August 30, 2010

Do It Your Self Sash Window Draught Proofing Ideas

There are a number of ideas for do it your self sash window draught proofing. Many are inexpensive and results may be seen within the first few weeks after making the improvements. Utility bills will go down and there will be no more breezy windows in the home. Most utility bills are reduced drastically by this type of repair.

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.

In order to reseal the putty that has become old and broken in older windows, you will need to remove the old putty first. This is done by using a putty knife and gently scraping the old off. Adding the new putty will create a seal between the glass and wood preventing drafts.

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.

While the trim is off, it is easy to create a new seal between it and the wall to help prevent it from leaking as well. There are multiple types of caulking that is available for home maintenance. A weatherizing or seal caulking should be placed on the back of each piece of trim before it is nailed back in place. If the trim has severe damage, replacing it is recommended.

Sometimes all the new trim, caulking and weather stripping still cannot seal those sash windows. No worries though because another tip for do it your self sash window draught proofing a home is very simple. There are a number of different kits that allow you to cover them in plastic to prevent leaks. This does not actually prevent the leaks but covers them up to help lower utility bills.

Does your windows have the finest insulation? Well, if there not, you can get with the sash window company. You will find that the sash window draught proofing can really help keep the windows insulated and ready for any cold air.

Filed under DIY by Craig Beck

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