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Listed buildings windows – restoration & reglazing

Restoration
Reglazing – Improve EPC for Listed Buildings
Draught-proofing – Redice cold draughts
Functional repairs

Reglazing windows in listed properties

Inefficient glazing contributes to almost 10-20% of heat loss in a period property. Reglazing and draught-proofing existing sashes is the perfect solution. It improves energy efficiency and leaves the original windows intact.

Single glazed windows vs double glazing.

Reduce outside noise and increase windows security

Double-glazed, vacuum-insulated units that we fit into existing sashes are much harder to break than single-pane windows and reduce outside noise more efficiently.

Timber frame restoration

Restoration can be a cost-effective way to bring timber windows back to their original condition and has a number of benefits over the full replacement.

It helps to preserve the historical value of the property and does not require planning permission from the conservation officer.

Stop draughts

Draught-proofing & Reglazing service is an ideal solution for homeowners listed buildings who want to improve their home’s energy efficiency but can not replace the windows completely due to regulations.

Windows in Listed and conservation area properties

Scott James Sash window restoration specialists have extensive experience in all aspects of window restoration in Listed buildings, including reglazing existing windows with double glazing.

Approximately half of our wooden window restorations are for Grade II Listed or regulated conservation area properties.

With our wealth of experience in sensitively preserving your property’s heritage, we stand by our view that for over 90% of cases, repair and maintenance produce higher-quality, more cost-effective results than replacement.

To avoid unnecessarily removing and destroying perfectly reparable original windows, it is important to seek proper advice and avoid hastily replacing these beautiful traditional details.

The Scott James restoration team have spent decades refining their methods to accommodate planning policies and work with original materials whilst delivering exceptional results.

Which work requires planning permission and which does not?

What type of work is done to the window?	Permission is required	Permission is not required
Re-painting with the same colour		✅
Re-painting with different colour	✅
Draught-proofing		✅
Reglazing existing sashes with double-glazed units	✅
Sashes only replacement	✅
Full box and sashes replacement	✅
Full replacement to UPVC	✅
Secondary glazing installation		✅
Glass replacement of the same thickness		✅
Like to like repairs and frame restoration		✅

In most cases, minor repairs and improvements such as draught sealing, painting and overhaul servicing can be completed without planning permission.

Whenever the building and its character are not altered during the restoration process, prior approval may not be needed from the local regulatory body (e.g. replacing the glass of a similar thickness is often permitted).

The likelihood of receiving a permission

Nonetheless, you can do many things with your listed building’s windows; replace, repair, and reglaze; the likelihood of receiving permission varies between the options.

What type of work is done to the window?	Likelihood of receiving a permission
Re-painting with different colour	Medium – High ✅
Reglazing existing sashes with double-glazed units	Medium – High ✅
Sashes only replacement	Low – Medium ❌
Full box and sashes replacement	Low ❌
Full replacement to UPVC	Impossible – Low ❌

How do we help our customers with the planning application?

Our customer, who plans to reglaze sashes with double-glazed units, receives a pack of documents with approved past planning applications from different local councils to support their application.

Cost to replace, restore and reglaze windows in Grade 2 listed buildings

Complete replacement of a Georgian-style window can typically range from £1800 – £3600 per window.

Our sash windows restoration service prices start from £720 per window; the reglazing & restoration start from £1750 per window.

Learn more

Cost of repairing windows in Grade 2 Listed Buildings

Alex

The original wooden windows in listed properties can be beautifully restored and include glazing upgrades to suit a modern lifestyle.

By preserving original wood – typically of a higher quality – restorations are much less resource-intensive, which is excellent for the planet.

Replacement rather than professional restoration will require planning permission and can incur extra costs, time and resources.

FAQs

Can I reglaze sashes in Grade 2 listed building?

Approval from the local conservation officer is required for reglazing your existing sashes; however, we see a high approval rate in the past years for this type of work as it is more sympathetic to the original windows.

Can I replace windows in a listed building?

The short answer is that it depends on the level of protection that has been placed on the property. If the building is a grade I or II* listed, then any alterations to the windows would need to be approved by the local planning authority.

Can you have UPVC windows in a listed building?

While UPVC is a popular material for both new build and replacement windows, it is not typically allowed in listed properties. UPVC windows are not maintaining the historic appearance of the period property. In some cases, however, it may be possible to get permission to install UPVC windows if they are designed to blend in with the existing architecture.