When Romy moved into this Chorlton home, replacing the existing timber windows was one of the first priorities. The original windows were single glazed and in a poor state of repair, with rot and holes in places, but preserving the traditional appearance of the property was just as important as improving their condition.
After obtaining eight quotations, Romy chose The Window Company because of the combination of product knowledge and the way we proposed to carry out the installation. Roseview sash windows were selected for the front of the property, with the original stained glass encapsulated and new timber internal architraves used to retain the period feel inside as well as outside.
Project at a Glance
| Location | Chorlton |
| Property Type | Period home |
| Products Installed | Roseview uPVC sash windows to the front of the property; original stained glass encapsulated; new internal timber architraves |
| Project Highlights | Replacement of deteriorated single-glazed timber windows; eight quotations considered; complete original box sash removal; traditional appearance retained; original stained glass preserved |
The Customer Challenge
Romy had only recently moved into the property, but the condition of the windows made them an immediate priority. The existing timber sash windows were single glazed and had deteriorated badly, with areas of rot and holes in places. They were also difficult to use, and some could no longer be opened.
The challenge was not simply to replace old windows with modern ones. Romy wanted the improved efficiency, security and lower maintenance associated with uPVC double glazing without losing the traditional appearance of the original timber sashes.
Finding the right company was also important. Romy obtained eight different quotations and found a wide variation in cost, knowledge and professionalism. The final decision came down to finding a company that understood both the product and the importance of installing it in a way that respected the property.
Our Recommendation
Our recommendation was to remove the complete original timber box sash windows rather than treating the project as a simple insert replacement. New internal timber architraves would then be fitted to finish the openings properly and tie in with the existing doors, skirting boards and character of the home.
For the front of the property, we recommended Roseview sash windows. Romy had researched the options carefully and wanted a uPVC sash that looked as close as possible to a traditional timber window. Roseview provided the appearance she was looking for while also delivering the modern benefits that had prompted the replacement in the first place.
The original stained glass was another feature worth retaining, so this was encapsulated within the new glazing rather than being lost as part of the upgrade.
Installation Summary
The installation method was a particularly important part of this project. The original timber box sash windows were removed completely, exposing the full openings before the new windows were installed. The supplied installation photographs make this process especially clear and help explain why Romy placed so much value on the fitting approach when comparing quotations.
Once the new windows were in place, timber internal architraves were fitted around the openings. This detail was chosen deliberately to work with the existing joinery and retain the period feel of the rooms. The original stained glass was also incorporated into the replacement glazing so an important feature of the house could remain.
The Finished Result
The finished result keeps the character Romy wanted while giving the property a much fresher appearance. From outside, the Roseview sash windows closely follow the traditional proportions and detailing of the original timber windows, so the front elevation still feels appropriate to the house.
Inside, the new timber architraves provide a sympathetic finish around the new frames, while the encapsulated stained glass allows an original feature to remain part of the home. Romy was especially pleased that the replacement windows look like the originals, but can now be opened and provide the modern performance she was looking for.
Before & After
Full Front Elevation
Front Bay
Installation Gallery
Customer Q&A
What made you decide to replace your windows or doors?
We had just moved into the property and knew the windows were one of the first things we needed to tackle. The existing timber windows were single glazed, with areas of rot and even holes in places. Overall, they were in a very poor state of repair.
Why did you choose The Window Company?
We had eight different quotes from various companies, and they varied massively in terms of cost, knowledge and professionalism. With some, we experienced the old-fashioned double glazing hard sell, and a couple of the salespeople made us feel quite uncomfortable.
We chose The Window Company because we felt they offered the best overall package, both in terms of the product and, importantly, how the windows would be installed.
They were the only company to recommend removing the complete original timber box sash windows and replacing them properly, including new internal timber architraves. After doing our own research, this felt like the right way to achieve all the benefits of modern uPVC double glazing while still keeping the period character of the property.
What was most important to you when choosing the new products?
The most important thing was maintaining the traditional look of the property. We wanted all the benefits of uPVC, including improved efficiency, security and lower maintenance, but without losing the appearance of the original timber sash windows.
We did a lot of research before deciding on the right product. The Window Company recommended Roseview sash windows for the front of the property, which look incredibly close to traditional timber windows.
We also chose to encapsulate the original stained glass so we could retain that feature, and new timber architraves were fitted internally to tie in with the existing doors, skirting boards and character of the house.
What do you like most about the finished result?
Firstly, we can actually open the windows now, which we couldn't do before!
More than anything though, it's the way they look. From the outside, we've achieved exactly what we wanted. We've retained the original character, stained glass and traditional style of the property, but everything now looks fresh and new.
The windows really do look like the original timber windows, which was hugely important to us.
From Wayne
What made this project memorable for me was how much research Romy had already done before choosing a company. Eight quotations is a lot, but it shows how important it was to get both the product and the installation method right. This was never just about replacing old windows. It was about improving the house without taking away the character that made Romy want to preserve it in the first place.
The existing timber sash windows were in a poor condition, with single glazing, rot and holes in places, but simply covering over what was there would not have been the right solution. Our recommendation was to remove the complete original box sash windows and start again properly, then finish the inside with new timber architraves so the new work still sat naturally alongside the existing doors, skirting boards and period detailing.
Romy also deserves credit for being clear about what mattered most. She wanted the efficiency, security and lower maintenance of a modern uPVC window, but she did not want the front of the property to suddenly look modern. Roseview sash windows were a very good fit for that brief because they allowed us to retain the traditional sash appearance while giving Romy the practical benefits she was looking for.
Another detail I really like is the decision to keep the original stained glass. Encapsulating it meant an important feature of the house could stay in place rather than being lost as part of the upgrade. The new timber architraves then complete that idea inside the property and help the replacement windows feel considered rather than simply fitted into the openings.
The installation photographs are useful for future customers because they show something that is often hidden once a job is finished. With old box sash windows, how the original frames are removed and how the openings are rebuilt and finished can matter just as much as the window itself. It is worth asking any company exactly what they intend to remove, what will remain, and how the inside will be finished before comparing quotations purely on price.
For me, this project shows why product knowledge and installation experience have to go hand in hand. Romy knew the appearance she wanted, and our job was to recommend a window and a fitting method that respected that. Taking the time to understand the property, preserve the details that matter and do the installation properly is what we have always believed in at The Window Company, and after nearly 40 years it is still the way we do business.
Products Used
- Roseview uPVC sash windows to the front of the property
- Encapsulation of the original stained glass within the new glazing
- New internal timber architraves
Project Location: Chorlton
This project was completed for a customer in Chorlton. If you're considering sash window replacement for a period home in the area, take a look at our sash windows in Chorlton page for more on the products and services we offer locally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can uPVC sash windows still look traditional?
That was one of Romy's main concerns. Roseview sash windows were chosen because their appearance is very close to traditional timber sash windows, allowing the property to retain its period character while moving to modern uPVC double glazing.
Do old timber box sash windows have to be removed completely?
For this project, The Window Company recommended removing the complete original timber box sash windows. Romy considered the installation method an important part of the decision and felt this was the right approach for her property.
Can original stained glass be kept when windows are replaced?
In Romy's project, the original stained glass was retained by encapsulating it within the new glazing, allowing an original feature of the house to remain.
Why use timber architraves around new uPVC sash windows?
Romy wanted the inside of the property to retain its traditional feel. New timber architraves were fitted to tie in with the existing doors, skirting boards and character of the house.
What should I compare when getting sash window quotations?
Romy's experience shows the value of comparing more than price. The proposed product, what will be removed, how the new windows will be installed and how the internal openings will be finished can all affect the end result.
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Get in Touch
If you are replacing sash windows in a period home and want to improve performance without losing the character of the property, our team would be happy to talk through the options with you. We can explain the different sash styles, installation methods and finishing details so you can decide what is right for your home.