Double Glazing In A Listed Building

[chrissa1]

I live on the ground floor of a Grade 2 listed building. I know that double glazing can be allowed in these buildings, if approval is given.

I am privately renting. My landlady hasn't put it in and I was wondering if, a) she would object to me doing it myself and b) if i can afford it.

Can anyone give me a rough estimate of how much, roughly, it would cost to double glaze two windows, my lounge and bedroom? The windows are the same size - 63cms X 39cms. I don't want to start going on to web sites and getting quotes, as I'm not sure I can afford to do it myself.

Thanks.

[Zacs-Master]

If it's grade 2 you would need to consult your local planning department. I think you're looking at secondary glazing rather than replacing your existing Windows.

[Togo]

Chrissa what type of windows are currently in the property? Sash windows, timber framed , Georgian, etc? What does the planning office stipulate as suitable replacements? I can say that sash windows replaced with double glazed replacements are expensive. Have you considered inside secondary glazing which is relatively cheap and cuts down on draughts and heat loss?

[Zacs-Master]

I wish I'de said that.

[chrissa1]

They are timber framed. Rectangular with two large panes divided in the middle and two smaller windows above that open, outwards.

Any idea how much for secondary glazing although, it's mainly to cut the noise of the daytime traffic, I want them for.

[Zacs-Master]

Sounds like they've been replaced already from the original,sash Windows. As I said, have a word with your planning department. As for cost, I would estimate about £200 per window.

[Togo]

Bless. When I started to answer there were none. So I typed it out at my leisure only to see the previous response. I would add that in some topics some Abers refrain from little fidgety pique. You know Technology or H&G or whatever. This thread is about chrissa.

[237SJ]

I had a house that was listed and it had secondary glazing when I bought it. I didn`t like it and it was difficult to clean on the inside but I guess the previous owner thought that was the easier option. It was a buy to let which was on quite a noisy road. Apparently, the greater distance between the window and the secondary glass, the better the noise insulation. A difference in the glass thickness between the two makes a difference as well. Secondary glazing would be cheaper and I certainly wouldn`t be paying to put double glazing in a landlord`s house.

[chrissa1]

Is that for secondary glazing, guys?

[chrissa1]

True, SJ. She would probably put my rent up if I asked her, to put it in.

[Togo]

It is secondary glazing for you chrissa. Good noise reduction, but without window sizes it is hard to estimate. I would try to avoid pivot panels and look at sliding options to allow access to the opening panes that you have already. But I can say that it is a fraction of the cot of replacing the frames and installing double glazing to grade 2. Get your local glazer to come and give a no obligation quote.

[ladybirder]

Togo Chrissa has put the window sizes in the OP.

[tandh]

check out this link chrissa, the curtains near the bottom of the page that let light in, but block sound out look good
http://soundblackout.com/best-noise-cancelling-curtains-sleeping/

[Zacs-Master]

Took you 7 minutes to type that?

[Togo]

Chrissa a quick search puts secondary glazing at about £50 a square meter.. This depends of course on location, type of framing system( alloy or timber)sliders or pivot, glass or acrylic panes, whether safety glass is required, due to height from floor for instance, lots of variables but still a lot less costly than double glazing.

[Togo]

Took you 25 to type that.

[Zacs-Master]

Yeah, but I wasn't trying to say something that someone had already said, more succinctly.

[cassa333]

I think you will find that you cannot materially change the building in such a way without 1. Getting approval from you LL AND 2. Planning permission from the relevant listed building authority. If I were you I would also check if you can put secondary glazing in as well.

In some instances a listed building is more important than your comfort and reduced heating bills.

If I were you I would get relevant and accurate information from planning department, a breakdown of costs and then go to the LL with all the information.

[magicbeatledel]

Double glazed Windows can be put in a Grade Listed 2 building. I live in one, belonging to the Housing Association. The building is 1880's. They put in new double glazing last year. However, you will need permission to do so.

[chrissa1]

Thanks to everyone who answered.

I live in a town in North Northumberland where there are many listed buildings and I've seen double glazing in some buildings that, you couldn't distinguish from the original. I would imagine it is quite expensive to install, though.

Secondary glazing could be the way to go but, don't get me wrong, life isn't unbearable without going down that path.

As SJ said, maybe I'm mad contemplating putting it in to somebody else's, property. Even though I would quite happily see out my days here.

Thanks again.

[The Builder]

I did this for someone once, Chrissa. They didn't need to open the windows on the road side, so...

I had double-glazed units made up (glass only.) I made timber frames to fit around the units (rather like picture frames.)

A few screws (with cup washers so that they can be easily removed), and each unit was fixed right across the inside of the window.

The DG units are good for sound and insulation. As someone stated above, the extra distance between the new units and the original glass is a good sound insulator.

Remove the screws to take the frames off for cleaning access. Actually, in this instance, I remember that I hinged one side of the frames so they swung out for cleaning.