Draught proofing
Sash window draught proofing.
Much of the cold from an old sash window comes through the gaps around the sashes. We close them with discreet Aquamac seals, which carry a lifetime guarantee, as part of every restoration and double glazing upgrade. The window looks the same and still slides as it should.
Where the draughts come from
The gaps around an unsealed sash window can add up to the equivalent of a three inch hole in your wall. Over the years the staff and parting beads wear and loosen, and the sashes start to shake in their case, so the same gaps that let the cold in also make the windows rattle every time the wind picks up.
How we draught proof a sash window
- The sashes are taken out of the case.
- Grooves are cut in the sashes and beads to take the seals.
- The Aquamac seals are fitted into the grooves.
- The staff and parting beads are adjusted or renewed, so each sash sits snug in the case.
- The sashes are rehung on new cords with rebalanced weights.
The seals are discreet and compatible with paint and stain. From inside and out the window looks just as it did, and it still opens and closes as it should.
Part of a restoration, not a job on its own
We fit draught proofing as part of a full restoration or a double glazing upgrade, rather than as a separate job. Fitting the seals means taking the window apart, and we do it alongside the rest of the work the window needs: cords and weights, rot repair, pointing and painting. It also comes as standard on the new sashes and windows we make. Every window is surveyed and quoted individually, so you only pay for what each one needs.
Guaranteed for life
Aquamac draught proofing carries a lifetime guarantee. Restoration work carries a 5 year guarantee, and new windows and sashes carry 10 years.
Listed buildings and conservation areas
Glasgow City Council says repairs to original windows using the original materials do not need planning permission or listed building consent, and a restoration, draught proofing included, is that kind of repair. The City of Edinburgh Council's guidance lists draught proofing among the first options it considers before any original window is replaced. If you are unsure about your building, ask the council's conservation officer before work starts. Our listed building guide sets out the rules for Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Help with the cost
Home Energy Scotland offers a draught proofing grant of £375 plus a £125 loan, but only alongside a primary improvement, such as glazing, in the same application. It cannot be claimed for draught proofing on its own. You must have Home Energy Scotland's written offer before any work starts, so confirm with them that your project qualifies. See funding for sash windows in Scotland.
★★★★★
“Listed Window Refurbishment came out to refurbish five sash windows in our tenement. Everyone involved was incredibly professional and did excellent quality work. The flat was left very tidy at the end of each day. We no longer have any draughts and the rooms are much warmer.”
★★★★★
“The Listed Window team has done an excellent job refurbishing eight of our windows. Their joinery, pointing and painting teams were professional, courteous and very helpful, explaining everything. The result is lovely to look at, easy to use and maintain, and very well draught protected.”
Draught proofing
Draught proofing questions, answered
Do you fit draught proofing on its own?
No. We fit it as part of a restoration or a double glazing upgrade, and it comes as standard on the new sashes and windows we make. At the free survey we look at each window and tell you what it needs.
Will draught proofing change how my windows look?
No. The Aquamac seals sit in grooves in the sashes and beads, they are compatible with paint and stain, and the window still slides as it should.
Will it stop my windows rattling?
Rattles usually come from worn or loose beads. We adjust or renew the staff and parting beads as the seals go in, so every sash sits snug in its case.
How long does draught proofing last?
Aquamac draught proofing carries a lifetime guarantee. Keep the paint sound and the rest of the window will last too: our window care guide covers the simple checks.
Do I need permission to draught proof a listed building?
Repairs to original windows using the original materials generally need no consent, and a restoration with draught proofing is that kind of repair. If in doubt, ask the council's conservation officer before work starts. See our listed building guide.
Can I get a grant for draught proofing?
Home Energy Scotland's draught proofing grant is only available alongside a primary improvement, such as glazing, in the same application, and you need its written offer before work starts. See funding for sash windows in Scotland.
Cold rooms and rattling sashes? Let us have a look.
Surveys are free, quotations are written and itemised, and there is never any obligation.
Arrange a free survey
Not sure whether to restore, upgrade or renew? Let us have a look.
Tell us a little about your windows, with a photo or two if you have them, and we will call you back to arrange a visit.
You enquire
Send the form, with photos if you have them, or phone us. We aim to call you back the same working day.
Free survey
We visit at a time that suits you and assess every window individually.
Written quote
A clear, itemised quotation with no hidden extras — and never any obligation.