Doors and Windows
Replacement Doors and Windows
The replacement of windows and doors appears to be taking place at an ever increasing rate and it is -important to point out that for nearly all areas in Letchworth such replacements require the consent of the Heritage Foundation. Alterations to windows and doors in Listed Buildings also require the Consent of the District Council. In either case, owners must supply drawings, which show the exact details, including finish, of the proposed replacement.
In recent years, there has been a trend to replace wooden windows and doors in Letchworth properties with UPVC and aluminum. Alterations to windows and doors have a significant effect on the appearance of not just the property, but a group of properties and the area as a whole. This is particularly the case for properties within Conservation Areas.
Most Letchworth properties have a feature of softwood painted windows, divided by wooden glazing bars. Some properties have small paned leaded lights. These painted softwood windows have lasted for many years and are an important feature of Letchworth properties. This material is still felt to be the most acceptable. Generally, the stained timber finish of windows and doors is inappropriate in the Garden City.
Are new windows or doors needed?
In many cases a suitable repair to existing windows or doors can prove more effective than replacements. This can often prove to be cheaper. Weather stripping of frames or internal secondary glazing can improve the existing insulation qualities of wooden windows. It should be remembered that in some cases these wooden windows and doors have been performing their function for almost one hundred years.
Grants
The Heritage Foundation is keen to support the renewal of windows and doors with wooden replacements, and will normally offer a grant towards the cost.
Windows
Alterations to original windows and doors have a greater effect on the appearance and character of a house than almost any other change. They are likely to have a particular effect if the house is one of a group. Such alterations should therefore be carried out with great sensitivity.
The first question to ask is whether repair is possible as an alternative to total replacement. This may be a much more cost effective and satisfactory solution, and there are skilled joiners in the area who can carry out these repairs. The frames of original windows can also be made more efficient by weather-stripping to exclude draughts, or internal secondary glazing can be fitted.
If new windows are required as replacements or for extensions, they should match the existing windows, and preferably the original, as closely as possible. The overall style, pane subdivisions, glazing bar width and depth, and finish should be repeated. If you are unable to ascertain information about the original window or door design, the Heritage Foundation, North Hertfordshire District Council or First Garden City Heritage Museum may be able to assist you. Most older Letchworth houses have painted softwood window frames, divided by wooden glazing bars. Some have small paned leaded lights. Both types of window are an integral part of the design of the house and its character and should not be changed. There is no reason why softwood with a painted finish should not continue to be a satisfactory material for replacement windows, provided that suitable timber is specified. Stained finishes, whatever the timber, do not suit the appearance of early Garden City houses and should be avoided.
Heritage Foundation or Council Officers can provide advice to owners on the design of window replacements, and give information about joiners in the area who can carry out repairs and make replacements, which exactly match the original. Owners are reminded of the grants available to help with the cost.
Modern aluminium and UPVC replacement windows are unacceptable for Listed Buildings. They may be allowed in some areas, if they closely match the style of the original. For early Garden City dwellings and properties within the Conservation Areas, modern materials will only be accepted in such cases where it is demonstrated that the new windows are entirely consistent with the originals. In the Conservation Areas, UPVC windows will only be accepted if they match the existing or preferably original design, which includes the method of opening. Mock glazing bars sandwiched between panes of glass are now discouraged as external glazing bars can now be made for UPVC windows. Whilst these products are marketed as 'maintenance free' , owners should be cautious as to whether this is the case in the longer term.
Generally, it is preferable to repair or match the original timber windows. This is because it is often difficult to reproduce the original details and appearance using other materials.
Doors
Replacement front doors should similarly reflect and replicate, if possible, the style and material of the original. Too often, the use of modern materials results in unsympathetic and unacceptable design. Many early Garden City doors had a cottage-like appearance, being made of wide timber planks, with small glazed areas in the upper third, sometimes-divided into small panes. Modern 'Georgian style' doors and windows are inappropriate for early Garden City houses (built before World War II), which often take more of its features from traditional, rural buildings. Therefore bow windows, bottle glass and arched fanlights (including those incorporated in doors) should be avoided in these areas.
Doors to early Garden City houses had a simple cottagey appearance and were usually painted softwood. Modern hardwood or Aluminium doors can spoil the appearance of Garden City properties and should be avoided.
Listed Buildings
The Heritage Foundation and North Hertfordshire District Council will normally refuse consent for UPVC or aluminum windows or doors on Listed Buildings. This approach accords with central government advice relating to Listed Buildings. UPVC or aluminum materials have an unacceptable impact on Listed Buildings, the character of which must be retained. This is even the case when replacement UPVC windows are a good match to the originals. The benefits of replacement windows in terms of insulation and maintenance are far out weighed by the impact on the character and future historical value of the Listed Building.
Should you be unsure as to whether your property is listed, confirmation can be sought from the Council. Although there may be Listed Buildings in your vicinity that have undertaken such works, this could have been prior to the listing or may not have the benefit of formal approval. The existence of other Listed Buildings with replacement windows does not mean that consent will be granted for your property.
Submitting An Application
When submitting an application for consent, drawings of existing and proposed windows must be supplied to the Heritage Foundation for consideration. Statements saying windows will match existing, in the absence of any plans, will not be acceptable. Full elavational drawings of the whole dwelling, along with sectional drawings of the windows, will always be required for applications relating to Listed Buildings. It is recommended that the advice of the Heritage Foundation is sought for all properties within the Letchworth estate, especially for properties in the Conservation Areas. This is likely to save time and expense. The following stages are recommended: -
- Can the windows be satisfactorily retained with repairs or the addition of secondary glazing?
- Is the building listed? If so advice should be sought from the North Hertfordshire District Council. Otherwise contact the Heritage Foundation to check whether consent is required and for initial advice.
- Consider option of grants from the North Hertfordshire District Council and the Heritage Foundation.
- Prepare application for consent. Pay particular care to the design of the proposal, especially if it relates to a Listed Building or a property within a Conservation Area.
- Submit application(s).
- Receive consent from the Heritage Foundation and in the cases of Listed Buildings the North Hertfordshire District Council.
- Commence work.