1820 sashes upgraded in Churt, Surrey

This splendid family home dates from the 1820’s and has two Victorian extensions.

Unusually, in one room the Georgian internal shutters operated vertically as opposed to those which fold away to each side of the sash box. The shutters retract below the inner cill level, being concealed behind pine panelling and with a hinged lid.

An initial enquiry of another contractor resulted in a proposal for the complete removal of all sashes, boxes and internal shutters which were to be replaced with modern box sash with double glazed units.

We were contacted and asked to survey and provide an alternative proposal - a "second opinion" if you will. It was clear when we met with the client that his wish was to keep as much of the existing windows and shutters as possible, but the rooms were both draughty and cold and the sashes rattled in windy weather.

Our survey showed that there was scope for the refurbishment of both the boxes and the internal shutters and it was also possible to supply new hardwood sashes with 12 mm double glazed units which could be installed as an upgrade into the existing boxes as well.

Within the Victorian extensions there were some floor-to-ceiling, nine over nine pane sashes which again were single glazed but did not operate properly. We were able to provide faithful copies of the sashes but this time with double glazed units and discrete draught-proofing which greatly enhanced the thermal efficiency of the room. By installing new ball bearing race pulleys and additional weights these huge sashes now open easily.