How Do You Draught Proof a Sash Window?

Sash windows are the envy of homeowners across the United Kingdom.

Famed for centuries for their throwback aesthetic and functionality, they have the capability to completely transform the feel of any home.

However, their undeniable charm can be diminished by a persistent unwelcome breeze – something that’s usually a sign of draughts. Draughts can give you and your loved ones the chills, as well as increase energy bills, as chances are you’ll be desperate to crank up the radiator to deal with the gusts.

However, at Ventrolla we’re specialists in sash windows and have years of experience in renovating them to reaching their highest levels of performance.

If you are experiencing a breeze, it’s a far more cost-effective option to draught proof sash windows than replace them entirely – this blog will tell you how.

Understanding the Draught Hotspots… Or ‘Coldspots’…

Before taking action against the draughts, it’s important to identify the common ways in which they can infiltrate your sash windows.

Gaps around the sashes

The natural up-and-down movement of sash windows can create small gaps between them and the frame, especially if they’ve experienced decades of wear and tear.

These gaps are a goldmine for pesky draughts, who will seep through given the chance.

Worn weather seals

Weather seals are designed around the sash window to create a tight closure, and ensure draughts do not enter your home.

Usually made from felt or pile, if they become worn or damaged they are at risk of losing their effectiveness – to the determent of your home’s thermal efficiency and comfort.

Damaged parting and staff beads

Parting and staff beads are thin strips of wood that play a key role in their function and aesthetics. The parting bead is located vertically between the upper and lower sashes, creating a channel that enables the sashes to slide past each other smoothly.

The staff bead on the other hand is found inside the perimeter of the sash box (the fixed frame that holds the sashes.) Its purpose is to hold the sashes in place, and accommodate the draught seals.

Given these both play key roles in holding the sashes in place, if damaged or cracked they can allow air infiltration.

Poorly fitted sash cords

Sash cords are strong cords that work within a pulley system to make operating the window sashes smooth, connecting to the weights and forming an efficient pulley system by using counterbalance, a system concealed within the window frame.

Though over time, loose or frayed sash cords can cause the sashes to hang unevenly, which would create gaps.

The benefits of restoration

At Ventrolla, our team of experts possess years of experience when it comes to restoring sash windows, a choice that has several benefits.

Cost-effectiveness

In general, restoring sash windows is a significantly cheaper option than replacing them entirely – and it’s a choice that would remove your draught issue.

You’ll get your sash windows operating as good as new, without the hefty costs and inconvenience associated with a full replacement.

Environmental sustainability

In 2024, the population are becoming more aware of their environmental choices, and how they can make conscious efforts to help preserve our planet.

Restoring a window is a far more sustainable option than a replacement, as unlike new windows, which require significant resources to manufacture and transport, refurbishment extends the lifetime of existing materials, minimising waste and reducing carbon emissions.

Character and authenticity

Timber windows are known for their authenticity, adding character and a real homeliness to properties.

uPVC, the UK’s most common window frame material, can look tacky and out of place on particular buildings, particularly if you live in a conservation area.

With timber each grain pattern, knot, and swirl tells a story of its creation, and refurbishing these older timber windows allows homeowners to preserve this precious character.

Improved functionality

Restoration can improve the performance of your windows, with the option to upgrade to double or triple glazing, as well as making the operation far smoother.

How to draught proof a sash window

Now that the causes and reasons to restore instead of replace have been identified, here are a few steps that can be taken to help stop the problem.

Perimeter Sealing System

At Ventrolla, we offer a draught-proofing solution in the name of our perimeter sealing system, especially for sash windows.

It’s a proven way to banish issues that come with original timber windows, including draughts, and has been cleverly designed to be unobtrusive, meaning it does not impact on the look of your windows.

Supplied in a range of colours, as well as being available colour-matched, it acts as a barrier to prevent cold air entering the home, as well as preventing rattles, eliminating condensation, cutting down on external noise, and improving your home’s thermal efficiency.

It’s been thoroughly tested by our in-house team of experts and can withstand winds of up to 71mph.

Replacing parting and staff beads

If you’re feeling confident that you’ve got what it takes to solve your draught issue yourself, it may be a good idea to replace the parting and staff beads.

As aforementioned, if these mouldings that hold the sashes in place are damaged or cracked, they can allow air to flow into your home uninvited.

Replacing them with new ones with pre-installed weather seals offer you with a long-term solution – though it will likely require some serious carpentry skills.

Secondary Glazing

If your sash window is single glazed, getting secondary glazing installed could be a great way to seal your home.

Secondary glazing is different to double glazing as it consists of a glass pane being added to an already existing unit, saving money and effort.

It also works to retain a window’s classic aesthetic, as well as offering more modern day benefits, such as reducing heat loss by up to 65% if you go with Ventrolla.

A common first line of defence that comes in various forms like brush, foam, and pile.

Weatherstripping creates a physical barrier against draughts at specific points where air leakage occurs, and is typically applied directly to the meeting rails, where the sashes meet the window frame or sash itself.

Weatherstripping differs from sealing systems, as sealing systems create a more permanent seal around the entire perimeter.

When to call the experts

In truth, it’s probably best to get professional help unless it’s a case of applying Ventrolla’s perimeter sealing system yourself.

Professionals will quickly identify the problem area, where the cold air is entering your residence.

Issues like replacing sash cords and staff beads are complex, so a professional will be able to assess your situation, recommend the most effective solutions, and ensure your windows will return to becoming comfortable and energy efficient.

Expert Draught Proofing Solutions – Ventrolla

At Ventrolla we have over 40 years of experience renovating, repairing, draught-proofing, and replacing wooden sash and casement windows.

We firmly believe in the financial and economical benefits of renovating over replacing, and offer exceptional draught proofing solutions for sash windows.

The Ventrolla Perimeter Sealing System is independently tested to significantly reduce sound intrusion, as well as eliminating draughts – which we thoroughly recommend if you’ve got an issue with an unwelcome breeze.

For more information, you can get in touch with our friendly customer service team here.

Alternatively, you can call our Harrogate base at 0800 0277454, or email info@ventrolla.co.uk.