Draught Proofing Sash Windows

How to Improve Comfort and Energy Efficiency

Draught-proofing sash windows is one of the most effective ways to enhance the energy efficiency of your home, reduce heating bills, and eliminate uncomfortable cold spots. As traditional sash windows are a hallmark of British architectural history, particularly in period properties, maintaining their charm while improving performance is essential. In this guide, we explore the importance of draught-proofing, the benefits it offers, and how it can extend the life of your sash windows.

Why Draught Proofing Sash Windows Matters

Sash windows, especially in older homes, are prone to draughts due to gaps that can develop over time between the window frame and the sashes. These draughts not only let in cold air, but also allow warm air to escape, making your heating system work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Over time, this can lead to increased energy costs and reduced comfort.

Draught-proofing your sash windows ensures that your home remains warm and energy-efficient without compromising on the period aesthetic. This process involves sealing these gaps while preserving the windows’ ability to open and close smoothly.

Key Benefits of Draught Proofing Sash Windows

1. Energy Efficiency and Lower Energy Bills

Draught-proofing significantly reduces heat loss by preventing cold air from seeping through gaps in your windows. By making your home more thermally efficient, you can reduce your reliance on central heating during the colder months, leading to lower energy bills.

2. Improved Comfort

Eliminating draughts means your home will maintain a more stable and comfortable indoor temperature. This is particularly important in older properties with single-glazed sash windows, where cold draughts can make living spaces feel uncomfortable.

3. Soundproofing

Draught-proofing can also help reduce external noise, particularly if you live in a busy urban area. Sealing the gaps around your sash windows can block out unwanted noise pollution, making your home more peaceful.

4. Preservation of Original Windows

For period homes, retaining original features like sash windows is essential for maintaining their historical character and value. Draught-proofing provides a solution that enhances the performance of your existing windows without needing to replace them with modern alternatives.

5. Enhanced Window Operation

Draught-proofing can improve the functionality of your sash windows. Many older sash windows become stiff or difficult to open due to wear over time. A thorough draught-proofing process will not only seal the gaps but also ensure that your windows operate smoothly.

How Does Draught Proofing Work?

The process of draught-proofing sash windows involves installing discreet and durable seals into the window’s existing framework. This effectively closes off any gaps between the moving parts of the window, particularly where the sashes meet the frame or where they overlap. Here’s an outline of how this is done:

Step-by-Step Process:

Assessment: The first step is a thorough inspection of your sash windows to identify where draughts are entering. Common areas include gaps around the frame, meeting rails, and the area where the sash fits into the frame.
Removal of Sashes: In most cases, the sashes need to be carefully removed to allow for the installation of the draught-proofing seals.
Installation of Seals: Specialist draught-proofing seals are fitted into the gaps between the sash and the frame. These seals are designed to prevent air from passing through while allowing the window to move freely.
Reinstallation and Adjustment: Once the seals are in place, the sashes are refitted and tested to ensure they operate smoothly and the draught-proofing is effective.
Final Testing: The windows are checked to ensure they no longer allow draughts and that they open and close without resistance.

Can You Draught-Proof Sash Windows Yourself?

While there are DIY draught-proofing kits available, it’s important to note that sash windows are intricate and valuable features in a home. Without professional experience, you may risk damaging the window or reducing its functionality. Professional draught-proofing ensures that the process is carried out precisely, with high-quality seals that last longer and perform better than DIY alternatives.

If your windows are particularly old or delicate, a professional draught-proofing service is highly recommended to avoid causing any damage to the original timber or glazing.

The Best Draught-Proofing Materials for Sash Windows

When draught-proofing sash windows, choosing the right materials is essential for long-term effectiveness. Here are the most commonly used materials for draught-proofing:

Brush Seals: These are typically made from durable nylon or polypropylene and are used to block gaps between moving parts of the sash window. They are discreet and allow the window to slide open and closed easily.
Compression Seals: Made from flexible materials like rubber or foam, compression seals are installed around the window frame to create an airtight seal. They are particularly effective for larger gaps.

How Draught Proofing Enhances Energy Efficiency in Period Properties

For homeowners in period properties, maintaining the historical features of your home while improving energy efficiency is a priority. Sash windows are a defining element of Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian homes, and replacing them with modern alternatives can detract from the property’s character and value.

Draught-proofing offers a practical solution by making existing sash windows more energy-efficient without altering their appearance. By reducing heat loss, draught-proofing helps older homes meet modern energy efficiency standards, making them more sustainable and cost-effective to run.

Upgrading to Double Glazed Sash Windows

For those seeking even higher energy efficiency, upgrading to double-glazed sash windows is an excellent option. While this may involve replacing the original glazing, modern double-glazed sash windows can be designed to match the original window’s style. Double glazing not only reduces heat loss but also enhances soundproofing and overall security.

Contact Us

If you are considering installing new sash windows to ensure there are no draughts, contact us today for a free consultation. Our expert team is ready to help you enhance the comfort, efficiency, and value of your home.

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 February 12, 2024.
 
 
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 September 18, 2023.
 
 
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 June 9, 2023.
 
 
  The double glazed wooden sash windows of Original Sash /SOLLEX are excellent. We got them installed by a team of three. We are full a praise for both, the product and the team. The windows are perfect, more than expected. The comparison are double-glazed sash windows, which were fitted 10 years ago by another company on the other side of the house. We can only appreciate the thorough way the team went about their work apart from the pleasant way to interact with them.
  
 
       
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 May 31, 2023.
 
 
  Thank you for the team who came and replaced my windows and french doors. The guys were on-time and did a superb job. I feel likes its added so much more value to my property and the room feels so much more luxurious. The team were professional and dilligent. I couldnt fault them. I highly recommmend these guys if you want high quality service and windows.
  
 
       
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 February 23, 2023.
 
 
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 February 22, 2023.
 
 
  We bought an old house with an ugly modern extension with uPVC windows on the back. The new sash windows are beautiful and very good quality. They have transformed it inside and out. Can't praise Jerry highly enough. He was quick to understand our requirements and professional and pleasant to deal with. When our builders let us down he was very supportive and suggested a way through. We are delighted with the final result and would use the company again.
  
 
       
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 August 25, 2022.
 
 
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 July 5, 2022.
 
 
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