Sash windows- to replace or not?

[BadSmellsHelp101]

Hi need some advice please!

A few years ago I had my sash windows (old Victorian terrace) refurbished and some with new wooden cills to improve insulation. During the storms a year ago or so I then had a terrible leak through to my ceiling which of course caved in.

My local handyman helped seal the leak with a temporary repair and identified it as being related to the windows/old stone cills- he felt the fill between the wooden window cill and the stone cill was not good and water ingress occurred.

We have decided to replace the stone cills which will require scaffolding and I’m trying to decide if it’s better to just overhaul all of the windows and replace with new uPVC (would need to get quotes).

I understand you can get foil wrapped wood effect that can be convincing. We would also think about doing the bay below which also needs the guttering and boards replaced.

For context we will likely sell the place in the next 2-5 years. It is worth around 250-270k.

Thanks in advance!

imo yes.
guillotines sash windows are always prone to draft and leakage.
shop around though, you can get slim frame upvc windows that look incredible.

you might not get much 'return' on the cost when you sell, but it will make heating (co2 emissions) lower for many years to come.

Depends on whether on you are in a conservation area in which case you may have to have original wooden sashes. And buyers often want original features.

We’re just taking out all the replacement windows and putting in wooden sashes to match the surrounding houses.

Definitely not conservation area!
@bluefoxmug oh do you mean by nature of design so irrespective of uPVC still prone to leakage?

We have sashes I love them I think they look so much better. Properly made and fitted they are not prone to drafts or leakages and will last and last although they need looking after. But properly made and fitted ones are very expensive to buy in comparison with UPVC. I personally loath UPVC windows in period properties and it would put off buying one but I accept that many don't feel as I do.

Keep original windows 8n Victorian houses where ever possible - they look so much better. Just get the ones which are causing problems looked at again - and i wouldnt get the stone cils replaced unless there is something specifically wrong as they will last much longer than wooden ones. Im also saving you some money!!

@bilbodog

Actually the stone cills are to be replaced with new stone cills and the wooden window cill on top as they are weather worn and if I recollect it did come up in my survey.

Don’t get rid of the sashes. Spend the money that you would on plastic windows getting a really good company to refurb them.
I’ve used www.sashwindow.com before and they were brilliant.