Windows, Doors & External Joinery in Brighton & Hove
Windows and doors are what keep the weather out and the warmth in, and in Brighton and Hove they take a real battering from coastal wind, rain and salt air. Whether it is refurbishing original sash windows, replacing tired frames, or fitting a secure external door, the work needs to deal with rot, draughts, damp and security properly, not just look tidy on the day it is finished.
When This Service Is Needed
- Windows are rotten, draughty, sticking or no longer open and close properly.
- Original sash windows are painted shut, rattling or losing their cords and weights.
- Condensation, damp or mould is building up around window reveals.
- External doors are warped, insecure or letting in draughts and water.
- Single glazing needs upgrading, or misted double glazing has failed.
- Windows and doors are being replaced or refurbished as part of a wider renovation.
Brighton & Hove Property Context
Many Brighton and Hove homes are Victorian and Edwardian terraces with original timber sash windows, and a lot of these sit within conservation areas where the look of the windows matters. Coastal weather is hard on timber and seals, so rot around cills, failed paintwork and draughts are common. In flats and leasehold properties, the lease may require replacement frames to match the rest of the building, and permission from a managing agent or freeholder is often needed before any windows or external doors are changed. Getting the material, style and permissions right from the start avoids expensive problems later.
Materials & Approach
| Element | Recommended Approach |
|---|---|
| Original sash windows | Refurbish, re-cord and draught-proof where sound |
| Timber replacements | Well-seasoned timber with breathable paint systems |
| uPVC replacements | Quality frames with good seals and secure locks |
| External doors | Solid, well-hung doors with weather seals and multi-point locks |
| Draught-proofing | Discreet brush and compression seals |
How We Approach the Work
- 01Inspect existing windows, doors, frames and surrounding reveals.
- 02Check for rot, movement, damp, failed seals and weak fixings.
- 03Advise on repair versus replacement based on condition and property type.
- 04Agree materials, glazing, finishes and any planning considerations.
- 05Carefully remove or strip back the existing unit without damaging surrounds.
- 06Repair or renew frames, cills, linings and any rotten timber.
- 07Fit and level the window or door, seal correctly and make weathertight.
- 08Adjust operation, fit ironmongery, finish and check everything works.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake is ripping out sound original windows and replacing them with cheap units, when the original could have been refurbished and draught-proofed for a better long-term result. In period and conservation-area homes this can also cause planning problems and harm the character and value of the property.
The other frequent error is fitting new windows or doors without dealing with the rot, damp or poor pointing in the surrounding reveal first. A new frame sitting in a damaged opening will not stay weathertight, and the same problems return within a season or two.
Building Regulations
Replacement windows and external doors are covered by Building Regulations for thermal performance, ventilation, safety glazing and, in habitable rooms, means of escape, so replacements normally need to be either self-certified by a registered installer or signed off by building control. Conservation areas and listed buildings carry extra restrictions on materials and appearance, and may need planning or listed building consent. In flats and leasehold properties, freeholder or managing agent consent is often required as well. We flag which of these apply before any work starts so there are no surprises.
Cost Factors
- Repair versus full replacement.
- Number and size of windows or doors.
- Timber versus uPVC or aluminium.
- Sash window refurbishment complexity.
- Condition of frames, cills and reveals.
- Glazing type and any acoustic or heritage requirements.
- Access and working at height.
- Making good, decoration and finishing afterwards.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We cover Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Lewes, Shoreham-by-Sea and the wider Sussex area. Call us or fill in the contact form.