Sash window draughtproofing

Sash Window Draught Proofing
(Scroll down to the bottom of the page to watch the video of how we draughtproof)

Sash window draught proofing in Eastbourne and East Sussex

Old sash windows often let in draughts around the sides, meeting rails, staff beads and parting beads.
This can make a room feel cold, noisy and uncomfortable, even when the windows themselves are still perfectly worth keeping.

At RWJ Sear Restorative Carpentry, I draught proof traditional timber sash windows so they work more smoothly, rattle less, and keep out more cold air — without replacing the original windows.

Common signs your sash windows need draught proofing

Your sash windows may need draught proofing if:

• You can feel cold air coming in around the window

• The sashes rattle in windy weather

• The room feels cold even when the heating is on

• There are visible gaps around the sides of the sashes

• The window is noisy from outside traffic or weather

• The sashes move loosely in the frame

• The window has old, worn or badly fitted beads

Draught proofing is often one of the best improvements you can make to original sash windows.

Why sash windows become draughty

Traditional sash windows were made to move. Over time, the timber wears, paint builds up, beads become loose, and gaps appear around the sashes.

In many cases, the window has not failed. It simply needs careful adjustment, new draught-proofing beads, and proper setting up.

Common causes include:

• Worn staff beads

• Worn parting beads

• Gaps around the sashes

• Loose or badly fitting sashes

• Shrinkage in old timber

• Paint build-up from years of decoration

• Previous poor repairs

• Missing or damaged brush seals

What I do

A proper sash window draught proofing job is not just about sticking a strip of seal around the edge. The window has to be opened up, checked, adjusted and put back together properly.

Depending on the condition of the window, the work may include:

• Removing the staff beads

• Taking out the lower and upper sashes where needed

• Checking the sash cords, pulleys and weights

• Removing old, damaged or badly fitted beads

• Fitting new draught-proofing staff beads

• Fitting new draught-proofing parting beads

• Adjusting the sashes so they move properly

• Reducing rattles and loose movement

• Checking the meeting rails

• Reassembling the window carefully

• Testing the window before completion

The aim is simple: a better fitting, smoother running, less draughty sash window.

Repair, not replacement

Many draughty sash windows do not need replacing.

Original timber sash windows were built to be maintained. With the right repair and draught proofing, they can often be made much more comfortable while keeping the character of the house intact.

This is especially important in period properties, listed buildings, conservation areas and older homes where the original windows are part of the building’s character.

Where possible, I always prefer to repair, adjust and improve the existing window rather than replace it unnecessarily.

Will draught proofing make the window completely airtight?

No traditional sash window can honestly be described as completely airtight.

But good draught proofing can make a very noticeable difference. It can reduce cold air movement, rattling and noise, while still allowing the window to work as it was designed to.

The goal is not to turn an old sash window into a plastic sealed unit. The goal is to make the original window more comfortable, more usable and better fitted.

Can draught proofing be combined with other repairs?

Yes. Draught proofing is often best done at the same time as other sash window repairs.

For example:

• Sash cord replacement

• Sticking sash window repair

• Rotten timber repairs

• Pulley repairs

• Sash overhaul

• Meeting rail adjustment

• Minor glazing repairs

• Repainting preparation

Once the window is opened up, it makes sense to check the whole sash window system properly.

Areas covered

I carry out sash window draught proofing in:

Eastbourne, Old Town, Meads, Ratton, Willingdon, Polegate, Pevensey, Bexhill, Hailsham, Seaford, Lewes and surrounding parts of East Sussex.

Sash window draught proofing advice

If your sash windows are rattling, letting in cold air, or making the room uncomfortable, they may not need replacing.

They may simply need proper draught proofing and adjustment.

You are welcome to contact me for advice.

Contact RWJ Sear Restorative Carpentry

For sash window draught proofing in Eastbourne and throughout East Sussex, contact:

Phone: 07930 335 937

Email:jim@rwjsear.com

Website: https://www.rwjsear.com

YouTube: @jimsear

RWJ Sear Restorative Carpentry
Traditional sash window repairs
Rotten timber repaired properly
Repair before replacement wherever possible