University of Glasgow

Preservation Windows were delighted to carry out a massive window refurbishment at the University of glasgow.

Preservation Windows carried out a 218 window refurbishment at the University of Glasgow’s Professor Square. The large project was deemed necessary when Glasgow University carried out an energy efficiency programme of all their buildings and it was found that rooms were losing a lot of heat retention due to draughty windows. The window refurbishment has helped transform the building’s exterior and has helped heat the once draughty class rooms.

Professors' Square (also known as The Square) comprises 13 terraced townhouses designed by renowned architect Sir George Gilbert Scott. The houses were originally built as accommodation for the University’s professors in the 1870s, and are now home to various college offices and teaching spaces for subjects including Law and Theology, as well as administrative departments.

As the building was A-listed we could not replace windows for new and had to repair, refurbish and draft proof existing windows. Some of the windows were rotten beyond repair which we had to replicate in an exact like for like formation to the original.

All in all the windows were in general good order considering they are over 100 years old. However due to periods of lack of maintenance some off the windows have suffered from rotten cills and rotten bottom sashes. This could be due to lack of a protective coat of paint and water penetration.

A strict programme was put in place and maintained for as little disruption as possible to University life while windows were being removed and installed. The windows were removed in phases and taken back to our workshop whilst boarding up the openings with weather proof boards. The windows were then be taken to a designated refurbishment area in workshop where the paint was stripped back, necessary putty repairs carried out and new glass installed where damaged. The windows were then passed through to our painting room where they were primed, under coated and top coated, ready for installation.

Preservation Windows are Scotland’s sash and case window experts. We offers bespoke window refurbishment based on your needs and the requirements of the building.