Hartwell Sash ยท London

Sash windows for
listed buildings

Careful, sympathetic restoration of original timber sash windows in listed buildings across London. We work within the constraints of listed building consent โ€” and advise honestly on what's achievable. We aim to respond the same day.

Free Survey & honest assessment
Traditional
timber
Specialists
Original
timber
Preserved wherever possible
Up to 5yr Workmanship guarantee

Working on
listed buildings

Listed buildings require a careful approach. Any works that affect the character of a listed building โ€” including window repairs โ€” may require Listed Building Consent from the local authority. In practice, like-for-like repair and maintenance is often exempt, but it's worth checking before starting any work.

We can carry out the repair and restoration work itself โ€” timber repairs, cord replacement, draught-proofing, and repainting. We work sympathetically, using traditional materials and methods wherever possible. What we cannot do is act as planning consultants or guarantee consent outcomes โ€” that's a matter for your local planning authority.

If you're unsure what consent you need, we'd recommend contacting your local planning department or a heritage consultant before proceeding. We're happy to advise based on what we've seen on similar properties, and to work alongside any planning process.

How we approach
listed buildings

Sympathetic restoration using traditional methods

01

Free survey & honest assessment

We visit, assess the windows, and give you a clear picture of what needs doing. We'll also flag anything that might need consent before work begins โ€” so there are no surprises.

02

Like-for-like timber repair

Rot, splits, and failed joints repaired using epoxy consolidants and fillers, or traditional timber splicing. We match the original profile where new timber is needed. Repairs are carried out sympathetically using appropriate materials and traditional methods where possible.

We do not introduce new materials or methods that would alter the character of the original window without discussion.
03

Cord replacement & rebalancing

Both sashes removed, cords replaced with quality waxed sash cord, weights checked and rebalanced. Standard maintenance work โ€” generally exempt from consent requirements.

04

Draught-proofing

Pile weatherstrip fitted to all meeting rails and channels. Significantly improves thermal and acoustic performance without altering the appearance or operation of the window.

05

Glazing โ€” single or slimline double

Cracked or failed panes replaced in kind. Where slimline double glazing is considered, we use units designed to retain traditional sightlines while improving thermal performance. Glazing changes in listed buildings may require consent โ€” we advise on a case-by-case basis.

We do not push double glazing where it isn't appropriate. Single glazing with good draught-proofing is often the right answer in a listed building.
06

Full painting service

We use professional Festool sanders with Festool CTM dust extraction throughout โ€” keeping your home clean and virtually dust-free. We can paint the complete window from top to bottom, or hand over ready for your decorator.

What to bear in mind
with listed buildings

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Consent may be required

Like-for-like repair is usually exempt, but any alteration โ€” including new glazing โ€” may need Listed Building Consent. Always worth checking with your local authority first.

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Original timber is the priority

In listed buildings, preserving the original fabric matters. We repair rather than replace wherever possible, and use materials that respect the original construction.

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We advise honestly

If we think a particular approach might cause problems with your local planning authority, we'll say so. We'd rather flag a concern early than cause you problems later.

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Traditional methods where possible

We use traditional timber repair methods, appropriate traditional and modern repair materials where suitable, and careful hand finishing โ€” sympathetic to the original construction.

โ„

Thermal improvement without alteration

Good draught-proofing alone makes a significant difference. It requires no consent and doesn't alter the appearance of the window โ€” often the right first step in a listed building.

๐ŸŽจ

Full painting included

We paint from top to bottom โ€” frames, sashes, sills and reveals โ€” or hand over primed and ready for your decorator. Professional Festool sanding and dust extraction throughout.

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We work carefully โ€” not carelessly fast

Listed buildings deserve time and attention. We don't rush repairs, and we don't cut corners to keep costs down. If a job needs more time or a different approach than first expected, we'll tell you โ€” before we proceed. Turnaround depends on scope and condition of the timber.

Our position

What we don't do

We focus exclusively on traditional timber sash windows โ€” restoration, repair, and sympathetic upgrading. We do not install uPVC replacements, aluminium systems, or mass-produced window units. We also do not act as planning consultants or heritage advisors โ€” if you need formal consent advice, a heritage consultant is the right person. We do the window work, properly.

Listed building?
Let's talk.

Free survey, honest assessment, no obligation. We'll tell you what we can do, what might need consent, and give you a clear quote. We aim to respond the same day.