If you are the owner of a listed building, you’ll know just how difficult it can be to make even the smallest of changes for your property. While considering upgrades to your listed building, there are plenty of questions that may spring to mind, most importantly – Can you install double glazing in a listed building?
Technically, the answer is yes – you can install double glazing in a listed building. But you will have to jump through some hoops and have everything confirmed beforehand. It definitely won’t be as easy as installing double glazing on a standard home, but you’ll find it’s well worth it when you reap the rewards.
Read on for our guide on how to install double glazing in a listed building, and how to justify your application for planning permission.
What is a Listed Building?
Listed buildings are protected for a reason. If they’re of historical, local cultural, or aesthetic value to your area, planning authorities and heritage groups set out these guidelines to maintain the original features of buildings. They want to set certain rules regarding the design and look of your listed building, helping to maintain the original character of your home and the surrounding areas.
It’s worth noting here that not every part of your building may be listed. The protected features may only be a portion of your building, or a historical statue or attachment. Consider whether your upgrades need planning permission in the first place. And remember – not obtaining this permission before you begin any work on a listed building is a criminal offence.
So, if your home is a listed building, this means you’ll need planning permission from these authorities. You don’t have as much freedom and flexibility as others do when it comes to enhancing your home – though you do have the benefit of living in a protected property that’s likely of significant value to your local area!
Can I Put Double Glazing in a Listed Building?
Yes, you can. It will just take some planning beforehand. Listed buildings are protected, so there are some strict rules and regulations you will have to stick to if you plan on adding double glazing to your listed building. While the heritage and planning organisations and councils’ aims are to protect the building’s original features, windows, and doors – there does come a time where older buildings begin to show signs of wear and tear.
There’s no use owning a listed building if it’s not fit for purpose. Whether you’re living there, operating a business, or working there… These authorities understand and appreciate how times change and your listed building can need some upgrades.
With the invention and soaring popularity of of double glazing, single glazed windows are now more of a rarity in homes. Double glazing can significantly reduce your heating costs, offering more insulation and even security with the double panes of glass.
Many older buildings and homes will show signs of wear and tear that do justify the use of more modern upgrades. You may have single-glazed glass, or old timber frames that have warped and twisted to let cold air into the building.
What Are the Guidelines?
One of the rules that can limit your abilities to install double glazing is that you will likely struggle to install modern double glazing. uPVC or plastic windows can drastically alter the classic look of listed buildings. While there are other designs of double glazing that can be used, for example, wooden window fittings, these aren’t ideal in the long run due to timber not being weatherproof and thus can rot or contort as mentioned above.
Your best bet is to try and persuade the planning authorities even tempt them by selecting heritage-style windows and doors that maintain the classic look. You will still experience the benefits of modern window technology, and your building will keep its character.
Should I Upgrade My Listed Building to Double Glazing?
In light of all this planning and paperwork, you may be wondering if installing double glazing in a listed building is even worth the hassle.
In any case, we would recommend going for the upgrade – if only to save money on your heating bills this winter. Read on for just a few of the justifications for taking this essential modernising step.
How Do I Get Planning Permission for a Listed Building?
You can apply for planning permission from the local authorities and heritage organisations. This can be a long process due to how careful they are in weighing up the pros and cons of upgrading listed buildings. To apply, you must justify exactly why you need to replace your windows and doors with double glazed glass. One common reason given is due to damage and decay, letting colder air into the building and making it uncomfortable to live or work in.
The first step is to check up on the guidelines for getting planning permission for your listed building. You can find out more about how to apply on the Planning Portal.
Key Tips: Getting Planning Permission for a Listed Building
While writing your planning permission application, you should consider how to justify your double glazing upgrade. Some examples of points in favour of replacing the double glazing that you could make are:
Increased insulation
Double glazing is better for insulating your home, making it more comfortable in the winter months by reducing heat loss from the building. Mentioning the skyrocketing costs of living and heating here would be beneficial.
More environmentally friendly
As above, double glazing reduces heat loss and can help reduce energy use as it traps heat. This works to keep your home warmer for longer, so less energy is needed to heat the home. Heritage authorities should be morally invested in protecting the wider environment as well as local buildings – so this is a key point to make in your application.
Prevents damage from moisture and dampness
Double glazing reduces condensation and moisture build-up on your window panes, while single-pane windows can allow condensation. This increase in moisture from single-pane windows can lead to the growth of mould and dampness which if unnoticed, can cause long-term damage. Damp and mould can damage not only the area around the window and its frame, but also the walls and interior of the home. Installing double glazing can prolong the maintenance of the home and keep it in better condition for longer – which is ultimately one of these authorities’ aims.
Better Security
Most double glazing is harder to break and is sealed tighter than other windows and doors. Installing it throughout your home can increase the security and safety of your home and its contents. Reducing the potential for vandalism and crime around listed buildings should be a consideration the authorities will take into account.
At Cloudy2Clear, we are dedicated to finding the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly repair options possible for our clients, and importantly, within the restrictions relating to work on listed buildings. This is why we replace only the double glazed unit that requires repair. This reduces the costs for you, while also limiting the amount of unnecessary resources that go to waste as many companies try to increase their profits.
Call us on 0800 880 7016 to book your free quote double glazing repair and replacement for your building, whether listed or not!
