Sash windows on a period house: keeping the character, losing the draughts
Vertical sliding sash windows are part of what makes a Victorian or Edwardian terrace look right. The problem is that the original timber sashes are now well over a century old: cords snap, the frames rattle, the paint peels every few years and the single glazing lets the heat out. Replacing them with modern uPVC sash windows keeps the look of the house while fixing all of that.
Keeping the character
A good uPVC sash window should be hard to tell from timber at a glance. We match the details that matter: slim meeting rails, a deep bottom rail, run through sash horns, Georgian bars where the originals had them, and period furniture such as sash lifts and a pole eye in brass, chrome or black. Woodgrain foils in white, cream or heritage colours give the finish of painted timber without the maintenance.
The photos in this post show a recent installation on a brick fronted period house in North London, with matching sash windows inside the bay and across the first floor, and interior views showing the room with the new windows in place.
What you gain
Warmth: A rated double glazing and modern seals replace draughty single panes.
Quiet: a noticeable drop in traffic noise on busy roads.
Easy cleaning: both sashes tilt inwards so you can clean the outside from inside the room.
Security: multi point locking and travel restrictors as standard.
No painting: the frames need a wipe down, nothing more.
Conservation areas
Many period streets in Enfield, Barnet and Haringey sit in conservation areas. Replacement windows there usually need to match the original style, and uPVC sash windows with the right proportions are often accepted. We advise on this at the survey.
See them in the showroom
Visit the showroom at 4 Hampden Square, Southgate to see sash window samples, colours and hardware and compare them with a timber sash. To arrange a free home survey call 020 8361 0128 or use the online quote form. Read more on our sash windows page and see recent installations in the window gallery.
