Draughty sash windows are a wind and air passage complaint in older homes but don’t feel that you have to replace them.
The trick is to be less visible with draught proofing and put it in front of where the window naturally meets with its frame.
Parting beads and staff beads (the timber strips that the cords slide in) are a good place to begin. Contemporary alternatives may be more subtle – brush piles or hidden beads located inside the bead so that they can not be seen once the window is closed. These prevent air from circulating between the sides of the sashes, and are arguably one of the most significant sources of draughts. For Sash Window Repair, contact sashwindowpreservation.co.uk/services/sash-window-repair/
Now, inspect the meeting rails (between the upper and lower sashes). This means less cold air blowing in through your window, and also cuts down on noisy rattling when the wind picks up.
For safety, ensure the window closes properly. No matter how good the seals, if the paint’s built up so much they don’t pull tight, you can see your sashes leaning out, or swollen or distorted timber, it’s over and in a lot of cases loose cords won it be held closed. Something as simple as doing a service to make sure the seat is positioned correctly can be enough.
Secondary glazing adds extra warmth without altering the external appearance and is a popular choice in period properties, such as coach houses and conservation areas.
Steer clear of thick stick-on foam strips and piecemeal DIY solutions. They tend to look messy, wear out in not much time at all and sometimes take paint with them. A good draught proofing system is properly made to measure and tailored for sash windows with a high level of finish.
