London Sash Window Repairs fixes sash windows across Greater London, and we repair first. Broken cords, rotten timber, stuck sashes, failed putty and rattles can nearly always be put right without a new window. Every repair carries a five-year guarantee on our labour, and the site visit and written quote are free.
Why we repair rather than replace
A sash window is a timber machine, so you can mend most of its parts one at a time. A rotten corner does not mean a rotten window. However, a snapped cord does not mean the whole frame has failed.
For that reason we make use of the existing joinery wherever we can. We only replace the sections that have rotted. As a result, you keep the original proportions and period detail of your home. You also pay for the work you need, not a new window you did not need.
Repair is not always the right answer, however. If a frame has failed structurally, we will say so. Our guide to whether to repair or replace sash windows explains how we weigh up condition, cost and heritage value.
Faults we repair
Most London sash windows reach us with one of a handful of problems. First, here are the ones we see most often.
Broken or frayed sash cords
A snapped cord means the sash will not stay up. We take the sashes out, fit new cord and check that the weights balance. Then the window stays where you leave it. Our sash cord replacement page covers the full process.
Rotten sills and bottom rails
Timber at the bottom of a window takes the worst of the weather. First we cut out the rotten section. Then we splice in fresh timber, bond it and fix it mechanically. A small splice repair costs £80 and a bottom-rail repair costs £120.
However, we will not remove a whole sill if a smaller splice leaves it sound. If a sill has gone beyond repair, replacement is £120 per window. Our sill repairs page and our guide on rotten sash window sills cover how to tell the difference.
Stuck and painted-shut sashes
Layers of paint often glue a sash into its frame. We free the sash without damaging the joinery, because forcing it causes more harm. Then we replace any broken cords and refit the parting and staff beads. Our article on painted-shut sash windows shows why forcing a stuck window is a bad idea.
Perished putty and glazing
Putty that sits in strong sun turns brittle, cracks and eventually falls out. Because of that, we remove as much defective putty as we can and apply fresh putty. We carry 4mm and 6mm glass in our mobile workshops.
Glass replacement only makes sense when the sashes are already out. Therefore we combine it with an overhaul or a draught-proofing job.
Rattles and draughts
A rattling sash usually has worn beads or failed seals. As a result, we fit a hidden brush seal system. You can read more on our draught proofing page.
Signs it is time to call us
Some faults are obvious and some creep up slowly. For example, watch for sashes that drop, windows that stick or windows that rattle in the wind. Soft or flaking timber at the sill is another warning sign. Our guide to the signs your sash windows need repair lists them in full.
Early action keeps costs down. A small splice at £80 is far cheaper than a sill that has rotted through. Moreover, a sash that you fix early rarely damages the frame around it.
What a full repair looks like
If your windows have been neglected, we can do the whole job from start to finish. First we splice any defective timber. Then we overhaul the sashes and draught proof them, because sound timber holds seals best. Finally, we offer a full decoration service.
Our sash window overhaul is the usual route for this. For example, we can also refurbish period French doors, repair Venetian sash windows and fit new sash furniture. In addition, we install security restrictors, and some insurers ask for one.
What it costs
We publish our prices because you should know them before we visit. A small splice repair is £80. A bottom-rail repair is £120 and sash re-cording and counterbalance is £120 per window. A replacement sash starts at £190, and ornate or multi-bar sashes cost more.
So if several faults sit on one window, the overhaul at £188 per window is often better value. It includes the draught-proofing system, new cords, new timber profiles and new hardware. See our costs page for the full table. Our sash window repair costs guide explains what moves the price up or down.
Access can change a quote, too. Scaffolding, very large sashes and listed-building constraints all affect the final figure. Because of this, we quote in writing before any work begins.
How to get a quote
First, send us a few photos and your postcode through the contact page. Then we will tell you honestly whether repair, draught proofing or replacement is the right call. If a site visit makes sense, it is free, and you get a written quote afterwards.
We cover all Greater London postcodes and often work just outside the M25. Also, we are available Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 18:00.