reproduced with the permission of durham county council 2007 · reproduced with the permission of...

Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007

•

ws DESIG ~ GU! ELI NES

1:\ '0 rN TV! D V R II A M


Introduction ...................... ....... .. .. ..... .... .......... 1

J.'!Je History of the Window .............................. 2

Glos,sa l')' of Window Terllls ... .... .. ... .... .. ............ 6

Timher Windows ............................................. 9 Jlf1ill /tllrfnCe ............................................ . . .. 12

/'~i ~ ling. "nod"rnining. C%llr "nd "imlow fiuillgl ............ 14

Repdir ....................................................... 19

fluss, Dnwgh'prooj'ing . I'CliliitHioli uutll/eut l,oss .... 21

Rep/uCI'l11eu/ wid Rep/icus ................................ 25 lIy>lifR In~,joH'" Ihhn Ik;i!'1< and ,I "11I"nilti "t 10 Ti,nbu ~ ... 26

Window Types ""== Projrc1illg. Dorm ers, lTC/ilL I.euded UII(/ RooJ1iglils .. 31

\l!i:ndol)'S Suitahle for Ncw Developmcnt ll'iIH/OW$ in \ ell: I/ouses (1I1d Exle llsiolls ................ 36

Det:elopmell/ iu Cousrrtflliorl1lreus ..................... 37

iller(aiolls (lnd EXlen.liOlls 10 USlcd /Juildillgs ....... .. 39

~:OIlIJC~SiOIi of Historic IgricullUrul Buildings .......... 4~

Llj slatloll .............. ............................ ... .. .... 43

cor1.;n.d i. Ibe porl" _itbi" II,. b .. k ""er:

A p tc II d i X 1 RiMivgruph}';' Trf~nicu' Lil~ralllrr lind Buoks

= ='iI l'pClldix 2 Appendix 3 All lelldix 4


_ INTRODUCTION

Until recent years, the design of windows

for houses has been enormously varied.

Although their basic purpose - to keep

weather out while letting light in - has not

changed, windows have always been

influenced in their appearance by the

materials and skills available, the desire to

embellish and decorate, the social

conditions in war and peace and, most

recently, by mass production.

The proportion of window to wall. the size and

placing of windows in the elevations, and the design

of the frame do most to give character to a building.

If there is a style due to a local craftsman, windows

will give a unique character to an area.

Many householders see window replacemems as a

way of enhancing the value of their properry and/or

as the best way of saving heating cOSts. They do this

at great expense- to themselves and at the expense of

rhe original character of the hOll~e, which may 1f

sometimes even depreciate in 'value because of the

changes. r. Golden Rules

+rake time to understand your windows. Are rhey

the originals?

• rake rime to check their condition. Carry our

regular maintenance, palming, and repair or

employ someone ro do it.

+ replace original windows with replicas if

replacement cannot be avoided.

The proportion, placing and design of windows are often the main elements in the character of a building.

In April 19')\ English Heritage began its "Framing

Opinions" campaign (0 point out, against the hard-

sell of replacement, the benefits both financial and

architectural, of keeping original doors and windows

and to sugge-st practical, sensible and inexpensive ways

of achieving this. This booklet is produced in co-

ordination with thac campaign, to make its

conclusions and advice available under one cover.

The maintenance of traditional windows is the 'green'

approach, saving money and marerials and passing on

the character of our towns and villages for future

generations to enjoy. Most of all, care for your

windows as you would care for the rest of your home

and belongings. Temporary lack of fitness should not

lead ro their replacement.

DON'T +be pur off by the technical advice in the guide.

Most of it is straightfOIward if taken step by step. and

certainly possible for a skilled handyman.

+ replace windows unnecessarily. Remember, your

choice of windows has an impact <?n the world outside .

• be panicked into buying replacements. Salesmen

are chere to sell windows but repair and improvement

is cheaper and usually possible.

+alter window openings, which were designed as

pan of the original building.

n

Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007'. THE HISTORY OF THE -~~

Jl .",-

The word window comes from Norse words

meaning 'wind eye, an opening in the waH or

roof to let in air for the fire, facing away from

the prevailing wind. If light was needed, the

door was left open.

For protection against animals or birds, withes or

reeds were laced across rhe holes diamond-fashion

and secured with wooden or bone pegs. A more

substantial fixing memod was to use venical bars of

squared oak, set at an angle so

that they reflected light inco the

room.

Other ways of covering the

openings were used as windows

developed - shutters are one

example. But semi-transparent

materials were also used instead -

Simple window of square oak bars set at all angle.

oiled fabric, thin horn or mica.

Now, when we think of

windows, we also think

of glass. Alrhough rhe

Romans made this in quite

large pieces in this country,

the technique was lost with

them. The Normans

imported glass as they

needed it for churches and

large houses where it could

Unglazed windows with sliding internal wooden shutter.

be afforded. The small pieces of glass were set

between lead strips (cames) and held rigid on iron

frames and bars.

"

The TUMT:l

1't, ... .... 'r~

,~ t _

I"':' ....,. .~ .. l.

G lass was again made in this country from about

1200 where raw materials were found locally (Surrey

and Cheshire among other places). Its use was

nevertheless fl;:srricted until after 1600 when the

ordinary householder could better affo rd it. It did nO[

reach the poorest parts of the country until the

nineteenth cemury.

Ways were found. over the years. of creating larger

and larger openings, so that windows were no longer

just dark holes in blank walls, Large windows became

a sign of wealth but the strength of lead and iron still

limited the size: of glass that could be used in Tudor

times.

The great revolution came in the late seventeenth

century with the introduction of the vertical sliding

sash window, The word comes from the French

'chassis', a frame, but although the basic principle of a

vertically sl iding frame (the top frame was flxed) is

found in France in the early seventeenth century, its

use was never widespread in Europe. The frame was

held open by pegs, bue the later refinement which led

to its adoption in England was the invention of the

pulley and counter-weight mechanism, These

improved wind.ows were first used in rhe 1670's, for

example at Chatsworth in 1673, but Wren's use of

them in royal palaces in the 1680's and 1690's started

their rapid progress throughout the social scale.


Th< .d"""I\< ~f

,f>< oIid,ng s,uh 0\,<'

Ik. hln~.d mcul

hcirc ..--.: ... hIe ,

<:01.,1<1 ... mlJ.: ""1>"" It ... " .1.0 vi.u.I I)' "1('" ,i'I .... l i n~' "did >,.,.",. wi,h <It, '''"I\S ,.""," mullion

whi,h. "1>«11,,, >hw ur "1-"'''' I'o,k. up ,I,. ,iew 0"' ond an "tI lith, 0>"';011\ ,no a...d i< dicl_ dL,nuh II><

ha""""r of ,he d<T .. IOII. 11.. < ........ p ..... 1Ud! .....

.. otd V'" brill"n,'«"-'

""",ion '0, Th< ... rJim I .. ~ ><"",,"",h 0<"''''''

Ir,,,,.,. ho,'< ";'~n 0' mul< poIIo.'" I'II<k h..lf. ><f,n

.hid. pIing """ S; ,,' .... h .11' (oIi"-n all..! .... .

......... ~') beam. oM ,.ndu..l ... ~" .............. ...

, . ..1._=_ ~ • '::::":~>_~' J .... -.-~~ .......... .:t'"

l

l

uJ .... < n<,". '''"' 1;1\10, 'h, ... m •.

-" lou., _, >d .... , of ev<n

""' ""cr ,,, .. i><-c.m. popul., .f •• , ch"" ___

pm.luC<'d ~.,.I>cca"", aV.lr.i>hk .1'<1 ~311.

~I>"o~ b",~ A. ,h. u>l 01 I,,~," pic,", 01 gl ....

t.:.,.nlc l"""a.Ic oM ... ...d "",,1..,. P( p..'''i: bar>

W<f< m 10< .. .1. _finally """...-d I""" ...... -.d

,n CC>"'P'"n,.« t" "'I'Iw-a.iAa'" " .. ,h. \xl,,,,,,, of ,I", "rr<' ...... , ,,'11<:« m< Jidin, h&mo.~

",.rl,pp..! ,oJ honu """ "'''w""J.

'>lied venl:t m ooze, '- ,hq W<f'< ..II r.m..J. for IlK· build, ... Th ... _ """"-" • r;uiodina

P"n<iplc-. '" • II nct I"'" ...... .1 ... UII« Ifw

........ ,cle, H .. """" o(II«n I ,J I' ''P''"'"''' ".", <I .......

,.JI.,J . gold<,,, propo";"n·.,1 K . I~ \.~ In~h

,n L .don I ... d ... rU' I .... , ,n :loa. bod from, '

.... inc'c .... ~1 UI ~ iDdooa and I lot,,,,. No.1 u ... ~

I:.:h'"d Ik b.i,l ,,.. "or "I ,IK "f"'mng "Id( TIm

... ~h~d n "u'r ... ,,,duWl ";"1 bl<><k<d

n ,.n<n< _ II .bo*ed self .JiplaM. '"

",! nwu""! ",'k-.

{lit W''IJ.' IEf.h~ 'i", .. "h,' ,~ iI<'lb, fro. ,ilO"l flO'" I~' 1O",1r 10th, :".,J fl." f. ~ .. " '" fh, f', Thf "~"'.11 'I ~'i,"", !,lffl fm rUw' ,. Ihl lip m'IJ I, (lIIP""'" I" Ih,

...;:;;;;I;l: __ =:i;r:.....;=:::::£ ___ :::!t:;;!_'tm~!I' INipn


Si"fif .. d, ,mil" \',,"' .. n g.th" OJi.dn',

L..,~ <igh'«"'h «h'"'" G<.>,hic r«"trotluc<d

in ,h~ gl1Zing ,od p,irod

0' [lipk ... h.~_ for M,.,. 200

... ,,, ,h. v.rti .. 1 'lidmg

by >fchi««lI in [h, 1> .. ni,,",untl, cen,,,I)' lCn<kJ to

f.v<>u, [h, '''"'" t<.> ,~<m<n' "indo",-•. ,nJ ,01,11

on<> " that. Br com'1>< d<>-<I"pn""" ,in,,' 1918

h,.., ~nec.lI. f;,-<>u'oJ !..-go: • •• c., of gI ....

n,;, "-'.' "u, iust b«;.u,", " ... ," w:hnic>Hv p<l"'ihl<

"""g now ~"".kins proc««>_ TI>< brg<" ,fu,c "I

naLl><build",~ w., noy,- in tl>< 101m of <k",h<d o.

,",,,,;-J«.ch<'ll hou=. exh y,-ith i" 0,,'1t 8'''1.:". A;

priv>1c o"""",,hil' 1"''''01< ",,,,e ropu!.r. p-urch="

d<m,,,d.,1 more li~ht within the hom< [h," ,,-.,

p,»<;hle m the 'J.,!1: ,."'". of 1''<-,,",,[ J.y>, The

enjo.m"", "f [ho- S'"I<n from within abo nce .... ',"""d

inc", .. ingly 1~'l'ubr h«:"u.., " a<cndcd [he hVLng

'P"'" .nd "'''' dosc, '" ,I>< S',d<n_

'0 m,ko up th • .., 1"8<1, ",do, hIll". In ,ddi"""

thoy could b,- m.nuf.«u«d m",. th .. ply ,h.n

...n." h .. jnS ,j'"pler "u,k'"g !'lit<. lXco",icn Wall

s .. <1 r ... m« 1><",,,,, 1"'",\>10 .. ,n .it<[".,;>< to

I1ml><, .. tho '~mo ,;mo .. ar,hitects were ,,,:,,,ng ,

Ah .. 1?4~, g.lvo"'><"g «due<d ,he p,ohlemll of

fWting.

1,lhr19301 ,r"l"jllli,"" .firn hAJ (1m' rmufl. 1m"". bA.d, t{ hrj,t " rtlli", ,.,h;1t 111111 h.d fol ruft,

uPP<'''''"'' in ";,,dow ,k,'gn. 0[1><, ide,,; I,."" I.lk<n

pr<ttdence, Gluing !ur, wrr< <>I""n,...,n., b«>king

up ,h< ,-i .... < r",m OUt <>f 'he hot»< .nd ,«hnic: .. II,'

gl .. ,,_ Sund .. d, or .. n"l"i'ln h"o cOMundy

'h'ogod bu, gen<r.lly [equi,e onl)" p'" of [n.

inro'P" .. ""i ,,' ,ho window <bign in the ro[m of.

'm,1I <>p<ning poo< in ,IK uP!"" pn,. SY"""<ll)' " ....

no l"ng<l ,,,",,d<t<d i,,,po,,,",. Emp""i, h"

'«ondy bo<n pl.wI on double gI:utng to rounl<[>C!

h",,' 10", th[ougb luS'. ""ndo", TIt". I"'ing "",1«1.

J"ign,

I. I", L"" i>'mljrrh {/~'~rJ rir .. , ftUl ur ~f I", boN"."'" hrlJ tIP i, 10m ill/pm .. , folIO' ,~#" I~ (1;1I"al.", ••• ", If I/.' h,.",

•


PVC-v rep/aament window,

Timber sections were simplified to a.s~isl cheaper

mass-produi..:tlon. The glass-holding frame, now

manufacl'ured s<:paratdy, is fined over and outside the

main frame. again changing the appearance of

windows. Frames are again placed flush with the

outside filce of the building, with timber projecting

sills replacing brick or Stone, exposing the frames (0

greater weathering. Hardwoods are promoted to

overcome the extra risk of rot and stain as an

alternative 10 paint for cheaper maintenance.

Concealed lintels permit the relatively ~irnrle

widening of old windows and there arc new framing

marerials, such a5 aluminium, and morc commonly

rvc-u.

The wall height needed for fitted kitchens. lower

ceiling heights. rel'ersion to cottage styles of Ca5CIllCIlt

windows or look-alike sashes, are a11 factor~ which

played. often unconsciously and

unacknowledged, their part in design of what have

been called 'the eyes of a building' and are now parr of

the hi~tory of windows.

One type of window has no! yet been mentioned. The

so-called Yorkshire sliding usll :J,ppe~rs to have

originated in the eighTeenth Cl;:rtw:y;.;,u-~ca~ _

version of rhe vertical ~Iiding 5«5'. On !'ram sbdci

horizontally behlrld the other fixe~ am

timber rail fixed to lhe head and lil It! pa

appropriate where rhe sHong \'erfi~ 'Propon

sash window~ cannot be used. m lt is ~n ~ nd n

upper windows or in houses with Ibwer slOrey height!;.

Yorklhirr Sliding Sash.

County Durham's own style? A few words should be added on how far this general

outline of hiHory arplies to County Dllrham.

Although, generally, until cllC nineteenth century new

STyles reached rhe County up to 30 years laTer rhJ.n

(hc south, the history differs very lirtle from

elsl;:where. Land ownership and social changl;:~

continued !O influen<:e the proportion and

distribution of different types of house but it cannot

be said that they produced a distinctive COUnty

Durham sryle of window. The York~hire sash was

·horrowed', especially in the sOllth of the County. The

mullioned window and vertical sliding !;ash, in their

own times, were found as of len in stately homes as in

workers' COllages, and as often In the upper dales as in

the mining villages in the cast.

There are, of course, variatiom in dl'lail where local

carpenters s~·em to have dl>vcloped a di.~rinctive STyle.

rhe shallow curved bays found around

Blshnp Auckland arc one

example and deserve

to he retaIned.

The window

changes of the

last fifty years

have however

had the same

kvelling effect

here as ehewhere.

Shallow CIIrvtd bay.

J


GLOSSARY - Parts of the window

Archirravr

nMl Hiland rtJllil .

ARCHITRAVE

ASTRAGAL

BEAD

CAME

CASEMENT

CILL

DRIP

DRIPSTONE

FA<;:ADE

FENESTRATION

FRAME

GLAZING BAR

HIT-AND-MISS

HOPPER LIGHT

HORN

JAMB

LIGHT

LINTEL

MARGIN LIGHTS

Moulded frame forming a trim round a window or door open mg.

Sec glazing bar.

Metal or timber strip placed to hold glass insread of puny.

An 'H' shaped lead or copper suip shaped to hold l~adcd or stained gl:llio pieces in a window.

An opening light that is hinged on ont' side.

See sill.

A groove cut on the underside of a sill or Olher projection designed to prevent water flowing back to the building.

Projecting moulding over a window head, both decorative and prOlcClivc: in funnion. Also called LABEl. or HOOD mould.

External face of a building in which windows are inscncd. Also called ELEVATION.

The :lfldngcmem Of pattern of window openings on a fa~adc or elevation.

The outermoS( timber or meral section of a UGHT or of the whole window, set against the side of [he window opening.

A thin bar of wood or metal within the LIGHT, shaped to reccive the PANES of glass and puny or othcr fixing.

Window or ventilator in which twO slatted panels slide pa~r each omer, opening or closing as thc slats coincide or miss each other.

An inward-opening LIGHT hinged at the bottom, often lotayed by a metal frame or spiral mechanism. (Thc HOPPER is the draught-prcventing panc fixcd at thc sides of the opening area).

A projection of rhe venical sides of [he frame of a LIGHT beyond the: horizontal sides, added to strengthcn the joint. Usually finished with a decorative curved outer surface.

The sidc of an opcning in J wall for a door nr window.

One glazed section of a window within a frame or between MULLIONS or TRANSOMS. May be subdivided into PANES. Lights which do nOi open art' call1'd DEADLIGHTS or FIXED LIGHTS.

The horizontal structural member which supports the walling abovl' a window opening.

Narrow panes forming a bordcr within a window framl', often of colourcd or etched glass.

Margin Lights


MEETING RAIL

MOULDING

MULLION

REBATE

REVEAL

SADDLE BAR

SILL

STILE

TRANSOM

TRANSOM LIGHT

T-BAR

\

The pares of a ~liding.sash frame which overlap-in the centre or' the window.

Decorative CUI applied to the inside of a gladng bar, in \'2rjbu~ paltl:rns.

• An upright pOSt of timber or stone dividing the window into LIGHTS.

Recess in SlOne, wood Of metal to position a window aJld1lct a~ a weather check.

The inside face of a window or door opening aT ri,!Jt, 'lOde, tp

the fapde. May be splayed behind the window fraMe-ie. constructed at other than a right ;ll1g1e.

Lighl menl bar placed horizomal!y KfOSS!\ wi'rl'(tovi'ffl"Stl~ leaded or stained glass.

The horizontal frame along lhe bonom of a window, also Ihe ~tone, brick or timber member projecting below Ihe opening.

A venical side member of a window sash.

Horizontal timber or stone separating the light of a window.

Top-hung lights above the tunsom sometimes divided by mul!ions.

Plain metal glazing bar forming a 'T' in section.

I

-Fll{ade I deval/oll showing an attractive parum o[ [(lustrarion.

Know the parts of your window ...

Timba Inttrnal Lime! (/IOUI usually (oncrm or sud)

Architrdt't

Stont J inrrl

Upp" 51ill

Horn

SWllt Subrill

Top Rail

Head Lining

Inn" Sid!! B"d

Partlllg Btad

Pa/lt

Muting Rails

_--- Glazing Bar (Amagal)

Bottom Rail

fnna Staff Brad

~~~;:~==--- lnurnal Gill

Rrbau

Gill

n n


Fanlight

Mill/ion

-r

Pivot-hung wind(}w

of Domestic Window Window projt::cting beyond the froru wall 5urfacc of a building with suucture carriC'd down to foundation or ground level. May be splayed, semi-circular or S<juarc in plan.

Similar to a bay hut with a shallow curve on plan.

:":SE.M1CNT WINDOW Window where the opening lights arc of casement (side.hung) rype.

DORMER Vertical window b~aking inlo the roof at or above eaves level, usually with its own pitched roof.

FANLIGHT A window often semi-circular and found over a door.

MULLION WIN DOW A window subdivided by mullions. Where there arc also transoms, it is called a mullion ... Hansom window.

ORIEL WINDOW Projecting window which docs not continue to ground level. Compare BAY window.

PIVOT-HUNG WINDOW The opening frame is fixed ccntl'1lJly to tilt in and out.

ROOF LIGHT Glazed area lying on the slope of a roof. It may be framed or simply a sheet of glass. Glass 'pantiles' may be fo und on panrilcd roofs,

SLlDlbIG SASH WINDOW Verrical sliding wlOdow with counter-balance system.

YORKSHIRE SLIDING SAS H

Horiwnrally-sliding window running on timber strips set into head and sill.

Bow


TIMBER WINDOWS Timber window frames have been, and s61l are,

more common than those in any other material.

The core of this guide is therefore about them.

Fears about scarce resources and the throwaway

society don't seem [U apply to window:.. A culture has

been crealed biased towards total replacement. A huge

market, of over £2 milliOTi a year. offers t~i~ i"s the

preferred solution fO all I?xoblcms, regardless of s~

or evell wnelher problern. .. exist aT all. Faced with sucl;l

seemingi/ attractive package.~, repair tt:I~}' appC<1f to be

a mord difficult and even costly option, instead of {he

naruraj first choice.

Any timber wind(J11I which d.ztrs from bfjore mass producrion Wb.ltfd4aue-bml made by a jomer. Joinm o/un had their own

partlcutar Sfy!, orwlIJof addillg decoratioll and such variations (dn be sun although they aT( disappearing rapidry with the spread of rrplacement windows. \IYr should value luch details, which help

givr identity to what wr live, and are more I1l1rl1ctiv( than modern simplified replacements.

9

, I


Several reasons are put !or'''llrfJ.

"THE WINDOW IS BEYOND REPAIR"

Traditional windows were usually made from

substantial sections of high quality softwood and

made to a high qualiry of design, both in construcrion

and appearance.

They wcrc~ installed so as ro derive some protection

from the clements, being generally set back from the

face. Traditional windows thus have the basic

elements for good performance and long life. \'qhal is

oftcn described as ~bcyond repajr~ may in fad JUSt be

lack of paint, or roo many coats of paint lcaving

openings painted shut and giving a less-thall-new

appearance. Addilional problems which are also

generally casy to resolve are as follows: sash weights

and cords missing: the timber perhaps slightly

battered in places through wear and tear: and small

areas of rot in the cill or frame.

All these difficuhies can bc ovcrcome at relatively

lilde expense, as Ulc·guide tries to show.

A m(Jdan window Ut flush with fht (JutlT wali .. '""00-

faer rmillts littlt prottction from fht u,tlltha. " Th, thin projtcting cill is particularly at risk.

A

Traditional windows wm uJuaflj madl from substantial swiom of high qualil) softwood and

mad, I(J a high quality dfJign.

"NEW FRAMES NEED LESS I NO MAINTENANCE"

No matter what the material, windows by their very

design have vulnerablc places which cannot bc

"designed out". Joints are particularly liable to filii,

because their watcrcighmess depends on the strength

of the seals. Unless joims are properly formed and

sealed, whether in timber or any other material. \Vater

penetration is likely to occur.

Even window cleaning is nOl necessarily made easier

when, as in many modern designs, most of the glazed

area is fi}[oo shut.

Manufilcture, fhing and materials arc all outside the

l't6perry owner's control and the only defence IS

proper careful maintenance.


"THEY ARE DRAUGHTY f NOISY f LOSE HEAT"

Again, comparisons will show cheaper ways man wral

replacement of overcoming the concerns abour heat

loss, noise and draughls. These matters afe discussed

more fully on pages 22 - 24.

"MODERN WINDOWS IMPROVE THE

APPEARANCE OF THE HOUSE"

People buy houses for all sOrtS of reasons, of which

appearance is one of the most importanr factors.

Windows now come third in the list of most popular

house "improvemcnts~ after fitted kitchens and

bathrooms. While the imernal changes have no

impact on [he outside world. alterations to windows

can have a substantial and detrimenTal impact on the

external appearance.

The comribution of original windows to the character

of a building is often not uncicrsmod or appreciated.

Words like "old world" and "traditional" should only

apply (0 the rea1 thing. whieh is nOlo sadly, what

manufacturers supply mclay, A house of genuine

uperiod charm" has its original windows intacr and

the market price is, contrary TO popular belief, likely

m reflect the fact mat it has been spared the

more cxrfeme forms of home improvement.

Changes in appearance do not add to

resale value.

So, how can you keep those original

frames?

Let us SUrt with maintenance.

A house of genuine 'paiod charm' has its original windows intact and the market

prier is of un likely to reflect that faC!.

.kfod,,,,, \';;;;,O;""",,i', with a cbangr in proponion as well as ' call bave a subsranriai impact on the merna! applilrana of truditiona! houses.

t manufd,cturers often supp~ "old world~ alld "traditlonar uylr windows, these types of openings are sadly completely Ollt of character with tlu original appearance.

--------

II


_ Maintenance ....;;:p~

Typical arlaS of dUlly in a sash window.

Faiturt of rash joint. Brtaldown 11[ paint I putty.

BTtokdolJ.m of paint / pUlIy.

Brtakdown ofpaint I pUffl tm (ill. Of/mil'( delail at rill I sash box junwrm.

Excmiu( (ondrnsatloll on horizontal sur/am.

To the timber window, maintenance mealls virtually

the same thing as protection. Rot in timber can only

stan if the moisture comelH is greatcr than 20% and

il works by progressively breaking down the timber.

So rhe aim is to keep water and timber apart by

maintaining a complete protective coating. which is

rradition:llly paim. The places which are most

vulnerable are where putty, glass and frame meet, so

that maintenance of the putty is important. Then

there are surfaces, mosdy hori7.0llml. where water can

stand and which are most exposed to weather and the

ultra violet rays of the sun. The joints where timbers

meet are also very susceptible to rot.

Providing a sound surface coat, howe:ver. depends on

good preparation. Do nor be put ofT by the number

Faifm of}uin! buwun glazing bar I sash 'rail. Brtokdown of paint I putty.

Fai/un o/joint buwetn wb stilt I bottom rail.

Brrakdown of paint I putty, (apillary action bawun timbtr and maron,) cill. Inadtquatr fait on cill.

ofsrages below. Take ~ch step one at a {Imc and Ihe

process will seem morc straightforward.

• Remove and replace allY crackw

or dried-ollt putty. Prime the

wood before reglning, to

prevent absorption of the putty oils.

r,:(};f

to d!?UtiLI

/j'irhin Appr:nriix 4 fill

fr-gwz}TlX ri",b,.,.

/I'II,oO"'J.

• Where timber beading is used instead

of putty, it should be replaced by puny, after

priming the: fr.lme. to avoid trapping moisture in the

frame.

• Paint which is cracking or flaking need.~ IO be

removed bU[ complete snipping is 1101 economic and

it is lIot advisable IO remove pailll that is adhering

well. Hot air strippers should only be used with great

care, and prtalutions taken jf burning ofT Ie:ad-based

palllts.


• The painrwork should then be washed

using a non-alkaline soap and water and

rubbed down with a waterproof abrasive

paper.

• Areas of weather-degraded timber should be

scraped and sanded and treated with a penetrating

primer.

• Decayed timber should be cur out and replaced

(this is dealt with fUlly under repair on page 20).

• Small pockets of decay should be cut back to

sound wood, which should be left bare as long as

possible to allow drying (best done in late spring or

early summer). The area should be liberally treated

with a preservative which is allowed to soak in,

leaving several days for drying OUt. The cavity should

be primed before filling.

Filler should be an C'X[erior two-pack epoxy or

polyurethane filler. Water mixed powders or plaster

should not be us<;,d.

For largt gaps or decaytd sections, preufvarive treated timber can b( shapd to fit the aWl requiring trWmrnt, with eh, /iffa acting dJ a binder anJ ual.

--Timb(r msm. Gram mal(hing dirwiDn and qualil] Gf (xilting.

f"ifl(r

_.o~,c"--'~--_Asharp instrummt is wentia! in invtstigl1ting the extent of duay in a window. Rotten areas (an be chiulltd away to make room for a filler or a ntw piue o( wood cut to fit. Grain of new anJ old should be aligntd.

For large gaps, preservative-treated timber shaped to

fit may be used, with the filler acting as a binder and

seal.

If small sections need ro be replaced brass screw

fi[[ings can make the replacement timber more

secure. (This will be covered in more detail under

repair work).

SubsequcIH sanding down should ensure that no

ledges are left where water can stand.

• For the rnore advanced handyman, the vulnerable

timber ncar joinrs can be protected by drilling

downward-:sloping holes into which proprietary

preservative is repeatedly poured. The preservative

travels along the wood grain. Small fused borate rods

are also now being marketed for similar insertion.

The boron i5: water-soluble and therefore diffuses inro

the werrest timber .

• Drips and anti-capillary grooves should be cleared

of paint, so that they can function as intended.

Preparation lTIay seem laborious as there are no short

cuts, bur it is all worthwhile.

Above ali, under no circumstances should windows

be stri~ped by immersion in caustic soda Qr acid

bath trealm~ This will deform the timber and

weaken the joints.

13


Painting

Paiming is the Hldirional finish for all external

timber, except oak, used for protection but also for its

aesthetic value. Commonly paint was lead-based, hut

the use of that is now confined to the resroration of

the' most importanl Grade I or II' Listed Buildings,

where matching paint is often essential.

ror new paint work rhe three-pan alkyd system is

generally used externally: primer - undercoat - fin ish.

However, some primers lack ACl(ibiliry and only those

conforming to B$5082 or B55358 should be used.

There are also proprietary unpigmented penetrating

primers which can help consolidate any timber where

sumcc condition is poor.

After rhe primer, onc undercoat and twO top gloss

coats should be dpplicd. To ensure compatibility

these should all be from the same manufacturer.

Among products on The market now are special

exterior paints which arc said TO be microporous or

breathable. kttping ... water our but letting trapped

O~ur Ruutr

(lIIIp"inud)

Inllrr RlII/ntT ("mud)

I :· A/ I

! f j ;' 1.

OUla Lining ,Ij.' .

~ ,I

Oliia Rnnrr I (pDinw/) --"lill I

LJ Ouur Cill

{nntt Ruutr (lin/lin/dl

Pailmd a"hitravf and surr()unds aT( II.

• {omm()n /(alur( ()/ Caunt) Durham.

water vapour eKape. Evidence suggests however that

it is meir improved flexibility which contribUles most

to their lasting quality.

The paiming of archirr~ves, surrounds or stone lintels

and sills with gl'JSS paim is quite a common sight in

the County. This is a tradition that needs particularly

careful maintenance if the paim seal is not to be

broken and water penemHion is to start srone erosion.

The paint should nOt be stripped unless serious

erosion is starting below, bm the practice should not

be extended whue it does not exist, aoS it will become

a maimenan~ liability.

T he following sl:quence is a useful guide ro painting

a sliding sash wi~

A. Push the (OP sash right down and the bottom .sash

up past it. Paint thrtt sides of the tOp meeting rail,

the boltom half of the stiles, three sides of the bottom

meeTing rail and as much of the bottom sash as

possible.

Inntr Cill

TMgUt" [DOl ~[ inntr runn(r

(paim(d)

Only thr pllm of rhr inna lind o~'m runnm that art visib{, whm tht sash is closed should br painted.

1m, SI4J &~d


8

5' The way 10 dff11 with painting it sash window is /0 raiu the lower

rash clou tl} the rap and pull down the top one to paint I /0 6, dun almost close tht window in the norma! way to

{Ompleft the painting.

Paint the inner eil! where the bOHOlll rail will reM and

rhe JowC5t 75 mm of the inner runner. let rhe p~int

dry (see the ahove drawing).

B. Reverse the position of The sashes so fha. thc

botTom sash is right down and Ihe top sash half up. In

this position the reSt can be p~i\l[ed. Don't paim the

pulleys or sash cords - these can be held clear with the

other hand whil'-"'Y0u p~im bchind them.

C. Finish by paiming the frame, shuHers or reveals

and architra\'e~. The .~~me sequcnce is then followed

for the ou[sidc of dlC windows.

Some useful tips:

Woodstaining

Woodstaining is nor a uaditional finish but its ream

widespread usc wilh new or replacement windows

requires commell!.

Stains arc thin films of semi-transparent coaungs

formulated for use with external timber. They allow

the wood grain [0 show under a semi-gloss finish and

arc available in several shades. They are formulated as

resins containing fungicides and ultra violet filters to

give comprehensive protection bur nevertheless they

do f:1il in time.

II should be noted particularly that they are not

maintenance-free. The maintenance period is 5 years

which i5 in fact about the same as gloss paim.

Low viscosity stains penetrate (he timber further, but

give a thinner coating and crode more quickly.

Movemcnr, splitting and discolour:nion arc likely to

result.

Medium viscos!£), stains h~ve a higher rC5ill conTent,

with less penetration but thicker coating. These aTe

more suited to windows. but require water rt:pellent

pre-treatment which is less effeCtive than wood

primers.

• Concealt:d surfaces kg underside of cill, il1l('rior of sa~h) may be primoo

and undercoatoo when exposed during repair,

Staining docs not protect ordinary putty.

Timber heading and mastic Gln be w;ed

inSCt~ad, but th~e tend fa fail.

• Vertical sliding salh windows should ideally be removed from rhe frame

before cleaning and repainting. otherwise they may become difficllir to

open. Thi~ is best done a$ pan of a complete repair and overhaul.

• Some pam of the saIOh window as shown, for example the areas iow

which the frame> run up and down, should be left unpainted. They can

instead be waxed.

+Paint should be carried up over purry and left 2 mm (1/1(,") onto thl'

glass, lO form a seal at the top edge.

The ahernatives are polymer-based mastics

bUI these are usually at thcif best when

factory-applied to finished glazed units.'

'This urtion is baud (In BRE !nformarion Paper 11'5/91, 1:.'xlni(lr Wood Stains.

R


A

Woodstaining

It is never appropriate to use

replacement or repair work to w;nd.,~

traditional buildings or Conservation A"".}'!!IIiiII!Ii!~t''''"" rhe range of brown or red-brown colours p",de.="

lifeless and gloomy effect in contrast to the '~d;"i.n'I~~

range of paint colours, and in quantity such '~::~~~i can change the area 's character. The thickened Q

bars resulting from (he use of glazing beads in place of ... -~,M

putty is both unattractive and hisrorically

incorrect.

Woodsraining is not

appropriate for new

housing schemes within

Conservation Areas

or historic areas, nor

in high quality new

developments.

Dark green or brown was a vay popular colour for

window frames in tht Victorian ua with rh(

window boX!> and riffs often painttd yellow/cream Qr magnolia, or the colours

might be revemd.

A choice of colours of Ihe "broken whi{e~ type could be

made from (he following BS numbers:

Magnolia BS 08 B 15; Bunermilk BS 08 C 3 \:

While BS 10 B 15;

CreamBS IOC31.

Vellum BS 08 B 17:

windows In the past colour was limited to pigments obtained

from nature, so [hey tended to be muted. For

windows ~5tone colour" (also called "broken white")

was common, which is in fact a creamy colour.

Darker colours, usually brown or green, were used in

the late 18th century onwards while, in stuccoed

buildings, brown or grey was common. Graining also

became popular at th is lime. The windows would

therefore have stood out far less in the overall

elevation than the painted windows we see today,

coated almost universally in brilliant white.

Except on Listed Buildings painting is classed as

pcrmiued development. The choice of colour is

therefore for the owner 10 decide although it may be

controlled by Conservation Area Policies. Brilliant

white may not be hiSTOrically correct but it is widely

acceptable in the absence of any policy. Except in

terraces of houses, where the windows arc meam [Q be

the same, a choice of colour may be made, provided

that [he colours are generally muted. Brilliam colours

are rarely acceptable for windows, but may be more

acceptable if confined TO front doors.


Window Fittings ()

CaTches, handles <lnd other period windo\'J'fhrin~re

prized a~in nowadays, a~ is shown by the growing

market in reproductions. Where these still exist they

should be kepr. GencrnJly they are made of brass and

should be left unpainted.

SASH WI NDOW CATCHES were designed to

darup the meeting rails together, not to hold the (Or frame dosed. If the weights are properly adj usted ;lOd

window is a snug fit, rhe carch should not be under

strain.

There were two types, the cam fastener and the fi tch

fastener (see illustrations).

A mllal fitch fosuner pushes the top sash up.

For added security several types of lockable catches

are available for sash windows. The leaST ohtrusive are

rhose which are drilled into the mccring

raih and closed with a pin,

screw or key. Two are

recommended for

larger windows.

A mud cam fastrna dmws ,he maring rail tognher.

/

Simple ucllri!y. A pin, smw or kty tbrough thr sash to lork the middle rails tognher.

Pin used as locking pin.

CASEMENT WINDOW CATCHES traditionally

act by slotting a lever set on the opening frame into a

slot on the side frame. Many dewnuive variants of

This exist. as it has a long history. The modern

anodised fittings are not appropriaTe. If there is

concern for a correct fe-instatement. salvaged or

reproduction types are to be preferred.

HOPPER - HEADED WINDOWS , which

were common in the late nineteemh century

to provide openings at high levels. had cord-

operated ratchet fastenings. These can be

made to work again. although the modern

concern for energy saving usually means they are

not used. A~ historical survivors. however. they are

ofinrercst and where possible should be re tained.

R


A

• Devices for eaHer mawtenan

Cleaning of sash wmdows is perfectly possible when

horh frames ate fully sliding as intended. The large

fixed lower panes found in modern transom de~igm

can only be fully cleaned from ladders. Cleaning of

sashes call be made easier by devices lhat allow the

bOltom sash to open inward as

wdl and this can be achieved by

51ighdy amending the joinery of

rhe window surround and the

bOHom sash. This is common in

Scotland, and is orren built into

new sash windows made by

Sconish companies. These

"simplex" mechanisms can also

be hought 111 kjt form, details of

lhe firms thar supply these

fittings are in Appendix 3.

Spma! hing(l, s<r(u}(d 10 staff bead

and ,IMted q~'(r smwi auachfd te Sliie of

bottom light.

A simplex hinge.

BOI/em HaJJ brad.

.-

lmrrnal cill.

Cleaning oflilsher can be madt fdSta by amending tht joinery of the window, to allow

the bottom sash 10 open out.

Fully firtd lid! Haff

brad.

Cord leck mechanism holds

')!:;.----f:r- cord whtn frrrd U from wmluw

stilt.

5mh cord wilh mUill /Qop rnd firud ov(r mfW

on sash lIilf allows lOrd to br rrlwrd.

Parling'--_--I'rJ brild. POIitiolt ofscrrw

filling through lIaff brad 10 fir il in clMtd position. Smwfer

holding luopfd tnd ofillib cora.

BOllem light, partiilily 'illJrd, alld umporarily hingtd /0 ltaffhrad.

Hi~gtd porlioll of ililff brad al/cuis bortom light 10

swing opm.


- Repair •

•

Just as the design of a car has certain weak spots

which we know an: liable to fail because of wear and

tear and Jack of maintenance, and so it is with

windows. If the caf has a fault it docs not m~eS$arily

mean that it should be thrown away. This same

IVindows which@ nad Ttp/aament.

appro;t(:h should also apply to windows.

Some parts of [he timber window arc more v~ner;lbll'

than others: surfaces where water or cond~",sation

collecrs, horizontal surfaces which calch the

maxImum ram exposure, run-off and ultra-violet

light, which breaks clown the protective coat. The

joims between horiwlHal and venical sections, rhe

sills and the bottom rails of sash windows are also

vulnerable, if maimenance has failed to protect them.

However, rhese pans c.m usually be e.1sily renewed by

a person with the right skills.

Sympathy for the repair approach rarner than the

throwing away approach is important in getting the

work done prop_ly.

Rrpairs to the bau of sash stilt (outer fare).

(nnrr ucrioll ojllil(.

BOliom rail !taion ami tmon SOUlll

SIDping Ip!ia qf «'Md drrigr.td 10 gh'r oplimum area oflurfau to br glud

The following poinL~ pWllide some general guidance

for repairs of [his nature.

• Avoid cutting away or trimming morc than the

minimum amount of existing timber necessary to

make a sound repair.

• Spliced repairs should be designed to direct

moisture to the outer face of the timber, and prevent

it lying on the repair joint. Wherever possible

(herefore rhe new and old timber should be Cut to an

outward sloping angle.

• Spliced -repairs should, where possible, include

mechanical foongs (dowels, screws or pins, but not

Brm !tr(W fixmg, fmm inntr fac".

nails), as well as glue. They

should be inserted from the

inside of the frame only as

shown adjacent.

Appmdix4

hilS additif}rut/

;nfonnazi(1n "n repairing a

sa.<h window. F(Jr examp/t. I>(JIV to

>ticks and how to renelV

a smhtord.

Orca] limiud 10 QUia

smion ~fsash !lilt.

joint btlwun mw alld txwing limbrr fcrmtd with ulldmUllo dirm maillurf /Owa,ds cum face of wh IIi/e.

"


/11 situ "pair to (jff o!sash window.

II I Joint bttwwl ntw IIlld tximng

limha /DrmtJ Iltbi"J li"t D/ HtrDIIf rllil.

I I

BrllSS srrtW

fix/RII.

• Any design faults or previous repairs

leading to risk of decay shou ld be

modified and not copied, and the window

should conri nue 10 work as intended. Qu/(r cill.

/ I • Work should if possible be done on

/ site. 1O avoid having to remove the frame,

D(("1/imil(d /0 oUI~r Jmicn D/ (xiJllnl (ill. R(b4/f at bau of rill filld wilb {im( 7/lo r/4r ~r mllilic

Primr and undmoat bait 0/ MU' rill.

and damaging the surrou nding wall. If

dismantling is necessary, parts should be

marked and recorded .

A

• Choose matc hing timber, as differe nt

expansion/contraction rates will risk failure" of the

;oint. The rimber should of course be well-seasoned

and free from raul,s such as shakes, fissu res, warping,

sapwood or knOts etc.

• The timber should be Vacuum impregnated or

Treared and all exposed ends well soaked in organic

solvent preservative after all cuts are made. It is very

imponant 10 seal and protect all end grain.

• Where repairs aTe made on site, the timber ends

should, after cutting, be given multiple applications

of preservative, or smothered in soaked cotwn

wool or other absorhcnt material, covered

in polythene, and left to soak in.

• Loose timber joints caused by breakdown of glue

or wedges can ofren be suengthened where the wood

is otherwise sound by inserting right-angled brackets

or plates (sec below), either on the surface or around

rhe joint. These should always be non-ferrous and

counter-sunk, and fixed with brass screws.

Loolt )IJinr;.

Bw*tI In i~l~ nilr .1"IIJ hllo,. filiI.

Br.IJ b"dtt

• fluJ 1I'lih • '-l

btlll ·rtU'i. ~

Srm ang/t I'

;",1" fi''/ .hi '. II r'i

I".~, '/1~ / Although this may see m rather technical owners

Brac*rt Iff inlO or fixtd DII JilT/au 6f limhtr u

ilflftT foft 'isal}." (IIIt",rnl.

should not be: put off. It is all relatively straight

forward for a ski lled joiner or even a handyman

with the will to do if. The list in Appendix 3

should be of use.

Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007r;~,~_ ~ . ~ ~ . - ' ,

,~ ~r ]Ji"':;u~~i _ Glass ,; ~ i

l i. . .... t.

{~~. r ~ itl Lively original glazing, Crown glass in rraditional jramt, Through most of history window glass was ,fiad~ ---.

[he same blown methods as glassware .. ¥ -i truier'

crown glass, cut from a large Rat di~wlth the

'-- ,----- Rcg!X4~&sh(iuld be dQn~using linseed oil PUllY only. "bullion" in the centre, or cylinder glass;"cut, from

an opened-out and flattened cyliocler. Tile bullion

was always the cheapest part, because of its poor

clariry.

Glass produced ill [his way had more imperfections

than wider float glass. However it has much morc

character, as can be seen by the curved marks ill

individual panes, the slight distortion of images seen

through it, and the play of light 011 the outside. It is

also (hin and delicate by comparison.

Original glass is now prized and should always be

retained. Mailllenance methods which put the glass

at risk, especially paint stri pping by heat, should be

used wid) grear care. The glass should be shielded

from direct hear and carefully protected during other

building work and not regarded as dispensable.

If glass has to be removed during repair. the putty

should first be soh-ened. An organic solvent

paint stripper or a soldering iron can be

used, but care and patience is needed

throughout this process.

Alternatively there

an: specialist firms

whi ch use a heat

softening process

for the removal of

putty without

damaging the glass.

I f metal sprip or pins arc used, a small gap should be

left be(\veen them and the glass, to avoid

damage, and [he glass should be

bedded on plltty first, to

avoid rattle and promote

wcathertighmess.

Hifa

lr; Appmdix 4

for foil dmllls on

r~-glazing timber

wimu,UJs.

Replalcemenl Glass -When replac,:ment is necessaty matching glass should

be used [0 give the same effect. but this should not be

overdone. Bullions should be avoided . Cylinder glass

is available new, and reclaimed glass can sometimes

be used. Georgian sheer glass, 3mm thick, is another

suitable product.

!n sash windows , it is important [0 take into

consideration [he weight of replacement glass if the

coumerbalanoCing weights are to work as inrended.

When glass is being PUt back in copied (ramts, it is

important to ensure the dinlcnsional accuracy of the

frame and glazing bars, so that the original

glass does not have to be cut.

Be Hire to trll the glass merchant for what purpoSl th( new pane is inunded: diffmnt thicknesses of glass art required for glazillg diffirtnt types and

sius of window.

A


_ Draughtproo!ing and Enl~rgy Saving '

The charge against [radi ciona] tim ber windows is

that they are the cause of higher beat loss, they are

draughty and leI in noise. II is easy to see why this is

so widely thought to be Irue: anything thin and

tran sp a re nt ou g ht t o b e less pro tec ti ve th an

anyming thick and solid.

/ Roof25%

Walls 35%

Windows 15% ~I"---"';;;'-o\()

Draughts 15%'-;>' "'~~;"_~~, II Ground

J

In fact only about 15% of space heat is actually losl

this way. through single gLuing and dir gap •. The

other 85% goes Ollt through the doors, roof, [he

walls. up dlC chimnq or through the tloor (see

diagram above),

10% ~"!:::rl:_:===~~~ __ ::r-~ ________________ __

Double g!aling, il has been \hown, c<ln reduct, this

heat loss but only by about half. So is the cost of

replacement double gla1..ing economic? 53\,lI1gS on

heating bills mean it rna)' rakt' 15 to 20 years to repa),

the cost of J double glaling installation. The resale

value of;l house doesn't aJw;ly~ show an increase due

[0 double gla1.ing, ? peeially if the windows :Ire of

unsympathetic design.

Pmmtagr hw loss. Unimulaud umi-drrachrd houJ(. D(,1 If EIt"" J 990.

English Heritage has made a scudy comp.Lring repair

COSIS (hased on the more complicated designs of

hi~lOrie windows, no! JUSt (he simplcst fr.lme~) with

replacement~ in PVC-u, one of the commonest

replacement matl"fiak

The figures show !lUI repairing is cheaper than

replacemcnr. If timher frames are in reasonable

COMPARATIVE COSTS OF DOMESTIC ENERGY-SAVING MEASURES Typr lmrallllfirm AnI/lid ['lIy-bf/ck

G(m Sal'iIJgs Prri()d (l) (l) (Yca.~n,-)~_

Dr.l.ughtproofing (DIY) ................................................................ 30-'i0 ... 15-40 . . ..... 1-3 DrOl.ughtproofing (Col/rractor) ................................................... 1 00-200 .......... .... 15-40 ................. 3-10 Loft Insulation (DIy) ................................................................ 120-150 ............... 60-70 ............. ... .. 2 Loft Insulation (Collrrdclor) ....................................................... 170-250 ................ 60-70 .. ..... 3-4 Interior Wall Insulation' (DIY) ................................................. 200-300 .............. 50-80 ............. 2-4 ThermoSI,uie Radiator Valves ........................................................... 108 .................... 13 ...................... 9 l\ew Condensing Boilet for unmal Heating ({J~~r prif({J!flJrui4,d /Joiln; .. 200-400 ........... 100-150 .................... 10 interior Walllnsu[at;on' (Contractor) ........ ....................... .. 1500-3000 ............... 50-80 ............... 15-20 Secondary Glazing ............. ......... .......... ... .. . ................... 1000-1500 ............... 20-23 ............... 15-20 New Double Glazing ............................................................ 2000-3000 ............... 23·30 ............... 15-25 --

( Fro ... " ...... h ,10. BMilJi", Ik-rrI> Ert.l~, J

• \" ..,lid·,...Hood h .. ",,",. imulatin~ ,nc , ... ;,j" <>( <hc~"",al wan. ""cit gIw lih",,,, ,,,,~cn1 ... ""11;...,,, btl""J pu"Cfbo;a.:J. '" ''''''1\ f~cl mJ /("m·I>KkcJ pLaot .. b<wJ. ~C)1~, I'or I>eTWttn !/) ~nd 1!s of !he prio:: of dOl1ble gI~ljng. you (ould pay (OnlraCWrI 10 inluliion imul~lion. draughtproofinj!; ~nd thcnnosmic rarlia!or ,"~I\"c; W recoup elmg)" wsts of .£')1 • .£123 per annum rod Pl}' b"CK the invcstmom ;n hllf of double glJ.1.inll·~ ply-bad< lime.

' This Kerion is bas~d M infonndfioll supp/itd by English Hmlagrs "Pr.tmlllg Opilllom~ campaign. Irafiu No.1.


Suondary doubfe glazing.

--

wod;,;on, , b,,;, omh"i, w;,J dt .h"P<OOfi'Og 0'

secondary glazi ng, wi ll provide better val ue for

money. The appearance of the house is preserved and,

for those who do their own maintenance, DIY is still

possible.

Only when frames are so badly damaged or ronen

that they need complete replacement could double

glazing be economic.

To overcome {he perception that replacement is

preferable to repair, it must be possible to show that

[he benefits of draught, noise and heal Joss reduction,

can be achieved equally wel] by less extreme means.

The major air leakages tend to occur between the

opening parts of a window alld the frame they close

against, rather t .... an through the glass (smaller ones

may occur berween rhe frame and the reveal of the

window opening). Some draughtproofers such as

mastics or foalus, simply seal the gaps. Olhers are

designed to compress within the gaps to keep the

weather out. These arc usually strip materials - fine

pile brushes or pads, rubber or polyester finned

strips, or narrow rubes. Specialist companies will

repair the windows and fit the draughlSlfipping at

(he same time (sec Appendix 3).

They are especially skilled in treating vertical sliding

sashes. which are a little more complicated, but D.I.Y.

is alsu possible for those wi(h me 6me and skills (see

Appendix 4).

For timber 3.nd metal casements a different systcm is

used. After overhauling the catches and hinges. the

opening edge of the casement is temporarily coated

with a non-stick lacquer or gel, and silicone foam

rubber seaMant pumped into the gap while the

window is shut or applied as a bead with the window

open and squeezed to the precise shape of the gap

when the window is dosed. The sealant solidifies but

only sticks 10 the non-coated frame.

Durability of even the cheapest DIY products should

be 10 years or more, and better quality ones should

last for 20 years. Because they are designed to fit into

pans not normally seen except on dose inspection,

rhe best products have far less effect on appearance

than double glazing.

Carc needs to be taken during redecoration not to

paint over the componcms. as tbis can make them

ineffective.

Lastly, the {:ontributions of heavy-duty, full length

curtains. and restored sh utters. where these have

been painted shut. should not he dismissed

altogether. The use of Stcel securirylirlsuiatiol1

shuttcrs are inappropriate and should be avoided.

At the muting rail.

Along the bot/om rail.

At the parting brad.

41 ~

Draughtstripping.

At the slajJbead.


_ Ventilation

At the orner extreme from concern about heat loss

and draughtproofing is the modern concern about

ventilation. Rooms require air to circulate, which

also a.ssists io limiting condensation. \Vhere gas fire.~

with a high combustion rating have been installed

health and safety regulations require permanent

ventilation to make the gas burn efficiently and limit

toxic emuenrs. Some ahernaLive forms of heating a re

less demanding ill this respect.

Sash windows are of course efficient ventilators as

lheir opclling can be almost infinitely adjusted.

Methods of providing ventilation which involve

cuuing and altering historic windows, or insenions in

the glass panes, cannot be advocated. If ventilation is

absolutely required less visually inuusive methods are

ro be preferred, such as sub-cill slots or air bricks

made of clay or with metal covers. Plastic covers

should not be used.

Subci!! slots art slon benrath the window

that providr permanent ~rntilatjon if heating

requirements absolutdy drmand it.

Air circulation

Individual double glazing is not applicable for windows with slender glazing bars, which cannot take two pann

Heat Loss

It has been said before that heal is lost not so milch

through the glass as through t.he gaps around the

opening. Methods are available for dealing with this

problem. Some forms of secondary glazing or double

glazing, while effective, can however be both

expensivc and unsightly.

Relatively inexpensivc aids againsT heat loss are

available which have very lirtle impact on me design

of the window and are easily removable. Such are:

• Clear perspex blinds .

• Lightly framed perspex or glass sheet screwed

behind the window, which can be removed in

summer. (If these are subdivided by glazing bars care

should be taken to ensure th~t these coincide with the

divisions of the window itself).

Old original windows can no! be ad~pted by the

introduction of sealed individual panes. The gla'l.ing

bars are nOI of sufficient depth or width to rake the

extra thickness of the glass sandwich, and in sash

windows the coumerbalanec weight is affected by the

extra weight of glass. Sealed double gla2Cd units are

similarly not compatible with replica windows (see

page 26). The methods discussed here should be used

instead.


_ R eplacements

The onJy good reason for replacing windows is that

they are completely beyond repajr. Changes driwn

by fashion or hard-sell at the expense of the

character and appearance of the building can be

costly mistakes. If replacement is necessary. limber

should be the first choice.

SOF1WOODS Cedlr

Cedar. We'tern Red.

Douglas hr ..

Hcmloclc.. W~lern.

L1t~h

Pi,ch Pine ... , .........•

Ik-d",,,,,d. Europe;w

\X'hitewood. European

y~

CAUTIONS

. ... Avoid conrJCI with tcrrOll' metals in damp c<.mdirions.

· ,\void wntau with knOll. metals on .bmp cond ir;nIlS.

. ...... .... , Suitable willI pr<",ervarive.

$ui rable with preser.advc.

S,, ;rnblc wi,h pre:;clY.nivc. c;erra;n t)'[}<!' cndJogcrro.

Suitable with p reservat ive.

Suit.lhle wilh pr~"cr"ativc.

HARDWOODS

OJk, EUfUpcan and. Amcric;m Whitt

Walnm, Mrican . ..

\Valout, Am~rjcan

Avoid U)lItact w tth fcrrott~ meTal> in Jamp conditions.

Tropical spedc.', thrcatcn~J.

TROPICAL HARDWOODS Afrorm(l~ia.

AhcliJ

!~hA.

Idigho_

Iroko ._

Kerning.

LmJn.

Mahogany, S. l\mtJ;can ..

Mahogany Air;"""

Oh",hc

S.pdc

I"ok ..

.Onr-e><.pJnitcJ.

I\void a>nUCl wilh f~rro", mewl$ in dJmp (ondirions.

Thrmlcnro and OVer cxploirro_ ,\"oid <.;(OntJl( with lerrou, mt·tals in d~mp condition •.

ConsclVdlion cOncern.

· Suitable wi,h prcserv4ti\"~ _ C:onserva,ion concern .

Certain ')-'pc.< cnd~"ge,cd_

· Thrcatclle<l in twO or mor~ toUlllri<">.

Th'~atcn~ in twO or mOre countries .

__ ..... C;:o!l"f("Vat;oll COnCCrn.

n"CJ(encd in tWO ",. nlOf<:

(""mric'.

For ova a hundred yWJ good qualiry softwood has bun used for windows in plaer of locatly grown oak w/;ich was

tradilionally used for cenfuri(s. Widtspread use of tropical hardwoods has only aris(II in tbe last flfian yWi or so.

The advanrages are not just in matrcrs of design, but

also in 'green' terms.

• Timber is a susrainable and renewable material if

cenain tropical hardwoods arc avoided (see table).

• Converting timber into a building marerial uses

less energy than any other building material, and

therefore the process generates less carbon dioxide.

• Timber is an effective insulator with high energy

efficiency.

• Timber is waste-efficient - practically all parts of

the trCC can be used or recycled.

Timber should be weU seasoned and free from faults

such as knots. shakes and warping. It should be

double-vacuum rre~ted for protection and the end

grain in joints sealed with a solvenr-rhinned wood

primer before gluing and fixing. Glue alone is not a

seal.

The tablr shows Ihe timbm SIIit,1bl( for merna! uS(, with any cautionary notes on their lise.

2.)


Replica Windows

~ Gothic

Broken Lambs Tongut

Lambs Tongut

Quadrant 511$" OvoIo

Amagal + Hollow

Bead + Holfow

Square Ovolo

A Sf/wion of the mIJT( common of the

many and varied traditional gfazing

bar mouldings.

26

By this is meant EXACT copying,

using sections of the glazing bars and

frames for accurace measuremen t

and derail. Features such as leaded

lights can usually be rescued,

repaired and built in again, and

fittings fe-used.

Aucmion should be paid to:

• ExaCt copying l)f any mouldings or

carvings on the frame; many patterns

were used for glazing bars ;ind these

should be copied f:lithfuHy.

• Exact copying of pane ~izes and

dimensions to allow for:

• Recovery and reinstatement of any

crown glass or other old gbs~ without

curring.

• Omission of horns from the meeting

rail unles, they exist, in which case any

mouldings on them should be copied,

• Sill boards should not projecr

beyond the face of (hI' sash box or frame.

• The use of traditional sash weights

and cords. Spiral balances arc generally

nOl acceptable.

• Recessing the frames in rheir

openings by the same distance as at

presem, usually 75-1 OOmm 0-4 inehe.s).

• Any form of "stick-on" moulded

substitute for glazing bar.~ is to be

avoided. The glues will in time fuil and

the integrity of the timber will be

de.stroyed.

• Sealed double gla7.ing units arc not

compatible with true replicas.

Spiral balana

,

Bracktl

Bel/om ratl ef • lown lIuh

Tub( Spira! Balanm.

Where replacements are inserted in Listed Buildings

or under Article 4 Directions, rhe local authority will

usually require to approve a spel:imen before

installation .

It is highly unlikely that off-the-peg windows can be

used, as most old windows are not consuucted to

standard modern dimensions. Broadening out the

frame to take SLICh windows is not acceptable. Apan

from its effect on appearance it shuts out more light.

Another thing to avoid (in Listed Building work

absolutely wrong) is assembling the frame and glazing

bars OUI of square section timber and cutcing the

mouldings after assembly using a router. This

requires lhe usc of thicker than normal timber for the

glazing bars and the router leaves rounded corners on

the frame - always a tell-tale sign and not an exact

teplica.

Modtr/l Timber

Two modern types to b( vigorQus& avoided.

Modan PVC-v glazmg strip


Other Designs

CASEM ENT WlNDOWS

These have a long history and should bt" regarded as a

separate window type appropriate [0 some periods

and style~ of dwelling, and not as a generally

acceptable form of replacement. They are bCHer

.------.. ' ----,

Tw() Qmptablt rxamplts of modml wtmml windows wbich hauf traditional proportiom. apptdrancr and duaih.

suited to openings without a Strong vertical emphasis,_:-. _____ ~~i •• ITI;Ii.1 though Hansom lights can he used in conjunnion

with them.

TRANSOM WlNDOWS

The type of window in which only the light above the

transom opens and the large bottom light is fixed is a

recent development. There is an advantage in that the

opening area is a slllall pan of the (mal. but it can as

a result prove difficuh [0 clean the large pane. There

is no standard depth for the transom light. which

varics from onc fl<lm~ to another. The shortcst ones

give the least satisfactory appearance to the whole

window.

Neith er of these designs should be regarded as a

substirute for sash windows.

Two atlrarth,t (astmtnl wllldow t}PU inut wrll illlo

tht optnmgs.

Unbalanced and crude types of =ments to be avoided:

Iftr) targt horiwmal fixtd pant with light jramt and small htavi& framtd opming lig/JI(s).

Also mock 'Gmgian' . va} hta? timbtr al opming.

Unbalanced and crude types of transom windows to be avoided:

Very small and htl/v} optning lights with a largt and light-wtight fixtd pallt.

A,-_. I


MOCK SASHES

As an intended substitute for rhe relatively

complicated construction of sash windows, there have

oeen attempts at "look alike" or mock sashes. These

roo have rheir drawbacks in appearance.

They are in effect transom windows, with only rhe

upper half opening. [n order to imitate sashes the

upper light overlaps the fixed lower light midway up

the window. Because the sash boxes arc not needed,

the side frames can be made thinner. The frames for

each light are usually thinner in section but

compensate by being deeper on the surface (in

elevation), The broader, thinner s«tion of rhe frames

produces an cIHircly difTercIH effect from rhe sash

window's meeting rail, with a weak rather rhan strong

shadow line. In fact rhe frames may not ev!:n

completely overlap.

The appearance of sashes is also imitated by the use of

horns, which are not appropriate to all periods of sash

window and not needed structurally on mock sashes.

As these protrude beyond the face of the building

they not only look ugly but could in some

circum$tances be dangerous.

It is possible to detail a mock sash which closely

resembles the real thing when the window is shu!.

However they are more suited to new work

historic areas and should in any case never

horns.

A

Mock sashes ar~ mm suited (on ruw

dtvtlopmmts) outsidt historic areas.

A balanced, harmonious window design requires the

same sections of timber to be used in both opening

and ftxed lights in all these designs. orherwise the thin

fixed lights and bulky frames of the opening lights

look ill-ptoponioned, and have their worst features

highlighted. Setting them forward wim the face of rhe

building tends to emphasise their poorest features.

[n manufacture it is now normal to fir the fnmes of

the lights over the outer edge of me mai n frame, even

if me light docs not open and a weather seal is nor

required. It is nOt a praCtice to be encouraged. The

frames are given a smoothed-off edge and the proce'i.S

changes the :lppearance of the windows quite

strongly. producing different shadow lines and

effectively reducing the benefit of any setback in the

reveal. or increasing exposure of rhe timber if the

I' ,


An Alternative to Timber? ,

No other material has yet shown itself ro compete

with timber for divers ity uf design and use. The

alternative which is most hel.vily marketed at presem

is PVC-u (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride), but it

fails to improve on timber in several ways.

In "green~ terms, both the production of the raw

material and manufacture of the windows are

both high energy users, and disposal , as

with other plastics. is also problematic.

D ES IGN:

• Very substantial sections nttdro

for rigidity.

• Broadness combined with thinness

produces a strong horizomal divide at

meeting rail level.

• Glazing bar mouldings can nor

be reproduced. and are often

merely Rat strips,.similar to applied

'leaded lights'.

DURABI LITY:

• T csling suggests only a IS - 20 year lifc

fo r this recendy introduced material.

• Discolouration due to the effects of ultra

violet light.

• The gaskets at joints and seals be(Ween glass and

frame are of plastic or s),mh('[ic rubber and can have a

shoner life Than the frame.

Failure of some parts, including ironmongery, can

involve replacing the whole frame.

, ;

Dnt of Ih( mOH urious shoruomings of pvc-/: is in drsign and apprdranet. P!tmi( windows art oftrn siwl fIUlh with thr frIJnt wall, subframts

and midJlr rails art buh in dimtnS/om and (an IIJIJk ollrrbtarmg whifr thi mouldings art {lat, gl!JlIlg a two dimrmionat u//Substantlal look.

\

t

A


R

CONDENSATION:

• Plascic is more prone to thermal

movement and r~(lujrt:s steel

reinforcement, with welded joints.

Poor specification can lead to water

Ingress.

VENTILATION:

• As draught-free performance i~ the

manufacturer's aim, ventilation may be a problem,

especiaJly in older buildings which require it in order

to be damp-free.

MAINTENANCE:

• This is not Do It Yourself stuff, and generally

needs to be done by professional finers, in extreme

cases requiring replacemem~.

FIRE SAFETY,

• There is a question mark over this, not JUSt the

risk of damage bUI over the release of fume~ and

diox.in~.

COST,

• English Heritage has updated and adjusted

comp,Hative costs. comparing rcpair of timber

windows with replacements In PVC-U, allowing for

the more complex designs of historic windows.

The figures in lhe adjacent table show thai repair is

cheaper than replacement. If a basic overhaul can be

carried OUI and secondary glazing or draughtproofing

fined this might be more advantageous.

Planning Policy Guidance. PPG 15 "Planning and the Historic Environmenrn

Section C49: "Thr insmion offrmorJ made >randard willdow! of all killds, whetha in rimba, aluminium, galt'dniud stut or plllStie is a/most damagillg to the chart/etfT and appwana albistorie bllildillgs. In particular, {OT WHom oj rrrrngfh, the tbicknm of framr membm lends to berTram in pla51ic or alumillium willdows than ill traditiona timber on(s. R

Department of Environment. D~partmen( of National Heritage September 1994.

Comparison (in Is) of refurbishing existing

softwood sash windows with cost of installing

modem PVC-u rcplacemenu

Existing Replacement

Inil ial Repair COstS 7500 0

Supply and Fit 0 12000

Replacement Costs 0 1104

Regular Maintenance 2007 717

Regular Redecoration

EXternal 2232 0

Internal 735 I)

TOTAL 12474 13821

Figuru {/j$/fTne (/ house with 30 window! (1760 x 1060), on a 30:}"ear mortgage a/ ,m annual inurest rail' of 1 0%.

Thil mmn II billa M wwmal J~}!lild hJ Englilh Hmrall i "framing O,j~ionJ· wnp,ign.


OTHER TYPES OF WINDOW OP

_ projecting Windows

These may be BAYS, BOWS or ORIELS and if in

timber may have either vertical sliding sash frames

or casement and transom openings which are onen

decorated with leaded lights and coloured glass in

the transom. These features are all part or the period

style in which the house was built, and should be

repaired. In particular curved glass is obtainable and

should not be replaced with straight sections.

Bay windows were designed to look sturdy. If SLOne

was not used at the change of angle, strong sections of

timber were used instead. These were necessary in

sash windows [0 house two sets of boxes for the

weights of adja~ent windows. Also the timbering

above the windows was substantial, often

decorated inventively and

rapped by a projecting

cornice moulding to

throw [he water from

the roof clear of the

window.

Too often these attractive,

decorated structures are

removed, replaced by flimsy

fdted roof constructions, with

little if any proiection, which offers

no protection to (he frames.

Timbering above the windows was often subsranlia/, duorattd invrntive& Ifnd topped by a projecting cornia moulding to

throw the waUl from rhe roof clear of the window. Brtwan the upper and Iowa bays thm wm amaaive moulded panels.

The corners are also often greatly reduccd ill section

and strength. If the roof structure is then retained. the

roof appcars ro be supportcd only by the frames,

which may indeed be true.

The correct course of treatmelll for these

windows is repair as existing.

Alterations will damage their character

and appearance, and may be

strucmrally suspect.

Attractive bow with curved glass, which should not br upload by

straight glass 1({tiolll.

A


_ Dormers

By reason of their position, p",j::;~r~~

level or on the roof slope (built

,;mbm, , ,,d lh",fo" of "'mP'~UV<lJLI:!'it

const ructio n ), d orme r win dows have ~

roofs. Flat roofs arc generally more vulne~ weath er co nditi o ns and pitched roo fs are to ~c:::::~

preFerred for this reason, as well as being of better

appearance.

In order to give protection to the sides (the cheeks) of

rhe windows. th(' roof should have a good overhang.

Many nineteenth century dormers were for this

reason also provided with bargeboards, which were

usually de<:onHed in some way. and ofren provided

with a ttmral finial.

The roof covering should usually match mat of [he

main roof. With sufficient overhang of the roof,

guttering may not be needed but if provided it can be

allowed to drain back [0 (he valley gutrer, rather than

needing a fuJI pipe . ..

If the sides are glazed or pan~glazed rhere may be an

acute angled joint between the front upright and

bottom members of the frame. which will be

especially vulnerable to water penetration and need

eXira maintenance. The rest of the cheeks may be

5Iate~hung, or dad in timber or lead sh«t.

bull]

aJrut'h~,:1~::::~·~ of both tht tnt wholr mw.

Dormrr posiri{wd on rhe roof slopt with matching slau roof, -sliding sllSh windows and part glaud sid! optnings.

These areas .ue particularly inaccessible for

maintenance and durable materials properly fixed are

advisable. I n carrying ou[ repairs it will repay ro

improve on poor original detailing if this is likely to

fail again. Special atrention to correct fixi ng and

sizing is needed if lead is being used for cladding or

nashings.

Glass used in dormers is particularly exposed and

secondary glazing may need co be considered if the

window lights a 1;>edroom or living room.

, Modtrn half dormm inmud at raViS 1m! with attractivt bargrboards.


Nineteenth century metal window in arched opening with small upper central opening toplight.

A typiral ~~iii;;~ insubstantial-looking replacement bay in alumwlum.

Mej~ al Windows

If these survive in older houses, especially in

mullioned windows, they are likely [0 be rare and

therefore should be preserved. They can still be

repaired or replicated by specialis t firms. Later

nineteenth century types are aJso likely (0 be part of

the particwar architectural style and should not he

changed. Horizontal and curved windows of the

styles of the 1920's and 30's have metal frames and

are also of in.terest and should be retained.

Problems of condensation and cold transmission have

tended (Q reduce lhe use of metal frames since then.

Therefore while historic styles should be maintained,

ir is unlikely that rhey will ever he as popular again.

To solve these problems, draughtproofing may be

required, this is [Quched on, on page 22.

Aluminium windows like steel are relatively snong

and narurally require thin sections. Their use, for

example. as replacements in bays often gives rise co

very insubstanrial-looking windows.

Inserted aluminium windows are often mounted In

hardwood sub frames; these are also inappropriate.

Symmetrical horizontal and wrved metal windows of tbe 1930\ should be retained.

R


_Leaded Windows

Glass set in lead carnes is one of the earliest methods

of glazing but was revived in the nineteenth century

not just for churches but for pictorial or ornamental

windows in houses.

Irs use was widespread in the early twentieth century -

in new housing, especially in semi-detached

speculative houses. There were many different

patterns and these often included coloured glass on

the (OP lighc. These houses are robbed of their

character if this glass is taken our. Repair .and rc-

setting is possible and is likely to be less expensive

than removing the whole window.

A fashion is being created among double glazing and

door companies for poor imitations of this design

feature as parr of their product, bur it is always better

to have the original than a replacement. In addicion,

imication leaded windows can also look out of place

in the modern standard house rype.

f*,~~'!'~ ";:~Q-:,~j~;;;~~~<,""";'!of' .~-- -- .--- ........ ----

. "

AFTER

Modern replacement lacking detail and liveliness of original.

Class set in lead carnes with a stone mullion in a sixteenth century building.

BEFORE

Traditional early twentieth century leaded window with attractive coloured glass in top light.


- Rooflights

Traditional forms of rooflight can be as simple as a

plain sheet of unframed glass fLXed between slates.

On old pan tiled roofs it is possible to come across

glass pantiles, which maintain the tiles' profile. Over

staircases in large houses quite elaborate glazed

structures can be found, and in the nineteenth

century, iron-framed lights were incroduced, often

with puUey and ratchet opening mechanisms.

Modern rooflights are made in a very wide range of

sizes, allowing adaptation of roof space~. Visually

these present (wo problems when used in old

buildings. They replace large areas of slating or

pantiles with plain glass and therefore affect the

appearance of the house, and they usually have a

bulky structure in order to carry the weight of large

panes of unbroken glass, to allow for opening and a

high upstand for waterproofing.

Model'lI rooflight with a low profile and traditiollal character correctly set into the rooJ pitch.

Consequently they are not to be encouraged on

prominenrly visible roof slopes in the open country,

on Listed Bui ldings and in Conservarion Areas.

Reproductions of nineteenth century designs are

available which can provide quite large, subdivided,

glazed areas (up to 1230 x 920

mm) but have a low profile

and improved water

protection. Modern designs

have also now achieved a low

profile which does not project

above the slating or tiling of

the roof, but are at present

restricted in size.

Details of firms that provide

these rooAighrs are included in

Appendix 3.

A proliferation oj rooflights as shown should be avoided, Rooflights should be restricUd to concealed rooJ slopes or other unobtrusive positions and fitted Rush with the rooJ covering. The rooflights should be restricted in number and size.


- w DOWS SUITABLE FOR NEW DEV~_OPMKNT

- w ...... · ................................

36

Ne w Houses and Extensions

One of the most important decisions to be made in

designing a new house or extension concerns the

proportion, placing and design of windows.

Three principles should guide this decision:

• The window design should always be considered

as part of the whole building.

The fenestracion pattern, rhe design and detailing

should complement the scale, proponions and

materials of the dweIling's whole elevation. Windows

in extensions should match the design and detailing

of the existing openings.

• Window design should attempt [0 respect the

character of adjacent properties or buildings in the

surrounding area. Appropriate detailing and styles

may be carefully included in the new development.

• New windows should provide visual interest and

be well designed . They should add quality and

vitality to the srreerscene and the surrounding area.

Ideally, the same approach should be taken whether

the new development is in a historic rown, a

Conservation fuca, a new housing estate or a former

mining village. A universal approach without [he

"anything goes'" attitude rowards window design will

benefit the whole county, progressively improving

standards.

F rom both a practical and a visual point of view it is

always beuer ro set the windows back 75 - 100 mm

within the reveals. The scrring back of windows was

tradionally done for very good reasons - to protect the

frames from exposure to weather and to provide light

and shadow in the appearance of the building.

Modern joinery needs JUSt as much proteccion and

lively elevations are srill needed - so the principle is

still very relevant and worth adopting.

The thin, integral projecting sills of modern windows

cannot be used alone if the windows are set back - a

projecting masonry sill is needed.

, , ~


_ Development in Conservation A

The law distinguishes berween Conservation Areas

and other places. Local authorities are required to

determine which parts of their area are of special

architectural or historic interest, the character of

which it is desirable to preserve or enhance and [0

designate them as Conservation Areas.

The designation of a Conservation Area brings not

only recognition of the special environmental qualilY

of that area but also srability from detrimental

change. It does 11m mean that change is prevented

altogether but any proposals for change will be

expected to make a positive contribution to the

character of the area.

When determining any planning application relating

to a Conservation Area, the Local Planning Authority

will give careful consideration to the design and derail

of windows in ~ny new building Ot alterations to

windows in exisring buildings. This is

-~ Alterations to e~;~~rt1~~;~~j;h with the existing b, special qtlalitill.

to ensure thar rhe proposed changes are in character

with the existing buildings in [he area and that the

appearance accords with rhe area's special qual.iries.

The applicant may be required to make alterarions to

the derails or the general window design as a

conseq uence.

Again, some principles can be stated:

• Stained hardwood, aluminium and PVC-u

windows should be avoided. ExternaJ joinery should

normally be of timber in an appropriare traditional

style.

Vertical sliding sash, Yorkshire (hor izonral )

sliding sash or side hung casements are all

suitable seyles .

r' ! • Traditional window proportions and

shapes should be used as a basis for

design .

• Don ' t remove the decorated

mullions in paired or triple sashes,

which have a structural as well as a

visual purpose.

It is important to .!~ive careful cOlllideration to the design and details oJ windows in existing buildings.

A


External joinery in new hOllses in COllServation Areas should be of timber in an appropriate style. The design should be of high quality.

• Windows should be recessed into their openings,

preferably by 75 - IOOmm. It is desirable to have a cill

and lintel in stone or brick where appropriate.

• Staining and varnishing of timber is not

appropriate. New frames must be finished with a top

coat of gloss paint.

• Careful conside ration shou ld be given {Q the

design of the glazing bars and detailing of any

mouldings on the frame.

• While secondary glazing and draughtproofing are

acceptable for the reasons outlined in earl ier secrions,

and will more easily mainrain rhe character of the

area, double glazing un its may not always be

considered appropriate unless the ir inherent design

drawbacks arc overcome, using windows which are

more sympathetic in design and materials.

Windows which differ from rhe established

traditional sryie!s may be acceptable in a Conservation

Area where they form parr of an integrated design of

high qualiry.

In some Conservation Areas, where Article 4

Directions are in force, specific consent may be

required to replace windows (please refer to

Legislation, page 43). If you live in a Conservation

Area it is always advisable (0 check with your Lac1.1

Planning Office before taking any action to replace

your windows.

:~-

In Conservation Areas careflll consideration should be given to the design of the glazing bars and detailing of the mouldings on the frame.


_ Listed Buildings

Alterations to Listed Buildings which affect their

his£Oric or architectural character require Listed

Building Consent. Alterations to window openings

and frames naturally require this consent.

Applications are considered against guidance laid

down by English Heritage and based on this. the

alterations of the following types will not usually be

approved:

Replacement of frames to a different pattern. Repair

or, as 3. last resort, duplication is always preferable.

(Exceptions may be made if these are replacements for

inappropriate later windows, inserted normally in [h,e

last thirty years. and clear visual evidence exists of the

original window type).

Enlargement, alteration or moving of window

openings. Historic buildings otten show a sequence of

changes up to the time they were listed and generally

attempts should not be made to "restore" the building

to a particular period of its existence or other equally

I -'

\

1

, J

Alterations to window openings and frames in Listed Buildings require Listed Buildillg Consent as they

will affect the historic and architectural character.

important parts of irs history may thereby be

lost. Appearance is important bur historical

Olurhenticity is equally so.

Further advice on lhe law of historic

buildings and Conservation Areas is

givef1 In more derail under

Legislation on page 43.

Historic buildings often show a sequence of changes up to the time they were listed.


_ Conversion of Historic Agricultural Bui

A

The County has a large number of historic farm

buildings which are at present under threat from

disrepair. Unsympathetic conversions to new uses

which are incompatible with their simple form and

setting are unlikely to be allowed. Experience has

shown that residential use with all its window

openings is more 1amaging than alternative uses for

agricultural buildings,

The very nature of some agricultural buildings, with

their large areas of stone and brick walls and stone

Ragged or pall tiled or slated roofs uninterrupted by

The size, position and pattern of the window and door

openings in agricultural

buildings which are so distinctive must

be retained,

\ l- f ! I -/ ~ ',- J... T '

r

1 .., A {

( 'i:ri -:1" !l.1

-~'

Sympathetic convmions to new uses should be

compatible with the existing simple farm

details and openings,

windows or rooflights, makes many almost

completely unsuited to residential use. Recent advice

from the Department of Environment and English

Heritage is strongly against further residential

conversIOn.

Conversion of redundant farm buildings, whether to

residential, small office or craft use, will necessitate

some changes to openings, but these should not be

such as to alter the ovei"all character of the buildings.


Cansheds and hay byres, with their doors at first

floor level, originally intended for loading straw and

grain for winter storage. and large cart doors

sometimes extending through the full height of the

building may be more suitable for conversion as they

provide more potential for window and door

openings. Orncr openings within these farm buildings

may be suitable despite varying in size and being

randomly placed. Unglazed windows with solid

boarded shurrers and partially glazed windows with

'hit and miss' ventilators and some windows which

were comp letel y glazed (quite comm~n in this

County) often with Hoppers, can be easily convened

to an ahernarive lise

without changing [he

overall character.

'Breathers' which

were small venriiation

slits in farm buildings.

often arranged in a

decorative parrern,

can provide small

panels of additional

Design Guidance

Much of the general design guidance already given in

this booklet will apply to farm conversions. A

conversion ... ..,ill only be permirred where the scheme

complies with the following criteria:

• Alterations to the existing fabric should be kepr ro

a minimum .. Existing openings should be used and

their size and proportion retained, any new openings

should be restricted to the minimum required to

make the building habitable.

• The generally high ratio of solid wall to opening

should be retained. Some elevations which may have

been completely solid should

remain uninterrupted by

openings of any kind if

possible.

• The size, position and

pattern of window and door

openings in agricultural

buildings which are so

distinctive must be retained.

Vertical and horizontal

light {Q the converred

fatmbuilding.

Alterations to the existing fabric should be kept to a minimum.

(Yorkshire) sliding sash

windows and casement

41


42

The small original left hand Jection of the farm group hal been unaltered while the Tell oflhe buildingl have had a numb" of umympathetic alteraliollJ. In addition to the roof being raised and concrete tilel and rend" being uJed to replace ltone flags and stonework, there have been a number oj unsuitable new windows, for example dormers, casementl and PVC-u top hung openingl.

openjngs arc likely to be (he mose suitable provided

that they are fairly robust in style. Glazing bars should

normally be used to break up the glazed area. All

windows should be set well into openings to reduce

the overall impact. All stone and brick cills and limels

must be rerained.

• Timber work in farm buildings was traditionally

painted: dark blue, maroon or green, brown or black

and occasionally brtghr red. These colours and creamy

white are to be preferred to staining. which should be

avoided, especially in the reddish-brown range.

A sympathetic Conversion.

An unsympathetic Conversion.

• Inrfllsive suburban alteration such as domestic

style external joinery, vclux rype roof windows and

dormer windows are unacceptable and must be

avoided.

• The roofscape should be left as ulHouched as

possible. Whilst a rooAight can be a useful alternative

to a new window, a proliferation of such openings

should be avoided.

A Conservation Rooffight fined flush with the roof

and resrriC(cd 1:0 a conccaled roof slope or unobtrusive

position would be the most suitable. This should be

restricted (0 the smallest size required to give

adequate ven[ilation.

In addition to havin~ the original buildings roof height, materials and wall covering left inttlct, the number of new openings has been kept to a minimum and tbe design and materials are in keeping witb the existing windows.


----.. _ LEGISLATI~'''·~L.~''

The law as it applies to , 1; ·~Oiiii'

IF A BUILDING IS LISTED

Alrerations [Q imcoduce a differem design of glazing

or opening method, to enlarge windows or create new

ones ro a Listed Building, will always require Listed

Building Consent. This applies ro any window, front,

back or side or within {he roof space ~ no distinction

is made by (he law. Consent is granted on application

to the Local Planning Authority I District Council,

and there is no fee unless planning permission is also

required.

You can read more about this in rhe County

Council's leafler "LISTED BUILDINGS". Ir should

be noted that fines can be imposed for unauthorised

work.

IF A BUILDING IS NOT LISTED

Some kinds of work co windows in unlisted buildings

may need planning consent. Again, rhe Local

Authority I District Council will advise.

PLANNING PERMISSION

Planning permission is needed for certain works to

houses, including extensions beyond cerrain limits.

These limits are stricter in Conservation Areas, Areas

of Outstanding Natural Beauty and for terrace

houses. If new windows or alterations to existing ones

form part of such work, they will require consent.

You should always check your particular case with

the Local Planning Authority.

to carry out any the windows of a

~fit4;ftt,~ldillK then YOIl will . Consent.

If planning permission is required the local authority

will seek a high standard of window design. Windows

should strive to match the style. details and materials

of existing and adjacent openings.

Dormers may need planning permiJlion if they extend above the highest point oj the existing roof or extend beyond the plane of the existing roof line that faw a highway.

DORMERS AND ROOFUGHTS

The enlargemel1[ of a dwelling house by use of the

roof space may need consent if the work exceeds the

highest point of the roof, or extends above the

existing roof slope on the side froming a highway, or

is of morc than a certain cubic capacity. The form of

daylightjng proposed and its effect on me character of

the building will be taken into account.

A


Bay windows may need planning permission if

the window extension is nearest to any highway

which bounds its curtilage,

BAY WINDOWS ....... -

The addition of a bay windov.r may need consent -if

any pan of it would be nearu any hifhway which

bounds its curtilage than the original dwelling house,

or nearer than 20 metres ro the highway, which ever

R

is nearest.

IN CONSERVATION AREAS

Within Conservation Areas where the locaJ planning

authority has approved what is called an «Article 4

Direction", permission may need [0 be obtained for

any window alterations covered within that area.

These Directions are made to prevent progressive

erosion of [he area's character due to harmful

alterations and to reverse what has been done as the

opportunity arises. They are quite oftcn used in

conjunction with grants schemes, though they are

increasingly seen as desirable in themselves.

Your local planning authority will be able ro tell you

if you live in a Conservation Atea, if a Dt,t'~ction

applies, and what features are comrolled by It. [t is

important ro find this out because comrol ~ also,

extend, for instance, to doors, roofs, porc;~:b painting.

Existing owners are informed when their propeftYl i~'

either listed or covered by a Direction. The IO(:'af

searches should also reveal this information when

houses change hands.

GRANT - AIDED WORK

English Heritage and [he Local Authorities set

standards for work to whjch they are contributing by

way of grant aid, even if planning or Listed Building

Consent is not specifically required. These standards

have been set out in this leaflet. Your Local Authority

will be able to tell you where such grams are available.

ADVICE

One of the messages of this guide has been that good

design matters. The guide also sets out good current

practice which is followed by local authorities in

dealing with applications. The advice will maimain

[he value of your property at the lowest possible cOSt

to yourself and will preserve, in the public imerest,

the appearance and character of the building itself

and the area in which it is situated.

Further advice on any design maners is always

obtainable beforehand from the Loca l Planning

Authority (your District Council) or, through them,

from the specialist Design and Conservation Team

in the Environment Department. Durham County

Council. Appendix 2 provides the relevant addresses.

In certain towns within the County grant aid may be eligible for structural repairs to older buildings, this work includes sympathetic

repair and restoration work to windows and doors,


Suggestions for Further Reading

BOOKS R. W. Bmnskill "!IIlIstrrued Handbook o/Vernacular Ar,/)itrctlire" Faber and Faber 198ft

R. \Y!. Brunskill "Traditional Buildings o[Brittlin" Victor GoJlanez 1981.

F. Palmer Cook "Talk to mt o/Windows" W.H.Allen 1971.

John Prizeman "Your HOlIse- The Outside View" IlurchinsonofLondon 1975.

PERIODICALS AND JOURNALS Architectural History (Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians) "Tbe origin o/the rash window" H. J. Louw 1983.

Contcxt (Journal of the Associa tion of Conservation Officers) "Campaigningfor real windows" Anne Holden March 1992.

Guardian Education "Windows" Ruth Coleman 26/10/1993.

Traditional Homes Maga7.ine "SkylighTS and Dormers" Dr R. W. Brunskill November 1986.

"Sash Windows, Pari 1 and 2" Amhony Curtis, John Fidler and Ivan Hall O Q;ober 1984, November 1984.

"Insulnting Sash Windows" ]. Fidler.

"Under Attack. The corrosioll of leaded liglJ!1" J. Fidler and the Lead Development Association August 1988.

''Breeze Blocking" J. Fidler February 1992.

"Growing Panes" Roher! Hamlin Smith and Kit Wedd June 1988.

"At the Ironmongers" Tony Herbert May 1988.

"Replnament leaded lights" Tony Herbert February 1992.

"f.ockwise" Alben Jackson July 1992.

'Vgbt Repairs, milintenanct of tended lights" Alben Jackson October 1992.

"Old Windows ~ slllling the glass" lain McCaig February 1988.

''StdinedforSubtlety'' Sheila Mole June 1987.

"'Growing Pants. Stained glass" Caroline Swash April 1986.

"Classl1nd Class" Michael Thornton July 1991.

"Bows and Bays" Kathleen Wan January 1987.

'\Xfhich'Magazine "Window shopping" September 1990.

I ) 'BLICATI NS BY

ENGLISH HERITAGE "The Rl'pair ofHis(oric Buildings. Advice on principles lind methods" Christopher Brereton 1991.

"Framing Opinions" Conservation Bulletin JUlle 1991.

"Fmming Opinions" 1993.

Conservation Area Practice 1993.

TECHNICAL LEAFLETS Building Research Digest 306 "Ventilntion Considemtiom" Watford 1987.

Building Research Digest 319 "Milterials, coSts and benefits" Watford 1 989.

Energy Efficiency Office "Prtl(ticai Energy Projtct" Dept. of Encrgy 1989.

Northern Consortium of Housing Authorities "UPVC windows ~ tbe facts" Independent Repon 1988.

ADVICE LEAFLETS The Georgian Group "TIll' Georgidfl Group Guide No I: Windows" London.

S. P.A.B. "7I)(! Repllir of Wood Windows, tee/mical pampMet 13" Andrew Townsend and Martyn Clarke.

The Victorian Society "Number One: Doors" Kit Wedd 1992.

PLANNING AND LISTED BUILDING LAW Town and Count ry Planning Act 1990

Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990

Town and Country Planning General Development Order 1988

Planning Policy Guidance PPG 15 "Planning and tbe Historic Enllironmcnt" Department of Environment and Departmclll of National Heritage September 1994.


ApPENDIX 2

TRADE ADVISERS! CONTACTS British Woodworking Federation 82 New Cavendish Sneer, London WIM BAD. Telephone (0171) 580 5588.

The British Society of Master Glass Painters Conservation Commirree, c/o Sarah Brown, Fortress House 23 Savile Row, London WIX 2JQ. Telephone (017l) 973 3088

The Building Research Establishment Bucknalls Lane, Gamon , Warford, Hens \VD2 7JR. Telephone (01923) 664664/664098

British Wood Preserving and Damp Proofing Association Building N° 6, The Office Village, 4 Ranford Road, Srrauord, London ElS 4EA Telephone (018I) 519 2588

Draughtproofing Advisory Association PO Box 12, Haslemcre, Surrey GU27 3AN. Telephone (01428) 654011

Siavo PO Box 1295, Balh, BAI3TJ. Telephone (01225) 445387

The Building Conservation Directory 66 Srrathleven Road, London SW2 SlB. Telephone (0171) 738 6462

The Glass and Glazing Federation 44~48 Borough High Street, London SEI IX8. Telephone (017 1) '!o03 7177

The Lead Sheet Association S{ John's Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9XA. Telephone (0 1892) 513351

Timber Research and Development Association Srocking Lane, l-lighenden Valley, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshirc HPI 4 4NO. Telephone (01494) 563091

ADVISORY SOCIETIES Association of Conservation Officers 24 Middle Street, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 IOZ. Tdephone (01453) 753949

The Georgian Group 37 Spital Square, London El GDY. Telephone (0171) 377 1722

SocielY for Protection of Ancient Buildings (S I)AB) 37 Spiral Square, London E1 60Y. Telephone (0171) 377 1644

;i:;;=:";"i,~

T

SPAB Northern Office The King's Manor, York YOI 2EI'. Telephone (01904) 433978

Save Britain's Heritage 68 Banersea High Street, London SWII 3HX. Telephone (0 17 1) 228 3386

The VielOrian Society 1 Priory Gardens, Bedford Park, London W4 I IT. Telephone (0181) 9941019

Northern Architectural Advisor The Victorian Society Environmemallnstitute, Greaves School, Bolton Road, Swinton, Manchester M27 lUX Telephone (016 1) 727 9611

Twentieth Cenrury Society Environmenrallnstirute, Bolron Road, Swinron, Greater Manchester M27 2UX. Telephone (0161) 793 9898

Vernacular Architectural Group 16 Falna Crescent, Coron Green, Tamworth, Staffordshire B79 8JS. Telephone (01827) 69434

ENGLISH HERITAGE Framing Opinions Keysign House, 429 Oxford Street, London WI R 2HO. Telephone (0171) 973 3666

Main Office Fortress House, 23 Savilc Row, London WIX lAB. Telephone (0171) 973 3000


DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT (Central Office) 2 Marsham Street, London SWI r 3EB. Telephone (0171) 276 0900

DEPARTMENT OF NATIO~~~= HERITAGE 2-4 Cockspur Sneet, London SWI Y SOH. Telephone (017 t) 211 6000

CIVIC TRUST 17 Carlton House Terrace, London SWI Y SAN. Telephone (0171) 930 0914

ROYAL INSTITUTE OF BRITISH ARCHITECTS (RIBA) 66 Porrland Place, London WI N 4AD. Telephone (0171) 5805533

f , ..

LOCAL AUTHORITIES Director of Environment, Durham Coumy Council, County Hall, DURHAM DHI 5UQ. Telephone (OI91) 386 4411

Chief Environmental Services Officer, Derwcntsidc District Council, Civic Centre, CONSETT DH85JA. Telephone (01207) 580 580

Oirccwr of Planning, Wear Valley District Council, Civic Cemre, CROOK DLl5 9E5. Telephone (01388) 765 555

Deparrmenr of Technical Services, City of Durham, City Planning Office, Ruth First House, Providence Coun, Clayparh, DURHAM DHlIXE. Telephone (0191) 3866111

Director of Operations, Chester Ie Sneer District Council, Civic Centre, Newcastle Road, CHESTER LE STREET DH33UT. Telephone (0191) 3871919

Environmental Services Officer, Easington District Council, Council Offices, Seaside Lane, EASINGTON PererIee SR83TN. Telephone (0191) 527 0501

Director of Environmental Services, Teesdale District Council, 43 Galgate, BARNARD CASTLE DLI28EL. Telephone (01833) 690 000

Director of Planning and Technical Services, Sedgefield District Council, Green LlIle, SPENNYMOOR DL166JQ. Telephone (01388) 816166

Deparrment of Development Services, Darlington Borough Council, Town Hall, DARLINGTON DLi 5QT. Telephone (01325) 380 651


~ ApPENDIX 3 ~

SPECIAHS'I' Sl}PPL1IERS

JOINERY, MANUFACTURERS JLg BW, It I

AND REPAIRS ~~~p~:'~:~N'~~~~1D"f,""DU~Q~ This list includes only local firms thought or known to have Lowe & Simpson i the capabiliry to meet lhe standards set out in the guide. Arkgrove Industrial Esta te, ,m "St~, n & •. ,.

Th f Tderhon~ (01(,42) 677[81

ere are 0 course many others both locally and nationally. Only firms in other parts of the country which otTer E A Nelson I ~ specialised work have been included. Linlc:burn [lldumi~1 ESI~tc:, l..ani{lty ~r' 0 r~l aIB' R & BH Alderson Tdephon~ (0191) 378 0891 ~ ~ Whitehouse: Lam', Ushaw Moor, Durham . Ray Lumb, Olympia Buj~"-=~=~ __ Tdcphonc (0191) 373 0393 Omvcm Sm:et, Blackhall, Consett DH8 8LS.

Telephone: (01207) 502068 Roben Armslrong I R Vicmri:l Rmd. Barnard Castle:. T elc:phon.: (0 1833) 6388}0

Atkin.~on's

Coach & Hones Yard, Ver.: Road. Barnard Castl.: DLl2 RAD. Tdephone (01833) 637093

C R Atkinson B\Jm~"<! Ruad, Aydiffe Industrial Estate. Newton Aydiffc DLS 6HQ. Tckphonc (01325) 313247

Alan Barras Work-hops, Gibson Sueer, Bishop Auckland. Telephone (01388) 777307

Bishop Auckland Glazing Co. 51 Railw:1Y Srreet, Bishop Auckland DLl4 7LR. Telephone (01388) 609942

Blair Joinery Ltd. 9 Baker Sm:eL Greenock, SCOIland PAIS 4TU. Telephone (01977) 671320

Ch ris Brown Joinery II ScotC Road, Bishop Auckland DL14 61'H. Telephone (01388) 662454

Butterfly \'Voodcraft 4 Barringron Sueer, J oromo, Bishop Auckland 0L14 7SA. T ekphone (01388) 662165 Fa:... (01388) 601516

G Coatswonh Srobb Green Sawmill, Eggleston. Telephone (01833) 650313

Fletcher Joinery 36 Haughron Green, Darlington DLl 2DF. Tdephone: (01325) 357347

G R W Builders 3 Blair Grove:, fli~hop Auckland. Tdcphonc (01388) 604874

T M Gibson Jorrocks Works, Hamsterley Hall, Itowbnds Gill NE39 I NJ. Telephone (01207) 542.%/j

R Greenwell & Co Ltd. :3 St Lawrenct' Road. Newca.-.tle upon Tyne NE6 lAP. Telephone (0191) 265 6006

Gus Robinson Developments Stanton Hous.:, Wesl View, Hanlepool. (ComaCl Alan Brown). Telephone (0 1429) 234221

Alan l-Ieavisides 8 Market Place, Barnard Gsde. T dephl>l\C (01833) 690605

J W Blacken Ooinery) Lrd. The Chapd, High Street, Bishopton. SlOcholl on Tees TS21 1 EZ. Telephon~ (01740) 630364

S Supply Only SF Su pply & Fix

The OriginaJ Box Sash Window Company Th.:Joinery. Unit 10, BridgewaterWa),. Windsor, Berks. SL4 lRD. Telephone (0175}) 8581%

Preston Joinery Ltd. W;tlwn A"enue, North Shields. Tel.:phone (0191) 257 0776

Sam SpaJdin Lid. 1-7 Han Lane, Harrlepool TS2G 8RJ. Telephone (01429) 274005

Stelling Joinery Green Cop,~e Farm, High Etherley, Bishop Auckland 0L14 OLT. Telephont· (01388) 832792

T anfidd Brothers Margrove Park, Guisbrough. T dephone (01287) 653724

Tees Wood Cabinet Makers and Joiners Unil 4C, Montalbo Road Industrial Estat~, Barnard CaStle DL12 8ED. (Contact T 13 Burrlu). Telephone (018.33) 690554 or6379 11

T eesdale Joinery Ltd. Unit SA. Gas Lane, Middlewn in Teesdalc. Telephone (01833) 640835

TynesideJoinery Unit 71. I'em~rron Road Industrial f:.sIW!", BbckhilL Tekphone (01207) 507531

H Graham Walker The Grove, Bowes DLl2 9HL Telephone ({J1833) 628217

David We:e:ks Mount House, Moum Lane, Spring'A'dl, Gatcshcad NEI 7HQ. Telephone (0191) 416 7364

Windowcare S~tellls Ltd. Unit E, Sawtry Business Park, Glallon Road. Sawn)" Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PEI7 5SR. Tdephnne (01487)830311

ROOFLIGHTS The Conselv.ltinn Rooflighr S R 0 The Old Stables, Oxlease Farm, Filkins, Lechladc, Glouctmrshire Gl7 3RB. Telephone (01367) 85313

M A Hancock SF Crabbe Farm, Lenham Heath. MaidslOne, Kent MEI7 2JJ. Telephone (01622) 858320

Velux eVA Tf:ldilional Rooflights S Woodside Way, Glenrodt~ East, Fife KY7 4ND. Telephone (01592) 772211

R Repllir o D rll ugh t pro ofi ng


METAL AND LEADED WINDOWS Bishop Auckland G lazing Co. SF R 51 R~ilWly Street, Bi~hop Au(kland DL14 71R. Telephone (01 J88) 609942

Crinal Windows lid. SF SpringwooJ Drive, Brainrrcc. L~~x eM? 7YN. Tc:lcphonc (01376) 324106

Fanlights S R <) BellcmolHc Road, Frodsham, Cheshire. Telephone (01928) 735777

Lanice Windows S R l:iddinglOn F:!rm, Monks unc, Fiddington, GlouccSlcrshirc

GL20 7BJ. Tdcphont (01684) 299222

Des Wesl Le igh lid. SF R Unit 13, Minwonh Industrial Park, SUllon Coldficld 876 SOH . Tc:lcrhonc (Olll) 232 0030

StallIon Lcadtd Light Window, SF R 36 George Street, WeslOn Super Marc Avon.

Telephone (01934) 416507

S~ined Glass and Period Gluing Co. SF Warryfidd Barn, Walford. Ross on Wye, Hereford HR9 SQW. T c:lcphone (01989) 566331

CROWN AND SPECIAL GLASS Creative Glass SF 140A Rcdland Road. BristolllS6 6YA. Telephone (0117) 9737025

Ilariley Wooll and Co. Ltd. S Ponouello Glasswurks, Monkwc:trmouth, Sunderland SR6 OON. Tdephone (0 191) 567 2506

The London Crown Glass Co. I.ld. S Pyghllc House, Misoourne Avenue:, Gerr.uis Cross, Buck.). SL9 OI'D. T eiephonc: (01494) 87 1966

STAINED GLASS Bishop Au.ckland G lazing Co. SF R 51 R:\ilway Sln~et, Bishop Auckland 01.14 7LR. Telc:phon~ (01388) ~9942

Chri ~ C hesney SF R 2 The WOOl-Bands, Warkworrh. Northumberla.nd.

r dephonC' (0645) 71 1 5:B

Michael Davis SF R

I BrAndon Village, Bi.l.ndon D H7 8ST. l"elt'phondOI91) 378 0414

IJdcrs Walker Millican Sf Sundcrbnd Road, Gau.'shl:ad. Telq,hone (0191) 477 7333

Goddard and Gibbs Studios SF 41·49 Kingsland Rood, London E2 8AO. T ele:phone (0171) 739 6563

IWfLrd. S F R 78A CIJywll Ruad, Jesmond. Newcastle upon Trne NEt 3Ell. Telephone (0191) 281 0945

BridgetJames SF R 16 Guwan )C'rr-ace Ncw~lle upon Tyne NF2 21'S. TdC'pllOne (O19!) 2810027

Kymes Siained G lass Studio Sf R ~ 60 Gilkes Sm"t: t, Mlddlc:sbrough TSI %H Telephone (01642) 242612

Siained Glass and Period Gta7.illg Co. Sf Warryficld Barn, Walfon.l, Russ un Wye. Hereford IIR9 ';QW Telephone (01989) 566331

KEY, s Supply O"Iy SF '"' Sllpply & Pi."!:

DRAUGHTPROOFING STRIPS AND SEALS Lakeside Products SF R Kingston Hill, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey. Telepholle (0171) 549 5284

Mighton Products SF R PO BOll I, S.lffron Walden, Essc:x CBIO 10J. Telephone (01799) 531011

Se.uma.ster Ltd. SF R Bre:wery Ro~d, Pampisford, Cambridge CB2 4HG.

Tdephone (01223) 832851

Slott Seal Lrd. SF R Fleming Ruad, EariSTree;s Industriall::St:lte, Corby, Nonhampwnshirc NN17 lTV. Tdc:phone (01 536) 2005')5

VentroUa Lid. SF R ')1 Tower Street. H~rrogale. Nonh Yorkshire HG I 1 HS. Telephone (01423) 567004

IRONMONGERY Dorothe~ Ltd. S Pearl House, Hardwick Sm.'Ct, Buxton, Derby SKI7 61-10. Telephone (01298) 79121 '2

Forgeries S The Old Butchery. Twyford. Winch~ter, H ams 5021 IRF. Telephone (01962) 712196

Graeme Hopper SF Croft Forge, 18 North View, Hunwiek. Telephune (01388) 603265 I 606096

8 Russell sr Little NI."Wsham Forge. Winslon. Tdcphone (01833) 660547

RSimpson SF Hanford H ouse, 48 Darlington Rood. We:.t Auckland. Telephone (01388) 832380

Robert Snell and Company S 32 Green Park M('ws, Balh, Avon SAl lJD. Telephone (01225) 21867 ( 317911

D T .ulcntire SF WhealsheafFnrge. lngleton. Telephone: (01325) 730307

ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE Aladdin's CavC' S 16 Lc:aztS Park Road, Newcastle upon Tyne. Telephone (0 191) 2616474

Civil Engineering Developments S 99- 113 Bowesncld L1ne, BF indu51ri:l1 Estate, Stocktoo on Tees rSU! 3AH . Telephone (01642) 60';191

Coruervation Building Products Ltd. S Furge Lane:, Cradley Heath, Warley, Wal Midlands 864 SAL Telephone: (01384) 564219

S Dowson S Byrhorne Farm. Wylam NE41 8ED. Tclephone (01661) 8';3 I 95

Edinburgh Arehiteclura.l S.uvage S Unit 6, Coupl:r Sireet, Leith, Edinburgh 1£1 16 6H H . Telephone (0131) 554 7077

The lcndon St~ined Glass Re:posirory S 42--49 Kingsland Road, London E.2 BAO, Telephone (0171) 739 6563

Shiners Archilcctural Reclamation S 123 Jesmond Road, Newcasde upon Tyne. Tele:phune: (0191) 2617176

Andy TllOrntOn S Marshfield Mills, Dewsbury Ruad, Eiland. West Yorkshire, Telephone: (01422) 375595

R Repair o • DI'aughtprooj'illg


ApPENDIX 4

BASIC REPAIRS TO SASH WINDOWS This sheet deals with basic repairs which will keep sash windows working as they should and prolong their life.

Renewing a sash cord

IF one cord needs renewing then the chance.'i are that the other three will soon need replacing roo, so consider fining new cords all round if one has broken.

Prise out the pocket fro, rj\! borrom, pull the weight out of rhe compartment, untie rhe cord and discard i1. Clear the debris from the compartment.

Starring in the centre use old chisel to prise our one the long staff (inner) heads.

Take a small weight rid -co r length of string, rhe other end of which is tied to your new sash cord, and pass the weight over the pulley imo rhe the compartment. Ease the cord into reach and tic it to the sash weight.

Hold rhe inner sasg~nl place at the bonant .t and do rhe same for all

inner sash, bur with the weight at the IOp. The mark on Ihe frame should be level with the bottom of rhe cord groove when rhe sash is closed. With the weight JUSt below the pulley Cut level with the mark or allow

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for a kilO[ ifrhis is required.

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Swing lhe inner sash cle~ jke the nails om where they hold the cord in the side grooves, sec diagram 7 below, and remove the sash from rhe opening. Prise OUt the parring bead (sec page 7) - don't worryifit breaks, it is easy to rep!ace~ and remove the outer sash similarly.

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~9 get lhe right cord Je6gth for the outer sa,;h hold in place rhe sash to the top, with the weight near the bottom, measure the distance from the top of the pulley [Q the bottom of the cord groove (extra cord will be required if it is knorted) and mark it OntO the side of the

box. Pull the cord so the weight is clear of the bottom of the companment and cur the cord level wirh the mark. Tie a large knot in the end of rhe cord so the weight cannot pull it over the pulley.

Within the frame you ca'l either nail the cords in the grooves, leaving the top couple of inches free of nails. or, if your window has a special section in the groove, you c.1n knot the cord.

Dam:lged beads can bc replaced, but take a sample 10

the timber merchant to be sure you buy the same profile. Fix with new pins.


Curing a window that is painted shut

Curing a window that sticks

If a window is painted shur, gcnrly rap the arca between the sash and the beading with a sriff pallcne knife. If this does nOt work, the knife can be hit with a mailer but great care is nceded in unpractiscd hands not to break the glass or damage the wood of the frame. Once the area is free the knife can be used to Tun along the gap bcrwccn lIH: frame and the heading. Do both sides and rhe rap and bottom rail if necessary, the windows should then be running freely.

If a window tends to stick and doesn't run smoothly a very simple rrick can overcome this probl em. Rub a white candle or petroleum wax along the runner and inside the beading. This should let the window nm freely up and down.

Curing a window that rattles The inner staff bead can be moved inwards to narrow the gap with the inner sash. A wider parting bead CQuld also he made. These should work provided they do not cause the window to stick· the wax trcarmenr

STAFF 8rAD ! G_a" ;n,o bnd

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would help here. Otherwise the fin or brush type of draught strip can be fitted - see illustrations. ill a simple alrernative. draft proofing strips can be fitted to the frames adjoining the beads. or vice versa.

To fit rhe strips to the bottom sash prise out both the long s[3ffbeads . The parring beads have to be removed for the lOp sash. New beads may be needed. Cut a groove to the required size in the edge of the bead against the sliding frame. 1 nsert the draughtstripping and nail back the bead.

For the Simpler rype of draughr.mipping rhe beads may not need to be removed and the draughrproofing mips can be stuck or nailed OntO the beads.

Reglazing timber windows

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Place lhe new pane in poSition and genrly press it into place. On the outside of the pane tap in rhe glazing sprigs - at least every 300mm (12 inches). Use the end of:l chisd as a hammer might break rhe glass.

~'{fearing gloves, score all )round the broken pane with a glass curter.

Then widl a hammer genrly rap our the panel, removin i cglass carefully. Finally tap and lever our the pieces thar remam at rhe edges. Use an old chisel to remove all the putry from the rehate (rhe angle of rhe frame in which the glass sits). Refer to

page 21 in guide for details on removing purry.

Place more putty on the·out· side of the pane and smoodi it with a putry knife.

Aim for a neat mitre at [ . corners. This is rcally the only difficult parr of rile whole operation so take your rime.

, Ftnally, run an old paint brush lightly over the purry r'q.sea) lfJ.O

.-the glass. When the putty has hardened in a week or~, paint' 'to: raking the paint line 2mm (1116 inch) on ro the glassJ~I-w;.t;h the top of the rebate to form a watertight seal.

Pull out the old glal.ing .pri with pincers and dust OUI with a brush. Knead rhe putty umil it is soft. rhen press it into the rebare all round.

RE.8ATE. rlTITY

The putry should come jLf'( below the level of the inside edge of rhe rebate so it cannot be seen from inside the house.

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reproduced with the permission of durham county council 2007 · reproduced with the permission of...

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