Your Home Deserves Better
Sash windows are the heartbeat of British homes—elegant relics of Victorian charm and Georgian grace that whisper history through every pane. But let’s be honest: those same windows often let in more than just light. Draughts sneak through gaps, heat slips away, and the risk of fire looms quietly in the background of timber frames. It’s a trade-off we’ve accepted for too long—beauty at the expense of comfort and safety. What if you didn’t have to choose? Double-glazed, fire-rated sash windows bring the best of both worlds: timeless style paired with modern protection and efficiency. They’re not just an upgrade; they’re a quiet revolution for your home, blending heritage with peace of mind. Imagine a window that keeps the cold out, the warmth in, and danger at bay—all while looking as good as the day it was crafted. That’s what we’re here to deliver.
This isn’t about replacing what you love—it’s about enhancing it. The creak of an old sash might feel nostalgic, but the chill it lets in doesn’t. Nor does the nagging worry about what might happen in a fire. With double glazing and fire-rated technology, we’re solving those problems without stripping away the character that makes your home yours. Curious how a single change can transform so much? Let’s explore what these windows can do for you.
Why Sash Windows Need a Modern Edge
Sash windows have been around for centuries, and for good reason—they’re stunning. The way they slide open, the symmetry of their grids, the way they frame a view—it’s hard not to feel a pang of pride owning a period property. But time hasn’t been kind to their practicality. Research shows that up to 70% of heat loss in older homes escapes through single-glazed windows. That’s money drifting out with every gust of wind, not to mention the discomfort of a draughty room. And then there’s safety—traditional timber sashes, while beautiful, can become a weak link in a fire, offering little resistance to flames.
Double-glazed, fire-rated sash windows step in where history leaves off. The double glazing traps heat with two panes and an argon-filled gap, cutting energy waste by half. The fire-rated glass and frames? They’re built to hold back flames for 30 to 60 minutes, time that could save lives. This isn’t just a tweak; it’s a reimagining of what sash windows can be. You’re not sacrificing the past—you’re giving it a future. Think about it: why settle for charm alone when you can have charm that works harder for you?
- Heat Loss Solved: Double glazing slashes U-values from 5.0 to 1.4 W/m²K—less waste, more warmth.
- Fire Risks Tamed: Special glass and treated frames stand firm against flames, meeting tough UK regs.
- Heritage Preserved: The look stays classic, but the performance leaps forward.
Fire Safety: A Shield for Your Sanctuary
Picture this: a fire breaks out nearby. The thought alone is enough to unsettle anyone, especially if you live in a terrace or a flat with shared walls. Old sash windows, with their single panes and ageing timber, aren’t much of a barrier. Flames could spread fast, and every second counts. Now imagine windows that fight back. Our double-glazed, fire-rated sash windows are designed to do just that, with glass that expands under heat to seal gaps and frames that resist collapse for up to an hour. In a 2023 London flat fire, windows like these gave a family the precious minutes they needed to escape unharmed.
This isn’t about fearmongering—it’s about facing reality. UK Building Regulations (Part B) demand fire resistance in high-risk homes, and these windows deliver. Whether it’s a Victorian terrace or a modern flat, they offer a layer of protection that feels instinctive once you know it’s there. You’d agree that safety shouldn’t be a luxury, wouldn’t you? It’s the kind of upgrade that blends into your life so naturally, you’ll wonder why it wasn’t always this way.
- Glass That Fights Fire: Intumescent layers swell to block flames—30-60 minutes of resilience.
- Frames That Stand Strong: Steel or treated timber holds up where others fail.
- Real-World Proof: London families owe their safety to this tech—why not yours?
Energy Efficiency: Warmth That Pays You Back
Draughty sash windows have a way of making winter feel personal. The chill seeps in, the heating cranks up, and your energy bills climb—sound familiar? Studies peg the average heat loss through single-glazed sashes at a staggering 50%, costing homeowners £120 or more a year. That’s cash you could keep in your pocket. Double-glazed sash windows turn that around with a simple, clever design: two panes of glass with a sealed argon gap, plus a Low-E coating that reflects heat back inside. The result? A U-value drop from 5.0 to 1.4 W/m²K—half the heat escapes, and your home stays snug.
It’s not just about comfort, though that’s a big part of it. This is green living made practical—aligned with Part L regulations and even PassiveHouse standards for the eco-minded. Who doesn’t want a warmer home without the guilt of a hefty carbon footprint? The savings stack up over time, and the peace of a draught-free room is immediate. It’s the kind of change that feels right the moment you notice it—less waste, more warmth, and a nod to the way we live now.
Feature | Single-Glazed Sash | Double-Glazed Fire-Rated |
U-Value | 5.0 W/m²K | 1.4 W/m²K |
Heat Loss | 50% | 25% |
Annual Savings | £0 | £120+ |
Style Meets Substance: Heritage Without Compromise
Let’s face it—sash windows are part of what makes your home special. The crisp lines of a Georgian 6-pane grid or the bold horns of a Victorian frame aren’t just details; they’re history you can touch. But upgrading doesn’t mean losing that. Our double-glazed, fire-rated sash windows are crafted to mirror those classics, right down to the glazing bars and ovolo moulding. Take a Regency home in Brighton—its listed status demanded perfection, and we delivered: double glazing slipped seamlessly into the original design, keeping every curve intact.
This is about respecting what’s yours. The idea of clunky, modern windows ruining a period property is enough to make anyone wince—but it doesn’t have to be that way. Precision fitting ensures these upgrades blend in, while fire resistance and insulation quietly do their job. Our homes deserve better than outdated flaws, don’t they? It’s a balance of old and new that feels effortless—a style that lasts, backed by substance that matters.
- Perfect Match: Georgian grids (6-pane) or Victorian horns—heritage stays pristine.
- Custom Craft: Glazing bars and mouldings tailored to your home’s era.
- Proven Fit: Listed homes upgraded without a hitch—yours can too.
Who Benefits from This Upgrade?
These windows aren’t for everyone, but they might be for you. If you own a period home plagued by draughts, you’re already nodding along. Landlords with properties under Part L scrutiny know the pressure to improve efficiency. And anyone in a fire-risk spot—think terraces, flats above shops, or busy London streets—feels the weight of safety concerns. We’ve fitted these into Camden rentals needing egress compliance and Victorian semis desperate for warmth. The triggers are clear: a renovation, an energy audit, or a safety check that flags what’s been ignored too long.
It’s not about forcing a change—it’s about fitting one that makes sense. Whether you’re preserving a family home or meeting modern standards, these windows slide into your life like they were meant to be there. Who else is making the switch? More than you’d think—homeowners are tired of compromise, looking for a solution that ticks every box. Could that be you?
- Heritage Owners: Draughty Victorians get a new lease of life.
- Landlords: Meet regs without breaking the bank.
- Risk Zones: Flats and terraces gain a safety edge.
Costs That Make Sense: Value Over Time
Upgrading sash windows isn’t cheap—but neither is living with the old ones. Expect to pay £600 for a timber-framed, double-glazed, fire-rated sash, or £900 if you opt for steel. That’s more than a standard single-glazed window, sure, but let’s weigh it up. You’re saving £120 a year on energy bills, and in 5-10 years, the cost balances out. Add in the safety—30-60 minutes of fire resistance—and it’s not just a window; it’s an investment. Maintenance? A quick seal check and balance tweak once a year keeps them humming.
Nobody wants to throw money at a problem and hope it sticks. This isn’t that. It’s a calculated move—value that grows with every winter you stay warm and every risk you sidestep. Peace of mind and savings rolled into one—why put it off when it adds up so clearly? You’d pick a lasting fix over a quick patch, wouldn’t you?
- Price Range: £600 (timber) to £900 (steel)—built to last.
- Payback: £120/year savings—ROI in under a decade.
- Low Upkeep: Annual checks keep it simple and effective.
London’s Sash Window Specialists: Your Local Experts
Living in London means loving its history—those sash windows lining Camden streets or framing Bloomsbury views are part of the city’s soul. But London demands more than charm; it’s a place where safety and efficiency matter as much as style. We’ve spent over 20 years perfecting sash upgrades—think Camden rentals now fire-safe with rated glass, or Hampstead homes sealed against the cold. Our team knows timber treatment, precision fitting, and the quirks of London’s period properties inside out.
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all job. Every window we craft is tailored—whether it’s matching a Georgian grid or boosting a flat’s fire resistance. Londoners trust locals for a reason—we get it, from the regs to the weather to the way these homes breathe. The right team makes all the difference, agreed? Your home’s next chapter starts with expertise you can count on.
- Local Mastery: Decades restoring London’s sashes—Camden to Kensington.
- Tailored Skill: Precision fits for every era and need.
- Trusted Name: London knows us—your neighbours already do.
FAQs: Your Questions, Answered
Got questions? We’ve got answers—straightforward and clear, just the way you like it.
How do fire-rated sash windows work in a blaze?
They’re built tough—intumescent glass layers swell to seal gaps, holding flames back for 30-60 minutes. Steel or treated timber frames stand firm when it counts. It’s not just tech; it’s time to get out safely.
How much could I save on bills?
With a U-value of 1.4, you’re cutting heat loss by 50%—that’s £100-£150 a year back in your pocket. Green living’s never been this practical.
Can they match my 1800s sashes?
Absolutely—horns, glazing bars, and mouldings mirror your home’s era. We’ve done it for listed properties; yours is no exception.
Are they worth the extra cost?
At £300 more than standard sashes, they pay off in 5-10 years with savings and safety. Its value you can feel.
What’s the upkeep like?
Simple—check seals and lubricate balances yearly. A few minutes keep them flawless.
Will regs force me to upgrade?
Part B’s tightening by 2026, especially for flats and terraces. Stay ahead; future-proofing starts now.