Draughtproofing a window
DRAUGHTPROOFING A CASEMENT WINDOW DRAUGHTPROOFING A SASH WINDOW
DRAUGHTPROOFING A CASEMENT WINDOW
Rubber sealant for large gaps
For larger uneven gaps, a silicone rubber sealant (also called a frame sealant) is particularly useful.
Both wooden and metal casement windows can be draughtproofed with sealant, and it can be used on doors interior or exterior. But it cannot be used on sash windows. Read any advice on the container before you begin.
1. Clean the fixed frame thoroughly with soapy water and a cloth so that the surface is free from dirt. Rinse and wait for it to dry.
2. Apply a bead of sealant to the rebate of the fixed frame. It should be slightly larger than the gap which needs to be filled.
3. With a clean paintbrush or a cloth, cover the closing edge of the window or door with soapy water which will act as a release agent.
4. Pull the window or door tight shut to compress the sealant and immediately open it again.
5. Leave the sealant to set, this will take about 2 hours if the weather is warm, but longer if it is cold. The sealant will harden on the surface but will remain flexible underneath, forming a perfect seal when the window or door is closed.
DRAUGHTPROOFING A SASH WINDOW
Sprung strip is the most suitable material for sealing the sides of a sash window as the sashes slide over it easiiy.1. Remove the staff beads and the parting beads from the window so that both sashes swing free and clean the frame.
2. Measure the height of the sliding sashes and cut four pieces of the sprung strip, two pieces for each sash.
3. Fix the strip to the pulley stiles which run vertically each side of the sliding sashes. Use pre-holed strip, fixing it with the pins provided and a hammer. Unless the window is rarely opened, self-adhesive strip is not suitable because it is unlikely to withstand the friction from the sashes. Take the strip right into the top and bottom corners so the sashes cannot catch on any sharp edges.
4. Replace the sashes and beading
5. Seal the gap at the top and bottom of the sashes with any of the more durable foam strips fixed to the frame or the sash
6. If there is a draught between the top and bottom sashes, fix nylon brush pile strip to the bottom sash at the meeting point.
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