New guidance given on joinery for listed buildings and conservation areas

A series of fact sheets to boost knowledge of the correct joinery and timber products to be used in listed properties and conservation areas has been published by the British Woodworking Federation’s (BWF) Heritage and Conservation Joinery Group.

The fact sheets are designed to give consistent advice on key areas which affect heritage and conservation joinery. These areas include the legislation which impacts on listed buildings and conservation areas, Building Regulations associated with the replacement of timber joinery, and the issues around aesthetics versus technical performance when replacing timber joinery.

The fact sheets also provide advice on obtaining listed building consent, glazing and recommendations when placing orders for narrow cavity insulating glass units.

Hannah Mansell, BWF technical manager and manager of the BWF’s Heritage and Conservation Joinery Group, said: “Listed buildings are essential to our country’s rich history and culture. It is vital that we take great care to preserve the authenticity and character of these striking works of architecture.

“Of course, property owners need to have received consent before any improvement works are conducted. But we also recommend that anyone looking to make improvements to their listed property uses the services of a BWF member, so you can be sure they will have the required knowledge and genuinely understand the special considerations of working on a listed building.”

The fact sheets are available for members to download at: www.bwf.org.uk/publications/heritage