Restore or Renew Traditional Sash & Case Windows

Posted by Janet @ Alba on August 21st, 2024

If you live in a beautiful old home such as a Victorian villa or a tenement flat in Scotland you are likely to have beautiful old timber-framed sash and case windows or casement windows. Stunning as they look, they will be at least 100 years old and are most likely to be suffering from old age!  The glass will be single glazed and the wood may be damaged. This means you could be suffering from a chilly home due to draughts from your windows. So what do you do?

Most people investigate buying new replacement windows that are double or triple-glazed and draught-free. However, in most cases it is possible to repair, upgrade and refurbish these old windows. 

Benefits of Replacement Sash Windows

With new windows you can buy the most energy-efficient windows possible that will help keep your home warm and cosy.  

The decisions you will need to make are:

• What type of frame do you want? 
• Is double or triple glazing best?
• Are you in a conservation area? Do you need to replace your windows with exactly the same style?
• Will you change all your windows to make your home uniform?
• What is your budget?

The cheapest replacement windows will be uPVC framed windows.  You can get these windows in all styles such as casement, sash and case and tilt and turn. They are available in both double and triple glazing and the frames can be made in a colour that suits your building.  They can even be made with a wood-effect. This type of window needs very little maintenance and will last a long time so are very cost-effective. However, most conservation areas will not allow uPVC. You will need to consider the aesthetics of your property as they will never look as good as traditional timber frames. 

If you choose replacement windows with a timber frame you will be able to buy beautiful new double or triple glazed windows that are energy efficient.  These windows will last another 100 years if maintained.  However, they are likely to be the most expensive option but worth it for the aesthetics of the building and their longevity. New timber is never as strong and beautiful as the original timber from 100 years ago as the timber comes from much younger trees.  It is possible to buy mass-produced timber windows or you can choose a company that will make bespoke timber windows that replicate your current windows. Benefits of Refurbishing Sash Windows

The main reasons people think they need new windows are the wood is damaged or rotten or the glass is single-glazed and they want double or triple-glazed windows to keep their homes warm.

None of these reasons necessarily mean you need to buy replacement windows. Despite the appearance of your windows, the timber frames are generally sound as they were made with such good quality wood and can be repaired and restored. Specialist companies can look at your windows and advise if they can repair them.  It may require replacing a small piece of the frame but in most cases they can restore the frames making them look fantastic once again.

You may be thinking, its all very well having nice looking window frames, but how does that keep me warm and stop draughts. Old windows can have their glass replaced with slim-fit double-glazed units.  This will make your windows energy efficient at a rate comparable to modern replacement windows. If you decide you wish a cheaper option than upgrading the glazing, you could install a draught-proofing system that is available from specialist sash window repair companies. 

If you choose to refurbish your windows, it will maintain the look of the building but give you the warmth you need.  Environmentally, it is also a great option as you aren't using any new wood. 

Which Choice Will You Make?

Ultimately, it is your choice but I believe restoring and upgrading traditional windows is the better option if possible. Environmentally and aesthetically it is the best choice. New cheaper windows may make your home warmer but it could lower the value of your home.