Horsham and the surrounding villages are home to everything from Victorian terraces and traditional cottages to Edwardian houses and larger character properties.
Replacing older windows can improve warmth, security, noise reduction and energy efficiency, but the wrong style can easily detract from the character of an older home.
The key is choosing replacement windows that provide modern performance while still looking appropriate for the property.
Match the windows to the property
Before choosing new windows, look at the style and proportions of the originals.
Important details include:
- Whether the property originally had sash or casement windows
- The thickness and position of glazing bars
- Frame proportions
- The size and shape of the window openings
- Colours and finishes
- The appearance of neighbouring properties
A Victorian terrace, for example, may suit vertically proportioned sash windows, while a traditional Sussex cottage may look better with flush casement windows.
Sash windows for period properties
Sliding sash windows are particularly well suited to Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian homes.
Modern double-glazed sash windows can recreate the traditional appearance while offering better insulation, security and ease of use.
Details such as sash horns, glazing bars, frame thickness and colour can make a significant difference to the finished appearance.
Casement windows for cottages and character homes
Casement windows are another popular option, especially for cottages, farmhouses and traditional detached properties.
For older homes, slimmer frames, flush-fitting opening sections and correctly positioned glazing bars can create a much more sympathetic appearance than standard bulky frames.
Facelift supplies made-to-measure casement windows in Horsham designed around the proportions and style of individual properties.
Aluminium and steel-style windows
Some period properties originally featured narrow steel windows.
Where this style needs to be retained, modern aluminium windows can provide slim sightlines while offering modern double glazing, improved insulation and much lower maintenance.
They can work particularly well in Art Deco, early twentieth-century and Crittall-style properties.
uPVC, aluminium or timber?
There is no single frame material that is right for every period property.
Modern uPVC can provide excellent efficiency and low maintenance and is available in sash, flush casement and woodgrain-effect finishes.
Aluminium is ideal where slim frames and larger glazed areas are required, while timber offers a particularly authentic traditional appearance but normally requires more maintenance.
The overall design and proportions are often more important than the material alone.
Don’t overlook colour and glazing bars
Small details can have a big impact on an older property.
White remains popular, but cream, Chartwell green, agate grey, black and traditional woodgrain finishes can all work well depending on the architecture and surrounding brickwork, stone or render.
Glazing bars should also reflect the original style of the property. Too many can make a window look overly busy, while removing them completely can change the character of the building.
Do you need planning permission?
Many replacement windows can be installed without planning permission, but extra restrictions can apply to listed buildings, conservation areas and properties affected by an Article 4 Direction.
Before ordering windows, check whether:
- The property is listed
- It is within a conservation area
- An Article 4 Direction applies
- The existing windows have historic significance
If you are unsure, it is sensible to check with Horsham District Council before work begins.
Professional measuring and installation
Period properties are rarely perfectly uniform, so accurate measuring is particularly important.
Made-to-measure windows allow the size, proportions and opening configuration to be matched properly to each opening.
Professional installation also helps protect surrounding brickwork, render and internal decoration while ensuring the windows perform as intended.
Choosing replacement windows in Horsham
The best replacement windows should look as though they belong to the property while providing the comfort and performance expected from a modern installation.
Facelift Home Improvements is a local, family-run company established in 1997, supplying and installing sash, casement, uPVC and aluminium windows across Horsham and the surrounding areas.
To discuss replacement windows in Horsham, contact Facelift Home Improvements to arrange a free, no-obligation quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best choice depends on the property’s original architecture. Sliding sash windows are often suitable for Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian homes, while flush or traditionally styled casement windows may suit cottages and rural properties. Slim aluminium frames can work well where the original building featured steel-style windows.
Yes. Modern windows can include traditional proportions, glazing bars, sash horns, woodgrain finishes and heritage-style hardware. The final result will depend on choosing the correct product and specifying the design details carefully.
They can be. Modern uPVC windows are available in sash and flush-casement designs with traditional colours and woodgrain finishes. The proportions and detailing should be appropriate for the individual property.
Planning permission is not required for every window replacement. However, restrictions may apply if the property is listed, situated in a conservation area or covered by an Article 4 Direction. Check with Horsham District Council before proceeding where the status of the property is uncertain.
Modern double glazing can be incorporated into many heritage-style window designs. It can improve insulation, reduce draughts and make the property more comfortable without necessarily introducing a modern-looking frame.
Not necessarily. Windows can often be replaced in stages. However, it is sensible to agree on an overall design, colour and specification first so that future installations remain consistent.
The installation time depends on the number and size of the windows, access, the condition of the openings and any additional finishing work. The installer should provide a clearer schedule after completing a property survey.
Facelift offers made-to-measure casement and sliding sash window options. The team can assess existing bay windows and other character features during the survey and recommend an appropriate replacement specification.
