Sash windows may look beautiful but when it comes to winter they can be draughty. Any timber sash window will suffer to a greater or lesser extent from the effects of age, use, and poor maintenance. Those that are particularly old, where they may be part of a listed building for example, will suffer no matter how good the maintenance has been over the years – wood will become warped over time and moisture will get into cracks and crevices. However, there are a number of things that you can do to protect your sash windows from such effects and prepare for winter without the draughts.
Draught-proof your windows
Draught-proofing can be cheap and easy, but on the flip side is not the most attractive way of dealing with the problem. However, if you do find that you need to do something quickly then a trip to your local DIY shop for some draught strips will offer a temporary solution. Take care when applying them to rooms that have high levels of humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens, to allow for some ventilation and prevent the build-up of moisture (you don’t want to solve one problem, only to create another!).
Invest in curtains or shutters
Play around with the aesthetics of your room by installing insulated shutters or heavy curtains to block draughts from spreading through the room. Keep in mind that while they are a relatively cheap option and can add style to a room, they will only work when they are closed.
Change the glazing
This will work if the timber frame is solid and in good condition. Changing the glazing in your sash windows will give you the option of moving to double or even triple glazing which can have a dramatic effect on reducing heat loss. This is also a good option if you are in a listed property and can’t make substantial changes to the window box or frame. An alternative is to install secondary glazing which will preserve the look and features of your sash windows while keeping the draughts out.
Change to uPVC windows
Gone are the days when the only available sash window options were timber or…timber! There are plenty of uPVC options which work even with listed buildings (although you may still need permission so do check on the Government’s Planning Portal first) and will significantly reduce draughts and keep heat indoors. You can change from timber sash windows to uPVC ones, or if your existing uPVC ones are old or damaged replace them with newer ones that will be even more energy efficient and easier to use.
Regardless of which option you choose, keeping your sash windows in good working order will keep your home warmer and save you money on your heating bills. If your windows are particularly old or damaged, the investment into new ones may seem like a big upfront cost, but the money they will save you on heating bills will pay for them in no time.
Ask us for help
If you’re unsure what the best option may be for you, talk to us at 1st Scenic. We’d love to help and offer a free consultation where we can discuss your requirements in detail. Drop us a line on info@1stscenic.co.uk or give us a call on 01689 829 600.
