When preserving the unique charm of heritage properties, attention to detail is everything—especially with windows. The delicate lines of a Georgian sash or the elegant curves of a Victorian casement can’t be recreated by modern uPVC. That’s why the H5 Glazing System from Hodgson Sealants is a game-changer. It blends the timeless beauty of traditional glazing putty for windows with modern flexibility and durability, making it ideal for both professional restorers and passionate homeowners.
Designed Specifically for Heritage Windows
The H5 Glazing System is expertly designed to meet the restoration needs of listed buildings, conservation areas, and slim sightline window projects. It supports both single-glass panes and slimline insulated glass units (IGUs), commonly used in heritage retrofits.
At the heart of this system are two key materials:
- Heritage Putty: A modern linseed oil-based bedding compound that is both flexible and long-lasting.
- Traditional Putty Front: Options include Multipurpose Putty, Rapid Set Putty, Metal Casement Putty, or Colourglaze, providing the authentic finish needed for period-accurate aesthetics.
This combination not only satisfies strict aesthetic and regulatory standards but also delivers excellent weatherproofing, easy repairability, and compatibility with historic timber, stone, or metal window frames.
Strong Performance with Subtle Appearance
While the H5 system looks traditional, it performs to high technical standards. It has been tested for weather exposure up to 2300 Pa, making it suitable even for coastal or exposed rural environments. The secret to its durability lies in the flexible glazing putty formulation. Once cured, the Heritage Putty accommodates natural expansion and contraction of timber frames, reducing the risk of cracking and moisture ingress—two common causes of rot or glazing failure.
This flexibility is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of sash windows or direct-glazed heritage units over time.
Ready for Painting Sooner
A major improvement of the H5 system over older window putty products is the reduced drying and curing time. Traditional putty could delay painting by weeks, but Heritage Putty cures faster:
- Rapid Set Putty forms a paintable skin in as little as 4–5 days.
- Other putties in the system typically cure within 10–14 days.
All components are compatible with water-based and solvent-based paints, though testing for paint compatibility is recommended. Colourglaze pairs particularly well with microporous paints, popular in heritage restorations.
To ensure long-lasting protection, painting should be completed within 28 days of application, with the first coat applied by day 21 to prevent UV or moisture damage.
Simple Installation and Maintenance
The H5 Glazing System is easy to install following Hodgson Sealants’ clear method statement. Installation begins with setting blocks and placing the IGU, followed by applying Heritage Putty as a back bedding. The traditional window putty is then applied as a fillet on the exterior, ensuring an authentic period finish.
Maintenance is just as straightforward. If the putty deteriorates, it can be removed and replaced without taking out the entire glass unit. This makes long-term care more affordable and manageable compared to synthetic alternatives.
Environmentally Friendly Choice
Made from natural ingredients like chalk and linseed oil, traditional linseed oil-based glazing putty is biodegradable and non-toxic. The H5 system promotes sustainability by enabling the retention and restoration of original timber frames, reducing waste and lowering embodied carbon emissions.
Compared to synthetic sealants, it produces up to 40% less carbon during its lifecycle while often lasting longer. For eco-conscious restorers, this makes the H5 system a smart, sustainable solution.
The Last Word on Glazing Putty for Windows
The H5 Glazing System proves that modern technology and traditional aesthetics can coexist beautifully. By combining elastic Heritage Putty with authentic putty fronts, it honors the past while benefiting from scientific advancements.
Whether you’re restoring a historic cottage or maintaining a cherished family home, the H5 system delivers reliability, flexibility, and timeless appeal—offering the perfect balance of performance and period-correct style for heritage window restoration.
Alongside the H5 Glazing System, Hodgson Sealants also offers the H1 and H7 systems, each designed to provide traditional glazing putty solutions with varying performance levels, making them ideal for a wide range of heritage window restoration projects.