Draught Proofing
Should I draught proof my sash windows?
If your sash windows are draughty, noisy, rattle or you have an issue of small bugs on the inside of your windows, then YES, draught proofing is for you. The passage of time, perhaps hundreds of years since your windows were first new, can cause the timber in your sash windows to shrink and/or become distorted and it is the gaps caused by this process that can make the gaps around your window add up to a space large enough for a cat to climb through! Now image that multiplied by the number of windows you have – all of your lovely, expensive heat (from the radiator which is probably under said sash windows) is just floating out of your sash windows!! At the same time you are likely to be getting noise from the street, Dust, dirt or sand are another annoyance that can be caused by ill fitting sash windows (take a look at the meeting rail where the top and bottom sashes touch, it is probably black!) and when the cold weather starts to approach, insects will begin looking for a place to stay warm. Draught proofing your sash windows can solve these problems.
How will draught proofing my sash windows help?
The design of sash windows means that it is necessary for there to be a small gap around the sashes to allow the window to move. At The Original Sash Window Company we will fill this gap with a soft weather pile brush. Research carried out by Glasgow Caledonian University and English Heritage showed that these measures can reduce heat loss by up to almost 90% which will make your home a much more cosy place to be and will help to save those hard earned pounds from simply floating out of the window.
Will the brush make them stiff?
No, correctly fitted brush will actually make you windows run MORE smoothly. This is because the brush acts as a close fitting guide that stops the sash from jarring on its travel.
As standard, you will get:
- New draught proofed staff and parting beads
- Sashes will be re aligned to ensure they meet correctly
- New sash cords
- Draught excluder on top, bottom and meeting rails
- Putties will be renewed where the old has decayed or fallen out
- Re balanced weights
- Running faces will be cleared of excess paint
- Micro porous paint applied to all new works
Do I need approval from the Council?
No, the draught proofing of Original Sash Windows is endorsed by conservation officers, listed buildings agencies and English Heritage.*
*Providing that not more than 50% of the original sash window is being replaced during overhaul there should be no concerns from the council.