Sometimes heating costs can get out of hand in older homes. These are the homes that still have sash windows in which the seals have become hard and no longer effective. One can sit next to one of these windows and literally feel a breeze. By using do it your self sash window draught proofing it is easy to see results in the first month of utility bill.
Sash windows are made up of wood frames with a single or multiple panes of glass which are separated by wood bars. The original windows had putty that held them in place and acted like a seal. Over time the putty gets hard and the seal begins to break into sections leaving them vulnerable to wind and high utility bills.
Putty can be replaced to create a new seal between the window and the wood. Use a putty knife to scrape away cracking and broken putty to reveal a clean pane of glass. Then use the same knife to apply new putty in its place. Allow it to set and then paint to match the framing around each window.
Wood tends to swell and retract when temperatures change. This sometimes allows it to warp or bend in some spots leaving gaps between frame and track. If this happens, it usually takes a little more work than putty will fix but can still be corrected.
It may require more work than one is committed to but there is a fix for gaps between the frame and the track of a sash window. Purchase brush seals from any home or building supply store long enough to span the height of each window. Remove the inside trim work and attach the brush seal to the top and again at the bottom.
If the trim around the window is where heat is escaping, remove it and replace it with new. Before putting the new in place, caulk the back of each trim piece so it creates a seal behind it. Tack it into place and allow it to dry completely before painting.
In the event windows are still not energy efficient, a plastic shrink cover can be purchased to place over the windows. These come complete with the plastic, strips of thin cardboard and tacks to attach it to the trim. Once the plastic is securely in place, use a hair dryer to add heat and allow the plastic to shrink to the size needed for each window. There are several tips to do it your self sash window draught proofing that are very effective in reducing heating costs.
Does your windows have the greatest insulation? Well, if there not, you can get with the sash window company. You will learn that the sash window draught proofing can really help keep the windows insulated and ready for any cold air.
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