The small openings around your windows are responsible for some hefty problems – cold draughts, poor energy efficiency and inflated energy bills. But, when you know how to draught proof a window the professional way, you can have these issues resolved.

The secret to serious window draught proofing, however, is to have a permanent solution. You don’t want to have to keep putting draught seals up every winter. Nor do you want to deal with the hassle of draught proofing that damages your window joinery, ruins the aesthetics and that isn’t capable of stopping all the cold air from coming in through the gaps that exist around your windows.

Here’s how draught proofing for windows works when your end goal is a long-lasting, effective solution.

What Causes Window Draughts?

If you have window draught problems, you’re not alone. Almost everyone has to deal with window draughts to some degree – until they have their windows properly taken care of.

You can check for draughts by putting your hand out near your windows. You’ll be able to feel the cold wind moving. If you have curtains, any movement in and around the curtains is also a sign of draught issues.

Not only is unwanted cold air coming in but your home’s heat is escaping.

It is estimated that 25% of a home’s heat loss is the result of air leaks and draughts, about 12% of which comes from windows.

But, how do window draughts develop in the first place?

What happens is, over time, small gaps form. Some of this is due to the building itself settling over the years, which will cause your frames to gradually shift. This causes the widening gap between the sashes and the window frame, and for casement windows, between the leading edge of the sashes – the part of the sashes where the window opens out. You can also get small gaps around the hinges and sashes as the material of your window deteriorates over time, creating uneven surfaces and openings even when the windows are closed.

Why Professional Draught Proofing Will Protect Your Windows

To draught proof windows, you’ll need draught seals between the opening sashes and the window frame. Some people try out a seemingly quick fix and stick a self-adhesive strip around the frame. This method, however, comes with its own set of problems and can harm your windows:

• It’s challenging (and sometimes impossible unless the gaps around your windows are perfectly aaaeven) to correctly install a draught seal to adequately stop air currents.

• The foam tape may stick to the frame so you can’t open the window all winter – which means aaayou can’t use your windows for ventilation.

• When you do remove the seal when the weather warms up, the adhesive may rip off part of aaayour window with it.

How to Draught Proof Windows and Achieve the Results You Want

The way to achieve substantial results – and to preserve the function, structure, and aesthetics of your windows – is to address the unique needs of each window rather than trying to force a generic solution to a nuanced problem.

At Thermawood, we draught proof when retrofitting the windows. So, we double glaze the windows for thermal and acoustic insulation and, at the same time, machine in draught seals to stop draughts. This way, you get a complete solution – and get to keep your beautiful windows.

This allows for more cost-effective professional draught proofing because we are already working with the frame and sashes to insulate the windows. Installing draught seals is a minor yet powerful addition to our retrofitting system.

In order to draught proof the windows, we use special tooling to ensure the edges of the frames and sashes are even. This way, there won’t be any gaps when the draught seals are installed.

Then, we machine, glue and pin the seals into the windows, in the frame. By directly machining in the seals, they become a part of the window. So, you can’t actually see them once we’re done – no clunky draught seals sticking out around your windows.

We use a range of the best quality draught seals to suit any style of timber window, which helps to block cold air and sound waves. This way, you get a more comfortable and quieter home.

After professional draught proofing for your windows, you’ll have a seamless draught seal. There are no leftover gaps or overlooked problem areas. Your windows will still open and close easily so you can let in the fresh air when you want to. And, you don’t have to worry about draught proofing your windows next year because the seals are in place for the long term.