Reduce your energy costs by draught proofing your sash windows, have lower utility bills, and be more comfortable in your home. If you have draughts, don’t despair. Repairing heat losing windows is very possible, with methods that can fit any need and any budget.

Sash windows are the kind with a frame, usually wood but maybe metal or plastic, and with a top and a bottom section, one or both of which moves up or down to open the house to the outside air. These windows have been used since the 17th century at least, and in America are found in historic homes from the Colonial and Victorian eras. Many newer homes have used this style as well, as it is attractive and traditional.

The problem arises when these windows become older, loose in their settings, worn by the friction of opening and closing, or stiffened by age and old paint. The caulking around the outer frame can lose its seal or fall out, the inner seals of the window casings may become worn, and the putty around individual panes of glass can fail. Once any seal allows air to seep through, the insulating value of the window is compromised.

Replacing windows is an expensive and extreme reaction to this situation, which can be corrected by temporary weatherstripping or by long lasting structural repairs. Many homeowners would rather keep old windows for their historic value, their suitability to the character of the house, and as a less costly solution.

Draughts may be blocked with anything that will stop the flow of air. This can include heavy curtains, which act as a layer of insulation and can block the sun’s heat as well as winter cold. Strips of adhesive-backed felt or foam, or cords made of clay-like putty, can be pressed against the cracks and spaces around windows, and new putty can stop leaks around the individual panes.

If the trim is removed and care is taken, weatherstripping can be invisible, but many times appearances give way to the seasonal need for draught proofing. Some homeowners use plastic sheets that seal the whole window on the inside, using heat to make them fit tightly, or inserts of glass that do the same thing.

Another way is to dismantle the window, put new caulk around the outside and each individual pane, and then replace the inner seals of the window frames with new beads or, ideally, reinforce them with stiff brush strips that block the passage of air while still allowing the sashes to be raised and lowered. These extensive repairs will retain the architectural integrity of the house and make it energy efficient for years to come.

Reduce your energy costs by draught proofing your sash windows, a common sense solution which can be done yourself or by a professional draught proofing specialist.

Get the ultimate inside scoop on how to reduce your energy costs by draught proofing your sash windows in our comprehensive secondary glazing london and top sash window insulation company review.

By being sure that your windows are well insulated you can save some money. With proper insulation in your house, and especially your windows, means a definite reduction in those heating bills. If you are interested in reducing those bills, perhaps you may be interested in looking into DIY sash window insulation.

When you surf the internet you find that there are many do it yourself projects that can help you save money by helping you retain the heat. Evaluate your own situation at home and then decide which project would benefit you the most. Older homes are generally the ones that are the greatest drain on the heat you are paying for. It is possible that lack of insulation is causing this.

In examining your own sash windows, you find the putty is now hard and has broken up. This putty holds the windows in place and it also seals the windows from drafts. The putty is no longer efficient and lets in air when it is windy. If you discover this is the situation, you are able to repair this problem fairly easily by removing the old dry putty and replacing it with new putty that will seal the pane properly.

Temperature changes affect the wood in your windows sometimes causing the wood to warp. This could essentially leave gaps between your window frame and the track. This problem is a little more serious than simply replacing the putty.

You might want to save more money and do the repair yourself. For this repair, you are going to need to purchase brush seals. These will fill gaps that have occurred between the window frame and the track. The brush seals must be the proper size to cover the gaps.

The trim may be the area where you are losing the heat. You can solve this problem by replacing the trim. When you apply the caulking on the new trim be sure that a proper seal is created. Once this is done tack down the trim and dry the caulking totally. Once this is done you are able to paint the new trim.

If after these repairs you realize that there are still leaks in your windows, research kits online available that may help you. There are many available for you to examine. One of the kits you find is a plastic covering that will reduce some of the drafts.

A do it yourself project can save you money. The advantage in repairing your own windows is the money you save in your heating bills. Sources of information is how to save money are plentiful.

Looking for more information on super sash window draught proofing tips and advice ? Get the low down now in our sash window refurbishment guide.