Welshpool, Powys & the Shropshire Borders
Specialist restoration, draught-proofing and timber repairs for period properties across Montgomeryshire and the Shropshire borders. I repair — I don't replace.
What I Do
From a single draught-proof to a full sash restoration — everything done properly, to a traditional standard.
Full restoration of traditional sliding sash windows — frames, glazing bars, cords, weights and pulleys brought back to proper working order. Re-cording, weight balancing, staff bead and parting bead replacement, pulley servicing. Work done to last, without losing any of the original character.
Purpose-fitted AQ21 seals and quality weather strip draught-proofing — far superior to brush pile systems. Removes draughts without affecting the window's movement or appearance. One of the most effective improvements you can make to an old house — noticeably warmer, quieter, and cheaper to heat. Suitable for period and listed properties.
Rotten sills, failed bottom rails, split glazing bars — repaired properly. Splice repairs, Dutchman repairs and section replacements where needed.
Broken panes replaced, failed putty hacked out and re-done. Older glass matched where possible to preserve the window's original appearance.
Experience working on listed buildings and conservation areas, using appropriate materials and methods that respect the character of old buildings.
Paint stripping, surface preparation and priming ready for redecoration. Old paint build-up can stop sashes moving — getting back to timber makes a real difference.
Sash cords replaced, pulleys serviced, weights properly balanced. Sashes that stay exactly where you put them.
Staff beads, parting beads, sills, linings — general heritage joinery repairs alongside window work, using traditional materials throughout.
The Difference
Photos of completed restoration work. Add your own project photos here — they're the best thing you can show a potential customer.
Stuck sash, rotten sill, failed putty, draughts throughout
Fully restored, re-corded, draught-proofed, re-puttied
Describe the problem here
Describe the result here
Got a draughty or rotten window? Send me a few photos and I'll give you a no-obligation estimate.
The Case for Restoration
The instinct to rip out a draughty sash and fit UPVC is understandable — but it's usually the wrong call, especially in a period property.
Period sash windows are part of what makes an old house worth owning. Replacing them changes the building permanently and usually doesn't improve it.
A full restoration is usually significantly cheaper than replacing windows like-for-like in timber — and the result is a window that fits properly and works as it should.
Restoration avoids the complications that can come with replacing windows in listed or conservation area buildings, where changes to the external appearance may need consent.
AQ21 seals and quality weather strip draught-proofing make a real difference to warmth and heating bills without touching the window's appearance — and outperform brush pile systems significantly. The results are immediate.
Victorian slow-grown timber is dense and durable. Properly repaired and maintained, it will easily outlast most modern replacements.
Repairing what's already there uses far less energy than manufacturing new windows — and keeps good old timber out of landfill.
How It Works
Straightforward from first contact to finished work — no hard sell, no confusing quotes.
Call, email or fill in the form. Describe what's going on — a rattle, a draught, a stuck sash, rotten wood, broken glass. Nothing too small.
For straightforward jobs a few photos is often enough. For larger work I'll arrange a visit to look at the windows properly before quoting.
A plain-English written estimate based on what I actually find. Guide prices are given upfront, but the final estimate reflects the real condition of the timber, glazing, cords, pulleys and access — so the figure is honest and there are no surprises once work begins.
Any rotten or failed timber is cut back and repaired using splice repairs, Dutchman repairs or section replacements — whichever is appropriate.
Re-cording, pulley servicing, weight balancing, draught-proofing, glazing and putty work — all carried out methodically in the right order.
Sashes balanced and running smoothly, seals fitted, glass secure, everything cleaned up and tidy. I won't leave until it's right.
The Craftsman
I'm Bern, a Welshpool-based joiner and sash window specialist. I restore traditional timber windows properly — with care, the right materials, and respect for the buildings they belong to.
I started doing sash window work because I could see how many good old windows were being thrown out when all they needed was proper attention. A window that's been in a building for 150 years survived for a reason — it was made well. With the right repairs and draught-proofing, most of them will be good for another 50 years at least.
I work across Welshpool, Powys, Montgomeryshire and the Shropshire borders — mostly on Victorian and Edwardian houses, farmhouses and period terraces. I also work on listed buildings and properties in conservation areas where the right materials and methods matter.
I don't sub the work out and I don't rush it. When I leave a job, the windows work, the draughts are gone, and the building still looks the way it should.
How We Work
At Marches Heritage Restoration, we follow a repair-first approach. Original timber, glass, mouldings and character are preserved wherever practical. Rather than replacing historic windows unnecessarily, we carefully assess each sash and repair what can be saved using traditional joinery methods and sympathetic materials.
Good restoration is not about rushing or covering problems over. It is about understanding how the window was made, where it has failed, and how to bring it back into working order while keeping the character of the property intact.
Honest Pricing
Because traditional sash windows vary so much in age, condition and previous repair history, all prices are guide prices only until the windows have been inspected. Paint build-up, hidden rot, damaged glazing bars, failed putty, broken sash cords, seized pulleys, poor previous repairs and access can all affect the final cost.
Our aim is to be clear and honest from the start. After inspection, we will explain what work is recommended, what is optional, and where extra costs may arise. You will receive a written estimate based on the condition of your windows and the level of restoration required.
No two old sash windows are the same. A window that looks sound from the outside may reveal rotten bottom rails, loose joints, failed putty or seized weights once opened up. For that reason, we do not believe in giving fixed prices without seeing the windows properly first.
This protects both the customer and the craftsman. It means the work can be priced honestly, the correct repairs can be recommended, and the customer understands what is included before the job begins.
When you first get in touch, I can give you a rough indication of likely costs based on what you describe. This helps you understand the ballpark before committing to anything.
For any significant work, I will visit and inspect the windows properly — checking timber condition, paint build-up, glazing, hardware and access — at no charge and with no obligation.
After the survey you receive a clear written estimate itemising the work recommended, what is optional, and any variables that could affect cost. No work starts until you are happy with what is proposed.
Ready to find out what your windows need? Get in touch for a free survey.
Where I Work
Based in Welshpool — covering Powys, Montgomeryshire and the Shropshire borders. Not sure if I cover you? Just get in touch.
Get in Touch
Draughty window, stuck sash, rotten timber, broken glass — whatever the problem, drop me a message and I'll help you work it out.
Want to send photos? You can attach photos using the form below, or email them directly to bernztrewin@gmail.com. Photos of the window and the surrounding frame are most helpful.
