Draft Proofing your sashes is an effective way to make your windows quieter, more airtight, and overall more energy-efficient. This process involves carefully machining or routing out your timber beading to install seals or brushes. Once installed, your sashes won’t rattle anymore and will help to eliminate excess noise, prevent heat loss, and block cold drafts from entering the home through any gaps. In some cases, draft-proofing your sashes is a practical and more affordable alternative to thicker glazing. (Remember, having the thickest glass won’t make a difference if cold drafts are penetrating through the gaps around the windows.)

Although it’s an optional extra, I recommend draft-proofing if your windows are rattling excessively, you’re experiencing cold drafts, or you want to improve the efficiency of your windows without a complete overhaul.

Unless it’s just the bottom sashes requiring draft-proofing, your windows will need to be dismantled. This means that both the top and bottom sashes will be involved in the process, necessitating recording and servicing as part of the procedure.

I utilise two different techniques to draft-proof your windows, selecting the method that best suits your specific needs. One approach involves machining or routing grooves into your beads to install nylon brushes, while the other method includes cutting into your beading to fit Q-Lon seals. Ultimately, whichever product is chosen, the goal is to achieve the highest level of airtightness possible for your windows.

Please note, this process can be noisy at times (lasting approximately 5-10 minutes at a stretch), something to consider if you work from home or have young children who need naps.