For many houses in the UK, sash windows are a key character feature that we’d like to keep and celebrate and enjoy, as opposed to replace. The problem is that they tend to be old and often are very energy inefficient. So how can you tell when to invest in sash window repair, and when you really do need to replace the entire thing?
Problems With Wood Framed Sash Windows
Most sash windows in the UK are wooden framed, which means that they’re particularly susceptible to swelling and distortion of the woodwork, as well as rotting of the entire frame. If the wood shrinks, sash windows can becoming rattly and loud, as well as draughty due to gaps between the two window elements.
The good news is that in most cases these problems can be fixed. Expert tradesmen are generally able to carefully repair the sash windows and improve the draught proofing to prevent further damage. For more information, try the guys over at www.repairasash.co.uk, who specialise in sash window repairs.
Improving and Repairing Glass in Sash Windows
Older sash windows tend to be a big problem when it comes to insulating your house, partly due to the frames becoming draughty, but also because of the old, single glazed panes. If you’re concerned about how much heat you’re losing through your sash windows, you may still be able to solve the problem without replacing the entire unit. In fact, it may be time to replace the single-paned glass in the window with double glazing, which can be done without replacing the entire thing.
Instead of one single pane of glass, double glazing uses two thin (but strong) panes, trapping a gas between them. Back in the day it was simply a vacuum, but modern double glazing utilised krypton or argon. The trapped gas between the panes creates a much better barrier between the cold outside and the warm inside, preventing thermal bridging. Not only does it make for a much warmer home, but it also prevents condensation.
It’s an expensive way to update your sash windows, but it means you can have a much more comfortable property, lower energy bills, and you won’t lose the original frames.
Other Sash Window Repairs
Broken locks and damaged cords are common problems, but can be easily tackled by experienced sash window experts. Broken glass panes can also be replaced, but again if you have multiple panes damaged then you may want to consider upgrading the whole window to double glazing. Check out this sash window gallery to see how your windows could look after repair.
Replacing Sash Windows
While a lot of people are keen to keep their original windows, there are times when replacement is the best options. There are several benefits of replacing the unit as opposed to repairing it:
- Upgrading the materials can give the window a lot more longevity. Modern glass is much more durable and hard wearing, while newer frames can be treated to ensure that they are a lot less susceptible to future problems, like water damage and rot.
- Modern sash windows are much warmer than old ones. Upgrading from single paned glass in an old wooden frame, to double glazing and new timber frame (or a uPVC alternative) can make a huge difference. Double glazing is much, much warmer than single paned glass, and the new frames won’t have the swelling or warping, so you shouldn’t have problems with draughts.
- Repairing sash windows can be an expensive business, especially if you want to keep all the original frames intact. You may decide that repairing an inefficient older window is not worth the expense, when compared to much warmer new windows, which will keep in the heat and lower your energy bills.
Whether you decide to repair or replace your sash windows will ultimately come down to how much you’re willing to spend and which result matters more to you – keeping the original features, or improving your thermal comfort and energy efficiency. We’d always suggest that you get quotes for both options and weigh up your decision from there.
Think we missed something? Do you have a different opinion?
Comment below to get your voice heard…
Hi
I feel I need to comment on your article on sash windows.
I am happy to write a Full new editorial for you should you wish but I will bullet point a few facts
Before I do, let me point out that I have been restoring Sash and Case windows for 37 years all over Britain, including stately homes, castles, public buildings and private homes.
1. It is very rare for the sashes to distort or swell as most are made with redwood and it will not swell, the biggest problem is them being painted shut.
2. In all my career I have never seen an entire frame rot. In fact it is normally only the chill and bottom 150mm of frame at most, easily repaired.
3. It is not advisable to remove smaller panes to put in large panes it weakens the sash and creates an unpleasant look not in keeping with the property
4. In conjunction with Edinburgh university it has been scientifically proven that existing windows with shutters and curtains are more effective than double glazing
5. Total restoration of existing sash and case with draught proofing costs an average of £350 a window, which is a fraction of the cost of new.
Please can you provide the Edinburgh reference. I also want to consider the environmental impact of producing new windows compared to the energy inefficiency of originals especially given shorter lifespan of uPVC windows. It’s pity EPC does not consider embedded carbon on energy efficiency updates.
Hi Jim. I was interested to read your comment on sash windows. I need to repair or replace two sash windows (house built in 1907) on the side of my end terrace house as the glass is single glazed and lets the cold in. The only quote I have received to date for vintage UPVC sashes is very expensive, particularly as I would have preferred to stick with wood. I have been trying to decide whether to go for a different style or stick with sashes and incur the cost. I have assumed that it wouldn’t be possible to stick with my current frames and have draught proof windows but would welcome your advice.
Hello, the Greenage report is comforting to read. I have 4 windows to replace that are 25 years old thereabouts. They are old ‘Magnet’ windows to be exact.
Problem 1; The windows face south thus have to withstand a beating with the high afternoon summer sunlight. Thus repainting every other year is a dilemma. Especially as they are 1 floor up off a high street in a conservation area.
Problem 2: Which is actually better in this case. Aluminium, Timber or uPVC.?
Problem 3. The flat is above a pub and next to a high street. Noise nuisance is an issue.
Problem 4. The cost of each window with replacement. is coming now to £1560. estim. // This is a bit steep in my view.
Report here written on 26th of April 2019
Very interesting, good job and thanks for sharing such a good article. your content is so convincing that
I never stop myself to say something about it. You’re doing a great job. Keep it up.
One consideration you have missed is that properties with sash windows are often Listed or located within a Conservation Area. Either way, if you want to replace your sash windows with new ones, or even replace the glass within the old sash windows with double glazed units, you will need to apply for Listed Building Consent. This is unlikely to be given unless you are able to replace the sash windows with traditionally made wooden sash windows (not uPVC and not casement windows).. Failure to get Listed Building Consent for such work is likely to result in a hefty fine, and a requirement to replace the windows with original sash windows.