Sash and Case Window Repairs in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s pre-1919 housing stock demands specialist care. With over 140,000 period properties across the city and 4,559 listed buildings, sash and case windows are part of the architectural fabric of Edinburgh life. We are a dedicated sash and case window repair, restoration, and draught-proofing service operating across New Town, Marchmont, Morningside, Leith, Stockbridge, and Portobello. From failed sash cords and seized pulleys to advanced timber rot and blown glass, we repair Edinburgh sash windows using period-correct materials — without unnecessary replacement.
Our Sash and Case Window Services
Repairs & Restoration
Full mechanical overhaul — cords, pulleys, weights, beads and staff bead replacement. Scotch Tenon joinery on all frame repairs.
Learn more →Draught Proofing
18mm brushpile draught seals eliminate up to 86% of heat loss. Fully reversible and suitable for listed properties.
Learn more →Cord & Weight Replacement
Pre-stretched waxed cotton sash cord (6mm) matched to original specification. Sashes restored to smooth, balanced operation.
Learn more →Timber Rot Repair
Decayed sections spliced with European Redwood (Pinus sylvestris) matched to original profile. Avoids costly full frame replacement.
Learn more →Residential Sash and Case Window Repairs
Edinburgh’s Victorian and Georgian terraces were built with high-quality sash and case windows designed to last centuries. Most have not been properly maintained since installation. Failed sash cords cause the upper sash to drop, cracked putty allows moisture ingress, and unlubricated pulleys create the characteristic grinding noise familiar to any Edinburgh flat owner. Left unaddressed, these mechanical failures lead to progressive timber decay — turning a £200 cord replacement into a £1,500 frame repair.
Our residential repair service covers everything from single-cord replacements on a New Town tenement flat to full restoration programmes for Marchmont sandstone villas. All work is carried out by hand using traditional joinery methods. We do not use uPVC fillers, epoxy bodge repairs, or non-period materials where original timber can be conserved.
Heritage & Listed Building Sash Window Specialists
Edinburgh has more listed buildings per head of population than anywhere else in Scotland. Working on a Category A or B listed property — or within one of the city’s 14 conservation areas — requires a specialist who understands Historic Environment Scotland (HES) guidance. Replacing original sash and case windows in a listed building almost always requires Listed Building Consent; repair never does.
We work across Edinburgh’s most sensitive conservation areas including the New Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Old Town, Morningside, Marchmont, and Portobello. All our repair methods are sympathetic to original construction and fully reversible. Read our guide to listed building sash window repairs →
Sash Window Repair Costs in Edinburgh
| Repair Type | Typical Cost | Timescale |
|---|---|---|
| Single cord replacement | £80 – £150 | Half day |
| Full cord & weight overhaul (both sashes) | £250 – £450 | 1 day |
| Draught proofing (per window) | £150 – £280 | Half–1 day |
| Timber rot repair (section splice) | £200 – £600 | 1–2 days |
| Full sash restoration | £600 – £1,400 | 2–4 days |
Indicative prices for single windows. Multi-window jobs attract reduced per-unit rates. All quotes free and no-obligation.
Edinburgh Areas We Cover
We provide sash and case window repairs across Edinburgh: New Town, Morningside, Marchmont, Leith, Stockbridge, and Portobello. We also cover Bruntsfield, Newington, Corstorphine, Inverleith, and the wider Lothians.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does sash window repair cost in Edinburgh?
Costs range from around £80 for a single cord replacement to £1,400+ for full frame restoration. Most standard repairs fall in the £400–£700 range. We provide free, itemised quotes.
Can sash windows be draught-proofed without removing them?
Yes. We fit 18mm brushpile draught seals in-situ — sashes are taken from the box frame, channels routed and brushpile fitted, typically in half a day per window. Heat loss reduced by up to 86%.
How long do sash window repairs take?
Single cord replacements take half a day. A full two-sash overhaul — cord, draught seal, pulleys, beads — takes one day. Timber rot and frame restoration work takes two to four days per window.
Do I need planning permission to repair sash windows in a listed building?
No. Repair work does not require Listed Building Consent under HES guidance. Only alterations that change the character of the windows — such as replacing timber with uPVC — require consent. Our methods are fully reversible.
Can rotten timber sash windows be repaired rather than replaced?
In the majority of cases, yes. Decayed sections are spliced with European Redwood (Pinus sylvestris) matched to the original profile — costs significantly less than full replacement and is preferred in conservation areas.
Are broken sash cords covered by home insurance?
Failed sash cords are typically classified as wear-and-tear and not covered. If the failure caused consequential damage, the secondary damage may be claimable. We provide condition reports to support insurance queries.
Get a Free Sash Window Repair Quote
No call-out charge. No obligation. We assess your windows and provide a clear, itemised quote — usually within 24 hours.
Request Your Free Quote →From Our Blog: Sash Window Guides for Edinburgh Homeowners
Sash Window Repair Costs in Edinburgh (2025 Guide)
Full price breakdown from cord replacement to full restoration — what affects cost and how to get value.
Repair vs Replacement: Which Is Best?
The honest case for repair over replacement — including conservation area rules and thermal performance facts.
7 Signs Your Sash Windows Need Repair
From dropped sashes to soft timber — the early warning signs that save hundreds in repair costs.
How to Prevent Timber Rot in Edinburgh Sash Windows
Why Edinburgh’s climate makes rot almost inevitable without maintenance — and how to stop it.
Sash Windows in Edinburgh Conservation Areas
What requires consent, what doesn’t, and how to stay on the right side of Edinburgh planning rules.