Do you have a property from the Georgian or Victorian periods or a home in a conservation area, with traditional Sliding Sash windows? You may be noticing a draught. Whether you’re feeling a chill as you walk past or you’re noticing movement in your curtains, with winter well on its way it’s time to take action.
Where are the draughts in your Sliding Sash windows coming from?
There are many reasons why you might find draughts coming from your Sliding Sash windows. Sash windows were a common feature on houses from the Georgian and Victorian periods, so it’s no surprise that most draughty windows are those that date right back to that era, hundreds of years ago.
The majority of original timber sash windows still feature single glazing, and they lack weatherstripping, draught excluders, and rubber seals. Due to this, it allows the chilly air in from the outside and lets any heat that you do have inside escape. In addition to this, draughty windows also rattle when it is windy and, combined with other factors, can cause condensation issues.
In this blog, we’ll go through the most common reasons for draughts in Sliding Sash windows, how you can fix these and your options going forward.
Poor maintenance – Keeping on top of window maintenance is vital to ensure your windows have a long life-span. Not only should you clean your windows regularly, but if they’re timber, you should also paint them every 3-4 years. This prevents deterioration, protects the timber from weathering and helps to improve their appearance.
Window insulation – The most common cause of draughts and loss of warm air is poor window insulation and gaps around your windows. We’d recommend checking the rubber seals on your windows and replacing any that are worn, which will help to reduce any air or weather leaks. You can also try adding shutters to your windows. This will not only help to keep the cold air out and result in a lower energy bill, but increase the security of your home too!
Window rot – Like any outdoor wooden product, older timber Sliding Sash windows can rot over time. This is due to fungus that grows and thrives on wet wood, and the more it wears down the wood the deeper the moisture can penetrate. This can not only look unsightly with black dots appearing on your frames, but can eventually leak water and allow fungus-filled air into your home. The best thing to do is regularly check your windows for any rot and if you do spot some – act immediately. Sometimes, wood rot can be treated, but it can be a lengthy process that includes drilling holes, removing the affected wood, wood filler and paint.
Have you noticed any of the above in your Sash Windows? Here’s what you can do!
If you’ve noticed a draught around the edges of your windows, you may be able to apply weatherstripping to the areas to keep the cold air at bay. This is normally in the form of either an adhesive strip that can be easily applied along the joints of your window or a silicone strip applied to seal any air leaks and is available in a variety of different materials. Whilst this does seem like an easy job, it can be quite tricky if you’re not familiar with the materials required for your particular window type, so we’d recommend seeking help from a professional.
Tired of the cold air getting in? As with anything, your windows have a life span and if cold air is continuously getting in, it could be time to invest in new Sliding Sash windows. Whether you’re in a period home looking to keep the same elegant timber-inspired aesthetic or you’re in a conservation area and in need of Sliding Sash windows with a fully mechanical weld, we have you covered. The Genesis Collection Vertical Sliding Sash windows are designed for beauty and performance, and with a combination of highly efficient double-glazed units with multi-chamber outer frames, you’ll experience energy efficiency like no other.
To find out more about Genesis Collection Sliding Sash windows and how we can help, get in touch today!
