Sash windows are elegant examples of traditional craftsmanship, combining form, function, and historical detail. While it might be tempting to take a DIY approach to repairs, especially when aiming to save money or time, restoring sash windows is rarely as straightforward as it seems. These windows operate on a carefully balanced system of cords, pulleys, and weights, and their frames are often made from high-quality, aged timber that demands expert care.

A simple mistake – from using the wrong filler to misaligning a sash – can cause irreversible damage, compromise insulation, or even breach planning regulations in listed properties.

In this article, we’ll explore the key reasons why DIY sash window repairs can backfire – and why trusting experienced specialists ensures your windows retain their charm, function, and structural integrity for decades to come.

Sash windows are renowned for their timeless elegance and impressive longevity – but like any feature in your home, they need consistent care to stay in top condition. Regular servicing not only helps preserve their traditional charm but also ensures smooth operation, better energy efficiency, and long-term durability.

One of the most frequent questions we hear from homeowners is: how often should sash windows be serviced? The answer depends on several factors – including weather exposure, property location, and the materials used – but a proactive maintenance schedule can prevent costly repairs down the line.

From annual inspections and routine hardware checks to repainting and occasional reglazing, sash window servicing doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, just a few small tasks done regularly can extend the life of your windows by decades.

Restoring sash windows is one of the most valuable investments you can make in a period property – but knowing when to do it can make all the difference. While professional restoration is technically possible throughout the year, certain seasons offer more favourable conditions for ensuring a longer-lasting, higher-quality finish. Timing your project well can improve the durability of the work, avoid weather-related setbacks, and even help you get better availability from trusted specialists like PM Windows.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the advantages and drawbacks of restoring sash windows during each season – from crisp spring mornings to cold winter days – so you can make an informed decision based on your home’s needs and the unpredictable nature of the British climate.

Preserving the original charm of a period property while improving its comfort and efficiency can often feel like a balancing act – especially when it comes to windows. Sash windows are a defining feature of many historic homes, but they’re also notorious for letting in draughts, noise, and cold. For homeowners keen to retain their property’s authentic character without compromising on warmth or quiet, secondary glazing remains one of the most effective and sympathetic solutions available.

Rather than replacing your original windows, secondary glazing adds a discreet internal pane that boosts thermal and acoustic performance while leaving your existing frames untouched. It’s especially ideal for listed buildings or homes in conservation areas, where modernisation is tightly controlled.

In this article, we explore what secondary glazing is, its many benefits, and why it continues to be a smart choice for those looking to combine traditional aesthetics with modern-day comfort – all without the need for major renovation work.

For years, double glazing was seen as incompatible with traditional sash windows – a modern convenience at odds with period aesthetics. Thick uPVC frames, clumsy spacer bars and bulky profiles simply didn’t sit well within the refined proportions of Georgian, Victorian or Edwardian timber windows. As a result, many heritage homeowners were forced to choose between preserving the look of their property and improving its comfort and energy efficiency.

Whether you're maintaining an original sash window or commissioning new bespoke joinery, understanding the evolution of double glazing is key. In this article, we explore how far technology has come, which options are best for listed buildings, and why slimline double glazing now offers the perfect balance between preservation and performance.

When investing in sash windows, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right type of timber. This choice will influence not only how your windows look, but how they perform and how long they last. The classic debate centres around hardwood versus softwood – and while both have their merits, the ideal option depends on your home’s needs, your personal preferences, and your budget.

Hardwood is often praised for its superior durability and elegant grain, making it a top choice for period properties and homeowners seeking long-term performance with minimal upkeep. Softwood, on the other hand, offers excellent value for money, especially when engineered and treated properly – a popular option across the UK for those who plan to paint their frames.

Timber sash windows are one of the most defining features of British period architecture. From stately Georgian terraces to decorative Victorian villas and elegant Edwardian homes, these windows tell the story of how design and lifestyle evolved over time. For homeowners, architects, and restorers alike, understanding the distinctions between each architectural era is essential – especially when it comes to preserving character and ensuring historically accurate renovations.

While all sash windows share core elements – sliding mechanisms, vertical symmetry, and traditional joinery – the details vary dramatically from period to period. Glazing patterns, frame proportions, decorative features and materials each offer clues about the age and origins of a home.

As the seasons shift and the days grow shorter, the focus for many homeowners turns inward – not just towards comfort and warmth, but also towards the condition of their home’s key features. Among the most vulnerable elements of a property during winter are its windows, especially traditional timber sash windows. While admired for their elegance, period charm and craftsmanship, these windows require a little more attention than their modern counterparts when cold weather sets in.

In homes across the UK – particularly period properties in areas like London, Oxford, or Bath – sash windows are a defining architectural feature. But as temperatures drop and humidity rises, timber frames face their greatest seasonal challenge. Without proper preparation, even the highest quality windows can suffer from draughts, swelling, flaking paint or worse – timber rot.