If you’ve ever paused in front of your beautiful period-home sash windows, noticed a little draught creeping in or heard that familiar clunk when sliding them up and down, you’re not alone. At The London Sash Window Company, we regularly speak with homeowners who dread the ‘what if’ moment: What if the cost to repair these old timber sash windows is much higher than expected?
We understand that balancing historic charm with practical maintenance can feel complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. For a no-obligation survey, call us on 020 8015 3907 or email office@londonsash.com. We’re here to help.
Our experts at The London Sash Window Company keep you worry-free: you’ll be fully informed about the repair scope, timber sash window repair costs in the UK and value, before any work begins.
The Typical Timber Sash Window Cost Ranges & What To Expect
From our experience at The London Sash Window Company:
- For minor, standard repairs (cord replacement, slight frame adjustment, draught proofing) expect around £150–£300 per window.
- More involved work (e.g., re-glazing, repairing moderate timber rot) may cost £200–£500 per window.
- When rot is big or full sash overhauls are needed, prices commonly rise to £400–£800+ per window, depending on the extent of the damage, materials, and site access.
Please note that these figures are indicative of the UK market and may vary depending on factors such as window size, complexity, location (London-area labour and access often incur higher costs), timber species, glazing type, and whether the windows are located in a conservation/listed area.
What Factors Influence The Cost?
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Extent Of Damage & ScopeOfWork
If your sash window simply needs a new cord and some resealing, the cost will be far less than if the timber frame is decayed, the sash boxes need rebuilding, weights and pulleys are replaced, or new double-glazing units are fitted. The repair-vs-replace discussion is key here.
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Timber Quality & Glazing Type
Traditional softwood versus higher-spec options, such as Accoya, can alter the price. If you opt for advanced glazing (for example, vacuum glazing or safety glass), expect higher costs but also long-term performance benefits.
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Number & SizeOfWindows
The more windows you have, and the larger or more ornate they are (such as bay windows or multi-pane sashes), the greater the total cost. The price per unit may decrease slightly with scale, but it still adds up.
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Labour, Location & Access
London projects often include higher labour rates, higher travel/traffic costs, and sometimes scaffold access. All this can increase the cost. At The London Sash Window Company, we take these factors into account in our transparent and detailed quotes.
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Conservation / Listed Building Considerations
If your home falls within a conservation area or is a listed building, compliance with heritage regulations and use of specific materials may add to cost. We frequently work in such properties and advise accordingly.
Repair Or Replace? The Cost Decision
Often, our clients ask: Should I spend on sash window repairs, or go for a full replacement? Here’s a quick guide:
- If the timber is generally sound and only secondary issues (cords, draughts, glazing) are present, then repair is a cost-effective choice.
- If windows show deep rot, many elements failing, or you want dramatically improved thermal/sound performance → replacement may represent a better value long term.
- The hidden cost of continuing to repair rather than replace can include recurring repairs, higher heating bills, and possibly compromised heritage value.
How We Quote At The London Sash Window Company
At our company, we believe in providing clear and inclusive quotes. Here’s how our approach aligns with best practice:
- We visit your home for a free survey, assess the condition of every sash window, and explain options for repair versus replacement.
- Our quotation covers labour, materials, any disposal, and we flag any factors that may cause price variances (e.g., access, scaffold).
- We educate you on the benefits of repairing: improved energy efficiency, reduced noise, preserved character, and cost savings.
- We link any repair work to the long-term care of timber sash windows: proper maintenance, draught proofing, and correct finishing.
By doing this, we help you understand where your investment goes and how it contributes to your home’s comfort, value and heritage.
Budgeting Tips For Homeowners
- Set aside contingency: Even for simpler repairs, plan for “£300-£500 per window” as a ballpark.
- Group windows: If you have many windows showing wear, tackling them in one project may reduce the cost per window.
- Consider energy efficiency: Upgrading glazing and draught-proofing may raise the upfront cost, but reduce future heating bills. Double glazing can offer three to five times better thermal insulation.
- Ask for itemised quotes: That way, you’ll see precisely how much is allocated for timber repair, glazing, labour, etc.
- Choose specialists: A company specialising in timber sash windows, like ours, ensures the use of correct heritage materials and workmanship. Cheaper general contractors may save you now, but cost you later.
Conclusion
In summary, when you search for timber sash window repair costs in the UK, you’re looking at a spectrum of possibilities from a few hundred pounds for simple repairs to several hundred or more per window if deeper restoration is required.
At The London Sash Window Company, we draw on our experience in timber sash window repair, restoration and replacement to help homeowners make informed choices that preserve character, improve comfort and maintain whole-life value.
If your sash windows are showing signs of wear, don’t wait. Contact us for a complimentary survey and a detailed quote.
Call us on 020 8015 3907 or email office@londonsash.com. Let us help you keep your period home looking its best, functioning superbly, and standing strong for decades to come.
FAQs
Q1: What is the average cost for timber sash window repair in a UK period property?
A: Typically, between £150 and £800 per window, depending on damage level, materials and site specifics.
Q2: Does repairing timber sash windows save money on my heating bills?
A: Yes, repairs like draught proofing and new glazing can reduce heat loss significantly, improving comfort and lowering bills.
Q3: Will my sash window repair quote from The London Sash Window Company include all hidden costs?
A: Yes, we provide inclusive quotes covering labour, materials and disposal, with transparency around any factors that could change cost.
Q4: How long will the timber sash window repair process take?
A: That depends on the scope and number of windows; minor repairs might be done quickly; complete overhauls or listed-building work will take longer, with a clear schedule provided.
Q5: Do I always need planning permission for sash window repairs in the UK?
A: Usually not for internal repairs, but if your property is listed or in a conservation area, changes to appearance or materials may trigger consent; we can guide you through this..