Sash Window Restoration or Replacement

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As Sash Window Experts, we firmly believe that the replacement of original sash windows should only be considered as a last resort. Whether the traditional sash windows in your home are draughty, damaged, rotten, or hard to open or close, it is not only possible but also highly desirable to restore them back to their former glory. In fact, it’s what we’ve been doing professionally for over 30 years. Call us today on 01403 602701 for a free window survey and quotation.

The Case Against uPVC Window Replacements

When you’re faced with rattly old period windows that have seen better days, it may well be tempting to replace your traditional timber sashes with modern uPVC windows. Providing excellent thermal efficiency at affordable prices along with the prospect of low maintenance, they may seem like an easy solution to your window problems.

But did you know that modern uPVC windows have a number of obvious disadvantages?

First, the lifespan of uPVC windows is much shorter than that of well-maintained wooden sash windows. Once they show signs of ageing, is it impossible to renovate them back to mint condition – unlike wooden sashes that can be fully restored and brought back to life.

Even if you choose the latest uPVC window designs, they can never match the character and the feel of the real thing. In terms of design, many homeowners would consider it sacrilege to fit new plastic windows into a period property, and there are many Conservation Areas where this is expressly prohibited.

Finally, the jarring effect of seeing uPVC windows in a period property can even lead to the property being devalued, since people simply prefer to retain the original features of their period home.

Renovating Original Sash Windows

Thankfully, there’s no need at all to throw the proverbial baby out with the bathwater. At Sash Window Experts, we have developed a restoration process to repair, renovate and preserve practically any original sash window. In this way, we are giving period property owners a viable alternative to replacing damaged, rotten or otherwise unsatisfactory sash windows.

Whatever the problem may be with your timber sashes, they can be repaired and refurbished back to their pristine condition, able to outlast their uPVC counterparts by many decades with regular maintenance.

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Large sash window before and after renovation

Sash window repair before and after photos

What’s more, repairing original sash windows will help you to sympathetically maintain an important period feature of your home.

Our highly skilled craftsmen are on hand to:

carry out timber repairs by carefully piecing in new sections of timber with detailed mouldings to match the original profile
replace window sills, complete with new pulley and outer linings, rather than fitting a completely new box frame
fit a variety of locks and traditional centre catches to satisfy insurance company requirements
supply and fit sash window double glazing when repairing or renovating your traditional sash windows
carry out comprehensive sash window renovations, including cord and bead renewal, timber repairs and expert draught sealing.

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.

Replacing Original Sash Windows

It is very rarely the case that original sash windows are beyond the point of repair. However, should it become necessary, our expert team of joiners will offer sash window replacements.

With double-glazing technology advancing all the time, we provide new double-glazed hard or soft wood sashes that use the Warm Edge Technology of modern sealed units while at the same time replicating the original moulding and horn detail of your original windows.

We can produce and install a pair of double-glazed sashes into the existing period box frame and reinstate the sashes if they’ve been replaced by uPVC. If the original windows have been completely removed and replaced with modern uPVC windows, we can supply and fit completely new box frame sash windows, either single or double-glazed, with traditional weights and pulleys.

This service is perfect for clients whose windows have either been deemed beyond reasonable repair or where uPVC window replacements are in situ and the client wishes to reinstate the period look.

All our handmade bespoke replacement sash windows are made in our joinery workshop by highly skilled craftsmen who are passionate about giving your period windows the attention to detail they deserve.

Why Choose Sash Window Experts?

It is a sad state of affairs that around ¾ of the UK’s original box sash windows have been lost, either as a result of modern window replacements or because period buildings have been demolished.

Here at Sash Window Experts, we pride ourselves on using our considerable craft skills and expertise to preserve as many of these beautiful historic windows as we can. In fact, the company was started with the sole aim of preserving period windows and doors.

We now have a small team of highly skilled craftsmen working in our workshop who will expertly restore, renovate and draught-proof sash windows. While our business always strives to deliver top-quality work at very competitive prices, restoring original sash windows is more than just work for our dedicated team. Call it our contribution towards the protection and preservation of our great British heritage.

For more information about our sash window restoration services or to discuss your particular sash window problems with our specialist team, please call the Sash Window Experts workshop on 0800 197 0129, speak to Mark direct on his mobile on 07735 500535 or fill in the form on our Contact page to arrange a free no obligation window survey.

Restoration or Replacement FAQs

Is it better to repair or replace old sash windows?: At Sash Window Experts, we can carry out a full repair, refurbishment or replacement services for your timber sash windows, as required. In many cases, simply repairing the defect may suffice. This option is certainly cheaper in the short term; however, it may not be the best long-term solution. Our expert surveyors will be able to advise the best course of action, having carried out a site survey. We will always recommend the best product/service for your needs.
Do I need planning permission to have my sash windows replaced?: The answer to this question depends on the type and location of your property. If your home is situated in a Conservation Area or the building is listed, you will need planning permission (and Listed Building Consent) before making any significant alterations. If there are no planning restrictions, you may be able to proceed straight away. Always check with your local planning authority if you’re not sure. If consent is required, Sash Window Experts can help with the necessary paperwork and guide you through the process.
Will it be necessary to erect scaffolding for the works?: This depends on the location of the affected windows and the exact nature of the work to be completed. Once we have carried out our site visit, we will be able to tell you if scaffolding will be required. In most cases, we can carry out sash window repairs from inside the home. Should scaffolding be needed, we can arrange for an external contractor to put it up at very reasonable rates.

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