Victorian Sash Windows are a functional and aesthetic design classic. They are one of the few window designs that open within their own confines, without the need to swing out or up. They are also a valuable and desirable feature of any period home. However, as many are now over 100 years old we almost take it for granted that they will be draughty and rattle, will let in excessive road noise, will be difficult to open and close, or won't open and close at all. This really need not be the case as all of these issues can be resolved by our excellent and cost effective draught-proofing service.
Have Your Windows Always Been Like This?
When originally made many years ago your wooden sash windows would actually have functioned quite well. However over decades the wood can shrink, causing rattling and excessive draughts. Cords can break, and re-glazing with heavier modern glass can unbalance them. Built-up layers of old paint can seal up or obstruct smooth movement. It is these issues that our draught-proofing service resolves, and as it uses hard-wearing modern materials previously unavailable to the Victorian joiners your windows will now slide beautifully between hidden draught-proofing brushes, which will not only prevent draughts, but will also stop your windows rattling, and prevent them from resonating by audibly damping them, reducing road noise significantly. In a nutshell your windows will actually perform better than new.
Here is a brief overview of what is involved with our popular Draught-Proofing service. Move your mouse over the diagrams to see an animation.
Taking Apart The Window
First we take apart the window by removing the four inner staff beadings and lifting out the lower sliding sash. We then remove the two parting beads, and then the upper sliding sash. It is at this stage that painted shut and jammed sashes are freed up.
Cleaning The Sash Box
With the windows out we can remove the hidden sash box pocket covers, enabling us to remove the sash weights from the boxes. We check and lubricate the pulleys, and vacuum out dust and rubble from the sash box voids.
We now clean and prepare the sash boxes. Sanding back built-up paint, clearing obstructions, and fixing any rot issues if found. We then wax the outer sash box bead to assist in smooth running.
Balancing The Sashes
A perfectly balanced sash window is easy to open and close and the sliding sashes stay exactly in position when opened without sliding shut. Victorian sash windows are often not perfectly balanced, usually down to re-glazing at some point with heavier modern glass.
To balance the windows perfectly we weigh the upper and lower sashes, and the corresponding sash weights on digital scales. Any discrepancy is made up with lead add-weights (at current Lead market cost). Your windows will now open and close with ease, and stay where you want them too.
Routing Out The Sashes For Draught-Proofing Carrier
We route out a groove 8mm wide by 4mm deep down the centre and along the entire length of the top rail of the upper sash. We flush-fit a draught-proof carrier into this and slide a hard wearing draught-proof brush into the carrier. This will seal the top of your window from draughts when closed.
We repeat this process on the lower sash, routing a groove along the back face of the upper rail. This will seal the gap between the upper and lower sashes when the window is closed. Because of the positioning the draught-proofing is always hidden from view, so your windows will look 'as they should', but function a whole lot better.
Re-Cording
We re-cord the sash box with the highest quality waxed-cotton sash cord. This cord has a classic traditional exterior covering, but holds a very strong polyester core and is many times stronger and longer lasting than the sash cords available in shops. At this stage the weights and any additional balancing weights are attached.
Re-Fitting The Upper Sash
The Upper sash is attached to the upper cords, slid into place and tested for smooth running.
Fitting New Draught-Proof Parting Beads
We now measure, cut and fit new wooden parting beads that hold a hidden draught-proof carrier.
This is done in two separate lengths per side. The upper half of the parting bead is fitted with the brush pointing outwards, towards and against the upper sash. The lower half is fitted with the brush pointing inwards, so that it will be against the back (external) side of the lower sash when fitted. This will ensure that the sides of the sashes are now draught-proof when the windows are closed. As the windows are now held between brushes they are now 'damped' and will no longer rattle in high winds, or resonate with traffic noise.
We now apply a smooth white mastic along these new beads for a fine finish, and to weather-proof.
Re-Fitting The Lower Sash
We now check which size weather brush is required between the lower and upper sashes, fit the brush and attach the lower sash to the sash cords. We now check the lower sash for easy travel and balance.
Fitting All New Staff Beads
We now cut to size new staff beads to go around all four internal sides of the sash box, and hold the lower sash in place. We have these in many different widths and depths to match you windows exactly. These beadings also hold the weather-proof brush and act at the final draught-proof stage around the bottom and sides of the lower sash.
Finished!
We now sink all pins and fill pin holes. We also apply a final white mastic around the new staff beads to blend them in seamlessly. We then apply a coat of gloss paint to the external parting bead, so your windows will be weather-proof immediately, and a finish coat of quick drying white primer along the dried mastic to cover any wood revealed during the sash box clean up.
Your window is now totally draught-proof, and opens and closes beautifully.
Routing out the top sash.
Fitting the draught-proof strip to the top sash.
Fitting the draught-proof strip to the bottom sash.
Servicing a pulley and re-cording.
Fitting the draught-proof brush to a new staff bead.
Fitting a new draught-proof parting bead (lower).
Fixing a staff bead into place.
Finishing a staff bead with smooth white mastic.
A beautifully draught-proofed Sash Window.