Windows and Your Grade 2 Listed Building

In Great Britain, our historical buildings are split into three categories: Grade 1, grade 2*, and grade 2 listed buildings. Grade 2 listed buildings are the most common listing type which is why we’ve decided to focus on them in particular. Property specialists report that over 90% of entries on the Statutory List of Buildings for England fell into this category. Grade 2* listings account for about 6%, and those with grade 1 status make up just 2.5%.

Grade 1 buildings are classed as sites of exceptional national, architectural or historical importance such as Buckingham Palace or the Royal Albert Hall. Grade 2 listed buildings are described as buildings of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve them.

Types of windows in grade 2 listed buildings

Period windows in grade 2 listed properties, such as single glazed sash windows, are very common. Sadly, most of these original old windows have lost their ability to keep the cold out. Older windows are prone to developing problems over time such as rotting frames, draughts, and ineffective sound insulation. These problems can lead to damp and mould developing and heat being lost from your home through your windows.

Outdated windows can affect your living standards as a cold home will leave you feeling uncomfortable as well as increasing your heating bills as you attempt to warm up your home. Damp and mould also pose a serious health risk as they can cause respiratory problems. Damaged and unsecured windows can also be a security and safety issue for your family as they are easier for intruders to break and enter through.

Do I need new windows for my grade 2 property?

Some timber frames in grade 2 listed buildings can be repaired, maintained, draught sealed and secured instead of being replaced. This solution helps to preserve the authentic history of the building whilst also saving you both time and money. We advise always checking with your local authority before carrying out any type of work on windows in a listed building, whether it’s maintenance and repairs or a full replacement.

If your house is listed or in a conservation area with an Article 4 Direction (which restricts work you can normally do without planning permission) you are likely to require consent to make any alterations to windows. If in doubt consult your local planning authority before carrying out any work.

If the windows in my grade 2 building are beyond repair, can they be replaced and upgraded?

Replacing period windows will need planning consent from your local authority before any work is undertaken. Your local authority will determine whether or not the character of the building will be greatly affected by any work you are wanting to carry out on your building. Keeping within a very similar, or even better, replicated style in terms of the design and materials used will all work in your favour when contacting your local planning authority.

In the past, local authorities have insisted window replacements for listed buildings use only traditional methods and traditional materials, such as timber frames which support thin single glazing. Older double glazing didn’t have the modern processes to create the look of traditional windows, but this is now in the past thanks to newer developments in manufacturing & materials such as aluminium and uPVC.

Advancements in technology mean that we are now able to create windows that are aesthetically representative of period styling, but with a huge list of modern benefits. With the option of beautifully realistic timber-effect finishes on uPVC and aluminium frames, a lot of local planning authorities now pass applications for modern materials in a traditional finish.