Historic England Approves Vacuum Glazing
Historic England are a public body that helps people care for, enjoy and celebrate England’s spectacular historic environment. They have released an advice note called “Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency”. You can download the full PDF here.
Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency
Section 81 states;
- Installation of slim-profile or vacuum double-glazing within historic frames will generally be acceptable.
- The use of slim-profile or vacuum double-glazing can allow the installation of double-glazing in historic buildings alongside the retention of existing window frames.
- Many historic window frames will be capable of accommodating such glazing. Original glazing bars should be retained, and windows should be refurbished and draught proofed at the same time to fully benefit from double-glazing. Sash windows may need heavier weights to balance the increased weight of the glass.
- Exceptions in which such installations are unlikely to be acceptable will include windows which retain historic glass of interest, windows of historic or architectural interest whose frames / glazing bars cannot support slim-profile or vacuum double-glazing, and windows with leaded lights.
- Listed building consent is likely to be required, unless replacing panes in modern windows.
