Replacement is our last resort, not our first. We repair a sash until repair stops making sense. However, when it does, we make a like-for-like new sash from £190, or a full sash window if the frame has failed too. Every job carries our five-year guarantee on labour.
Why we repair first
Old sash timber is often better than new timber. Slow-grown wood from the original build lasts well when it stays dry and painted. Because of that, we keep what is sound and replace only what has perished.
That approach also keeps the character of your home. A replacement sash has to match the glazing bars, horns and mouldings of the originals, or the facade looks wrong from the street. Our sash window repairs page explains how far we take a repair. In addition, repair usually costs far less than new joinery, so it protects your budget too.
While you decide which route to take, read our guide on repairing or replacing sash windows. It lists the signs that point each way.
When a replacement sash is the right call
However, some damage cannot be repaired well. For example, a bottom rail may be rotten right through, with the joints open and the glass loose. In that case, splices would cost more than a new sash and would not last.
Other reasons include sashes that have been badly cut down over the years, or sashes that went missing. In that case a new one is the only option, because repair has nothing left to work on. We take careful measurements from the existing frame, so it fits and slides smoothly.
However, we check the frame and sill before we promise anything. A new sash in a rotten frame will not last. If the sill is the problem, our sill repairs page covers that work.
The options and what they cost
We offer four levels of work. Each one suits a different situation, because we want the choices to stay simple. We also explain the trade-off between price and lifespan, so you can choose with confidence.
First, a single replacement sash starts from £190. Ornate sashes or those with many glazing bars cost more, because each bar takes extra time to cut and fit.
Second, a new double-glazed sash in your original frame starts from £680. We make it as a like-for-like match to the single-glazed original. We use it when we cannot double glaze the original sash, when the original sash is beyond saving.
Third, a full double-glazed replacement starts from £1,480. It comes in hard or softwood, fully decorated, with modern security. Fourth, since the original sash can often carry a sealed unit, double glazing your existing sashes from £480 is usually the cheaper route.
Our costs page lists every price. For example, our guide to sash window repair costs in London shows what drives a quote. Also read our guide to sash window repair costs in London.
Timber, finish and glass
We supply full replacement and surrounds in hardwood or softwood. Hardwood usually costs more, while softwood is the traditional choice for many painted London sashes. We talk you through both when we visit.
We also offer primed, undercoated and fully gloss-finished timber on request. A fully finished window saves you the decorating job. However, you can choose a primed finish if you plan to paint it yourself.
Our windows use only high quality Pilkington low-E glass. The coating helps the glass keep heat in, so rooms feel warmer. If you need a different glass, see our glass replacement page.
What a replacement visit involves
First, we hold a free site visit and write you a quote. Because every frame differs, at that visit we measure the frame, check the pulleys and cords, and look at the sill. Then we explain which parts we can save.
On the day, we remove the old sash, fit the new one and rehang it on new cords. We also check the draught seals and the catch. In addition, we can fit locks and restrictors while the sash is out.
Finally, we tidy up and leave the window working. If the whole set of windows is tired, a full overhaul at £188 per window can be better value than replacing sash by sash, since it treats every window.
Listed buildings and conservation areas
Replacement on a listed building needs extra care, because the council may need to approve it. We handle listed and conservation work case by case, because each building has its own rules. Our page on listed building sash windows explains how we approach it.
Why matching the original matters
Sash windows are a big part of a London facade. A new sash that sits flush, with slim bars and the right horn detail, keeps the street looking right. A poor match, however, stands out from the pavement and can lower the appeal of the whole house.
So we copy the profile of your original sashes as closely as we can. We also keep the same sash weight where we can, so the existing cords and weights still balance the window. That keeps the window easy to lift for years.
Book a free quote
We visit, measure and give you a written quote at no charge. There is no obligation to go ahead. We cover all Greater London postcodes, and often just outside the M25.
To begin, contact us with a few photos. We are open Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 18:00.