Draught Proofing Glasgow: Sash Windows, Doors & Tenement Costs 2026

Draught proofing is the cheapest and quickest way to reduce heat loss in Glasgow homes, particularly effective for Victorian tenements with sash windows and rattling doors.

Draught proofing costs in Glasgow

DIY draught proofing (2-bed tenement flat)

£100-300 - materials for windows, doors, and other gaps

Professional draught proofing (2-bed flat)

£400-800 - includes labour for sash windows and doors

Sash window draught proofing DIY

£15-25 per window - brush strip kits

Sash window professional

£50-80 per window - routed seals for best results

Door draught excluders

£10-30 per door DIY, £40-60 professional

Annual heating savings

£100-200/year for typical Glasgow flat (Energy Saving Trust Scotland)

Payback period

1-3 years (one of the fastest payback energy improvements)

Draught proofing Victorian sash windows

Glasgow tenements typically have Victorian sash windows with gaps at meeting rails, parting beads, and staff beads. These gaps let in cold air and waste heat.

DIY sash window draught proofing

Materials needed (per window):

• Brush strips or rubber seals for meeting rail (£5-8)
• Brush strips for staff beads (£6-10)
• Parting bead seal (£4-7)

Tools: Screwdriver, tape measure, scissors or knife, tack hammer (for pin-type seals)

Time per window: 1-2 hours

Professional sash window draught proofing

Professional installers route grooves into the window frame and insert brush pile seals. This gives a neater finish and better airtightness than surface-mounted DIY seals.

Cost: £50-80 per window
Time: 20-30 minutes per window
Lifespan: 10-15 years

When to repair vs draught proof

If your sash windows are:

• Rattling but functional - draught proofing is enough
• Sticking or painted shut - need easing and repair first (£100-200 per window)
• Rotten or broken - consider full restoration (£400-800 per window) or replacement

Many Glasgow tenement windows are in better condition than they appear. A specialist can often repair and draught proof for less than replacement.

Draught proofing doors

Front and back doors

Glasgow tenements often have gaps around original Victorian panel doors or poorly fitted modern doors.

DIY door draught proofing:

• Bottom seal (brush strip or rubber): £8-15 - screws to bottom of door
• Frame seals (foam or rubber): £5-10 - sticks to door frame around edges
• Letterbox brush: £3-8 - covers internal side of letterbox
• Keyhole cover: £2-5 - pivoting cover for old keyholes

Professional installation: £40-60 per door including materials

Internal doors

Internal doors in tenements rarely need draught proofing unless there's a significant temperature difference between rooms (e.g. unheated bedroom vs heated living room).

Other draught proofing priorities

Loft hatch

Unsealed loft hatches lose significant heat. Add draught strip around the frame and consider an insulated loft hatch cover.

Cost: £10-20 DIY, £40-60 professional

Floorboards

Victorian tenement floorboards often have gaps. Sealing these reduces draughts from below.

Options:

• Flexible sealant between boards (£30-50 per room DIY)
• Papier-mâché (traditional method, free but labour-intensive)
• Lift boards and insulate underneath (expensive but most effective)

Chimney

Unused chimneys can be sealed with chimney balloons (£15-25) or cap ventilated at the top. Don't seal chimneys in use or those serving gas appliances below.

Grants for draught proofing in Glasgow

Warmer Homes Scotland

Eligible low-income households can get free draught proofing as part of the Warmer Homes Scotland package. See eligibility guide.

Home Energy Scotland Grant

Draught proofing is usually included as part of a wider Home Energy Scotland grant package (up to £7,500). Standalone draught proofing typically isn't funded, but it's covered when combined with insulation or heating upgrades.

Call Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 to check eligibility.

DIY draught proofing: where to start

Prioritise areas with the biggest gaps:

1. Front door (often the worst culprit in tenements)
2. Sash windows (focus on rooms you heat most)
3. Back door
4. Loft hatch
5. Letterbox and keyholes

Test for draughts on a windy day by holding a lit candle or incense stick near gaps. The smoke or flame will show you where air is leaking.

Where to buy materials

• B&Q, Screwfix, or Wickes - brush strips, door seals, foam tape
• Online suppliers - specialist sash window draught proofing kits (Reddiseals, Exitex, etc)
• Local hardware stores - Glasgow has several independent shops with advice

Draught proofing vs secondary glazing vs double glazing

Best approach: Start with draught proofing (cheap, fast payback), then add secondary glazing or double glazing if budget allows.

Common questions

How much does draught proofing cost in Glasgow?

Draught proofing in Glasgow costs £100-300 for a typical tenement flat if you DIY, or £400-800 for professional installation. This includes sash window brush seals, door seals, letterbox flaps, and keyhole covers. Professional sash window draught proofing costs £50-80 per window.

Can I draught proof sash windows myself?

Yes. DIY sash window draught proofing kits cost £15-25 per window and take 1-2 hours to install. You'll need brush strips or rubber seals for the meeting rails, staff beads, and parting beads. Basic tools required: screwdriver, tape measure, and scissors or knife.

Is draught proofing worth it?

Yes. Draught proofing typically saves £100-200 per year on heating bills and costs £100-300 DIY, giving a payback of 1-3 years. It's one of the most cost-effective energy efficiency measures, particularly for Glasgow tenements with Victorian sash windows.

Does draught proofing cause condensation?

Properly installed draught proofing shouldn't cause condensation. You still need ventilation (trickle vents, open windows occasionally). The aim is to stop uncontrolled draughts, not seal the building completely. Always maintain some background ventilation, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.