Issue 41 Spring web - Flipbook - Page 24
Importance of
using period glass
Owning a period property is the dream for many. But being in possession of a piece of history can
come with a few headaches. One of these is the windows. They play a key role in terms of appearance
and function. But at the same time, they’re protected from replacement and some types of renovation.
Windows are an important feature of any Listed Building
and they comprise a very significant part of the building’s
history. Traditional windows bear witness to the artistic,
social, economic and technological developments of past
ages. They are the single element which most serves to
establish the character of the building. Traditional, historic
windows are such an important part of a Listed Building’s
fabric that they should always be retained and repaired
rather than replaced by modern examples.
of this disc, where the pontil was attached, is the bullseye
which was generally used in an out of sight location or
recycled rather than used as a fake picturesque add on as
it is today. The flaws (features) in historic glass catch the
light and show off the features which cannot be found in
modern glass.
That is why Tatraglass are passionate about the correct
period glass being used in restoration projects and with
our wealth of knowledge and expertise, can offer advice
to enable you to make an informed decision. Our restoration glass has been supplied to Grade I and II listed properties, iconic country estates, Royal Palaces, National
Trust and English Heritage properties up and down the
UK. It is also acknowledged by relevant historical and
planning bodies as an authentic substitute to maintain
the aesthetics of facades for period properties.
Traditional windows can often be simply and
economically repaired, usually at a cost significantly less
than replacement. For timber windows this is largely due
to the high quality and durability of the timber that was
used in the past to make windows. Properly maintained,
old timber windows can enjoy extremely long lives.
Traditional metal windows can also usually be economically repaired and their thermal performance improved,
avoiding the need for total replacement.
Repairing traditional windows rather than replacing
them is not only more sustainable but makes better
economic sense and crucially, retaining historic windows
of significance is an important part of good conservation.
When carrying out repairs to historic windows it is
important to save or re-use any old glass, which can be
carefully removed from old frames by a skilled joiner. This
has irreplaceable qualities of unevenness due to the original process of manufacture: cylinder glass was produced
by opening out a large blown cylinder of glass whilst
Crown glass was produced by spinning a large disc. The
centre
Above, original window left, modern day replacement right
• Importers, stockists and suppliers of authentic period glass
• Restoration glass suitable for Grade 1 and 2 listed properties
• Traditional mouth blown and authentic machine drawn
• All of the Tatraglass range can be made into double glazed units or
laminated to provide a range of benefits.
Please contact our expert team who will be pleased to advise you.
01509 235387 www.tatra-glass.co.uk contact@tatraglass.co.uk
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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