The United Kingdom is home to an extraordinary legacy of historic architecture. From the elegant Georgian terraces of Bath to the Victorian villas of London, from the medieval cottages of the Cotswolds to the Edwardian townhouses of Edinburgh — Britain's period homes are cherished and protected.

But owners of heritage properties face a unique challenge: how to protect their homes from mosquitoes and insects without damaging the historic fabric. Traditional screens often require drilling, screws, or permanent fixtures — all of which are prohibited in listed buildings and conservation areas.

Understanding Heritage Protection in the UK

Before installing screens in a period property, it's important to understand the legal framework:

• Listed Buildings: Grade I, Grade II*, and Grade II listed buildings are protected by law. Any alterations that affect the building's special architectural or historic interest require Listed Building Consent.
• Conservation Areas: Many UK towns and villages have designated Conservation Areas where planning permission is required for certain alterations.
• Article 4 Directions: In some areas, councils impose additional controls on minor alterations that would normally be permitted.

The good news: MBORMC screens are fully removable and require no drilling, screws, or permanent fixtures. In most cases, they can be installed without planning permission or Listed Building Consent — making them the ideal solution for heritage homeowners.

Why Heritage Homes Need Screens

Climate change is affecting the UK's weather patterns — and that includes longer mosquito seasons. Here's why heritage homeowners should consider screens:

• Warmer summers: UK summers are getting warmer, meaning more windows open, more ventilation, and more opportunities for insects to enter.
• Longer mosquito seasons: The UK mosquito season now extends from May to October — nearly six months of potential mosquito activity.
• New species: The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is now established in parts of southern England, bringing risks of dengue and Zika.
• Preserving health: Mosquitoes carry diseases — including West Nile virus, which is spreading across Europe. Protecting your family starts at home.
• Preserving the building: Insects can damage timber and historic fabric over time. Screens help protect the building itself.

Traditional Sash Windows — The British Heritage Challenge

Sash windows are the iconic feature of Georgian and Victorian architecture, found in millions of period homes across Britain. They're beautiful, characterful, and historically significant — but they're also notoriously difficult to screen.

Traditional off-the-shelf screens don't fit sash windows. They're the wrong size, the wrong shape, and they often require drilling into the historic frame. For owners of listed buildings, drilling into a Grade II listed sash window is simply not an option.

MBORMC's solution: Custom-fit magnetic screens that attach to the window frame with 3M industrial adhesive tape — no drilling, no screws, no damage. The screens are fully removable and leave no trace when taken down.

Real Heritage Homes, Real Protection

Case Study: The Ashworths – Georgian Townhouse, Bath

"We live in a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse in Bath. The sash windows are original and absolutely beautiful, but we couldn't keep them open in the summer because of mosquitoes. We tried standard screens from the hardware store, but they didn't fit and we couldn't drill into the window frames. MBORMC's custom screens were the perfect solution. They fit perfectly, they're invisible, and they come off with no damage. We can finally enjoy fresh air without compromising our historic home."

Case Study: The Wilsons – Victorian Villa, London

"Our Victorian villa in London has stunning bay windows, but the mosquitoes were driving us crazy in the summer. We didn't want to damage the original woodwork, so we were hesitant to install screens. Then we found MBORMC. The screens are custom-made for our bay windows, and the installation was completely non-invasive. No drilling, no screws — just strong adhesive that holds the screens securely. We can't even see them from the street, but they keep every mosquito out."

Case Study: The Garcias – Thatched Cottage, Cotswolds

"We have a charming thatched cottage in the Cotswolds with a mix of old and new windows. The cottage is in a conservation area, so we couldn't make any permanent changes. MBORMC's screens were the perfect solution. They're completely removable, and they don't alter the character of the cottage. We can keep our windows open for fresh air without worrying about insects. It's the best investment we've made for our home."

Conservation Area Considerations

Many period properties are located in Conservation Areas, where the character and appearance of the area are protected by law. In Conservation Areas, you may need planning permission for certain alterations.

MBORMC screens are Conservation Area-friendly:

• No permanent fixtures — completely removable
• No drilling or screws — no damage to historic fabric
• Invisible design — screens are barely visible from the street
• No alteration to the building's character or appearance

Why MBORMC Screens Are Perfect for Heritage Homes

• No drilling: 3M industrial adhesive tape attaches securely without damaging historic fabric.
• Fully removable: Screens can be removed at any time without leaving marks or residue.
• Custom fit: Made to your exact window dimensions — including non-standard period window sizes.
• Invisible design: Screens are barely visible from the street, preserving the building's character.
• Heritage colours: Available in colours that blend with period interiors and exteriors.
• UV-resistant: Won't fade or degrade in sunlight — important for south-facing period windows.
• No alteration to listed fabric: Screens don't constitute a material alteration to the building's character.
• Factory-direct pricing: High-quality custom screens at competitive prices.
• Fast shipping to the UK: Sea freight (15–25 days) or air freight (5–10 days) available.

How to Measure Heritage Windows

Measuring period windows requires a bit of care. Here's a simple guide:

1. Measure the width: Measure from the inside edge of the left frame to the inside edge of the right frame. Take measurements at the top, middle, and bottom — then use the smallest measurement.
2. Measure the height: Measure from the inside edge of the top frame to the inside edge of the bottom frame. Take measurements on the left, center, and right — then use the smallest measurement.
3. Check for irregularity: Period windows are often not perfectly square. If you find variations, note the smallest measurements.
4. Submit your measurements: Send your width and height (in cm or inches) to us. We'll confirm the measurements and build your screens to exact specifications.

Which Screen Is Right for Your Heritage Home?

• MBORMC FD01 – Magnetic DIY Screen: Best for all heritage window types. No drilling, no damage, fully removable. View Details →
• MBORMC H01 – Retractable Screen: Best for casement windows in period homes. Rolls away when not in use. View Details →
• MBORMC H05 – Pet-Proof Folding Door: Best for heritage doors and entrances. Heavy-duty, scratch-resistant. View Details →