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 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 repair and restoration 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 the repair and renovation of these original features that make your house so special.

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

Arrange a No Obligation Survey With Mark

Hi, I’m Mark, owner of Sash Window Experts. I’d love to talk to you about restoring period windows. Please fill out the form or call me on 01403 602701 to arrange your FREE no obligation window survey and to discuss your requirements.

What Our Customers Say

    
 
 
         Helen Thomas 
 2021-06-23
 
 
  If I could clone you for all the other work we need to do over the next few years, I would! Thank you Mark for having such a good team in place. And huge thank you to Gary, Alex, John and Glen for taking such care of our windows and giving them what they needed after years (decades?) of neglect. Your attention to detail and 'doing it right' was very much appreciated, and your ability to solve problems was awesome.  Helen & Tim, Godalming
  
 
        Roxana Avanu 
 2020-08-11
 
 
  Amazing service from start to finish, no issues and no drama. The name Sash Window Experts is well chosen. Mark and his team - Gary and John were extremely helpful and professional and the end product - new sash sound proof double glaze windows upstairs and the kitchen triple sash window restored was top quality. I am very grateful to Sash Window Experts.
  
 
        Amy Clarke 
 2020-07-15
 
 
  Cannot fault Mark and his team. We replaced the original sashes to our 1890's home with new like-for-like hardwood double glazed sash windows, and apart from being warmer, quieter, cleaner and altogether much smarter, you really wouldn't tell the difference - an amazing feat! They are absolutely beautiful windows, so well crafted and fitted, and the restoration of rot on the original box is imperceptible. Gary was friendly, clean, professional, and safe throughout the fitting, and very thoughtful in causing minimal disruption to the home. Absolutely thrilled with everything from the service to the price to the final finish. Delighted with them. Would recommend in a heartbeat.
  
 
        Alison Fordham 
 2020-07-13
 
 
  We were nervous about getting our Victorian French windows restored and had received a ridiculously high quote. Sash Window Experts came in at a good price, gave a timeframe that worked with our schedule and did a great job. All as promised. The fitter, Gary, put the doors back in with great care and took time made sure they worked smoothly and also discussed any queries with us. Definitely made the job value for money. Very happy customers! We are looking forward to beign able to open our doors again and enjoy the garden. Thank you Mark and Co!
  
 
        Peter Jones 
 2020-06-04
 
 
  Our house is Edwardian and has the original sash windows from 1906. I really want to make sure that any double glazed windows did not look out of place - so the woodwork, including the side bars etc should still be very thin to match the originals. I was fearing ending up with fat wooden bars but Mark took me to see a previous customer and I was happy to see the woodwork there and it put my mind at rest. We went for the thin Krypton windows. Now the windows are in they look very good and match very well. To be fair to everybody, we will not know until the winter how well they remedy our warmth and condensation issues in the house but are confident we made the right choice.
Other suppliers would not do separate window panes and instead would only do a large window with a false wooden strip down the middle to make them look like two. We did not want that.
The carpenters, Steve and Gary turned up on time (early actually) and got on with the job very efficiently and left no mess behind.
I am very happy with the company and the windows.
  
 
        Natasha Birley 
 2020-05-27
 
 
  Mark and his team are amazing. They restored our sash windows and doors. Mark is really knowledgeable and passionate and explained the process to me so I knew exactly what they would be doing. Once the work commenced I was amazed by how well they draft proofed the windows. They took so much care and the guys were polite, tidy, timely and a joy to have around. I would absolutely recommend the team to anyone thinking of restoring their windows, they look AMAZING!
  
 
        Rachael Smith 
 2020-05-22
 
 
  Absolutely outstanding quality, value for money and service from Rob. This is the second time Rob has done work for us and we can highly recommend him. The sash windows are like new! Thanks Rob 😀
  
 
        Jon Reed 
 2020-04-06
 
 
  Used these guys to do a total refurbishment on the windows of my 1870s Victorian Villa style house. Incredibly happy with the work and the guys doing it are just superb. On time to the minute every day, clearly take pride in the work they do and super friendly. Would not hesitate to use again!
  
 
        Geoff Parsons 
 2019-11-04
 
 
  Excellent service from Mark. The windows installed last week. Look elegant and noise reduced considerably.
  
 
        S Attewell 
 2019-10-28
 
 
  Very pleased, very sound work done, very professional and friendly team. Highly recommended!!
  
 
  
  
 
 
   Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 37 reviews