Enshrined in British design as a classic, once cutting-edge piece of engineering, sash windows are a staple of exterior (and interior) elegance and an important part of your home’s history. Changing the face of residential architecture for over 200 years, sash windows are a timeless choice and are now the top pick for those building their dream home from scratch. If you happen to live in an older property that has original sash windows in situ, you’ll likely want to preserve them for as long as you can.
However, is this something you should do yourself? Can you trust window firms to treat your historic sash windows with the care and attention that they deserve? We’ll answer these questions and more in this quick guide to repairing sash windows.
Can I repair the sash windows on my house myself?
In short, no. Unless you’re an experienced professional with sash window knowledge, we don’t recommend that you try to repair your sash windows yourself. Not only do they feature advanced engineering mechanisms, but original sash windows are a key part of history and therefore need to be handled in the right way.
By taking on the repair yourself, you might also be impeding your exit options in the case of a fire – it’s essential that you’re able to open your windows, particularly those on a ground floor level.
How can I tell if my sash windows need repairing?
Common signs that indicate a faulty sash window include:
- Rattling
- Decay/rot
- Draughts
- Sticking
- Stiffness
In terms of both maintaining character and living sustainably, choosing to repair the original sash windows is a much better option than replacing them, with experts usually able to repair all of the above issues. Where you do choose to replace your sash windows, ensure that you opt for a reputable, bespoke service to ensure that they remain as attractive and sympathetic as the originals.
How can I tell if my sash windows are beyond repair?
While you may be incredibly fond of your original sashes, there may come a time when they are no longer efficient enough to insulate and ventilate your home. There are a few ways to tell that your sash windows need replacing, with the main one being draughts and rising energy bills.
They may also no longer look as attractive as they once were, regardless of repainting, which often means that the best thing to do is replace them
Find sash window experts in London for all your repair and replacement needs
If you’d like to talk to us about the repair or replacement of your existing sash windows, we will be able to provide you with a free, no-obligation quote. You can also take a look at our previous projects to get an idea of how we work and the high quality service that we consistently provide.
