Yes, we repair sash windows across Westminster, from Pimlico and Belgravia to Marylebone and Bayswater. We take care with period homes. We keep the old timber wherever we can. Every job starts with a free site visit and a written quote, since you should know the cost first.
Westminster homes and their windows
Westminster is in the heart of London. Its postcodes include SW1, W1, W2, W9 and NW8, according to Wikipedia’s SW, W and NW postcode lists. The City of Westminster page lists Pimlico, Belgravia, Marylebone, Bayswater and St John’s Wood as districts.
Homes here are mostly Georgian or Victorian. Pimlico and Belgravia have long white terraces. Marylebone has streets of brick Georgian houses. Maida Vale and St John’s Wood have big Victorian blocks and villas.
Many of these homes have tall sashes with thin bars. They look fine, but they are hard to work on. The cords bear heavy weights, and the thin bars need a gentle touch.
Heritage rules in Westminster
The council says there are 56 conservation areas in Westminster, as its conservation areas page shows. It also notes that some have special controls called Article 4 directions. So check your street before any window change, because the rules differ from road to road.
Listed homes face tougher 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, repair is usually the safest route, since it keeps the window as it is. Our post on double glazing listed sash windows explains what to expect. We also cover slim double glazing and vacuum glazing for older frames.
Common sash faults here
Noise and cold draughts are the main complaints. Busy streets shake loose sashes, so rattles are common. A draught proofing system closes the gaps while the window still moves freely.
Cords wear out in tall windows because the weights are heavy. We fix that with sash cord replacement. Rot shows up at sills, while paint fails on the sunny side, so we also offer sill repairs.
What we do in Westminster
Our sash window repairs mend the fault and keep the original joinery. We handle listed building sash windows case by case. If you want warmer rooms, you can double glaze existing sash windows, subject to any consent.
How a visit works in Westminster
We start with a look at every window you want checked. In Pimlico and Marylebone, that often means tall front sashes on a terrace with strict street rules. 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 Westminster
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.
Ask us anything about your windows. We reply in plain words, and you then decide what to do. There is no rush and no pressure. 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 Kensington and Chelsea and homes across Lambeth. To the north, see our page on sash window work in Camden.