Forum Topic

Replacing sash windows

We need to replace the sash windows in our Edwardian terrace.  Does anyone have any recommendations?Thank youAntonia

Antonia Claire Siddle ● 1715d15 Comments

We were thinking of doing likewise. Have you decided between wood and not wood yet?

Anita Blake ● 1715d

If replaced with wood should be frames of treated hardwood, and regularly renovated every few short years with professional preparation and repainting ~ although excellent plastic double-glazed sash versions can be obtained requiring little follow-through maintenance. It may be a question of tradition and aesthetics whether it's a choice of wood or plastic.

Bobbie Carnegie ● 1715d

We and some of our neighbours have used this company:-https://www.traditionalwindow.com/I’d recommend them if you want hardwood windows, they aren’t cheap but they do a great job fitting them and the windows are well made.

Michael David Rowe ● 1715d

Start with where you live and do you need planning permission if you change style, appearance and material.Hardwood will not require decoration so often but softwood (much cheaper) will need redecoration approx., every 5 years.PVCu windows (usually white, but not necessarily so, need little maintenance but will be cheaper than wood depend on taste. It's much more cost effective to double/triple glaze PVCu but there again depend where you live regarding planning permission.Start with Planning Department for first response before appoaching companies to take matter forward.

John Davies ● 1715d

rgwindows.co.uk We were very pleased with two sash windows from this company.

Stewart Jones ● 1715d

You need someone who will explain to you about the glazing and different materials now available.  When we replaced wooden sashes 30+ years ago with more wooden sashes in order to have - and due to the weight of the double glazed glass - we had to replace the box sashes with sprung sashes (as weights large/heavy enough wouldn't fit in the sash boxes). There is now other double or triple glazing on the market.  Most people would not notice that they were different.Also bear in mind that the National Trust and other organisations dealing with historic buildings replace with wooden double glazed sash windows.  Make sure you get to see all the different types available.  There are also powder coated aluminium windows as well as plastic ones and you could choose to use different ones on the front and side or back of the house or where they are less accessible.  As everyone has already mentioned check the planning requirements of any Conservation Area or any other restrictions.  I've heard that there are long delays in planning permissions all over the country.

Philippa Bond ● 1715d

The Sash Window Wizard. They did a nice job for us, clean tidy, on time etc. They have a couple of grades f wood to chose from. Happy to recommend. 

Rob Reynolds ● 1715d

I too can recommend Sash Window Wizards.  Their work is top quality

Jennifer Jenks ● 1715d

We used the Sash Window Workshop, they were the most expensive of the ones we looked at, but the use Accoya, very durable. The make minute measurements, and make all the windows themsleves. Their installers were superb. We even did a factory tour.

Martin Walker ● 1714d

Make sure they are double glazed. You can hardly tell modern double glazed sash windows are double glazed. With persistence  Hounslow Council, eventually approved new wooden double glazed windows on our listed house in a conservation area.

Chris Dakers ● 1714d

Thank you for the recommendations

Antonia Claire Siddle ● 1714d

'Accoya' one reads is essentially a fast gowing softwood pine which with say 30 years growth and subsequent preparation becomes 'hardwood' ideal for window frames and doors.

Bobbie Carnegie ● 1714d

Yes it is a chemically treated wood to make it more durable:-https://www.accoya.com/uk/acetylation-what-is-it-and-what-is-acetylated-wood/

Michael David Rowe ● 1714d

We would also recommend A Sash Window Wizard.  They were very good and by no means the most expensive

Andrzej Kowalski ● 1712d

A FENSA certificate isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a need-to-have. Because the certification means you’re working with a professional company that will meet two legal requirements and provide you with an important level of protection. Most people haven’t the time, knowledge or inclination to check these three things themselves. So, what are they?A FENSA certificate is your assurance that the installer who fitted your windows or doors has complied with Building Regulations. It also means that your installation(s) will have been registered with the Local Council. These are legal requirements and proof of them is essential when selling your home.In addition, FENSA certificates issued after 6 June, 2014 verify that the installer’s warranty is insured. Reassuring to know if anything goes wrong, and the business gets into trouble.

Tony Antares ● 1712d