Rebecca Foster weighs up the pros and cons involved in restoring tired-looking sash windows versus installing new ones

Your home’s fenestration plays an integral role in establishing its fi nished aesthetic. If you’re keen to upgrade sash windows as part of a renovation scheme, careful thought is required when it comes to deciding whether it’s better to repair existing units or replace them entirely. In addition to preserving – or even enhancing – the appearance of your property, energy effi ciency should be a top priority when making this choice. Both routes represent a signifi cant investment, so it’s vital to do your homework, avoiding any snap decisions that could negatively infl uence the value of your house. So let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each route to help you decide which one is best for your project.

Restoring the originals

Sash windows play an enormous role in establishing the authentic appeal of traditional homes. In fact, they’re likely to be one of the chief design features that attracted you to the house in the fi rst place. “Maintaining these units is part and parcel of owning a period property and regular upkeep preserves their charm and adds value to the dwelling,” says Chris Herrington, commercial business development manager at Ventrolla. “As such, it’d be a shame to rip them out and replace them with substandard alternatives.”

While fl aking paint, rotting wood and even draughts may lead you to believe your fenestration is beyond repair, this might not be the case. Many companies offer specialist services for the restoration of sash windows, so it’s worth bringing an expert in for a survey so you can determine whether refurbishment is possible. “By renovating, you can tackle main issues like draughts and rot whilst maintaining the look and feel of your home,” says Chris.