Sash window draught proofing is becoming more and more popular because of its incredible benefits. Since the ancient era of Georgia and Victoria, sash windows have always stood out because of their unique properties. However, they have a few technical setbacks.
One of the main setbacks of sash windows is that they are single-glazed, meaning they don’t have weather trips, rubber seals, or draught excluders. As a result, they allow hot air to escape and cold air in, thus making the room inefficient in energy. This is a huge setback, especially during the cold winter season.
Additionally, sash windows rattle when there are strong winds and this can result in condensation issues, especially when other factors come into play. Some timber frames and layers of old paint can also shrink, creating more significant gaps that cause more rattles and draughts. Most new sash windows have gaps between the upper moving and lower moving sashes as well as the frame which can cause more draughts.
Now let's take a look at how sash window draught proofing can improve the efficiency of your windows by minimizing heat loss. This procedure has four key benefits. They include:
- It allows sashes to go back and forth smoothly
- It helps to reduce the rattling of window
- It prevents cold draughts
- It helps to lower your heating energy by minimizing heat loss
Contents
How Sash Window Draught Proofing Works
Now that you know the benefits of draught-proof sash windows, let’s take a look at how it works. This simple procedure begins with removing sashes from the frame and then cutting the grooves. A draught-proof bush is then installed, followed by installing a new parting bead. Once you are done, the next step is replacing the staff bead, and installing a draught-proof strip both at the top and bottom rail as well as the meeting rail.
The draught excluder and adjustments will be hidden from view unless one of the sashes is open. However, it will not affect the classic appearance that sash windows are known for. The weather strip will only be visible when you open the lower sash.
Step-By-Step Process of Draught-Proofing Sash Windows
- Step 1: Remove the parting bead and old stuff
- Step 2: Remove both the upper and lower sash from the frame and sash cords
- Step 3: Create channels on sashes for draught excluders
- Step 4: Install draught excluder seals
- Step 5: Install parting beads and new staff as well as weather strips
Draught Proofing of Casement Windows
If you wonder whether this type of window can also be draught proofed, then a simple answer is YES. However, the process is quite different from sash windows, but the same draught seals and tools are used.
Since casement windows have a simpler design and fewer features, it is much easier to remove sashes from the window frame. As such, it is much easier to install a draught seal to the frame.
Why Draught Proofing Window Not Enough
Draught-proofing your windows is a good move; however, it is not enough, especially if you want to reduce external noise, lower heat loss, and most importantly save your energy bills. If you want to achieve all these, then you need to replace the single glazing with double-glazing units. This way, your sash windows will be more energy efficient, thus reducing your monthly energy costs.
So if you want to convert your old sash windows to super windows, you need to drought-proof them and add a double-glazing unit. Replacing the single glazing (with a U-value of 5-5.8W) with slim profile vacuum double glazing (with U value of 0.7W) will make your sash windows more energy efficient than modern wooden windows that are fitted with standard double glazing units.
Read our secondary glazing
Final Thoughts
From the discussion above, it is evident that draught-proofing is beneficial but not good enough. If you want to fix condensation issues and improve energy efficiency in your home then you should consider installing double-glazed units.
The cost of drought-proofing both sashes ranges between £280 and £360, depending on access and the size of the window. We offer draught-proofing and window frame restoration services. For sash window refurbishment and double glazing, please visit our Contact Page for more details.
Sash window draught proofing is becoming more and more popular because of its incredible benefits. Since the ancient era of Georgia and Victoria, sash windows have always stood out because of their unique properties. However, they have a few technical setbacks.
