Traditional Putty Glazing – a heritage skill

With our location in Regency Cheltenham, we have many clients that require the traditional art of putty glazing for the windows in their homes. This heritage skill is essential in preserving the many historic buildings that are found in and around Cheltenham and the wider Gloucestershire area.

Putty glazing is not simply a means of maintaining a building, it is often an essential requirement of listed building status in ensuring the authenticity of listed buildings and those of historic significance.

What is glazing putty?

Made in its traditional form using linseed oil and fine chalk powder, glazing putty is pliable, waterproof and has a range of uses in addition to glazing including repairing and filling gaps in floors, doors and other timber structures.

Modern alternatives are widely available, such as acrylic latex glazing compounds, which do have quicker drying times and are considered by some to be easier to use. However, linseed oil putty is preferred by many homeowners in listed or historic properties due to its authentic appearance and composition.

Applied by hand and using a putty knife, glazing putty creates an airtight seal around a pane of glass which is then finished at an angle to allow water to run off.

Why choose glazing putty?

A unique feature of traditional glazing putty is that it enables sash windows and windows with glazing bars to have slim and elegant proportions, which became synonymous with Georgian architecture which is found in abundance in Cheltenham.

Where listed buildings are concerned, preserving the original character of the property is a requirement of listed building status. This must be achieved using traditional materials and techniques to ensure accuracy and authenticity.

That’s where Cheltenham Glass and Glazing come in.

With many years’ experience we are skilled in delivering beautifully restored projects using traditional putty glazing techniques at properties across Cheltenham and Gloucestershire.

Glazing putty is proven to stand the test of time, having been used for centuries and still made in the same way. Traditional putty glazing will provide durable support for the glass and structural integrity of the window.

Because it is made from natural materials, glazing putty is an environmentally friendly choice. It also lasts for many decades before needing to be replaced therefore creating less waste than other glazing methods. In addition, the production of traditional putty glazing uses approximately 40% less carbon than the production of synthetic alternatives.

How to tell when glazing putty needs replacing

Like any material glazing putty does have a natural lifespan. But how do you know when it is time to repair or replace the putty around your windows?

Well, because it is made from natural materials which are exposed to the elements all year round, glazing putty will eventually become brittle and will begin to break down. You might notice that your windows feel draughty or that you find water seeping in through the window frames. This is because the putty has started to crack and lose its integrity.

Acrylic compounds offer ease of use and durability in more challenging environmental conditions meaning that they can last longer than traditional putty. These modern compounds are often used where there are no restrictions due to listed building status.

The best way to ensure that your putty remains in good condition is to carry out regular visual inspections and bring in the specialists to carry out any necessary maintenance.

Regular inspections carried out annually if not more often, are recommended to spot any signs of deterioration before they become more of an issue. A proactive approach to maintenance can extend the life of your sash windows by up to 50%, saving you the cost of more extensive repairs later on.

At Cheltenham Glass and Glazing we are happy to answer any questions you may have about your putty glazing and welcome your enquiries.

The benefits of repairing traditional glazing

Reducing waste and re-using materials where possible is an important issue in the glazing industry. The UK Green Building Council states that “restoring rather than replacing sash windows aligns with sustainable building practices, conserving resources and reducing waste.”

The regular maintenance of traditional putty glazed windows will help to preserve the materials used in your window frames.

Not only does this mean that new materials are needed less often it will also help you to keep costs low in looking after your Gloucestershire home. It costs far less to repair than to replace windows which is good for your pocket.

Conclusion

It’s clear that for historic buildings, especially those with listed building status, traditional putty glazing will continue to be a preferred technique used in maintaining windows in many properties across Cheltenham and Gloucestershire.

Essential for maintaining the historic integrity of buildings whilst providing a time-honoured glazing solution to homes that is durable and, crucially, weatherproof, traditional putty glazing is more than just a technique, it is a heritage skill that must not be lost.

Contact Cheltenham Glass and Glazing and let us restore your putty glazed windows to their former glory.

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