One of the smartest things the owner of an older home can do to improve his or her living environment is to draught proof the windows. It’s relatively inexpensive to do and the advantages are numerous. The energy efficiency of the house will be immediately improved, but this is only one of the benefits you stand to gain. Do it your self sash window draught proofing is not only reasonably priced but also fairly simple to install.
Older single- and double-hung sash windows are good at standing the test of time but after many years they naturally start to deteriorate. The good news is, these types of windows can almost always be repaired to work as intended and with regular maintenance can last as long as the house. Although these older wood windows are inherently flawed in certain respects, these flaws can be remedied fairly easily by proper draught proofing. And the money spent is soon returned in the form of energy savings.
Some have reported utility bills being halved after effectively sealing their home’s draughty window system. Additional benefits include a more comfortable interior environment, meaning warmer winters and cooler summers. Draught proofing will also provide a noise barrier, keeping the house quieter, isolating it from outside commotion. Even dust accumulation in your home should be reduced.
Reducing energy use is, of course, good for the environment and the green thing to do. In most instances the cost of repairing and weather-proofing old, inefficient windows will be returned many times over in energy savings alone. The added benefits, such as comfort and cleanliness, come as an added extra, free of charge.
A simple draught proofing job may include application of weather stripping around the frames and replacing old, worn out glazing on the glass. You might also consider adding secondary glazing, which is basically installing a second set of windows atop the existing ones. If you’re contemplating replacing your home’s current windows with new modern units the best advice is to refurbish if possible and to replace only as a last resort.
If you live in an area where there are restrictions on what types of windows your home may display you have only a few options. In conservation areas or in homes that are listed, window replacement may be strictly regulated. In such cases proper draught protection is vital.
Do it your self sash window draught proofing can be a worthwhile project to pursue. If the windows are still in good shape and only need some ‘tightening up’ it can be fairly easy and painless. You’ll never regret spending the time and money, as the benefits are long-lasting and tangible.
Using a sash window draught proofing process can be done as a do-it-yourself task, or by using a sash window company. Halting those air leaks will reduce the cost of heating and cooling your home.
