Draft proofing sash windows

plumb1_2

Hi all
i have friend who has 8  newish( timber)  sash windows, bottom opening sash is quiet loose in the frame. They let a fair amount of air/ draft through them. What’s your opinions on how to seal them without taking them out a rebating the frame and fitting brush seals.

ThisIsWeird

How new is newish, Plumb? Are they DG? Why didn't they already have brush seals fitted - surely a strange omission?

Were they nicely draught proof when first installed?

Are you able to visit and have a look at them to see what the actual cause of this loose fit is?

I'm struggling to think of a suitable easy (ie add-on without some disassembly) method that won't be an eye sore, and I presume they chose sash for its looks? 

plumb1_2

ThisIsWeird said:

How new is newish, Plumb? Are they DG? Why didn't they already have brush seals fitted - surely a strange omission?

Were they nicely draught proof when first installed?

Are you able to visit and have a look at them to see what the actual cause of this loose fit is?

I'm struggling to think of a suitable easy (ie add-on without some disassembly) method that won't be an eye sore, and I presume they chose sash for its looks? 

Ya I’ve had a look at them, I would say 10 yrs old max. Installed before he moved in 2 yrs ago.
No paperwork to see when/who installed them. Yes they are dg glazed.
No signs of them ever had seals fitted. Opening sash just to loose in the frame.

travis-powers

The only think I can think of is self adhesive draught strip down staff bead, wouldn’t be very attractive though 

ThisIsWeird

plumb1_2 said:

ThisIsWeird said:

How new is newish, Plumb? Are they DG? Why didn't they already have brush seals fitted - surely a strange omission?

Were they nicely draught proof when first installed?

Are you able to visit and have a look at them to see what the actual cause of this loose fit is?

I'm struggling to think of a suitable easy (ie add-on without some disassembly) method that won't be an eye sore, and I presume they chose sash for its looks? 

Ya I’ve had a look at them, I would say 10 yrs old max. Installed before he moved in 2 yrs ago.
No paperwork to see when/who installed them. Yes they are dg glazed.
No signs of them ever had seals fitted. Opening sash just to loose in the frame.

They clearly cannot 'conform', then. Who on earth would make modern wooden sash windows without draught proofing seals?! They not only stop draughts, but make the sashes slide softly and smoothly.

They will almost certainly have removable beadings that hold the sashes in. Shouldn't be hard to prise these off and rebate (even plough-plain) a groove to take a suitable brush. I think most have brushes on both sides, so the old wood-to-wood, or paint-to-paint sliding surfaces are gorn.

Eldi_Dos

Presume it is mostly winter they are concerned about.

Caulking cotton put in place at beginning of winter and take out in spring.

Slide up bottom opener as far as can manage, try and put caulking string through from top, use a steel rule or something similar to get through gap, pull enough  into place on both sides and close window and trim off excess, then remove in spring when you want window to operate normal.

NeverTooLate

We had some rattily & therefore draughty sash windows in an old house, fixed it by adding new catches - the type that have a sort of screw on them. The top sash was nailed to the frame so couldn't move, then when you did up the screw on the catch the bottom sash was firmly fixed to the top sash and the frame - no draughts or rattles.

twopenny

In true MSE style I used clingfilm, torn into strips and crumpled. It went in easily and expanded a little stopping draughts.
It didn't shoe either.
Easy and quick to remove in summer.

BUFF

Assuming that you want to still be able to open them:
The best solution is to remove the existing parting & staff beads & either have those routed for & fitted with seals or replaced with beads that already are e.g. https://www.mightonproducts.com/category/sash-window-hardware/draughtproofing/.

You can get pin/stick on seals e.g. https://www.toolstation.com/stormguard-door-window-strips/p19928 but they will be visible.

plumb1_2

Thanks all.
Yes I know they be made and fitted by clowns. Best solution is to take beads off and route them, will Be a pain to do. He’s a bit of a tight wad and I ant doing them for nowt. 8 windows.
I ve seen a type of silicone seal that just sticks on the beading Navy Seal so ask him if he wants to give it a try. Most I’ll get is a couple of pints out of him. 

Eldi_Dos

This thread got me thinking how it used to be a common sight to see repurposed sash weights around working harbours.Fishermen used them to weigh down buoy's and I think creels.

Seems antique sash weights fetch a good price.