Windows Precautions | Windows Restoration

admin — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 15:49:31 +0000

Draught Proofing is the latest trend in the home décor market. And not only is the trend fashionable, it is important as well. Growth of mould in the house which is a very serious problem can be prevented by draught proofing. Draught Proofing helps in proper ventilation of the room thus preventing the rise in humidity levels or occurrence of condensation. Although the gaps around an average wooden sash-window without draught-stripping do provide for background ventilation, it is better to have more control over the howling gale that gives a feeling of depths of winter. But what is not required are draughts that lose heat thus wasting energy. Controlled ventilation preventing condensation as well as trick ventilation is what is actually required.

It is important to draught strip windows with rubber strips or DIY brushes. If there is a sash window, a specialist must be consulted to fit recessed weather stripping. Also, it is strict no-no to draught strip windows in rooms which have boiler or gas fire. Also, never make the mistake of blocking the ventilators. Blocking them will not help in maintaining the fresh supply of air.

Here is a list of some important precautions which need to be taken before going ahead with draught proofing. In order to fill the internal and external gaps around the window frames, it is advisable to use acrylic sealant or decorator’s caulk. But precaution should be taken that the sealant is kept smooth and neat so that rainwater is not trapped by it.

Next, all the window frames should be repaired of any kind of damages. Also, the functioning of the windows should be checked so that there is proper ventilation in the room. Any windows that are painted shut should be released. Also sash cords for sliding sash windows should be immediately replaced. When doing draught proofing of windows on the upper storey, do it yourself if and only if there is presence of hinges which aid in easy and safe removal of the window sashes with absolutely no risk of falling.

In case absence of air vents in a room, it is safe to ask a joiner to fit a trickle vent in the top or side of the window frame. But if sue to some reasons, the above suggestion is not feasible, what should be done is that the sides and the bottom of the opening parts of the window frame should be draught striped.

Also, it is very necessary to have an extract fan fitted in the kitchen and bath in order to get rid of all the moist air. Also, the fans should vent to the air outside via a wall, window, chimney, or roof. When in a kitchen, a multispeed extract over the hob is the best choice one can opt for. A bathroom fan with humidistat for auto switch-off is necessary for every bathroom.

After the draught stripping and the sealing are done with, it is advisable to consult the heating engineer to do flue gas spillage tests to check the safety of fires and boilers.