How to Choose the Best Windows for Period Homes

From sliding sashes to casement windows, choosing the best windows for your period property can be integral for maintaining the character of your home. Windows play a vital role in defining the overall appearance and character of your home. However, choosing windows that match architectural style and heritage can be difficult. So, this guide will help you choose the best windows for periods homes, whatever the style.

What are the Different Window Designs?

When it comes to period properties, there are a number of different window designs and materials to choose from. We provide a wide range of window designs and styles to suit all property types. The windows we provide our customers include:

Double glazed sash windows
Timber sash windows
PVCU sash windows
PVCU Heritage windows
Timber Heritage windows

However, the different designs suit different property types. It is very important to maintain the aesthetics of your period property, as not all of our windows will suit your property’s style. If you have a period property, you will want to maintain your homes traditional aesthetics. Ensure you choose a window that will compliment your home, with details designed to match its current style.

Georgian Sash Window Styles

The Georgian period, dating from 1714-1830, characterised the layout of sash windows. Georgian sashes are a well-proportioned design that helps keep the aesthetics of your windows understated so as not to detract from the overall appearance of your home.

Georgian sash windows are amongst the oldest window styles still in use. Not only do they add real heritage to any home, but they evoke a sense of elegance and stateliness that other window styles can’t as easily achieve. Some properties have Georgian windows that are over 200 years old, and replacing the windows with more durable and energy-efficient alternatives must be achieved without damaging the traditional aesthetics of the property.

Victorian Sash Windows

During the Victorian period, windows were the focal point of the property. Significantly taller than they were wide, windows in Victorian properties were commonly double-hung with six or eight sash panels. By the Victorian period, glazing technology had developed, and glass sheets had become a mass-produced reality. This meant it was a lot cheaper to install large areas of glazing and incorporate them into sash window designs.

Edwardian Sash Windows

By the turn of the century, sash window detailing was increasing, and window frames were becoming increasingly ornate and detailed. A common example of this was the way in which intricate moulded transoms were run across the meeting rail and mounted on the sash frame itself.

However, over time their popularity began to decline as the mock-Tudor style led to the widespread use of casement windows. And after the First World War, sash windows were relegated in favour of easier-to-make steel and timber windows.

Traditional Casement Windows

Timber casement windows provide a very unpretentious design that is perfect for country cottages. Made using traditional techniques, traditional timber casement windows are a fantastic choice for period properties. Not only do timer windows fit nicely into your period property, but they also fit seamlessly with the current aesthetics. This means that your efforts to preserve and maintain the original windows will not be in vein and you’ll get to enjoy windows that compliment the existing style of your heritage home.

Should You Repair or Replace Old Windows?

When the windows in your home age, they become far less effective and start leaking, letting in draughts, and reducing the thermal efficiency in your home. If your windows are aged, single glazed, rotten, or broken, it is imperative you source authentic-looking designs and have your windows professionally replaced.

Do You Need Planning Permission for Heritage Windows?

Generally, replacing period property windows with like-for-like replicas will not require planning permission. However, if you live in a Conservation Area, planners may require any new replacements to be as close to identical as possible.

However, if you live in a Listed building, you will need to prove that your property’s existing windows are beyond repair and that you are experiencing too much heat loss in your home. If you’re unsure whether you need planning permission to install new windows in your property, call our team today. Our experts will be able to advise you on the best window solution for your older property.

You Don’t Need to Compromise

Just because you’re looking at having new windows installed in your period property, doesn’t mean that performance needs to be compromised. Manufacturing processes, materials, and designs allow our team to create beautiful windows made to replicate your property’s existing style but without the compromise on performance. So, you can enjoy windows that fit seamlessly with the heritage of your home whilst also taking advantage of the energy-saving, security, noise reduction, and durability offered by double and triple glazing.

How to Get the Window Design Right

The popularity of our sash windows is at an all-time high, thanks to heritage home owners who want to add traditional aesthetics to their properties with the benefits of double glazing and security. Installing windows in period properties, like for like, is always best as it ensures the aesthetics of your period property are maintained. Proportion, material-type, design, and overall window appearance should all be taken into consideration.

If you are interested in having new windows installed in your property but you just don’t know where to start, speak to our team. We would be more than happy to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and advise you on the best window style for your period property.