Heritage Steel Windows Cape Town
Old steel windows can define the character of a house. When they start to rust or let in the winter rain, you face a choice between repairing them and replacing them with something that looks right and performs better. In Cape Town, that choice often comes with a heritage approval attached.
M2G Jansen supplies Jansen heritage steel window profiles from our Cape Town showroom. Systems such as Janisol Arte were developed to replicate the slender face widths of traditional steel windows, while offering modern seals and hardware.
Restoring Homes in Bo-Kaap and Victorian Neighbourhoods
Much of Cape Town’s older housing carries its character in the windows. Bo-Kaap is a protected heritage area, so any change that can be seen from the street is closely considered. In Victorian streets such as those in Woodstock and the City Bowl, the original windows were often timber sashes, but many homes gained steel windows in later alterations or in extensions at the back.
Either way, the aim is the same. New windows should respect the original proportions and the rhythm of the glazing bars. Jansen heritage profiles allow fine glazing bars and traditional details, and they can be finished with fittings such as antique brass to suit the period of the house.
Do You Need Heritage Western Cape Approval?
Often, yes. Under the National Heritage Resources Act, a structure older than 60 years generally needs a permit from Heritage Western Cape before it is altered, and replacing windows can count as an alteration. Properties inside one of the City of Cape Town’s heritage protection overlay zones may also need municipal approval. Your architect or heritage practitioner usually prepares the application.
Our role is the technical detail. We can provide profile sections, sketch designs and product information that show how the new windows compare with the existing ones, which supports the motivation in your submission. Approval always rests with the authority, so we recommend starting the process early.
Replacing Old Crittall-Style Windows
Many South African homes built in the mid-twentieth century have slim steel windows in the Crittall style. Decades later, these frames often show rust along the bottom rail, and the sashes no longer close properly. Single glazing makes the house harder to keep warm in winter.
Replacing them with Jansen heritage profiles lets you keep the look while improving how the windows work:
- Slim profiles that closely follow the original sightlines
- Gasket seals that help keep out wind and driven rain
- Thermally broken frames and double glazing, where the chosen profile allows
- Hardware options, including antique brass, to suit the age of the house
In some listed buildings, repairing the original windows may be the more appropriate route. Your heritage practitioner will help you weigh that up before any decision is made.
What Does a Restoration Project Look Like?
Most projects follow a similar path. It starts with measurements and photographs of the existing windows. We then prepare sketch designs and budget pricing, which your architect can use in the heritage submission. Once approval is granted, an accredited Jansen fabricator measures, fabricates and installs the new windows.
Restorations often include the front door too. Our steel entrance doors can be detailed to sit comfortably alongside heritage windows. If you are building new rather than restoring, our page on steel windows in Cape Town covers every opening type we offer.
How Do You Start?
Bring photographs of your existing windows to our Cape Town showroom, or send us your drawings and photographs. We will help you understand the options before you commit to an application.