Quotations

We have recently become aware of a problem with regards to quotations. When receiving a quote from ourselves and from one of our competitors please insure that the quote is 'like' for 'like'.

We have been called back to two jobs this week where customers have been left with rotten windows and unsightly paintwork from a draught proofing company. Some quotations from our competitors, don't allow for the scope of work that we are quoting for, and is a basic draught proofing service.

Our standard service includes;

-Full restoration of the box frame and the sashes

-Replacing any defective or rotten timbers

-Replacing broken panes of glass and any loose or unsightly putty and paint on the glass surface

-New sash cords, pulley wheels serviced and weights checked

-Installation of our two part parting bead, and new staff beads, incorporating our draught seals. These seals are impervious to the build up of dirt and mould, and do not flatten over time like brush pile

-All surface areas are subject to two coats of microporous paint, a primer and undercoat, including the rebates and mouldings of the sashes and the whole of the box frame. Ready for a final topcoat.

-New furniture including, sash fasteners, and sash lifts. Security stops and sash eyes.

-Any loose external seal (mastic or sand and cement) is removed and replaced.

We are very thorough in our work, and take pride in the finished look of the windows we renovate. We would never promise to complete two or three windows a day with the amount of work involved. Please bear this in mind if receiving other quotations

Pitch Pine timber

Are your original period windows constructed from pitch pine? This particular customers windows, in the small village of Lunt, (near Crosby) Merseyside were. The owners of the house were certain that the windows were beyond repair and needed replacing. After explaining the pros of restoration and saving original features, they gave us the go ahead to do the worst window in the house to see for themselves what could be done. Under 150 years of paint we found the timber to be Pitch Pine, by far the best quality timber that would of been in use when the windows were first made, and that is now no longer available. After the window was completed they made the decision to renovate the rest of the windows in the house. Keep an eye out on our 'projects' page for more information in weeks to come. Don't make a hasty decision on taking out your old windows, speak to us first and see what we can do.

Winter sunset

Lovely winter sunset at the workshop this evening. Now the weather is starting to draw in, why not get in touch and see what we can do with your windows to improve their efficiency

Goodbye VW T4

This morning after five years solid service, we say goodbye to our VW transporter. It's served us well and never let us down, but it's time for an upgrade and something a bit bigger. Keep an eye out for our new van.

PVC or Restoration?

This recent project in Southport, Merseyside consisted of restoring the original bay window back to its former glory, including draught proofing and replacing the rotten cills, two of the bottom sash's and the interior paneling. The customers had considered replacing with PVC, but due to the arches this option proved to be more costly, and the fact that the period mouldings and features would be lost meant that our technique of restoring and draught proofing was preferred. Keeping all the original features that a traditional sash window brings and adding value to the property in the future.

Cumbria

Off up to Kendal, and Kirkby Lonsdale in Cumbria this morning to survey some sash window restorations. We cover the whole of Cumbria, so if your sash windows are in need of repair, or if you'd like to know more about increasing the energy efficiency of your windows this winter, get in touch and see what we can do.