Sash Window Repair London
A rattling, painted-shut or draughty sash window is almost always repairable — and on a period London property, repairing the original timber is both cheaper and better than replacing it with PVC. Original sashes were built from slow-grown timber that outlasts anything modern, and in a conservation area replacing them is often not even permitted.
- Fixed Written Quotes
- Guaranteed in Writing
- Free On-Site Survey
Sash Window Repair London
A rattling, painted-shut or draughty sash window is almost always repairable — and on a period London property, repairing the original timber is both cheaper and better than replacing it with PVC. Original sashes were built from slow-grown timber that outlasts anything modern, and in a conservation area replacing them is often not even permitted.
Most problems come down to a handful of causes: a snapped sash cord, perished parting beads, decades of paint sealing the sashes shut, or rot in the lower rail where rain has sat. Each has a proper fix that restores smooth operation without losing the character of the window.
Our joiners overhaul sash windows across London — re-cording, draught-proofing, splicing in new timber where rot has taken hold, and re-balancing spiral or weighted mechanisms so the sashes glide and stay where you put them. We repair what can be saved and only replace what truly cannot.
What's Included
- Per-window survey of cords, balances, beads, rails and cills
- Sash cord and spiral balance replacement
- Easing sashes painted or swollen shut so they run freely
- Rot repair by cutting out and splicing in new matching timber
- Discreet brush-seal draught-proofing to staff and parting beads
- Replacement of perished parting and staff beads
- Priming and decorative finishing on full refurbishments
- Fixed per-window pricing and workmanship guarantee in writing
What It Costs in London
These are guide prices to help you budget. We give you a fixed, written quote after a free on-site survey — no call-out charge and no surprises later.
| Work | Guide Price |
|---|---|
| Simple repair (ease sticking sash, minor adjustment)Per window | from £150 |
| Sash cord / spiral balance replacementPer cord or balance | £100 – £150 |
| Draught-proofing (brush seals, parting beads)Per window | £120 – £220 |
| Full sash refurbishmentPer window — overhaul, re-cord, draught-proof, decorate | £620 – £920 |
| Major overhaul with timber splicing / rot repairPer window, depending on extent of rot | £900+ |
Guide prices only — every job is confirmed with a fixed written quote after a free survey. Prices exclude VAT where applicable; your written quote states the VAT position clearly.
Our Process, Step by Step
Survey & honest assessment
We check each window for cord and balance condition, paint seal, rot in the rails and cills, and the state of the parting and staff beads. You get a per-window quote so you can prioritise the worst first if budget is tight.
Strip, ease & repair
Sashes are released from paint, removed where needed, and cords or spiral balances replaced. Any rot is cut out and new timber spliced in, glued and primed — not filled and hidden.
Draught-proof & re-balance
We rout discreet brush seals into the staff and parting beads, replace perished beads, and re-balance the sashes so they open smoothly and stay put at any height without rattling.
Decorate & finish
Repaired timber is filled, sanded, primed and finished so the window looks original. Full refurbishments include the final paint or stain finish; lighter repairs leave the timber ready for your decorator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Simple repairs such as easing a sticking sash start from around £150 per window. Replacing a snapped cord or spiral balance is £100–£150, and draught-proofing £120–£220 per window. A full refurbishment — overhaul, re-cording, draught-proofing and decoration — typically costs £620–£920 per window, with major rot repair from £900. We quote per window after viewing.
Almost always, yes. Original sash windows were made from dense, slow-grown timber that outlasts modern joinery, and a proper overhaul with draught-proofing brings them close to modern performance for a fraction of the cost of replacement. In conservation areas and on listed buildings, replacing them is often restricted or prohibited, so sympathetic repair is the right route.
Yes — this is one of the most common jobs we do. We rout discreet brush seals into the beads and re-balance the sashes so they sit tight in the frame. The rattle disappears, draughts are cut dramatically, and the window still opens smoothly. It is far cheaper than replacement and keeps the original glass and timber.
Yes. Decades of paint sealing the sashes into the frame is one of the most frequent faults we see. We carefully release the sash from the paint line, free the parting and staff beads, replace any cords that snapped while it was stuck, and re-balance it so it opens and holds at any height again.
Yes. Where rot has set into the bottom rail or cill — usually from rain sitting on failed paint — we cut out the decayed timber and splice in new matching hardwood, bonded and primed, rather than disguising it with filler. This is a permanent repair that restores the structural integrity of the window.
Carpentry & Joinery
Carpentry and joinery across London — bespoke joinery, doors, skirting and architrave, fitted wardrobes and alcoves, staircases, sash window repair, structural carpentry and period mouldings.
View service Cost GuideSash Window Repair Cost in London: 2026 Price Guide
Sash window repair in London costs £150 for a simple fix to £900+ for a full overhaul per window. See cord, draught-proofing and refurb costs here.
Read the guideAcross Every London Borough
We overhaul and draught-proof timber sash windows in Victorian, Georgian and Edwardian properties across every London borough — including conservation areas in Camden, Islington, Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea.
Get Your Free Survey & Fixed Written Quote
Book a free on-site survey and we'll return an itemised, fixed-price quote in writing — anywhere in London. No call-out charge, no surprises later.
- Same-day callback
- Fixed price, in writing
- Guaranteed workmanship