How To Draught Proof Sash Windows In Reading

Are you tired of feeling the cold air creeping into your home through draughty sash windows? Do you dread seeing your energy bills skyrocket during the winter months? If so, then its time to take action and draught proof your sash windows.

At Sash Windows Berkshire, we understand the importance of having well-insulated and energy-efficient windows. As a reputable sash window company in Reading, we have worked with countless homeowners in the South East of England to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. In this guide, we will share our expertise on how to draught proof sash windows in Reading so you can keep the cold air out and the warmth in.

Why Draught Proof Your Sash Windows?

Draughts in your home can lead to many problems, including increased energy bills, uncomfortable living conditions, and even health issues. The cold air can also lead to increased condensation in your windows, which can cause rot, mould, and other structural issues.

Draughts are caused by gaps and cracks in your windows, which allow cold air to enter your home and warm air to escape. Sash windows are especially prone to draughts due to their design, but with the right steps, you can effectively draught proof them and improve their energy efficiency.

Steps To Draught Proof Your Sash Windows

Draught proofing your sash windows may seem like a daunting task, but it is a simple and effective way to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Follow these steps to get started:

Step 1: Identify The Gaps And Cracks

The first step in draught proofing your sash windows is to identify the gaps and cracks that allow air to enter and escape. To do this, you should thoroughly inspect your windows and look for any areas where you feel cold air coming in or where you can see cracks or gaps.

Step 2: Repair Any Damage

Once you have identified the gaps and cracks in your windows, the next step is to repair any damage. This may involve filling in cracks with putty or using wood filler to replace any damaged wood. Its important to make sure that any repairs are done properly so that they are effective in reducing draughts.

Step 3: Apply Draught Strips

One of the most effective ways to draught proof your sash windows is to apply draught strips. These strips are designed to fill in any gaps between the window frame and the sash, which can significantly reduce the amount of cold air that enters your home.

There are many different types of draught strips available, including foam, brush, and compression strips. Foam strips are the most common and are easy to install, but they may not last as long as other types of strips. Brush strips are ideal for uneven surfaces and can provide a good seal, while compression strips are best for wider gaps.

Step 4: Use Draught Excluders

Draught excluders are another effective way to prevent cold air from entering your home through your sash windows. These are long strips of material that can be attached to the bottom of your sash window or to the window frame.

Draught excluders are particularly effective at preventing cold air from entering your home through the gap between the bottom of the sash window and the sill. They are easy to install and can be made from a variety of materials, including foam, rubber, and brush strips.

Step 5: Install Secondary Glazing

If your sash windows are particularly draughty or if you live in an area with high noise pollution, then you may want to consider installing secondary glazing. This involves adding an extra layer of glass to your existing windows, which can significantly reduce the amount of cold air that enters your home.

Secondary glazing is also effective at reducing noise pollution and can be a good investment if you live near a busy road or noisy neighbourhood.

Conclusion

Draught proofing your sash windows is a simple and effective way to improve the energy efficiency of your home and reduce your energy bills. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively draught proof your sash windows and keep your home warm and comfortable throughout the winter months.

At Sash Windows Berkshire, we are dedicated to providing homeowners in Reading and the South East of England with high-quality sash windows and expert advice on draught proofing and repairs. If you need any assistance with draught proofing your sash windows, or if you are interested in replacing your old sash windows with new, energy-efficient ones, then please do not hesitate to contact us at 0118 449 2798 or email us at [email protected].

We hope you found this guide useful and wish you all the best in draught proofing your sash windows!