The work Sealasash performs on wooden windows is very acceptable to heritage regulators.
Unlike other retrofitters who gouge out large amounts of wood and place in thick double glazing and nail on external beads onto frames, Sealasash offers the latest technology with discrete draught/acoustic seals and thin vacuum double glazing that is fits in existing frames/rebates, is aesthetically pleasing, does not compromise looks nor frame strength and at the same time can provide triple glaze performance.
This article uses the Tasmanian heritage process as an example. In other states such as Victoria a similar process will apply and contacts have been cited below.
As an owner of a building with heritage overlay/conditions/restrictions it is important to establish any heritage obligations for works/development at the property. Hopefully this article will serve as a guide and be helpful.
The premise for future management of heritage places is that they should be managed in a way that ensures that their heritage values are retained.
Step 1. – Establish you obligation(s)
Either search the state heritage register on-line e.g. Tasmanian Heritage Register (THR) or make contact with Heritage to establish if the property is subject to works/development approvals – the onus is on owners.
TASMANIA
Tasmanian Heritage Register (THR) https://heritage.tas.gov.au/heritage-listed-places/search-the-register OR
Phone: 03 6165 3700 , Tasmanian local calls 1300 850 332
Email: enquiries@heritage.tas.gov.au
Website: http://www.heritage.tas.gov.au
VICTORIA
Victorian Heritage Register (VHR) https://www.heritage.vic.gov.au/. OR
Phone: 03 7022 6390
Email: heritage.registrations@transport.vic.gov.au
Website: https://www.heritage.vic.gov.au/about-us/contact-us
In Tasmania for example the intent of the act is not to regulate routine maintenance and minor repairs.
Heritage approval is not required in Tasmania for actions such as:
– mowing grass, pruning bushes, and trimming branches (where the action is not likely to disfigure or destroy the affected vegetation)
– top-dressing or re-grading ground surfaces where excavation or fill does not materially alter the topography
– laying small areas of loose pavers
– replacing decayed components of fences, like-for like
– minor replacement of decayed or broken building elements, using materials and finishes closely matching the existing
– periodic replacement of modern electrical or plumbing fittings and fixtures
– external repainting in colours and materials closely matching the existing
– internal repainting over modern paint finishes.
Step 2. – The considerations – e.g.Tasmanian context
If the property is on the Register any ‘works’ or ‘development’ as defined by section 3 of this Act will need to have prior heritage approval, except where works are a necessary response to an emergency as provided for in section 35(3) of the Act.
The types of considerations that represent a place’s historic cultural heritage significance of its heritage values may include:
- the exterior and interior of buildings inclusive of fittings and fixtures,
- moveable heritage items historically associated with the place,
- vegetation,
- topography, and
- archaeological material
- (Refer to definition of ‘place’ in section 3 of the Act).
A heritage place will have some elements that contribute importantly to its heritage values and other elements that contribute to a lesser degree or not at all. The relative significance of any item ought to be taken into account when planning any changes.
Step 3. – The Process – e.g.Tasmanian context
Works/proposals having little/negligable impact
- may be approved by means of a certificate of exemption issued under section 42 of the Act. Heritage Tasmania does not charge any fee for an exemption certificate application, and most applications are processed within two weeks. The application form can be obtained at this link https://heritage.tas.gov.au/works-and-development
Works or development proposals that are likely to have a detrimental impact
- will require a discretionary permit application lodged with the planning authority and referred to the Tasmanian Heritage Council (THC) and any other relevant regulator. In some instances the planning authority may require a discretionary permit where the THC is able to grant a certificate of exemption or has no interest in the proposal; for example, proposals for a change of use.
The THC’s Works Guidelines set out in general terms what expectations the Heritage Council has for any proposed works or development. These guidelines are based on the conservation principles outlined in the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter https://australia.icomos.org/publications/burra-charter-practice-notes/
In the broader context the The Burra Charter was adopted in 2013 and provides an understanding of the theory and practice of cultural heritage management. Legislators around the country have adopted the charter and it sets the scene for the conservation of heritage in Australia.
Where does this all fit in with the type of work Sealasash performs? It does depend on the scope but as a general rule of thumb you may use the following as a guide;
No approval needed for:
- Minor repairs (including replacement glazing like for like)
- Changing cords
- Adding draught/acoustic seals
Approval needed:
- Upgraded thin glass sections (generally approval is given as a certificate of exemption because negligible impact is considered)
Keep in mind that your wooden windows are the “eyes” of your building and add a huge amount of character. We so often see older buildings where the original windows have been removed and replaced with horrid modern plastic, aluminium and chunky wooden replicas that just look so out of place. Believe it or not these days the original frames can be kept and upgraded to provide better performance than modern new windows!
Check out this link for further information https://sealasash.com.au/new-glass/
