Windows into the future of tradition

Mike Bygrave from Roseview Windows discusses the resurgence of heritage windows, and how self-builders can now benefit from a greater choice than ever before when it comes to finding the right traditional look

The window industry used to be about cheap white plastic windows; that’s no longer the case. Heritage and timber-alternative windows are popular and well-established, increasingly used on both refurbishment and new build projects. Nothing typifies this movement more than sliding sash windows.

Sash windows have been a significant part of British architecture since the 17th century. Their popularity peaked in the 18th and 19th centuries, before dipping in the mid-1950s. But the UK’s ageing housing stock means that there are a huge number of older properties out there that require renovation.

At the same time, the number and coverage of conservation areas are increasing, as are Article 4 directions locking down permitted development rights in those areas. This mirrors a wider interest in heritage and conservation across the nation that doesn’t just cover refurbishment and renovation; it’s reflected in new build architecture as well. In turn this drives demand and expectation for suitable building products.

The heritage explosion

For many years the fenestration industry was bland and uninspiring. New windows were typically white PVCu casements that all looked the same, accompanied by front doors with feature panels and rambling rose leads. They were commodities; with little consumer demand for difference, manufacturers kept things simple and cheap.

The landscape is different now. Vanguard products such as sash windows, composite doors and – more recently – flush casements have reacted to, and subsequently driven consumer demand. All of these started as niche products, initially developed to meet a particular need or circumstance, but which then caught the public’s imagination.

Taking sash windows as an example, in 1985 Roseview Windows partnered with systems house Rehau and London housing group The Peabody Trust, to develop something that could replace the failing timber sashes in much of the trust’s housing stock. The existing windows were largely too far gone for cost-effective refurbishment, but the forward-thinking Trust didn’t want to replace them with cheap modern casements. Between them the group developed the first commercially viable PVCu sash window, based on the standard London design.

Thirty-five years later, we still manufacture those sash windows – albeit significantly updated and improved versions. Its estimated that now around 8,000 PVCu sash windows are installed across the UK every week.

Old & new

Heritage windows aren’t just for renovations – housebuilders have also tuned in to the demand for traditional styles. A significant proportion of new developments take design cues from traditional architecture. Heritage windows – although originally designed as replacements – are an ideal way of enhancing their appearance.

For example, we recently worked with an independent developer to deliver sash windows for 60 plots on a project in Buckinghamshire. The firm’s CEO lives in a large Victorian farmhouse in Gloucestershire that was undergoing renovation. He chose to replace his own windows with the same sash windows that were being used on his company’s modern urban development – they were ideal for both.

Individuality as standard

The interest in heritage doesn’t stop at window styles; opportunities for consumers to express their individuality have also blossomed. The most obvious example is colour; whereas almost all new windows were white, now colour and woodgrain finishes are becoming the norm. Across the industry PVCu companies are reporting that more than half their output is grained or coloured – something that was rare five years ago.

Of the thousands of colour options available, over the last two years anthracite grey has been the most popular. This is based on interest in large, clean, minimal, industrial designs, which in turn links back to heritage. The same is true for countless other areas: hardware, profile lines, glazing bars – even glass options – are all now available in wider ranges, provided in response to demand.

Heritage style – modern performance

The attraction of modern heritage windows isn’t just their appearance. Once you have a window that looks right, a host of modern benefits come into play.

An authentic premium modern sash window will typically cost around 20 per cent less than a modern softwood equivalent. Hardwood is more expensive still. For less outlay, the timber-alternative windows provide superior levels of security, energy efficiency and soundproofing.

But the big difference is maintenance.

Modern heritage windows are designed to be virtually maintenance-free, with no sanding, filling or repainting required. Over a window’s lifetime these savings in cost, time and effort make timber- alternative windows even more attractive.

Consumers are naturally concerned by the lifetime and sustainability of PVCu, especially in light of some of the misinformation that has been spread. The reality is that modern PVCu windows are rated for 35 years plus, and this life expectancy is lengthening. Modern PVCu doesn’t rot, degrade or discolour, and doesn’t require regular maintenance. It simply needs to be cleaned occasionally.

On top of this PVCu is fully recyclable up to 10 times, and the recycled material is remade into new windows, usually on- site or only a few miles away – this is called closed-loop recycling.

The result is a long-lasting, recyclable product that the Building Research Establishment rates as equivalent to timber in terms of sustainability.

The time is now

The demand for heritage-style windows, coupled with the desire for individuality, have spurred the window and door industry into action. It now offers more variety and choice in terms of styles, colours and accessories than ever before.

In turn, the growth of choice has created further demand, as builders and homeowners experience what is now available. This is critical, as it helps ensure that heritage products aren’t just a trend, they’re a mainstay of a more diverse product range.

The result is great news for self- builders and homeowners; a wide range of maintenance-free, energy efficient, sympathetic window products that are designed, engineered and built with homeowners in mind.

Mike Bygrave is marketing manager at Roseview Windows