How To Care for Your Period Windows

how-to-care-for-your-period-windows

The beauty of owning a period home is that it looks lovely on the inside as well as the outside. Period homes have historical features and are full of character which is something homeowners will always want to retain. One of the defining features of a property is its windows, particularly in period homes, beautiful windows are treasured and admired.

Protecting and looking after your period windows is an important step in home maintenance to keep the look, charm and value of your property. Whatever grievances you have with your windows, it can often be solved through repair methods rather than simply replacing with expensive and modern units.

Keep your property in shape without losing its charm by protecting your windows. Here are four steps to help protect your period windows and maintain the character of your home.

1. Window Frames

Window frames can be extremely costly to replace, whether you choose a new modern frame or fit with like for like frames. New window frames can quickly make the building lose its character. While sympathetic styles can help to stop this, it can be very hard to replicate the detail of your original windows. In tumble-down buildings, new window frames, no matter how similar they look to the original, will still look brand new which will not suit the image of an old, characterful home.

Repairing window frames can be done for most windows which don’t have extensive damage. When looking into repair options, consider the cost of the repair compared to the cost of replacing. Usually, it will be much more economical to repair your windows and help to stop those irritating rattles.

2. Metal Windows

Metal-framed windows are a key feature on many period homes but can become disfigured with rust, and the frame can become distorted. One of the common problems of metal windows is the build-up of paint, which can affect the fittings and hinges.

For most cases, metal window frames can be repaired with relative ease, without removing the frames from your home. Often it is just a case of replacing hinges and cleaning corroded sections, but may perhaps require welding in new pieces or using cold stitching.

3. Leaded Lights

The beautiful work of leaded lights brings individual character to each small piece of blown glass used. Often homes featuring charming leaded lights are usually grade listed, which means you have to take great care to conform to the guidelines when undertaking a repair.

The process of replacing leaded lights is relatively simple, and they are manufacturers who produce replacement glass, however, for complete assurance, speak to a conservation specialist. A specialist will know the pitfalls of repairing leaded lights, particularly in a listed building.

4. Secondary Glazing

For getting rid of the cold draughts and the whistling wind that creeps through the cracks in your windows, opt for secondary glazing. Secondary glazing does not alter the character of your home and does not require planning permission.

Secondary glazing is ideal for making your character home warmer, increasing security and reducing outside noise levels in your home.

If you want to keep your home looking at its best, with all of the charm and character retained, keep your windows in mind. If you want to make repairs to your period windows, consider consulting a conservation officer, so that you can fully understand the work you can undertake and how best to improve your home, while not detracting from its beauty and history.

 

Discover How To Stop Draughts for Good And Save On Your Energy Bills

This free eGuide – written by specialists – explains in simple terms how to improve the thermal efficiency of your windows by more than 60% and how you can reduce your yearly heating bill by 15%.

Simply enter your name and email below and we will send a free copy straight to your inbox.

 
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Clearview secondary glazing - the solution to significantly improved acoustic and heat insulation to your property, making your home or offices more comfortable, secure, greener and cost efficient to run. Achieved without the disruption of replacement windows, and without damaging the character of your building.

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