Sash Window Draught Proofing in Somerset
If your sash windows feel cold, rattle in the wind, or let in draughts, professional sash window draught proofing in Bath, Bristol and Somerset can make a significant difference.
At Artisawn, we install discreet draught-proofing systems designed specifically for traditional timber sash windows — improving comfort, reducing heat loss, and maintaining the original character of your property.
Draught proofing is one of the most effective and cost-efficient upgrades available for original timber sash windows. A properly fitted concealed brush pile system eliminates virtually all cold air infiltration through the window — transforming the comfort of a room without touching the appearance of the window or altering the historic fabric of the building.
We carry out professional sash window draught proofing across Somerset, Bath and Bristol. All work is carried out by experienced joiners who understand how traditional box sash windows are built and how the draught proofing system needs to be fitted to work correctly and last.
What Is Sash Window Draught Proofing?
Traditional timber sash windows have four main paths through which cold air can enter and warm air can escape: between the lower sash and the staff bead on each side, between the two sashes at the meeting rail, and between the upper sash and the frame at the top. In a poorly maintained or unworn window these gaps can be significant — even a two or three millimetre gap around the perimeter of both sashes represents a considerable area of unobstructed air flow.
Draught proofing addresses all four paths by fitting concealed brush pile seals into routed channels in the frame and sashes. The brush pile — a dense row of fine synthetic fibres — compresses against the opposing surface when the window is closed, creating a seal that is highly effective at blocking air movement while allowing the sash to slide freely.
Unlike foam or rubber strip products — which compress over time, interfere with window operation and look unsightly — brush pile draught proofing is:
Completely concealed when the window is in the closed or open position
Compatible with the sliding action of the sash — the window operates normally
Long-lasting — well-fitted brush pile systems typically last 15–20 years
Suitable for listed buildings and conservation areas across Somerset, Bath and Bristol
Accepted by conservation officers as a non-invasive, reversible improvement
Effective at reducing noise transmission as well as cold air infiltration
Why Draughty Sash Windows Are Worth Fixing
Draughty sash windows are one of the most common complaints from owners of period properties in Somerset, Bath and Bristol — and one of the most misunderstood. Many homeowners assume that draughty windows mean the windows need replacing. In most cases they do not.
The draught in an original timber sash window comes not from the glass or the timber itself but from the gaps around the sashes — gaps that open up as the window wears, as paint builds up in the wrong places, and as the sashes gradually lose their balance and begin to rattle in the frame. These are all entirely fixable problems that do not require replacement.
The thermal and acoustic improvement from professionally fitted draught proofing is significant. Homeowners consistently report that:
Rooms that were previously impossible to heat comfortably become noticeably warmer
The rattling that made sash windows uncomfortable on windy nights disappears entirely
Road noise is substantially reduced — particularly relevant for properties on busy roads in Bath and Bristol city centres
Curtains no longer move in draughts from the windows
Energy bills are reduced as less heat is lost through the window openings
A draught proofed and serviced original sash window, combined with good quality curtains or secondary glazing, will perform comparably to a mid-range modern window in terms of thermal comfort — at a fraction of the cost of replacement and without altering the appearance of a period property.
Signs Your Sash Windows Need Draught Proofing
The following are all clear indicators that your sash windows would benefit from professional draught proofing:
You can feel cold air coming through the window when it is closed — run your hand around the perimeter of the sashes on a cold or windy day
Windows rattle in the wind — this indicates the sashes are loose in the frame and not making proper contact with the beads
Rooms are difficult to heat despite adequate heating — heat is escaping through the window gaps as fast as it is being generated
Curtains move or billow when there is wind outside, even with the window closed
You can see daylight around the edges of the sashes when the window is closed
Energy bills are higher than expected for the size of the property
Condensation forms on the inside of the glass in cold weather — a sign that cold air is reaching the warm interior surface
The windows are noisy — traffic, wind and rain are clearly audible through the closed window
If you are experiencing any of these, draught proofing is very likely to make an immediate and noticeable improvement. Contact us to arrange a free survey and we will assess your windows and advise on the best approach.
How We Draught Proof Sash Windows
Sash window draught proofing is a precision job that requires a thorough understanding of how a box sash window is constructed. It is not a job for a general handyman or a draught proofing kit from a DIY store — getting it wrong can leave the window inoperable, damage the existing joinery, or produce a result that fails within months.
Our draught proofing process typically involves the following stages:
1. Survey and assessment
We assess the condition of each window before quoting. Where additional repairs are needed — broken cords, decayed timber, seized pulleys — we identify these at the survey stage so they can be included in the quotation. There is no point fitting draught proofing to a window that has a broken cord or a failing sill, as the other problems will quickly undo the benefit of the draught proofing.
2. Removal of sashes
Both sashes are carefully removed from the frame. The staff beads and parting beads are taken out — in most cases these are replaced with new matching beads as part of the draught proofing process, since worn or painted beads are often a significant source of draught in their own right.
3. Frame and sash preparation
The frame and sashes are cleaned back, any loose paint removed from contact surfaces, and the channels checked for square and alignment. Where the frame has been over-painted or where previous repairs have introduced irregularities, these are corrected before the draught proofing is fitted.
4. Routing and fitting of brush pile seals
Channels are routed into the appropriate positions in the sashes to accept the brush pile carriers. The brush pile is fitted into these channels — not glued or nailed to the surface, but properly bedded into routed grooves so it sits flush and cannot work loose.
5. New staff and parting beads
New staff beads and parting beads are fitted in matching timber, planed to the correct dimension to ensure the sashes run freely without being too loose incorporating the draught excluder. This step is as important as the brush pile itself — beads that are the wrong size will either jam the sash or fail to hold it in the correct position against the seal.
6. Re-cording and rebalancing
Where sash cords are worn or broken, we replace them as part of the same visit. Correctly balanced sashes are essential for the draught proofing to work — a sash that is dropping or not running straight will not make proper contact with the seals. We rebalance using the original lead weights where these are present and in good condition.
7. Refitting and adjustment
Both sashes are refitted and adjusted for smooth, quiet operation. We check that the window opens, closes and locks correctly, that the brush pile is making proper contact on all sides, and that there is no binding or stiffness in the sash movement. The window is left clean and ready to use.
The whole process typically takes between four and eight hours per window depending on condition. We often carry out draught proofing alongside a full sash window overhaul, which includes timber repairs and re-puttying — this is the most efficient approach where the windows need more than just draught proofing.
Draught Proofing Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas
Sash window draught proofing is one of the few improvements to original windows that is universally accepted for listed buildings and conservation areas across Somerset, Bath and Bristol. Because the work is concealed, non-invasive and fully reversible — and because it retains the original windows rather than replacing them — it is entirely consistent with conservation best practice and Historic England guidance.
Conservation officers across Somerset Council, Bath & North East Somerset Council and Bristol City Council consistently support draught proofing as a sympathetic improvement to original windows. In many cases it is actively recommended as an alternative to window replacement in listed buildings where replacement would require listed building consent.
We regularly carry out draught proofing on listed buildings across Somerset, including Grade II listed properties in Wells, Frome, Glastonbury, Bruton, Shepton Mallet and the surrounding villages, and on listed properties within Bath's World Heritage Site conservation areas.
Importantly, listed building consent is not required for draught proofing of original windows in the vast majority of cases — the work does not alter the fabric, appearance or character of the window or the building. If you are uncertain about your specific property, we can advise during the survey.
Draught Proofing vs Window Replacement — Which Is Right for You?
The question we are most often asked is whether draught proofing is worth doing or whether the money would be better spent on new windows. The honest answer depends on the condition of the existing windows.
Draught proofing is the right choice when:
The existing box frames and sashes are structurally sound
The property is listed or in a conservation area where replacement requires consent
The windows are original and you want to retain the authentic character of the property
Budget is a consideration — draught proofing costs significantly less than new windows
The windows are single glazed but in otherwise good condition
You want to improve performance quickly without a major building project
New windows may be the better option when:
The existing frames are structurally compromised — severe rot in the box frame, failed sills, collapsed weight pockets
The existing windows are uPVC replacements that look wrong and perform no better than timber would
The existing frames are so over-painted and irregular that draught proofing cannot be fitted correctly
You want to upgrade to double glazing at the same time
In our experience, the majority of original timber sash windows in period properties across Somerset, Bath and Bristol are suitable for draught proofing rather than replacement. We will always tell you honestly which approach is appropriate for your specific windows — we are not in the business of selling replacement windows to people who don't need them.
How Much Does Sash Window Draught Proofing Cost?
Draught proofing costs vary depending on the size of the windows, their condition and whether additional work — cord replacement, timber repairs, bead replacement — is required at the same time. As a guide:
Draught proofing only (windows in reasonable condition) — typically from £350–£450 per window
Draught proofing combined with sash cord replacement — typically from £400–£500 per window
Full overhaul including draught proofing, cord replacement and any minor timber repairs — typically from £400–£700 per window depending on condition
Significant timber repairs (sill replacement, bottom rail splice) carried out at the same time — priced individually following survey
These are guide prices. We provide fixed written quotations following a free site survey — there are no hidden extras and we will not carry out additional work without your approval. The survey also lets us identify any issues that would affect the success of the draught proofing, such as broken cords or failing timber, so these can be addressed at the same time rather than discovered later.
Draught proofing a full house of sash windows across Somerset, Bath or Bristol is one of the highest-value improvements available to a period property owner relative to cost. The improvement in comfort is immediate and the reduction in heat loss pays back the investment over time.
Areas We Cover for Sash Window Draught Proofing
We carry out sash window draught proofing across:
Somerset — including Wells, Glastonbury, Frome, Shepton Mallet, Bruton, Castle Cary, Somerton, Langport, Street, Taunton, Bridgwater, Yeovil, Crewkerne, Ilminster and surrounding villages
Bath and North East Somerset — including the World Heritage Site conservation areas, Radstock, Midsomer Norton, Keynsham and surrounding villages
Bristol — including Clifton, Redland, Cotham, Bishopston, Bedminster, Kingsdown and the wider city
Wells and the Mendip Hills
Our workshop is in Pylle, near Shepton Mallet — centrally located for the whole of Somerset, Bath and Bristol. There is no additional travel charge within our standard service area.
Frequently Asked Questions — Sash Window Draught Proofing
Does draught proofing really make a noticeable difference?
Yes — significantly. The improvement in thermal comfort is immediately noticeable, particularly in ground and first floor rooms facing the street or prevailing wind. Homeowners consistently report that rooms which were previously cold and uncomfortable in winter become genuinely pleasant to sit in. The reduction in rattling and road noise is also immediate and often the most striking improvement for properties on busy roads in Bath and Bristol.
How long does sash window draught proofing last?
A properly fitted brush pile draught proofing system will typically last 15–20 years before the brush pile needs replacing. The longevity depends on the quality of the fitting and the frequency of window use. We use good quality brush pile carriers and fit them into routed channels rather than gluing or pinning them to the surface — this gives a significantly longer service life than cheaper installation methods.
Can you draught proof listed building sash windows?
Yes — in virtually all cases. Sash window draught proofing is one of the improvements that conservation officers consistently accept for listed buildings because it is concealed, non-invasive and retains the original windows. Listed building consent is not required in the vast majority of cases. We carry out draught proofing on listed properties across Somerset, Bath and Bristol regularly and can advise on your specific property during the survey.
Will draught proofing stop condensation?
Draught proofing reduces cold air infiltration, which improves the temperature of the glass surface and can reduce condensation. However, condensation is primarily a function of indoor humidity and ventilation — if there is significant moisture being produced inside the property (cooking, bathing, drying clothes) without adequate ventilation, condensation will persist regardless of draught proofing. We can advise on this during the survey.
Can I draught proof my windows myself?
DIY draught proofing kits are available, but we would not recommend them for traditional box sash windows. The brush pile needs to be fitted into routed channels at precise depths and positions for it to work correctly and last. Surface-applied foam or rubber strip products compress, deteriorate quickly and often interfere with window operation. Professional fitting by a joiner who understands box sash construction produces a significantly better and longer-lasting result.
Do you need to remove the sashes to fit draught proofing?
Yes — to fit the draught proofing correctly, both sashes need to be removed. This allows us to rout the channels accurately, replace the staff and parting beads, and refit the sashes correctly. It also gives us the opportunity to inspect the frame, pulleys and cords while the sashes are out — which is why we often find and address additional issues at the same time.
Can draught proofing be combined with double glazing?
Yes. We regularly carry out draught proofing alongside fitting new double glazed sashes into existing box frames. This is often the most practical approach for period properties in Somerset and Bath — the original box frames are retained, new double glazed sashes are fitted, and full draught proofing is applied at the same time. The result is a window that performs significantly better thermally and acoustically without altering the appearance of the property.
Do you cover Bath and Bristol as well as Somerset?
Yes. We carry out sash window draught proofing across Somerset, Bath and Bristol from our workshop in Pylle. There is no additional travel charge within our standard service area.
Book a Free Survey
If your sash windows are cold, draughty or rattling and you want a long-term solution rather than a temporary fix, call us on 07447 592226 or email info@artisawn.co.uk to arrange a free site survey. We cover the whole of Somerset, Bath and Bristol and aim to respond to all enquiries within one working day.
Free survey. Fixed written quotations. No obligation.
Artisawn. Based in Pylle, Somerset. Serving Somerset, Bath, Bristol and the surrounding area.