Which areas of the UK do you cover?
We work in and around York and the surrounding area, which includes Leeds, Harrogate, Knaresborough, Thirsk, Easingwold, Helmsley, Pickering, Whitby, Scarborough, Bridlington, Driffield, Beverley, Pocklington, Selby, and Malton.
How long will my window renovation take?
We aim to refurbish a timber sash window in one day (excludes painting the window and replacing glass) but it really depends how much work is required. If timber or glazing needs to be replaced this will add to the amount of time refurbishment takes. We can give you a more accurate timescale after a site visit.
What is a site visit?
We visit your property to carry out a site survey before every job. This is our opportunity to see what condition your timber sash windows are in. Please bear in mind that it’s not always possible to check the integrity of all timber and sometimes it isn’t until we remove the window sashes and scrape away old paint, to expose the timber, that we really know how good the timber is.
We then provide a written estimate which includes the cost of replacing broken glass panes, window refurbishment, replacing full rails, splice repairs, replacing front sills and full sills and decorating if requested. We always keep you informed as we work on your windows by showing you if there is any rotten timber, if you are not at home we send a photograph requesting approval to replace.
Should I replace my existing timber windows with new timber windows?
This depends on budget and what you would like to achieve from your windows. Window refurbishment is more cost effective then upgrading your windows with doubled glazed units. Upgrading your windows reduces noise pollution, improves security, prevents condensation and helps to reduce heating costs. Refurbishing your existing timber sash windows does help to reduce noise pollution and heating costs but not to the level of a window upgrade.
Can old sash windows be double glazed?
Unfortunately the answer is no but there is a solution. Traditional timber sash windows work on a counter balance system – the weight of the balance that is hidden to the side of the window must be equal to the weight of the timber window sash. Adding double glazed glass to your existing timber windows would significantly increase the weight of your sash and make them dangerous to use and very difficult to keep open.
The best option is to upgrade your sash windows with double glazed units (please see this page on the website). But instead of using the traditional counter balance we use a modern spiral balance system to offset the additional weight.
Are all timber windows repairable?
We’ve yet to come across a timber window that cannot be repaired. We can usually repair any rotten rails and sills. If in the rare case your window is beyond repair and it would be more cost affective to replace we will let you know.
What kind of wood do you use?
For all repair work we use Accoya. Accoya is a fantastic product, great for the environment, long lasting and it does not twist and bow like a lot of alternative timber products. Accoya offer a 50 year warranty for above ground rot. We also recommend using Accoya if you are upgrading your windows to doubled glazed units.
I live in a listed building – can you work on my property?
We can work on your property and we are allowed to refurbish your windows without planning permission. As long as the work that we do and any repairs that are carried out do not change the character and appearance of your property and we are replacing like-for-like. For upgraded and new windows and doors please contact us for more information.
Do you need planning permission to replace windows like-for-like?
If you live in or own a listed building we recommend you contact your local authority Conservation Officer for guidance. If you live in a conservation area and you are replacing your windows with like-for-like replacements you will probably not need planning permission. If you are not in a conservation area you are unlikely to need planning permission to change your windows.
Can you paint my windows?
Lots of customers trust us to paint the interior and exterior windows we have worked on. This can be done at the same time we refurbish or upgrade your windows.
Do I need scaffolding?
In most cases the answer is no. We work from the inside of your property meaning we don’t need access to the exterior of the windows. There are exceptions of course. For curved bays and town/city centre locations we normally require a scaffold, for safety purposes.