Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007 · Reproduced with the permission of...
Transcript of 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
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
_ 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.
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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,.",
•
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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.
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
"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
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
_ 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.
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
• 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
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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.
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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.
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
- 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.
"
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
/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
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
_ 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.
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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.
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
_ 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.
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
_ 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.)
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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' ,
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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.
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
_ 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.
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
_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.
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
- 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.
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
- 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.
, , ~
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
_ 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
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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.
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
_ 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.
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
_ 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.
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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.
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
----.. _ 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
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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,
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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.
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
~ 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
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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
IN~~R I if,~ii;;;;;;!;JIII
for a kilO[ ifrhis is required.
SASIl Il><mom)
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.
, )
0"",, MSI ,., mEl l' ~ ~
i
• I
,
~ --
~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.
Reproduced with the permission of Durham County Council 2007
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
/BrwJ.~"ed
STAn IlFAD
"""" .... 00 .... ~ 1kYl"Jn&l~ un ,
=
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
r
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.
r •