There is nothing worse than cosying up on the sofa ready to work your way through an entire series on Netflix and eating your body weight in chocolate, only to feel a dreaded draught on the back of your neck. It is not just uncomfortable, unhealthy and a nuisance, it wastes a ton of energy too. Here are our handy tips on how you can draught proof your home to help you stay snug all winter.
As specialists in crafting and repairing sash windows, we naturally work in many older, period properties that are in need of restoration work. These properties often boast big bay windows that are renowned for being draughty and many customers therefore assume that their windows are solely to blame for the cold air circulating round their home. However, while aging windows can certainly be part of the reason that a house feels chilly, they are usually not the only problem. A combination of the roof, walls, windows and external doors tends to be the most common culprit.
We take a closer look…
The roof
Taking the time to insulate your home will pay off in the long run. You will not only enjoy a warmer environment, but you will save energy money too. Your roof is the ideal place to start. I am sure we don’t need to tell you that warm air rises. Well, when heat rises in your home, it collects in your upper floors and loft space while cold air tends to settle on the lower floors. Since hot air will rise until it is stopped, it will try to escape through the top of the building. Loft insulation will help prevent heat escaping through your roof. Draught proofing your loft hatch with some foam strips will further help keep the warm air where you need it – nobody really needs to heat their loft if it is simply being used for storing Christmas decorations and suitcases!
The walls
If you have a lot of external walls to your property, you will be losing more energy than most. It depends on whether your walls are solid (which is typically the case in older houses) or built with a cavity and therefore easier to insulate. Considering a third of all heat lost in an uninsulated home, seeps through the walls, this is something to give thought to.
The windows and doors
Our favourite part of a house! A draughty window or door will let chilly air in no matter how high you crank-up the heating. Replacing single glazing with double glazing is the obvious starting point as the energy efficiency of double glazing is far superior to single units. As specialists in crafting and installing sash windows (and casement windows), we are often asked about the energy efficiency of sash windows and we reassure customers that new timber sash windows, or existing windows that have been well looked after and cared for, offer excellent thermal performance.
We are also able to double glaze sash windows to ensure your property achieves superior insulation. If you have your sash windows fully replaced, we can install double glazing into your new frames. Plus, we can advise you on glazing options for anyone living in a conservation area or listed building (where replacing the existing frames is not always permitted).
If you are not looking to replace your sash windows just yet, then draught proofing your windows may be a better option for you. Our sash window repair service sees us remove rotten timber or damaged areas, rebalance the window sash if needed, repair or replace ironmongery, and replace any falling individual parts like cords and beading. In short, it is a great solution for anyone that wants to improve insulation, but keen to retain their existing windows. Our meticulous restoration team will have your window frames looking like new in no time.
Floor-length heavy-duty curtains, interior window shutters are also great for adding an extra insulative layer to windows. Plus, a good old fashioned draught excluder to help draught proof doors, floorboards and skirting boards is always a winner.
Other insulative measures to consider:
Insulating tanks, pipes and radiators, cylinder jackets, foam tubes that wrap around piping and reflector panels that slide behind radiators on external walls are also all great ways to add extra insulation to your home.