Sash Window Repairs
Handcrafted in Britain since 2012
Sash Window Repairs – Draught proofing and overhauling
If your windows are stiff, stuck or painted shut it’s possible to get them moving again with our draught proofing and overhauling service, which is what we do for sash window repairs.
Many sash windows in London are 100 or more years old, and would likely have been painted frequently to maintain them over the years. Often painters will be somewhat liberal with their paint brush and paint over the dividing line between the sashes and the frames, sealing them shut.
Similarly, if your windows are rattling in the wind or letting cold air into your property, the same service is ideal.
Sash windows are designed to have gaps around them, to allow a tolerance for the sashes to slide in the frame, and past each other. As timber is a natural material it can change size and shape, exacerbating these intentional gaps. Most original sash windows in London properties were installed before the introduction of new draught sealing technology.
The draught proofing and overhauling service involves removing the staff and parting beads from the windows (the timber strips that hold the sashes in place), which allows us to remove the sashes from the frames. We then plane down the sashes to ensure that any build up of paint is removed and the sashes can slide more freely in the frames. The sashes are re-hung and new staff and parting beads with pre-installed weatherpile brush seals are fitted, to reduce the draughts and rattles.
Fraying or broken sash cords
It is a common sight in period properties in London to see sash cords that are fraying and broken. Most will be more than 50 years old and made of a waxed cotton. Modern sash cords are now made of a plaited nylon, which means that they are virtually unbreakable and have much less tendency to fray. Another benefit is that they are much more white in colour than waxed cotton sash cords.
As part of the service, we replace all of the sash cords on your windows and also ensure that the sashes are balanced correctly, that they are securely fastened to the sash weights and that the correct amount of weight is used.
Are your locks stiff, broken or missing?
We often find when visiting customers’ properties that the existing locks are not functioning correctly or have been removed entirely. With our draught proofing and overhauling service, we fit new solid brass Brighton fasteners as well as sash restrictors, all from Hardwick, which means that you can safely and securely lock your windows.
How much does the service cost?
The draught seal and overhaul service starts at around £400 + VAT per window, and can go up to £700 + VAT per window for those that are particularly large or complex. For this price we:
- Fit a new Brighton lock, two sash lifts and two restrictor bolts.
- Remove the staff and parting beads
- Cut the existing cords and remove the sashes from the frames
- Plane the sashes down as necessary to ensure they slide correctly
- Rebalance the sash weights as necessary
- Rehang the sashes on new, nylon plaited sash cord
Frequently Asked Questions
One of the most important considerations in these designs is the longevity of the products. We understand that replacing your windows is a costly endeavour and our customers would not want to be replacing the same window every 10 years. We also take traditional designs & styles into account when manufacturing windows & doors, trying
to ensure replacement windows are as sympathetic to traditional styles as possible. Some parts of your new windows may not be the same as your original. This is because we need to combine all of these considerations to ensure we provide the highest quality window, which is exactly what we do.
All the sash windows and other windows and doors that we supply are fully compliant with Document L Building Regulations. New sash windows, casement windows or doors that fit into existing frames are not required to comply with regulations as such work does not affect the structure of a building. Listed buildings and conservation area properties may be exempt from regulations – your local planning authority will be able to advise you if you are unsure.
That depends on your budget. It can be cheaper to repair your windows, but replacement is the better, long-term solution. We can undertake a site survey to determine which option is best for you.
We are members of and certified by FENSA, which allows us to self-certify our installations as compliant with building regulations.
As standard, our sash windows are fitted with a Hardwick hook lock and roller stops.