Original sash windows are one of the best features of a period home — but when they stick, rattle and let in draughts, it is tempting to rip them out. In most cases you do not need to. We connect homeowners across Market Harborough, Kibworth, Lutterworth and the Welland valley with an insured local craftsman who restores sash windows rather than replacing them.
Enquiries go to a selected local specialist who surveys the windows, explains the options, and gives you a clear written quote. We are not a national replacement-window company — you deal with someone who repairs and restores.
Why restore rather than replace
Original sashes were usually made from slow-grown, dense timber that outlasts much modern joinery, and they are part of what gives a period home its character (and often its value). Restoration keeps that, brings the windows back to smooth working order, and — with draught-proofing and slim double glazing — makes them as warm as modern windows without the loss of character or the landfill.
What we help with
- Restoration of tired, painted-shut or seized sashes to smooth working order
- Repairs to broken cords, weights, rot, rattles and rot
- Draught-proofing and slim double glazing to keep the heat in
Local knowledge
Market Harborough and the surrounding Welland valley have a wealth of Georgian and Victorian property, much of it with original sash windows, and some in conservation areas where replacement is restricted anyway. Sympathetic restoration keeps these windows working and warm while respecting the character of the area.
Our sash window restoration services
Sash Window Restoration
Full restoration of tired or seized sashes to smooth, working order.
Sash Window Repair
Repairs to cords, weights, rot and rattles without replacing the window.
Draught-Proofing & Double Glazing
Draught-proofing and slim double glazing to keep period windows warm.
Areas we cover
Frequently asked questions
How much does sash window restoration cost in Market Harborough?
Repairs to a single window often start from a few hundred pounds, while full restoration with draught-proofing typically runs £400 to £900 per window depending on condition. A survey is the only way to price it accurately.
Should I restore or replace my sash windows?
In most period homes, restoration is both cheaper and better — it keeps the original character and joinery, which is often superior to modern replacements, while draught-proofing brings the warmth up to modern standards.
Can old sash windows be made warm?
Yes. Draught-proofing seals the gaps that cause draughts and rattles, and slim double-glazed units can be fitted into the existing frames, dramatically improving warmth without losing the look.
Do you repair rotten sashes?
Yes — localised rot is usually cut out and repaired with new timber spliced in, rather than replacing the whole sash. Only badly decayed sashes need full replacement, and the craftsman will advise honestly.