your home warmer while being cheaper than a complete replacement,’ explains Richard Dollar, managing director at The Sash Window Workshop.
If you still have the original windows, then motivation for restoration increases tenfold. ‘Original windows are too often removed only to be replaced with supposedly better modern systems. Do not be fooled, however – a wellmaintained original sash window can easily outlive a modern casement. The key is regular maintenance,’ says conservation expert Lee Bilson.
Material matters
If the windows of your home are beyond repair, or insensitive replacements were previously installed – such as some uPVC designs – the next step is to decide on the best material for the new windows. Listed buildings or those in Conservation Areas may require a like-for-like replacement of the originals – check with your local council. In other cases, there is a wide choice of material options available.
Wooden windows include elegant hardwoods – including oak or redwood – or modified timber, such as Accoya, which has been treated with heat and chemicals to increase its strength, durability and resistance to rot.
‘Originally, windows were made with timber, so to maintain the original look of a period house and keep it in the same style as neighbouring properties – as well as maximise its value – timber is the only viable choice,’ advises Ian Selby, managing director at Timber Windows.
Metal windows are also popular – praised for their slim sightlines, sleek, modern look, minimal maintenance requirements, and affordability when compared to wood. Common options include steel, bronze and aluminium. ‘Aluminium, for example, has low U-values, meaning it is great at retaining heat. It is also recyclable, often called the green metal,’ says Matt Higgs, managing director at Kloeber, which offers a Heritage collection, complementary to period homes.
HISTORIC ELEGANCE
Popular during every era,
