Sash Window Repair - Sash Windows Repairs

24 Feb

Why Draught Proofing Your Sash Windows Can Cut Energy Bills

Sash windows are a bespoke feature in many London homes, known for their classic design and historical charm. However, while they add significant aesthetic value, traditional sash windows can often be a major source of draughts, leading to unnecessary heat loss and inflated energy bills. Fortunately, there™s a simple, cost-effective solution that doesn™t require replacing your beloved windows, draught proofing.

At Mortice & Green, we specialise in sash window repair, refurbishment, and draught proofing. Our goal is to help homeowners preserve the elegance of their original sash windows while improving their energy efficiency. Let™s explore how draught proofing your sash windows can dramatically reduce heat loss, enhance comfort, and cut down on energy bills.

1. Understanding the Impact of Draughty Sash Windows

Traditional sash windows, especially those found in period properties, were designed long before modern insulation standards. Over time, gaps between the sashes, frames, and parting beads can widen due to wear and natural wood movement, leading to draughts. Even the smallest gaps can allow cold air to seep in and warm air to escape, forcing your heating system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, up to 20% of a home™s heat can be lost through draughty windows and doors. In a city like London, where heating costs can be high during colder months, this kind of energy loss can significantly inflate utility bills.

2. How Draught Proofing Works

Draught proofing involves sealing the gaps and openings around your sash windows while still allowing them to function properly. At Mortice & Green, we install discreet brush pile seals within the parting and staff beads that frame the sashes. These seals create an effective barrier against cold air and prevent heat from escaping.

The beauty of draught proofing is that it™s minimally invasive. It doesn™t alter the appearance of your windows and can be completed without replacing the original frames or sashes, perfect for conservation areas and listed buildings where maintaining historical integrity is essential.

3. The Energy-Saving Benefits of Draught Proofing

1. Reduced Heat Loss
Draught-proofing eliminates the gaps that let warm air escape and cold air enter, making your home easier and cheaper to heat. With better insulation, your heating system doesn™t have to work as hard, leading to noticeable savings on your energy bills.

2. Lower Energy Consumption
By reducing the workload on your heating system, you also reduce your home™s overall energy consumption. In today™s environmentally conscious world, this is a great way to lower your carbon footprint without making drastic changes to your home.

3. Improved Thermal Comfort
Draught-proofing creates a more stable indoor temperature, eliminating cold spots and uncomfortable draughts. You™ll feel warmer in winter without needing to turn up the thermostat.

4. Noise Reduction
As an added bonus, draught-proofing can also help reduce external noise. The same seals that block cold air also act as a sound barrier, which is particularly beneficial for homes located in busy London streets.

5. Cost-Effective Energy Efficiency
Compared to full window replacement or installing secondary glazing, draught proofing is a far more affordable way to improve your home™s energy efficiency. In many cases, homeowners can recoup the cost of draught proofing through energy savings within just a few years.

4. Will Draught Proofing Affect the Look or Operation of My Windows?

Absolutely not. One of the reasons homeowners choose Mortice & Green for draught-proofing services is our attention to detail. The brush pile seals we install are slim, discreet, and colour-matched to blend seamlessly with your existing windows. We ensure that your windows remain fully functional, so you can continue to slide them open and closed with ease.

For listed properties and homes in conservation areas, our draught-proofing solutions meet all relevant guidelines, so there™s no risk of compromising the historical character of your home.

5. Combine Draught Proofing with Double Glazing for Maximum Efficiency

For homeowners looking to maximise energy savings, draught proofing can be combined with double glazing existing sash windows. This approach retains the original frames while adding modern glazing, significantly improving insulation and further reducing heat loss.

At Mortice & Green, we can retrofit double glazing into your existing sash windows, pairing it with draught-proofing for a comprehensive energy-efficiency upgrade.

Cut Your Energy Bills with Mortice & Green

Draught-proofing is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve the energy efficiency of your sash windows. Not only will you enjoy a warmer, quieter home, but you™ll also reduce your carbon footprint and see real savings on your energy bills. At Mortice & Green, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern energy-saving techniques to deliver the best sash window services in London. Get in touch with our expert team today and get a quote.

By timmy@allureseo.com Sash Window Repair, Sash windows bespoke hardwood sash windows, mortice and green, sash window repairs london, sash windows, sash windows london, wooden windows 0 Comments

28 Jan

How to Choose the Right Sash Window Company for Your Home

Sash windows are an essential feature of many homes, combining unique elegance with functional design. Whether you™re looking to restore your original sash windows or replace them with bespoke hardwood designs, choosing the right sash window company is important to ensuring your project™s success. With so many providers to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to start. Here are some key tips to help you select a reliable and experienced sash window specialist for your restoration or replacement project.

1. Prioritise Experience and Expertise

When it comes to sash windows, experience is everything. Look for a company with a long history of providing sash window services, from repairs and refurbishments to full replacements. Experienced specialists are better equipped to handle various challenges, such as working with listed buildings or properties in conservation areas. At Mortice & Green, we™ve been delivering sash window solutions since 1994, ensuring our clients benefit from decades of expertise.

2. Check Their Reputation

A reputable sash window company will have a portfolio of satisfied customers. Take the time to read online reviews and testimonials, or ask the company to provide references from past clients. Genuine feedback can give you valuable insights into their workmanship, reliability, and customer service.

3. Ensure a Wide Range of Services

A reliable sash window company should offer a full suite of services, including:

Sash window restoration and draught-proofing
Bespoke hardwood window manufacturing
Double glazing for existing sash windows
Repairs for broken sash cords or faulty mechanisms.

Having access to a wide range of services ensures the company can meet all your requirements without requiring multiple contractors.

4. Look for Conservation and Listed Property Expertise

If your home is in a conservation area or is a listed property, it™s essential to choose a company familiar with the regulations and requirements for preserving period features. Specialists like Mortice & Green understand the importance of maintaining the original character of your windows while incorporating modern upgrades, such as energy-efficient double glazing.

5. Assess the Quality of Materials and Craftsmanship

High-quality sash windows require superior materials and skilled craftsmanship. Ensure the company uses durable, sustainable materials like hardwood and employs traditional joinery techniques. This guarantees not only aesthetic appeal but also long-lasting performance. Ask to see examples of their previous work to assess the quality firsthand.

6. Request Transparent Quotations

A trustworthy company will provide a detailed, itemised quotation outlining the scope of work, materials, costs, and timelines. Avoid companies that offer vague estimates or try to upsell unnecessary services. At Mortice & Green, we believe in honest pricing, ensuring you only pay for what™s genuinely required.

7. Evaluate Their Customer Service

Exceptional customer care is a hallmark of a reliable sash window company. Choose a provider that values clear communication, responds promptly to inquiries, and offers professional advice personalised to your needs. A dedicated team will guide you through the entire process, ensuring a stress-free experience.

8. Look for Guarantees and Aftercare

A reputable company stands behind their work by offering guarantees on repairs and installations. Additionally, aftercare services, such as maintenance advice or follow-up inspections, demonstrate their commitment to customer satisfaction and long-term results.

Conclusion

Selecting the right sash window company is essential to preserving the beauty, functionality, and value of your home. By prioritising experience, reputation, and quality craftsmanship, you can ensure your sash window project is in expert hands. At Mortice & Green, we™re dedicated to delivering high-quality sash window restoration and replacement services that exceed our clients™ expectations. Contact us today for expert advice and a quotation, and let us help you bring new life to your sash windows.

By timmy@allureseo.com Sash Window Repair bespoke hardwood sash windows, mortice and green, sash window repairs london, sash windows, sash windows london, wooden windows 0 Comments

08 Apr

South London’s Love of Sash Windows is Older Than You Think

Looking for sash window repair in South London? Read on to find out more.

With a history stretching back over 2000 years and many generations of cultural influence, London has seen its fair share of architectural developments over the centuries. From the Romans to the Stuarts, Victorian innovations to Georgian ornamentation, the city™s architecture is simply brimming with history.

But did you know that London also saw some of the earliest examples of sash windows? In this article, we™ll be exploring how sash windows have remained popular in the South London area for over three hundred years and why their popularity continues to this day.

Early Sash Windows

While the original inventor of the sash window is broadly disputed, some credit the design to English scientist Robert Hooke who lived and worked in London for the majority of his life.

In the 1670s, South London™s Ham House saw some of the UK™s first sash windows installed. Borrowing from earlier French designs, Ham House™s sash windows were operated with the use of weights and pulleys. Over the following century, the design caught on more broadly and many examples, including those of Ham House, still survive to this day.

That being said, although an incredible innovation for their time, these older sash windows had some notable flaws leading to the need for South London sash window repair and maintenance.

A Classic Design Meets Modern Materials

Wooden window frames always had their fair share of problems. Changes in temperature cause the wood to expand and contract which can distort the frame and even damage the glass in extreme cases. Plus, the damp weather can also lead to rot which, if left untreated, can spread throughout the building, causing further damage.

Of course, these days we have solutions to these problems. Draught proofing and maintenance can go a long way towards mitigating the problem while, in some cases, people choose to replace their old wooden frames with uPVC or vinyl ones.

That being said, this is very much a case-by-case basis as some windows are more susceptible than others. Furthermore, there are many restrictions in place about the correct repair and maintenance of sash windows in listed buildings.

South London Sash Window Repair

Here at Mortice and Green, we™re proud to offer high-quality South London sash window repair and replacement services. Our skilled team knows everything there is to know about sash windows, combining traditional and modern knowledge for the very best result.

If you™re looking for outstanding South London sash window repair, then get in touch today by contacting us at 020 7118 9191 or by emailing morticeandgreen@mail.com.

By timmy@allureseo.com Sash Window Repair, Uncategorized sash window repairs sash cord repair sash cord replacement sash window repair 0 Comments

14 Mar

4 Tips For Keeping Your Old Sash Windows in Good Condition

Here at Mortice and Green, we provide expert sash window restoration in Wimbledon. Over our decades of experience, we™ve seen how, with the right treatment, old sash windows can continue to function in perfect condition for many years before needing restoration.

Today, we™ll be sharing our top 4 tips for looking after your sash windows and what to do if you want to keep them in perfect condition.

1. Regulate Your Indoor Temperature

Did you know that your house™s indoor temperature can influence the long-term durability of your windows?

Many old sash windows were built with wooden frames which expand and contract along with changes in temperature. While they can withstand a lot in terms of seasonal temperature change, sooner or later, problems can build up.

Although there™s nothing you can do to control the weather outside, your indoor heating habits may have a significant effect. Try to maintain a consistent temperature inside your house – especially throughout the extremes of the year. This will help to prevent expansion/contraction, minimising any damage that may occur.

2. Keep an Eye Out For Mould/Damp

Another important reason to keep your house well-heated throughout the winter months is in order to avoid mould/dampness. As the name suggests, damp can build up as moisture gets into the house. That moisture will evaporate before condensing on the cool glass of the window, causing the water to pool on the sill and ultimately encouraging mould.

If you see mould and damp building up around your window then you should take immediate steps to rectify the situation. The best thing to do is to keep your house well-heated and well-ventilated as well as regularly wiping down your windows. If mould appears to be a recurring problem, you might also consider using anti-mould paint.

3. Fix Any Peeling Paint

Speaking of paint, if you see the paint around your window beginning to peel then it™s good to repaint as soon as possible. Paint seals the wood, minimising the aforementioned temperature problems and helping to keep your windows in good long-term condition.

4. Hire a Professional

Last but certainly not least, if you™re experiencing any serious issues with your windows, don™t hesitate to hire Wimbledon sash window restoration. After all, these issues have a tendency to build up over time, so the sooner you attend to the problem, the smaller the issue will be.

Sash Window Restoration in Wimbledon

Are you looking for the best in Wimbledon sash window restoration? If so then contact us today at 020 7118 9191 or head on over to our website.

By timmy@allureseo.com Sash Window Repair, Uncategorized sash window repairs sash cord repair sash cord replacement sash window repair 0 Comments

17 Jan

How To Paint Your Sash Windows

Painting your sash windows is a great way to enhance the curb appeal of your home. Not only that, but it is an effective form of sash window maintenance that can protect the wood from rain and dampness.

Before you jump straight in and start brushing, we have a few tips and tricks to help you get the best results. Here™s our guide to painting your sash windows.

How to Prepare Your Sash Windows For Painting

1. Prep Your Space

Proper preparation will mean an easier cleanup process later on. Cover your floors with a dust sheet to protect against paint splatters and use tape to separate the window from the walls, to avoid paint contamination.

2. Remove Hardware

Take out any hardware such as locks and catches before you start painting. That way you can avoid accidentally splattering them. Whilst the hardware is out, you might want to give it an extra sparkle with a quick polish.

3. Sand The Timber

Sanding the timber is a crucial step. This ensures any excess paint is removed, creating the best possible surface for your new coat. It also ensures the paint will adhere properly, preventing flaking in the future.

4. Clean The Sawdust Off

Another crucial step, make sure to give the timber a good clean after sanding. You want to remove the excess dust, to create a smoother surface for the paint. This will also avoid contamination of sawdust into the paint pot, which could create lumps and bumps.

Get Ready To Paint Your Sash Windows

5. Start Painting

Once your preparation is complete, open the sash windows to access all parts of the lower frame. Paint the lower section first, allowing it to dry before lowering the sash window and completing the upper section.

You might need to apply more than one coat. It™s also a good idea to give the surface a very light sand after each coat, to ensure a good base for the next coat. Make sure each layer is thoroughly dry before sanding/applying the next coat.

The Finishing Touches

6. Clean Up Any Paint

If you got any paint on the glass just give this a gentle scrape with a razor blade to scratch it off. Then, remove the tape from the glass, add your hardware back on and admire your handiwork.

Still Need Professional Sash Window Maintenance?

If you need help with professional sash window maintenance, get in touch with Mortice and Green. Our sash window maintenance team offers a huge range of sash window maintenance tasks, from fixing pulleys and cords to installing new glass.

By timmy@allureseo.com Sash Window Repair replace sash windows timber windows sash windows replacement windows bespoke sash windows wooden windows 0 Comments

20 Dec

How To Winter-proof Your Sash Windows

Sash windows add timeless elegance to any home, but as winter approaches, you might be wondering how to keep your home warm.

Winter-proofing your sash windows is not only a practical task, but it also goes a long way in preserving the aesthetic appeal of your home. In this blog, we’ll explore effective strategies to ensure your sash windows remain functional, energy-efficient and cosy during the colder months.

Regularly Inspect Your Sash Windows

Before the winter chill properly sets in, conduct a thorough inspection of your sash windows. Look for any gaps, cracks or signs of wear and tear. Addressing these issues early on will prevent drafts and heat loss. Replace or repair damaged features, such as sash cords, pulleys and weather-stripping, to ensure your windows are in tip-top condition.

Install Draught Excluders

Draught excluders are a simple yet effective way to prevent cold air from seeping into your home. Install self-adhesive draught strips around the edges of the sashes to create a tight seal when the windows are closed. This small investment will make a huge impact, preventing chilly breezes from entering your home.

Apply A Window Film

Window film offers an additional layer of insulation without compromising the view. Choose a high-quality thermal window film that helps retain heat and reduce heat loss through the glass. This is a cost-effective winter-proofing task that can make a huge difference to your comfort and energy bills.

Consider Heavy Curtains

Curtains offer both aesthetic and practical benefits. Heavy curtains or drapes can add a touch of metaphorical warmth to your interior whilst also providing an extra barrier against the cold. You might want to look for curtains that have higher insulation ratings.

Install Double Glazing

Older sash windows often still feature single-glazed panes, which are terrible heat insulators. Looking into double glazing before winter is a great idea. Double glazing will keep your home warm and your energy bills down and it will even reduce some noise pollution from outside of your home

Need Help Winter-roofing Your Sash Windows?

If you need help getting your sash windows ready for winter, get in touch with our team.

Mortice & Green is composed of highly skilled professional sash window repair experts, all with vast amounts of experience working with traditional wooden sash windows.

By timmy@allureseo.com Sash Window Repair replace sash windows timber windows sash windows replacement windows bespoke sash windows wooden windows 0 Comments

25 May

A Comprehensive Guide to Sash Window Repair

Sashes are classic timeless features that add elegance and aesthetic value to any home. Unfortunately, due to wear and tear they may require repair at some point during their lifespan. If you don™t keep on top of sash window repairs, your windows could perish much quicker than you™re average windows.

Sash Window Maintenance Problems

Before we dive into ways of repairing these iconic windows, let’s go over some common problems with them.

Draughts

Weather elements and ageing may cause air to escape or enter through sash windows, leading to inefficient energy consumption.

Rotten Wood

Depending on how often maintenance is carried out, it™s possible for the wood used in sashes to rot.

Broken Cords

With time, the cords holding sash windows in place lose elasticity and eventually snap, causing difficulty when opening or closing the window(s).

Painted Shut

If poorly done, painting sash windows can end up in them getting stuck, making it difficult or even impossible to open them.

Have you noticed your sash windows letting in drafts or showing signs of wood rot? Instead of replacing them entirely, consider trying some simple repair methods first. Here are some practical ways you can address these common issues:

Draughty Windows

Fit rubber seals or self-adhesive strip around your sashes
Replace damaged putty with new material designed for gaps
Consider investing in secondary glazing

Wood Rot

Fill gaps left by rotting timber using an epoxy-based compound. When it comes to keeping your sash windows in tip top shape, repairs may sometimes be necessary. But don’t worry – there are ways to handle common issues like rotten wood and broken cords.

Splice in repairs involve cutting out any damaged sections and replacing them with fresh wood pieces while Dutchman repairs mean entirely removing any damage before replacing it with new matching wood.

Broken Cords

Dealing with broken cords holding your sash windows in place may seem daunting at first glance, but it™s manageable! You can choose to replace old cords by removing the entire window and installing brand new ones or try installing spring balances instead for an even better solution.

And we™ll leave you with a bonus tip, if you managed to paint your sash windows shut.

Keep this in mind – gentle tactics will do the trick. Using a putty knife along edges or lightly tapping on them using a hammer can release any paint sticking frames together without causing further harm. Just give it time and have patience.

If there’s one thing that can lend a house its quintessential charm – it’s sash windows! So be it adopting a DIY option or hiring the professional for all your sash window repair needs, tearing them down altogether should never be considered.

By timmy@allureseo.com Sash Window Repair sash window repairs london, sash windows, sash windows london, wooden windows 0 Comments

28 Apr

When Do Sash Windows Need Restoration

For centuries, sash windows have been one of the most beautiful and elegant window designs available. During the 20th century, they became less popular and although in recent years they™ve seen something of a resurgence, most of the sash windows around these days are quite old.

This brings us to the subject of sash window restoration. Sash window restoration is a specialist carpentry service that we™re proud to offer here at Mortice and Green. After all, we love sash windows and there™s nothing better than restoring them to good condition. Today we™ll be taking a look at when you might need sash window restoration, how the process works and the best ways to look after your beautiful old windows.

The Process Of Sash Window Restoration

While the restoration process does vary a little depending on the specific circumstances, the basics are the same.

We start by assessing the extent of the damage/wear and what kind of sash window restoration services may be required. Some parts may need to be replaced while others may just need a little care and attention.

At this point, we carefully remove the window from the frame and begin the restoration process. Generally speaking, this can include revarnishing or painting woodwork, replacing fixtures or broken glass, polishing up the glass and finally refitting the window.

Restoration Versus Replacement

In some cases – particularly when the window in question is single-glazed – people will choose to have their old sash windows replaced with new ones. That™s a service we can also provide and generally always worth asking.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to one of two things: how badly is the old sash window damaged? And would a new window have significant advantages?

By significant advantages, we mean that, as well as being double-glazed, new sash windows are also built from materials that are generally less likely to get damaged over time as a result of exposure to the elements. By contrast, old wooden frames have a tendency to expand and contract over the years, slowly but surely leading to damage.

Listed Buildings

It™s worth noting that you may run into some complications if you™re in a listed building. Depending on the grade, there are some strict regulations around what you can and can™t do with a listed building and while replacement is often a possibility, you™ll need the right permissions to ensure that it does not impact the historical integrity of the building.

That being said, maintenance and repair are important responsibilities when it comes to looking after listed buildings so, depending on the building in question, this may be the best solution going forward. Ultimately you should review your options and decide what works best.

By timmy@allureseo.com Sash Window Repair bespoke hardwood sash windows, sash window repairs london, sash windows, sash windows london, wooden windows 0 Comments

21 Jan

Why choose professional sash window repairs over DIY?

When you need sash window repairs your first thought automatically goes to money and how much it™ll cost. For some, they think the costs will be too high and turn to DIY. You can™t blame people for considering do-it-yourself repairs. It feels like the easy option but while it might sound fun, it isn™t practical when it comes to repairing sash windows. So, why should you choose professional sash window repairs over DIY?

Quick repair times

Sash window repairs must be done properly otherwise problems can arise. With DIY repairs, you need to find time to inspect the windows and then make the necessary repairs. You can™t rush this either. It™s not easy, to say the least, and that™s why sash window repairs should be dealt with by a qualified technician.

Professional repair services can be with you on the same day as you call them and have the repairs done in no time. It™s a far cry away from tackling the repairs yourself.

Access to better materials

You are almost guaranteed a quality finish when you hire professional repair services. They have access to the best materials and tools which are crucial. When you go down the DIY route, you don™t have access to the same quality materials which can make a huge difference. That™s why DIY repairs are not always the best. Sash window repairs should be dealt with by a professional because they know how to handle the necessary repairs.

DIY is a romantic thought that crumbles after the first attempt

Let™s be honest, you love the idea of DIY repairs because it seems the best way to save money. Unfortunately, it often works in reverse and costs you more. The reason is that you aren™t qualified to handle the repair. You might think you™ve dealt with the problem but it quickly resurfaces. Sash window repairs can be tricky if you don™t know what you™re doing. Calling in a professional is better because DIY is time-consuming and costly.

Let the professionals handle sash window repairs

Sash windows are beautiful and can make your home stand out for the right reasons. While you can be tempted to handle the repairs yourself it isn™t advisable because one error can cost a fortune to fix. You might make the problem worse or cause a new one entirely. It isn™t always straightforward, especially when you aren™t qualified in this field. Professionals will make sash window repairs so much easier.

By timmy@allureseo.com Sash windows, Sash Window Repair Sash Window Repair, sash window repairs london, sash windows 0 Comments

19 Dec

How to draught-proof sash windows

Sash window repair is essential to maintain the integrity of the windows and home. The windows are a gateway to the home and when they™re compromised, they make a home less efficient. When draughts form, it™s necessary to take the appropriate steps to keep the cold out. So, how can you draught-proof sash windows and why should you call in the professionals?

Replace the draught-proof strip

All windows have a draught strip, and it typically keeps the draughts out. Unfortunately, these strips can become damaged by various elements, including the weather and general wear and tear. When this happens, draughts are more likely to occur. Replacing the strip can be incredibly important to ensure draughts remain out. Sash window repair is crucial and having a professional install the draught strip is a necessity.

Install a parting bead

Sash window repair is necessary when the parting bead needs to be replaced. This can be quite a difficult repair to make, and professionals will be needed. Professionals are ideal for sash window repair and draught-proof a home. They can install a new parting bead and ensure the windows keep the draught out too.

Replace the staff bead

Sash windows have an internal trim, called the staff bead. Unfortunately, this is prone to wear and tear. Often, it can contribute to draughts opening up around the window and be fixed quickly. Sash window repair can be important to keep out the draughts and maintain the integrity of the windows. Professional window repair services can replace the staff bead and help seal the window from draughts.

Sash window repair should be done by the professionals

Draughts are a nightmare and can make a home incredibly cold. Sash window repair can be a necessity when a new draught appears. Remember, it™ll be difficult to retain heat in a room with a draught because the cold air will continue to seep in. Sash windows are beautiful and calling in a professional to maintain them is crucial. Professionals can deal with draughts and take steps to close them successfully. Sash window repair should only ever be done by a professional to ensure the best finish.

Protect your home from draughts

Draughts are frustrating at any time of the year, but even more so during the winter months. Typically, they originate from the window and it™s necessary to resolve the issues quickly. Draught-proofing your windows is crucial to maintaining their integrity. Calling in the professionals to deal with repairs is important, so too are calling them in when you want to draught-proof the windows. Sash window repair and draught proofing the home should be done by professionals as they make the job easier.

By timmy@allureseo.com Sash windows, Sash Window Repair Sash Window Repair, sash window repairs london, sash windows 0 Comments