Fitting Scotland Perfectly 
Edinburgh is home to more listed buildings than any other city in Scotland.
If you live or work in such a property, you are probably well aware that there are incredibly strict regulations on the changes that can be made to the exterior and interior design.
Whilst protecting historic buildings is vitally important, these restrictions can seriously limit the energy efficiency improvements that can be made costing property owners a pretty penny in their energy bills.
Installing double glazing is the number one recommendation for anyone serious about improving thermal performance, but is this even possible in listed buildings? Do you need planning permission first, and how to make sure to stay on the right side of the law, and your local planning authority?
Luckily, you have come to the right place. As one of the top double glazing Edinburgh installers, The Advanced Group are all too aware of the regulations in place and have a wide selection of heritage windows fitted with modern double glazing that are used in buildings across Scotland’s capital city.
How do I tell if my property is a listed building?
If you are unsure if your property is listed, there is a full list of listed buildings on the Historic Environment Scotland website.
If your building is indeed listed, and you wish to make any kind of significant alteration, you will need to seek listed building consent from your local council authority.
Do NOT install double glazing in listed buildings without this consent.
Applying for Listed Building Consent
If you wish to install double glazing or make any other alteration to your listed building, you need to apply for listed building consent through the Edinburgh City Council website.
This is a pretty lengthy and involved process that requires survey reports, elevations, photographs, and more, and although there is no cost for the application, many people hire a local building expert to compile the report on their behalf and give them the best possible chance of success.
Edinburgh City Council on Double Glazing in Listed Buildings
Edinburgh City Council are very clear about the importance of windows and window frames in listed buildings.
They say that original windows are key features and should not be altered or changed unless replacement windows are unavoidable. In the event that single glazed windows on historic buildings have deteriorated beyond repair, they say that the original materials, design, and opening method must be retained in the new design.
If your old windows were single glazed timber windows, you will probably have to replace them with new windows that are the same, unless you are able to secure planning permission for an upgrade to secondary glazing.
Despite the thermal performance benefits, uPVC will almost certainly not be acceptable. Modern features such as glazing bars designed to eliminate heat loss and improve energy performance can only be installed if no impact is made on the appearance of the window. Bear in mind that if you have blown double glazed windows (look out for mist and condensation) these features will be compromised.
Double Glazed Windows for Non-Listed Buildings or Historic Interest
Not all historic buildings are listed, and you might simply have been putting off new double glazing as you are concerned that a modern window will not fit in with the aesthetic that made you fall in love with the window in the first place.
Fortunately, we know exactly how to install modern double glazing in some of the oldest buildings in Edinburgh as we have been replacing windows in Scotland’s capital city and across the East of Scotland for over 30 years.
Our range of heritage windows is truly second to none with casement windows, sash windows and other traditional window designs, featuring all the latest energy efficiency measures whilst staying faithful to the traditional designs that are iconic to your building and location.
If you are looking to replace original single glazed windows or standard double glazing with new highly energy efficient double glazed units that will protect your property for future generations, the Advanced group are the only window company that you need to call. For the answers to the question of Do you need planning permission for windows in Edinburgh? and many more, get in touch today.
What are the alternative solutions to double glazing in listed buildings?
If you are unable to secure permission for a double glazed unit and conventional double glazing is not an option, Edinburgh City Council recommend using techniques such as heavy curtain installation and shutters to improve the efficiency of historic windows.
Of course, this is no match for the thermal performance of double or triple glazing installation. Vacuum double glazing and slim profile double glazing are often more likely to be approved by the local planning authorities than standard uPVC double glazing but this is a bit less likely in Grade II listed buildings or those who live within one of Edinburgh’s made conservation areas. This is often the only option in Edinburgh Conservation Areas.
What about secondary glazing in Edinburgh?
Secondary glazing involves the addition of a further pane of glass internally, adding another barrier between you and the elements without altering the existing window in any way.
Edinburgh City Council say that whilst additional glazing units cannot be added to the exterior of the property, installing secondary glazing inside, without effecting existing sashes, can be allowed, although the benefits in terms of energy efficiency are lower than than installing double glazing so this should always be the priority if at all possible.
