Do I Need Scaffolding to Replace or Restore Wooden Windows?

It’s quite a big deal to replace or refurbish the windows of a house, and it’s one of the generic questions that UK homeowners find themselves asking: do I need scaffolding to change my windows?

The answer may affect the costs of the project as well as the window project safety. Scaffolding provides the strength of a stable platform for working at height yet is costly.

This article goes on to explain the conditions under which scaffolding is needed for the replacement or restoration of windows and under which it can be avoided, besides weighing the costs against the benefits. Understanding these factors means you can make good plans for the window project safety and efficiency.

Restoring Existing Wooden Windows (Double glazing existing sashes) can be done without Scaffolding

If you are restoring or upgrading existing windows (rather than fully replacing the frame), it’s often possible to do the work without external access.

For instance, refurbishing traditional wooden sash windows is usually done from inside.

The sash panels can be taken out from the interior side for repairs or for retrofitting double glazing, then reinstalled without anyone needing to climb on the exterior wall.

By working this way, homeowners with upstairs sash windows can upgrade to double glazing or repair rot and draughts without the cost of scaffolds.

When Is Scaffolding Required for Window Replacement?

In many situations, especially for upper-floor windows, scaffolding is strongly recommended or even required by safety standards. UK health and safety regulations mandate that any work at height be conducted safely. Here are the key scenarios where scaffolding is typically needed:

Upper-Storey Windows (Height)

Scaffolding is the default assumption for safe access wherever glass replacement is above ground floor (first floor or above) unless the sash is removed form the frame from within the room and reglazed on the ground as we do.

Working off a tall ladder, while handling heavy glass and frames, is beyond risky. Most of all, the professionals insist on scaffolds for second-floor window replacement work to maintain the industry safety standards. That way, accidents such as drop falls or even dropping tools or glass on people below can easily be avoided.

Difficult-to-Reach Windows

Such windows without access often need to employ a scaffold. For example, dormer windows or any windows that are placed backward under the wash-eaves cannot reach safely and effectively without a scaffolding platform.

Similarly, if a window is above a conservatory or extension, a ladder may not work. The best solution in such cases is to erect scaffolding (or special bridge scaffold over an extension) to reach the window, a place people can work safely.

Large or Heavy Window Units

The size and type of the window being installed also matter. Big windows such as bay windows or heavy timber frames are cumbersome to elevator from a ladder.

If the installation of a steel lintel or structural support is being carried out above a window opening (such as being installed or during a large window installation or cutting open a new opening), then scaffolding would be needed to hoist and secure that heavy piece safely.

Whenever the installers are working with especially large windows or structural features on an upper floor, scaffolding also helps to keep the work much safer and easier.

Contact us

Send us photos at info @sixoversixwindows.co.uk, and we’ll let you know if scaffolding is needed to restore or double glaze your windows.

We have saved many customers thousands on scaffolding expenses by using our own access equipment or by removing sashes from the frame to carry out the work on the ground.

Safety is our priority—we take great care in our work and never take unnecessary risks.