Professional Guide

Best Sash Window Draught Proofing for Period Homes: 2025 Expert Review

DR Joinery

Expert Joiner & Restoration Specialist

Published 12 December 2025

Owning a period property in York often means a constant battle against the cold. Sash windows are beautiful, but as the timber ages and shrinks, gaps appear. This leads to the infamous 'sash rattle' and cold draughts that can make a room uninhabitable in winter.

Many homeowners attempt to seal these gaps with generic foam tape, only to find the windows jam shut or the adhesive fails within weeks. Proper draught proofing requires understanding how a sash window moves – it needs to slide vertically without friction while maintaining a tight seal against the wind.

In this review, I'm looking at three DIY-friendly solutions available right now. Whilst a full professional overhaul involves routing timber to install integrated pile carriers, these retrofit products offer a non-invasive way to improve comfort immediately.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "Gap Filling Claims (2mm-7mm)"

The Theory

"Manufacturers claim one strip fits all gap sizes perfectly."

The Reality

Sash windows are rarely square. A strip that fits the top loose might be too exciting at the bottom, causing the sash to jam. You often need to plane the timber slightly or use different thickness seals on different sides.

The Spec: "Soundproofing capabilities"

The Theory

"Adhesive strips block outside noise significantly."

The Reality

They help dampen the rattle (which is noise itself), but true acoustic insulation comes from thick glazing or secondary glazing. Don't expect a foam strip to silence a busy main road.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

Esufeir 118inch/3m White T Shape Draft Excluder for Sash Windows

Budget Pick

ESUFEIR

This is a straightforward, cost-effective solution for a single window. The internal PU foam provides decent compression, meaning it can squash down into tighter spots without freezing the window shut, which is critical for sashes.

Price£7.99 (at the time of writing)

Length3 Metres

MaterialNylon cloth with PU foam core

ColourWhite

The Good

Very affordable for tackling a single problematic window
White colour blends well with standard painted timber frames
The T-shape design helps cover the gap efficiently

The Bad

3m length is often insufficient for large Victorian bay windows
Adhesive can struggle in areas with high condensation

Installer Tip:

Before applying this to the staff bead, wipe the painted timber down with methylated spirits (not white spirit) to remove any grease or old soap residue. This ensures the adhesive bonds properly for the long term.

Priced at £7.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Esufeir 196inch/5m Black T Shape Draft Excluder

Quality Option

ESUFEIR

While similar to the white version, this 5-metre roll offers better value if you are tackling multiple windows. The black finish is surprisingly useful in heritage properties where frames might be painted dark grey or black, or to create a 'shadow gap' effect that hides the seal visually.

Price£12.99 (at the time of writing)

Length5 Metres

ConstructionGrid adhesive backing with foam core

Application0-20mm gap coverage (claimed)

The Good

Generous 5m length is enough for larger windows or a couple of smaller ones
Black colour is ideal for hiding dirt or matching dark period paint schemes
Nylon exterior is more durable than basic open-cell foam

The Bad

Shows up starkly on white frames if your painting isn't precise
Still relies on adhesive, which is less permanent than a routed groove

Installer Tip:

Use this on the bottom rail of the lower sash. Being black, it hides the inevitable dust and soot that accumulates at the bottom of the window better than a white seal.

Priced at £12.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

STORMGUARD Sash Window Draught Proofing Seal Excluder

Problem-solving Pick

STORMGUARD

Stormguard is a recognised name in UK hardware. Unlike foam, which can drag and increase friction, this brush pile seal allows the sashes to glide smoothly. This is the closest DIY alternative to the professional brush systems we install in workshops.

Price£11.99 (at the time of writing)

TypeBrush Pile / Bristle Seal

FunctionLow friction sliding seal

Gap SizeUp to 7mm

The Good

Brush pile significantly reduces friction compared to rubber or foam
Allows for smooth operation of the sash cord mechanism
Bristles conform to uneven timber surfaces better than solid foam

The Bad

Can be trickier to cut cleanly without frying the pile ends
Less acoustic blocking than solid foam

Installer Tip:

This product is the only one I'd recommend for the 'meeting rail' (where the top and bottom sashes overlap in the middle). The brush pile allows the interlock to pass smoothly; foam here will almost certainly cause the window to jam.

Priced at £11.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my sash windows rattle in the wind?

Rattling is caused by the timber shrinking over decades, creating a gap between the sash and the staff bead or parting bead. In York's older properties, this is incredibly common. The gap allows the window to move back and forth when pressure changes, causing that annoying noise.

Can I draught proof a sash window without painting it shut?

Yes, but you must be careful where you place the seals. Never paint over the draught strip. If you are using adhesive strips, apply them to the staff bead (the trim holding the window in) rather than the sliding sash itself. Brush piles are best for the sliding contact points to ensure movement remains free.

Is it worth restoring old sash windows or should I replace them?

In my experience, original Victorian timber is often better quality (slow-grown pitch pine) than modern softwood. Restoration is usually cheaper than replacement and preserves the property's value, especially in conservation areas. Draught proofing is a key part of that restoration process.

How long do sticky draught seals last?

Self-adhesive seals typically last 1-3 years depending on how often the window is opened. For a permanent solution, we recommend a professional renovation where we route a groove into the timber and install a carrier system for the brush pile, which can last 10+ years.

Do I need professional help for sash window draught proofing?

For basic gap filling, the products reviewed here work well for DIYers. However, if the sashes are rotten, the cords are broken, or the window is painted shut, you need a professional joiner. At DR Joinery, we can also machine the timber to accept integrated seals which are invisible and permanent.

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