Why is restoration better than replacement?

By Sash Windows

Posted on: 8th June 2023

Timber sash windows form an important building element of many properties. Our Edwardian, Victorian and Georgian homes are particularly known for their beautiful original features, and sash windows are a key part of the period aesthetic. That said, wooden windows require regular maintenance and upkeep to remain in top condition. Sadly, many of the sash windows in existence today are not in a great state of repair. Given their age and poor condition, is it worth restoring them? Or would you be better off spending the money on getting modern window replacements?

At Sash Window Experts, our answer would always be an emphatic YES to restoration and NO to sash window replacement. Did you know that about three quarters of all the UK’s original box sash windows have already been lost, either because old buildings were demolished or original timber windows were replaced with more modern materials? With a finite supply of period housing, shouldn’t we do everything we can to preserve what we have while we can?

Can we fix your sash windows? Yes, we can!

As a team of dedicated craftsmen with a passion for preserving Britain’s architectural heritage, we think it is not only preferable but also perfectly possible, in the vast majority of cases, to restore old timber windows and bring them back to their former glory. If you’re not sure whether your sash windows can be saved, we would be very happy to take a look and give you our honest opinion on whether or not they are past the point of no return.

At Sash Window Experts, we have many years’ experience and a wealth of sash window restoration and repair expertise dealing with all kinds of common window problems including:

Windows that won’t open or close properly
Window frames that rattle and let in draughts
Broken glass panes
Broken or missing sash cords
Deteriorating paintwork
Signs of damp, wood rot and timber decay
Energy efficiency problems

What are the advantages of sash window repair and refurbishment?

If you’re not happy with the look or performance of your existing sash windows, swapping them out for modern UPVC or aluminium versions can be a convenient solution. However, before you act in haste (and repent at leisure!), consider the following benefits of investing in professional sash window renovation and repair to preserve these original features and improve their performance.

Enhancing visual appeal

Whichever way you look at it, installing modern windows into a period property tends to really grate on the eye. There’s a saying that ‘windows are the eyes of the house’, and the importance of the right windows shouldn’t be underestimated. Even with the most ‘sympathetic’ reproduction styles available it’s easy to ruin the period look. Once the original windows have gone, they’ve gone forever. Restoring existing sash windows, on the other hand, protects the character of the building, preserves its architectural harmony and authenticity and restores its external visual appeal.

Maximising property value

You’ll be especially glad you invested in the kerb appeal of your home when it comes to selling the property. Sympathetically refurbished period properties with key original features that are not only intact but have been well looked after are in high demand. Discerning buyers looking for a historical ‘gem’ will be more than happy to pay a premium for such a property. Poorly maintained period buildings, on the other hand, tend to fare less well since potential buyers are easily put off by the prospect and likely expense of carrying out repairs and upgrades.

Long-term money savings

Modern window replacements may seem like a good purchase that requires next to no maintenance and offers good thermal efficiency, however the lifespan of a UPVC or aluminium window is only around 20 years. This is significantly shorter than a well-maintained timber sash window. Many original sash windows in period buildings are still in great condition after 100-150 years. With expert care, they can be revived and restored time and again. Modern timber windows have a lifespan of around 60 years. Plastic and aluminium windows can’t be repaired anywhere near as much; they simply degrade with age.

Technology for today and tomorrow

It’s an easy assumption to make that future proofing windows must mean using modern materials such as UPVC or aluminium. However, one of the most important benefits about refurbishing timber sash windows is the ability to bring them up to today’s standards. Wood is a naturally insulating material. With modern draught proofing techniques and high performance double glazing technology expertly installed by our artisan team, we can make sure that your period windows achieve low U-values that are energy efficient and perfectly suitable for today and tomorrow.

Get in touch with Sash Window Experts

If you would like more information about how we can restore and revive your original sash windows, so they look as good as new, function as they should and with maximum efficiency, please contact us for professional advice and arrange a free, no-obligation window survey. You can reach us on 01483 299587 or email us your enquiry here.

Contact Us Today for a Free Survey

Melanie Simpkin

Excellent work done by the whole team. Great customer service through the entire project. Thank you!

Megan Russell

We recently had all of our sash windows double glazed by Sash Window Experts and are very pleased with the whole process. Mark and his team were fantastic from start to finish. They were always on time, polite and incredibly considerate of being in our house. They did a fantastic job of replacing the old Victorian sashes with new double glazed units and we can't recommend them highly enough.

Geoff P-W

These guys fully deserve their 5 star status, the work that they do is exceptional. Having bought a new period property with windows that were in need of attention we contacted several companies, and chose Sash Window Experts on the basis of Mark’s original survey and quote. Mark showed his love for repair and restoration during the initial visit, and came up with options and solutions to look at windows and doors in our house. Work started on time, and was completed to a very high standard. Given the size of our project we had a variety of people on site at different times, all of whom were a pleasure to have around, and who have that same love for their craft that Mark has. A special shout out to John, who worked with us on a number of things, and always came up with a great solution. We’d highly recommend Sash Window Experts.

Robert Lawder

Mark, Lisa and their team - Steve, Matt, Ollie and Pete repaired 9 badly decayed sash windows on our Victorian house in a conservation area. The work was finished to high quality, beautifully done and beautifully painted. The team was careful and considerate throughout. They kept to time and came in slightly under the quote value, accounting for elements of the original frames that they were able to repair rather than replace. I would wholeheartedly recommend them for work in a heritage setting.

Simon Pugh

Sash Windows Experts did a fantastic job replacing our Victorian sashes. The quality of the work and the professionalism of the team was outstanding. Many thanks, Mark and the crew!

micaela hobbs

I cannot praise this company enough. Mark and the entire team, who renovated all the rotten, old and drafty sash windows in our small flat, have been amazing. Gary, Steve and Ollie were, without exception, professional, courteous, great craftsmen and clean and tidy. The quality of the windows, both from the workshop and on site renovations is excellent and the style exactly as the old windows once were. Communication was also easy. I can highly recommend this company. Thanks to all the team.

Tony Kendall

So glad we used Sash Window Experts for our job….replacing old window sashes for new double glazed ones. Gary and Steve are great craftsmen and lovely people. We would certainly use this company again, and highly recommend it to others.

Robert Hamberger

This is the second time we have used Sash Window Experts, and we went back to them for hardwood double-glazing of our second bay window because we were so pleased with how professionally they worked previously, and the excellent results. They were prompt and attentive as ever - real experts in their field. We're delighted with the standard of their work, and would highly recommend them. The windows look great. Update: We have now (May 2024) used Sash Window Experts for the third time for hardwood double-glazed sash windows for our kitchen and second bedroom, to complete window renovation in our flat. They're as professional as ever, prompt and efficient, clean up well after themselves and the work was completed to a high standard in two days, as they said. We continue to recommend sash Window Experts.

Michael Bennison

A very professional job, carried out to a high standard. No problems and courteous and pleasant craftsmen. "Did what it says on the tin" Mjb

Why is restoration better than replacement?

Can we fix your sash windows? Yes, we can!

What are the advantages of sash window repair and refurbishment?

Get in touch with Sash Window Experts

Contact Us Today for a Free Survey

Arrange a No-Obligation Survey With Mark

What Our Customers Say