The thing with sash windows is that they’re actually the envy of many UK homeowners. For centuries, they’ve been a favourite for their functionality and throwback aesthetic. They have what it takes to transform the feel of any property entirely. This is especially likely if you get services like our sash window restoration in Northumberland to keep them looking their best.
However, the undeniable charm of the sashes can be harmed by a persisting unwelcome draught. Draughts are able to give everyone the chills. Not only that, but they increase energy bills because people will want to turn the heating on to cope.
If you’re experiencing a draught, you’ll want to look at solutions. What we’re going to do here is discuss the hotspots of draughts as well as what you can do to combat them.
Most likely places
One opening where you can feel a draught is the gaps around the sashes. The natural up-and-down movement with sash windows can leave spaces between them and the frame. This is particularly true if they’ve suffered decades of wear and tear. Draughts love these gaps and will seep through if given the opportunity.
Another draught hotspot is worn weather seals. They go around the window to produce a tight closure, working to stop water and draughts from coming in. Normally comprised of pile or felt, if they become damaged or worn, they can lose their effectiveness. This is to the detriment of your home’s comfort and thermal efficiency. Come to us for the leading services for sash window restoration in Northumberland.
Watch out for damaged parting and staff beads too. These are thin strips of wood that play a pivotal part in a window’s aesthetics and function. You can find the parting bead vertically between the lower and upper sashes. It creates a channel that permits the sashes to smoothly slide past each other. As for the staff bead, it’s inside the perimeter of the sash box. This is the fixed frame holding up the sash. What it does is hold the sashes in position and accommodates the draught seals. Because both play roles in holding the sashes in position, they can enable draughts if there are cracks or damage.
Lastly, there’s poorly fitting sash cords. These are robust cords that operate within a pulley system. They make working the window sashes smooth. To do this, they use a counterbalance system within the window frame. Over time though, fraying or loose sash cords can lead to the sashes hanging unevenly. As a result, it can generate gaps.
Solutions
Now that you know about all the gaps, let’s discuss some solutions to the problems. We can offer many if you come to us for sash window restoration in Northumberland.
One of the best options would be to use a perimeter sealing system. This is a proven way to deal with problems that original timber windows have. It’s unobtrusive, meaning it won’t influence the look of your windows. It functions as a barrier to stop cold air getting into the property. Moreover, it stops rattles and condensation, minimises exterior noise, and enhances the building’s thermal efficiency.
Another option would be to replace parting and staff beads. If these mouldings, responsible for holding the sashes in place, have damage, they can let air into the property. Replacing them with new ones that have weather seals gives you a better long-term solution.
The last thing you can do is get secondary glazing. If you have a sash window that’s single glazed, upgrading can be a better way of sealing your building. Secondary glazing differs from double glazing. You add a second glass pane to an already existing unit. This saves effort and money. Additionally, it works to preserve a window’s classic aesthetic. There are also big advantages like minimising heat loss.
We work towards excellence with sash window restoration in Northumberland
At David Humble, we are a professional establishment that always strives for first rate craftsmanship. Here, we know how to get the best outcome in every scenario. As a result, you can rely on us to repair, renovate, and restore your windows.
So, let us know if you need the greatest services for sash window restoration in Northumberland. We can tackle draughts and other issues effectively.