Sash window repair in Exeter
Professional sash window repair services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-160
Typical Duration
1.5-3 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Sash windows repaired properly - broken cords replaced, sticking frames eased, draughts sorted. Keep your period windows working.
Keep Your Period Windows Working
Exeter's full of beautiful Victorian and Georgian sash windows - and they're brilliant when they work properly. But broken cords, sticking frames, and rattling draughts are common problems.
I repair sash windows across Exeter's older properties. The aim is to keep these period features working smoothly rather than ripping them out for UPVC.
Common Problems I Fix
| Issue | What's Wrong | The Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Won't stay open | Broken sash cord | Replace cord and restring |
| Sticks when opening | Paint buildup or swollen wood | Ease, plane, and lubricate |
| Rattles in wind | Loose fit in frame | Adjust parting beads, add draught seal |
| Dropped sash | Both cords broken | Replace both cords, rehang window |
| Rotten sill | Water damage over years | Repair or splice (beyond basic repair) |
Why Fix Rather Than Replace?
✅ Original features - period windows add value and character
✅ Built to last - these windows are over 100 years old and still going
✅ Cost effective - repair costs a fraction of replacement
✅ Planning - conservation areas often restrict UPVC
💡 Pro tip: A well-maintained sash window will outlast modern UPVC. The Victorians built things to last - they just need occasional TLC.
Pricing Guide
| Repair Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Single cord replacement | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-110 |
| Full window restring (both cords) | 2-2.5 hrs | £110-135 |
| Ease sticking window + minor repairs | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-110 |
| Multiple windows | 2-3 hrs per window | £110-160 each |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Rotten wood repair is additional.
How Sash Windows Actually Work
They're cleverly designed:
- Two sliding sashes (top and bottom parts)
- Hidden weights inside the frame (cast iron usually)
- Sash cords connecting window to weights
- Pulleys at the top for the cords to run over
When the cord breaks, the weight drops and the window won't stay open. Simple to fix if you know how.
Why Choose Us for Sash window repair in Exeter?
Broken sash cords replaced properly
Sticking windows eased and adjusted
Draught-proofing where needed
Period features preserved
What to Expect
Step 1: Assess the Window
I'll test the operation, check for broken cords, look at the wood condition, and work out what needs doing.
Step 2: Carefully Dismantle
Remove staff beads, take out the sash, access the weight pocket. All done carefully to avoid damage - these components are old.
Step 3: Replace Cord & Reassemble
Fit new sash cord, reattach to weights, rehang the sash, replace beads. Test smooth operation.
🔧 DIY Tips
🔧 Can you fix sash windows yourself?
It's a traditional skill that's learnable, but needs patience:
Tools you'll need:
- Chisel and mallet (for removing beads)
- New sash cord (right thickness - about 8mm usually)
- Small nails or pins
- Putty knife
- Patience (important!)
Basic process:
- Remove staff bead carefully (it's often painted in)
- Take out sash (noting which cord is which)
- Access weight pocket (remove pocket piece)
- Attach new cord to weight, thread over pulley
- Fix to sash and rehang
- Replace beads and adjust
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes:
- Breaking the staff bead when removing it (it's delicate)
- Wrong thickness cord (too thin and it'll snap again)
- Not getting the cord length right (window won't open fully)
- Painting over the works (makes future repairs harder)
💡 Pro trick: Before removing anything, take photos. Sash windows vary and you'll want to remember how it all went together.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🏠 Period property? Many Exeter houses in St Leonard's, Pennsylvania, and the city centre have original sash windows. They're part of the building's character and worth maintaining properly.
Both cords at once? If one cord's broken, the other's probably not far behind (they were fitted at the same time). Worth doing both while the window's apart.
Draught-proofing. I can add brush seals to reduce draughts without compromising the window's operation. Makes a big difference in winter.
Paint buildup? Years of painting without stripping back causes sticking. Sometimes needs a proper strip and repaint, but that's a bigger job than basic repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a sash cord and why do they break?
It's the rope inside the window frame that connects the window to the counterweights. When you open the window, the weights drop to balance it. Over time (and we're talking decades usually), the cord frays and snaps. Then your window won't stay open.
Can you fix my sash window without replacing the whole thing?
Usually, yes. Most problems - broken cords, sticking frames, loose parting beads - can be fixed without replacing the window. I'll always repair rather than replace if it makes sense. These windows are built to last centuries if maintained.
Why does my sash window stick?
Common causes are paint buildup (layers over the years), swollen wood from damp, or the window needs easing where it rubs. Often it's a combination. I can plane it down, clean the channels, and get it sliding smoothly again.
How long does sash cord replacement take?
Usually 1.5-2 hours per window. I have to remove the staff bead, take out the sash, access the weight pocket, replace the cord, and reassemble everything. Sounds complex but it's a standard job on period properties.
Will you match my existing windows?
I work with what you've got - same cord thickness, same paint if you want me to touch up, same hardware. The aim is you can't tell which window's been repaired. Keeping period features intact is important in these old Exeter houses.
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01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
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