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Gothic arched windows – restoration & double glazing retrofit

Preserve the timeless beauty of your Gothic arched windows with modern efficiency

Vacuum double glazing efiicency compared to other glazing

Gothic windows restoration

At Scott James sash window specialists, we specialise in restoring original wooden windows of all styles and unique shapes, including arched-top and Gothic-arched wooden windows.

Our team can not only restore the wooden frames of Gothic-arched windows but also retrofit double glazing into existing wooden frames, as most modern vacuum double glazing can be manufactured in custom sizes and shapes.

If you have Gothic-style windows in your period residential, commercial, or listed property, contact us.

There is a good chance we can restore and double glaze your existing single-glazed windows.

Why trust us with your gothic windows?

Wooden Gothic windows, with their distinctive shape and intricate design, are often found in heritage Grade II listed buildings.

At Scott James, we have reglazed and restored many windows in listed buildings and have a strong track record with numerous completed projects involving all types and styles of wooden windows, including Gothic-arched windows.

Our restoration process will not only preserve their unique beauty but also upgrade them to meet today’s insulation and efficiency standards with our cutting-edge vacuum double glazing technology.

Challenges of gothic arched windows

Gothic arched windows, while visually stunning and iconic in many historical buildings, present several unique challenges when it comes to maintenance and restoration.

Common issues include:

Energy inefficiency due to single glazing

Many Gothic arched windows were originally constructed with single glazing, which is far less energy-efficient by modern standards.
Difficulty finding restoration solutions due to their unique shape

Unlike modern rectangular windows, Gothic windows require custom-made frames, glass, and fittings to maintain their historic aesthetic while upgrading their functionality.

This makes the restoration process more complex and often requires specialised expertise.

At Scott James, we specialise in overcoming these challenges.

We retrofit vacuum double glazing into existing original window frames, significantly improving energy efficiency and sound insulation without compromising the original character and design.

Benefits of retrofitting vacuum double glazing to gothic-arched windows

Vacuum double glazing provides several key advantages for Gothic arched windows, allowing homeowners to enjoy modern performance while preserving the original aesthetics of their property. Here are the primary benefits:

Improved energy efficiency

One of the most significant advantages of vacuum double glazing is its ability to reduce heat loss, making your home more energy efficient.

By creating a vacuum between two panes of glass, this glazing technology minimizes thermal transfer, helping to maintain a stable indoor temperature and reduce heating bills, all while maintaining the historic appeal of your windows.
Soundproofing benefits – Single glazing (25-30 dB) vs. VIG (36-39 dB)

The vacuum double glazing can reduce noise by an additional 6-14 dB compared to standard single glazing, which translates to a much quieter indoor environment.

Each 10 dB reduction roughly halves the perceived noise, so the improvement with VIG is substantial, especially for homes or buildings located in noisy areas.
Slimline design – 8 mm thin double glazing units

Unlike traditional double glazing, vacuum double glazing has a slim profile, making it an ideal solution for retrofitting into existing window frames.

This slimline design ensures that the aesthetic of your Gothic arched windows remains unchanged.
Enhanced durability and longevity

VIG double glazing is in general more durable than regular slimline double glazing making it a great choice for homeowners.

Our process of restoring and double glazing windows and doors

Our step-by-step restoration and retrofitting process ensures that your Gothic-arched windows are restored and upgraded with care and precision:

Schedule a meeting for a quote or send us photos for an online estimate

We will assess your windows and let you know whether we can restore and double glaze them, or if only restoration is possible. You can also email photos of your windows to info@scottjameswindows.co.uk , and we will provide you with an estimate.
Detailed measurement taking

Given the unique shape and size of Gothic-arched windows, we take precise measurements to ensure the production of custom-shaped vacuum double glazing units that will fit seamlessly within your original frames.
Production of custom double glazing units

Using the measurements, we arrange for the production of bespoke vacuum double glazing units custom made specifically for your windows.
Frame restoration

Before installing the new glazing, we restore the original wooden frames, repairing any damage and reinforcing them as needed.
Retrofitting double glazing

Once the frames are fully restored, we retrofit the custom-made vacuum double glazing units into the existing frames.

Frequently asked questions

Can vacuum double glazing fit Gothic-arched windows?

Yes. VIG glazing can be manufactured in custom shapes, and our reglazing method allows us to retrofit double glazing into even the most uniquely shaped windows, such as Gothic arches.

How long does the restoration process take?

Timelines vary depending on the window’s condition, but we’ll provide a custom timeline after the initial assessment.

Will retrofitting vacuum double glazing alter the appearance of my Gothic windows?

No. Our vacuum double glazing units are specifically designed with a slimline profile, allowing them to fit seamlessly into your existing window frames.

We will also preserve the original glazing bars on the interior-facing side of the window and replicate them on the exterior-facing side.

Is vacuum double glazing suitable for listed buildings?

Yes, in many cases. However, planning permission will still be required.

Can you retrofit double glazing into windows with decorative or stained glass?

Some stained glass can be encapsulated into standard double glazing units, but not into vacuum-insulated units.

Thermal efficiency in action

These thermal images illustrate areas of heat loss from buildings, particularly focusing on windows where double glazing was retrofitted.

Brighter colours, such as yellow and orange, indicate higher temperatures and areas where heat is escaping, while darker colours, like purple and blue, show cooler regions with minimal heat loss.

The images clearly highlight how VIG glazing significantly reduces heat loss, as the windows show much less yellow and orange compared to even the walls.