Yes, we repair sash windows across Kensington and Chelsea, from Chelsea and South Kensington to Notting Hill and Holland Park. We work carefully on period homes and keep the original timber wherever we can. Every job starts with a free site visit and a written quote, since you should know the cost first.
Kensington and Chelsea homes and their windows
This borough in central London has lots of fine old homes. Its postcodes include SW3, SW5, SW7, SW10, W8, W10 and W11, according to Wikipedia’s SW postcode list and W postcode list. The borough page names Chelsea, Kensington, Notting Hill, Earl’s Court and Holland Park among its areas.
Most homes here are Georgian or Victorian. Chelsea has brick terraces and quiet lanes. Kensington and Notting Hill have tall white terraces and villas. Most have wood sashes with many small panes, and many are listed.
Those windows are part of the street. However, they are hard to work on, because the sashes are tall and the bars are thin. That is where careful work counts.
Rules for period homes
The Royal Borough says nearly three quarters of the borough is protected by 38 conservation areas, according to its heritage and conservation page. So most owners here live in one.
Listed homes face stricter rules. Under section 7 of the 1990 Planning Act, work that changes a listed building’s character needs consent. Doing it without consent is an offence under section 9.
As a result, like-for-like repair is the safest path. We handle listed building sash windows case by case. Our post on double glazing listed sash windows explains what councils tend to accept. Our guide to sash windows in London conservation areas covers the wider rules, because the same ideas apply across London.
Common sash faults here
Tall sashes carry heavy weights, so cords wear out. A broken cord is the most common call, while worn locks come second. We handle that with sash cord replacement.
Rot is next, because sills and bottom rails take most of the rain. Even so, we can usually splice in new wood. A sash window sill repair saves the frame.
Noise and cold are the third issue, since busy roads and thin glass make rooms loud and cool. In that case, draught proofing helps a lot.
What we do in Kensington and Chelsea
Our sash window repairs keep the original joinery. For a full service, a sash window overhaul puts the whole window right. If you want better insulation, you can double glaze existing sash windows, subject to any consent.
How a visit works in Kensington and Chelsea
We start with a look at every window you want checked. In Chelsea and Kensington, that often means tall sashes with thin bars that need a gentle touch. While we test how each sash moves, we check the cords and press the sills for soft spots.
Next, we explain what we found in plain words. Because the quote is in writing, you can read it at your own pace and compare it. If you say yes, we book a date that suits you. Finally, we check each window with you before we leave.
Simple checks you can make yourself
Period homes need a close eye, and a few quick checks still pay off. First, open each window and see if it moves with ease. A sash that sticks or drops needs a look.
Then run a hand round the frame on a windy day. Cold air means the gaps are too wide, because the sash no longer fits snug.
Next, press a thumb on the sill. Soft wood is a sign of rot, so tell us soon. Also check the paint, since cracks let rain in. A small fix now costs less than a big job later.
Why we repair first
Good old timber can last for many more years with care. That is why we mend a sash when we can. A fix keeps the look of your street, and it keeps your money in your pocket. We only suggest a new sash when the old one is past saving, because repair keeps more of the original.
Prices and what to expect
Our prices are the same across London, since one price list covers every borough. An overhaul with draught proofing is £188 per window. A sill replacement is £120 per window. A small splice repair is £80.
The full list is on our costs page, because we publish every price. You get a written quote after a free visit. The work has a five-year guarantee on labour and on the draught-proofing system.
Getting a quote in Kensington and Chelsea
Send your postcode and window count through our contact page, because that helps us plan the visit. We will book a free visit and write up the work. We are available Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 18:00.
We also cover the boroughs next door. For example, we offer sash window repairs in Westminster and homes across Hammersmith and Fulham. Across the river, see our page on period homes in Wandsworth.