There’s something wonderfully timeless about traditional sash windows. Their elegant proportions and graceful sliding panels have graced homes across Nottingham, Leicester and Derby for well over 200 years, adding architectural charm to Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian properties throughout the East Midlands. But if you live in a period home, you’ll likely be all too familiar with one of the less appealing characteristics of older versions of these windows: draughts.

Those unwelcome whispers of cold air creeping around window frames can transform even the cosiest cottage into a rather chilly proposition during the winter months. The good news? Modern sash window draught proofing techniques mean you don’t have to choose between preserving your home’s character and staying warm.

Why older sash windows suffer from draughts

Traditional sash windows were marvellous feats of craftsmanship when first installed, but timber ages, homes settle, and what once fitted snugly can develop gaps over time.

Natural shrinkage and expansion of timber

Timber responds to changes in temperature and humidity. Over decades, wooden window frames expand during damp weather and shrink during dry spells. This constant movement gradually creates gaps between the window sash and frame, allowing cold air in whilst warm air escapes.

Worn or missing draught seals

Many period homes never had proper draught seals fitted. The staff bead (the thin strip holding the inner sash) and parting bead (separating the two sashes) are common weak points where draughts sneak through.

Deteriorated components

The sliding mechanism relies on cords, pulleys and hidden weights. When cords fray or snap, sashes can’t close properly. Weight pockets can develop cracks that become direct channels for cold draughts. Paint buildup and warping at the meeting rails create further gaps.

Single glazing and aged putty

Most original sash windows feature single panes of glass held with linseed oil putty. This putty becomes brittle with age, cracking and creating gaps. Single glazing also offers minimal insulation compared to modern standards.

Effective draught-proofing solutions for existing sash windows

Period homes need some ventilation to prevent condensation and maintain healthy airflow. Building regulations recognise this balance, which is why proper draught proofing focuses on eliminating unwanted cold draughts whilst maintaining controlled ventilation.

Effective solutions include:

• Brush seals and foam strips: These discreet draught seals fit into the channels where your window sash slides, creating a flexible barrier whilst blocking air gaps.
• Parting bead replacement: Installing a new parting bead with integrated draught seals addresses one of the most common sources of cold air infiltration.
• Staff bead refurbishment: Replacing old staff beads with new versions featuring built-in draught seals can dramatically reduce air leakage. New staff beads are typically FSC-certified.
• Sash cord renewal: Fitting new sash cords improves operation and provides an opportunity to seal the weight pockets properly.
• Double or triple glazing: For superior thermal performance, we offer high-quality double and triple glazing solutions that dramatically improve insulation whilst maintaining the authentic appearance of your sash windows, achieving U-values as low as 0.8W/m²K.
• Perimeter sealing: Professional services address gaps around external window frames using sympathetic sealants.

These solutions can transform comfort in period homes, but they require ongoing maintenance. Seals wear out, timber continues to move, and single glazing limitations remain.

The most effective solution: replacement with modern materials

When original sash windows have deteriorated beyond practical repair, replacement sash windows offer a compelling alternative. Modern materials faithfully replicate every charming detail whilst delivering vastly superior energy efficiency.

Our uPVC sliding sash windows combine authentic period aesthetics with 21st-century performance. The 5-chamber design traps pockets of warm air within the frame profile. With 44mm triple glazing from Planitherm, our sliding sash windows achieve U-values as low as 0.8W/m²K, more than six times better than single-glazed timber at 5.0W/m²K.

These modern vertical sliders fit perfectly with no gaps for draughts. Factory-fitted weather seals remain effective for decades, and the durable torsion balance system eliminates fraying cords. They conform to PAS 24 security specifications and Document Q performance benchmarks as standard. The maintenance-free uPVC construction won’t rot, warp or require repainting, and these replacement sash windows are approved for conservation areas and listed buildings.

Improving comfort without losing character

uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) is a robust, weather-resistant plastic engineered for exterior use. Modern uPVC profiles feature multiple internal chambers that trap air, creating excellent thermal insulation. It’s also an affordable choice, not due to a compromise in quality, but the materials ability to be mass produced. It can also be associated with a plain white appearance, which needn’t always be the case thanks to realistic woodgrain effects.

This thermal efficiency translates to more comfortable living. Cold spots disappear, condensation reduces, and your heating system works less hard. The impact on energy bills can be substantial, many homeowners see noticeable reductions in heating costs after replacing draughty original sash windows.

Authentic period details include:

• Charming run-through horns
• Deep bottom rails matching Victorian and Edwardian proportions
• Flat external putty lines replicating traditional glazing methods
• Fully mechanical joints mirroring original joinery
• Authentic 137mm frame depth

Our sliding sash windows are available in classic white, cream, cream woodgrain, golden oak, rosewood and Irish oak finishes. These woodgrain options replicate natural timber without maintenance headaches. You get the warm, traditional appearance of wood without ever needing to sand, treat or repaint.

Dual colour options let you choose white or cream internally whilst selecting a woodgrain finish externally. Traditional globe claw furniture comes as standard, including locks, tilt knobs, pole eyes and sash lifts, heritage-style fittings that look authentic whilst incorporating modern locking mechanisms.

We can recreate complex astragal bar designs, those decorative glazing bars dividing panes of glass into smaller sections, characteristic of Georgian windows.

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth draught-proofing sash windows?

Professional draught proofing can reduce heat loss and improve comfort significantly for windows in reasonable condition. However, if they’re showing rot or require frequent repairs, replacement sash windows often prove more cost-effective.

Do modern sash windows suffer from draughts?

Modern uPVC sliding sash windows don’t suffer from draughts when properly installed. Factory-fitted weather seals, precision-engineered profiles and stable materials create an airtight seal. Unlike timber, uPVC doesn’t respond to humidity changes.

Will new sash windows reduce my energy bills?

Replacing single-glazed timber sash windows with high-performance uPVC alternatives can reduce heat loss by more than 80%. Many homeowners notice their boiler running less frequently and rooms feeling warmer at lower thermostat settings.

Sliding sash windows from The Nottingham Window Company

We’ve spent over two decades helping homeowners across Nottingham, Leicester and Derby preserve the character of their period properties whilst improving comfort and energy efficiency.

Our uPVC sliding sash windows offer the perfect balance, authentic period styling combined with modern performance, security and convenience. With U-values as low as 0.8W/m²K, PAS 24 security certification, a lifetime guarantee and CERTASS-approved installation, you’re investing in windows that will serve your home beautifully for decades.

Every installation is backed by QANW insurance-backed warranties. Our aftercare service includes free callouts for any potential remedial work.

Who are The Nottingham Window Company?

The Nottingham Window Company is a trusted, family-values-led installer, designer and manufacturer of high-performance glazing products. With more than 20 years of experience, we serve homeowners, developers and architects across Nottingham, Leicester and Derby. We’re CERTASS-approved, meeting government-licensed standards for competent installation, and we provide QANW insurance-backed warranties.

Our products come with a lifetime guarantee.

Our product range includes:

• Windows: Residence 7 & Residence 9, flush sash, casement, sliding sash, tilt & turn
• Doors: Spitfire, front, back, patio, bifold, French, composite, aluminium and uPVC
• Conservatories & glazed extensions: Traditional conservatory styles, orangeries, tiled roofs and roof lanterns
• Roofline: Quality roofline features

Visit our showroom

We invite you to visit our showroom at 36b High Street, Hucknall, Nottingham, NG15 7HG, where you can see and operate our sliding sash windows firsthand.

Get in touch today:

• Phone: 0115 866 00 66
• Email: sales@thenottinghamwindowcompany.co.uk

Let us help you stop the draughts without losing the character that makes your period home special. Request your free, no-obligation quote today and discover how comfortable and energy-efficient your home could be.

Key findings

• Traditional sash windows suffer from draughts due to timber shrinkage, worn seals, deteriorated sash cords and single glazing, all of which allow cold air in and warm air out.
• Professional draught proofing solutions include brush seals, parting bead replacement, staff bead refurbishment and sash cord renewal, though these require ongoing maintenance.
• Replacement uPVC sliding sash windows can reduce heat loss by over 80% compared to single-glazed timber, with U-values as low as 0.8W/m²K versus 5.0W/m²K for originals.
• Modern uPVC sash windows replicate authentic period details including run-through horns, deep bottom rails and traditional putty lines, with woodgrain finishes that never need repainting.
• These replacement windows are approved for conservation areas and listed buildings, combining heritage aesthetics with contemporary security standards, tilt-in cleaning and maintenance-free performance.