Rotten wooden sash windows

[clarkey82]

Hello, I'm not sure if this is in the right place!
Has anyone ever used Ventrolla to repair their sash windows? They seem pricy but they've got a lot of good reviews. I'd rather pay a bit more to have it done properly.
Any first hand experience would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Sarah.

I had a client use them they were pricy but did a good job.
When we looked at it for our house, we looked at local specialist joiners - who made & fixed wooden sashes.
We ended up with a local company and once we realised how much work was needed ended up with new windows - which are gorgeous and were worth every penny, they were marginally more expensive but they are properly double glazed and it really makes a difference.

Hi, thanks for replying. I don't suppose you know what your client had done? We'd need at least 6 windows repairing and possible 2 news ones.

They repaired multipanel Victorian sash windows, 3 stained glass casements and reworked a bay window into a porch (door with 4 flanking windows)
I have no idea of the cost I'm afraid as it was part of quite a big refurbishment & extension job.

Ok, thanks a lot for your help. I think Ventrolla offer a free survey so i'll start there and also get some local chaps in, compare the service.

My mum used them and said they were good, but it was some years ago.

I actually got a quote from Ventrolla was circa 700-800 per window whilst local company was 400-500 per window approx 1.2-1.6m by 1.7 m

I've used the local company for two windows and so far it's great just need to paint them (both companies do not decorate) I'm toying with using Ventrolla for one just to compare as they don't mind you doing individual windows... This makes sense as it is quite involved to paint them!

I could get a decorator but just adds to the cost which is already high! Especially as they are not new windows...

The important thing is I've noticed the difference with draughts and it looks great so far

Not sure where you are.
I had CRCarpentry in Greenwich recommended to me (I'm in Kent) via MN.

We have bought a wreck which is undergoing major renovation. And have just had CR repair 7 windows on the top floor, fit slim double glazing and new satin nickel iron mongery.

Those windows were so I bad I was convinced they needed replacing. However they were salvaged.

The repairs, and new draught proofing cost £300 per window.
The exception being one which had most of the sash box (frame) rebuilt.

The labour part of fitting the glazing was less but I would have to double check the invoice.

All in all for £700ish per window or less they were fully restored with new everything and 5mm (1.5u value) Slimlite double glazing.

They could have painted them for me (extra cost) but house is a building site for a good few months yet.
They only came to do the dormer sashed on the top while the scaffolding was still up. The rest will be done once extension is built and plastering etc has been done (and very messy rewire complete).
Anyway so far they seem really good and the restored windows look amazing.
www.crcarpentry.co.uk

Just wanted to add on the prices I posted that I did get a discount because the house is huge and has 33 large sash windows.

That's quite good value... I got this thing called the SRS which enables you to take apart the window yourself for decorating hence why I will be painting myself.. Does anyone have any experience if this as I know Ventrolla also offer if but I'm yet to take mine apart to paing just wondered if anyone else has

Ventrolla are really, really good.

Hi, sorry I didn't realise there had been so many replies! thanks for all the info. I got a quote from Ventrolla in the end, it was more expensive than one of the local guys but I feel safer having a big well known company do it. Their surveyor showed me that SRS too. I'm not sure how often i'll be taking my windows out though! I'll let you know if I go ahead with the work.

I used Ventrolla about 15 years ago. The man draught sealed all the windows, cut out several of the windows that had been painted shut, replaced all the sash mechanisms (all still opening fine) and gave me a new sash window for one that had been replaced before (I think it had possibly been made of softwood - the beading was different to the rest too).

Many of my Georgian windows are original and he cut out and patched the rotten wood (so saved them).

It all still looks pretty good so I consider it to have been money well spent.

Lovely, that's what I want to hear, thanks Madcats, if i'm going to spend this much money I want the windows to last the lifetime of the house.

Hi everyone, just wanted to update you. I did go with Ventrolla in the although they were a little bit more expensive than other quotes but my house isn't draughty anymore so I can't really complain! And one of the fitters was quite tasty! I'll post pictures (of the windows).

Hi, has anyone had slimlite panels installed in their windows. We are planning to do the same and I would be interested in some feedback from you about how these panels are faring yrs down the line? Internet discussions talk about early break down in the installations and early problems with condensation.
Would be most grateful for feedback. Thanks