Draught proofing is a specialist process that seals the small gaps and air leaks commonly found around timber windows and doors. These gaps allow cold air to enter your property and warm air to escape, reducing comfort and increasing heating costs. By eliminating unwanted draughts, homeowners can enjoy a warmer, quieter and more energy efficient living environment throughout the year.
Over time, timber windows naturally experience wear and tear. Components can loosen, timber can move slightly with seasonal changes and small gaps can develop around the sashes and frames. While traditional timber sash windows add character, elegance and historic charm to a property, they can also become a major source of heat loss if left untreated. This is particularly common in Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian homes throughout Kent.
Our draught proofing system uses discreet, high quality brush pile seals that are carefully integrated into the existing joinery. These seals create an effective barrier against air leakage while allowing the windows to continue operating smoothly. In addition to improving thermal efficiency, draught proofing can significantly reduce rattles, dust ingress and external noise from busy roads and urban environments.
Draught proofing is one of the most cost effective ways to improve the performance of original timber windows without replacing them. It is particularly popular for listed buildings and period properties where preserving the original features is important. Homeowners across Canterbury, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Faversham, Margate, Ramsgate, Broadstairs, Deal, Dover, Folkestone, Maidstone and London regularly choose draught proofing as an affordable solution to enhance comfort, reduce energy consumption and protect the character of their homes for years to come.
At East Kent Repairs, we provide professional draught proofing services specifically designed for sash windows and timber doors. We recognise that every property is different, and each window has its own individual characteristics, which is why we take a tailored approach to every project. Our service includes:
Initial Consultation: We start by conducting a survey of your sash windows or doors to identify areas that are suffering from poor insulation. This includes checking for loose glazing, gaps around the frame, or any warped timber that might allow air to pass through into the property.
Quotation: After assessing your windows, we provide a transparent quotation outlining the work required and materials to be used, along with a breakdown of any other costs involved.
Professional Draught Proofing Installation: Our team of experienced craftsmen install the draught proofing system using techniques that are sympathetic to the historic nature of sash windows, ensuring minimal visual impact.
We can also provide additional services such as sash window restoration, including reglazing and timber repair, to ensure your windows are in the best possible condition.
Our draught proofing process is carefully carried out to improve the performance of your sash windows while preserving their original character and appearance. Each window is individually assessed and serviced to ensure smooth operation, improved energy efficiency and long lasting results.
Removal of Sashes: We carefully remove the sashes from the frame, allowing us to work on all components safely and efficiently without causing damage to the existing timberwork or glazing.
Cleaning and Inspection: Once removed, the sashes and frames are thoroughly cleaned and inspected. We check the condition of cords, pulleys, weights and timber components to identify any issues affecting performance.
Repair and Restoration (if necessary): Where necessary, we carry out repairs to damaged or decayed timber, replace broken sash cords and restore worn components using materials that match the existing window.
New cords and weights adjustments: We fit new sash cords where required and adjust the existing lead or steel weights to ensure the windows operate correctly and remain properly balanced.
Fitting of Draught Seals: We install discreet yet effective draught proofing seals around the window frame, parting beads, and staff beads. These seals are made from brush pile and are designed to compress when the window is closed, blocking any gaps that would allow air to pass through.
Sash Reinstallation and Rebalancing: The sashes are carefully reinstalled and adjusted to ensure they open and close effortlessly without rattling or sticking.
Ironmongery replacement: We can replace worn or damaged hardware including locks, lifts, pulls and restrictors. A range of finishes are available, including Brass, Antique Brass, Polished Chrome, Satin Chrome and Black.
Final Checks and Testing: Before completion, every window is thoroughly tested to ensure it operates smoothly and that the draught proofing system is performing effectively.
We use high quality materials that are designed to improve the performance of your windows while remaining sympathetic to the character of traditional timber joinery. All materials are carefully selected for their durability, effectiveness and long term reliability.
Brush Pile Seals: Manufactured from hard wearing materials, brush pile seals create an effective barrier against draughts while remaining discreet and unobtrusive. They provide excellent thermal performance and allow the sashes to continue operating smoothly.
Silicone Seals: Ideal for smaller gaps and areas requiring a more concealed solution, silicone seals offer a flexible and weather resistant barrier that helps prevent air leakage without affecting the appearance of the window.
Timber for Repairs: Any replacement timber is selected to match the existing joinery as closely as possible in both appearance and profile. We use durable, high quality hardwood timber to ensure repairs blend seamlessly with the original window and provide many years of service.
Repair Care Resin: Where timber decay is localised, we use specialist Repair Care resin systems to restore damaged sections without the need for unnecessary timber replacement. This proven repair method creates strong, long lasting repairs while preserving as much of the original joinery as possible.
Choosing the right company to draught proof your sash windows is important if you want to improve comfort, reduce heat loss and preserve the character of your property. At East Kent Repairs, we provide a professional and affordable service backed by experienced local craftsmen.
Expert Craftsmanship: Our network of skilled carpenters and window specialists have extensive experience working on timber sash windows, casement windows and wooden doors across East Kent and Thanet.
Tailored Solutions: Every property is different, which is why we assess each window individually and recommend the most suitable repair and draught proofing solution.
A Personalised Service: We provide a personalised approach, ensuring that each window is treated with the care and attention it deserves.
High Quality Materials: We use trusted draught proofing systems, quality timbers and specialist Repair Care resin repairs to deliver long lasting results.
Affordable Alternative to Replacement: In many cases, draught proofing and repairs can dramatically improve the performance of existing windows without the expense of full replacement.
Flexible Working Hours: Many of our tradesmen are available during evenings and weekends, helping us complete smaller jobs quickly and at competitive rates.
Contact us today to find out how we can help make your home warmer, quieter and more energy efficient while preserving the charm of your original timber windows.
Draught proofing has been used in one form or another for hundreds of years. As timber windows became more common throughout Britain, homeowners looked for ways to reduce unwanted draughts and improve comfort, often using simple materials such as fabric, paper or timber strips to block gaps around windows and doors.
As sash windows grew in popularity during the Georgian and Victorian periods, more effective sealing methods were developed. By the twentieth century, advances in materials and manufacturing led to the introduction of purpose made draught proofing systems. Today, modern brush pile seals and specialist weatherproofing products allow period windows to achieve excellent performance while retaining their original appearance and character.
Low Energy Bills: Reducing unwanted air leakage can help your home retain heat more effectively, lowering heating costs and improving overall energy efficiency According to research by the Energy Saving Trust, draught proofing sash windows can save up to £50 per year on heating bills for a typical home in the UK.
A Sustainable Solution: By draught proofing your sash windows, you reduce the need for energy intensive heating, lowering your carbon footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Improved Property Value: Draught proofing is a cost effective way to enhance your property’s value. Well-maintained, energy efficient sash windows are highly sought after in the property market.
Noise Reduction: Draught proofing also significantly reduces the amount of noise entering your home from busy Kent streets, making it ideal for properties located in busy areas or near main roads.
Maintenance of Original Character: Unlike double glazing, which can sometimes detract from the charm of period properties, draught proofing is virtually invisible when the window are closed, allowing you to maintain the original appearance of your sash windows.
Contact East Kent Repairs today to find out how our draught proofing services can help make your property warmer, quieter and more energy efficient while preserving the charm of its original timber joinery.
Draught proofing is one of the most cost effective ways to improve the comfort and efficiency of your home without replacing your existing windows. By reducing heat loss, eliminating unwanted draughts and improving day to day usability, it can transform the performance of traditional timber windows while preserving their original character.
At East Kent Repairs, we specialise in helping homeowners across Ramsgate, Broadstairs, Margate, Deal, Sandwich, Canterbury and the surrounding areas get the very best from their existing windows and doors. Whether your property requires draught proofing, timber repairs, sash cord replacement, reglazing or a complete overhaul, our experienced craftsmen are here to help.Get in touch today to discuss your project and find out how we can make your home warmer, quieter and more energy efficient while maintaining the charm and character of its original joinery.
The cost depends on the size, condition and number of windows being worked on. We provide free quotations and can often give an estimate from photographs before arranging a visit. Our most common prices are between £250 - £350 per window. (Competitor prices usually start at £400)
A typical overhaul includes removing the sashes, checking and replacing cords where required, adjusting weights, easing and adjusting the windows, fitting draught seals, carrying out minor repairs and ensuring the windows operate smoothly.
Draught proofing can help improve comfort and reduce cold air entering the property, which may reduce some condensation issues. However, condensation is usually caused by moisture and ventilation levels within the home.
Most customers notice an immediate improvement in comfort. Eliminating gaps around the sashes helps reduce cold draughts, improve heat retention and create a more consistent room temperature.
Yes. Draught proofing is often recommended for listed buildings because it improves energy efficiency while retaining the original windows and preserving the character of the property.
Absolutely. A correctly installed draught proofing system should improve the operation of your windows, making them smoother and easier to open and close.
Yes. We can carry out timber repairs, resin repairs, sash cord replacement, reglazing, sill repairs and other restoration work during the overhaul process where required.
When installed correctly using quality materials, draught proofing systems can provide many years of reliable performance with minimal maintenance.
Yes. We provide sash window overhaul and draught proofing services throughout Ramsgate, Broadstairs, Margate, Birchington, Westgate-on-Sea, Deal, Sandwich, Dover, Canterbury, Herne Bay, Whitstable and surrounding areas.
Yes. Overhauling and draught proofing existing timber windows is significantly more affordable than full replacement while retaining the original appearance and character of the property.
