Case Study: Ella’s Successful Draught-Proofing of Sash Windows in Cheltenham, Sydney

In June 2024, Ella, a resident of Cheltenham, Sydney, decided to take on several persistent problems in her home — including draughts, black dust, mould, and intrusive noise from a nearby busy road.

After weighing her options, she chose to draught-proof her seven timber sash windows. The results? A complete transformation in comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality — all without replacing her windows or upgrading to double glazing.

The Problem: Noise, Draughts, Dust & Mould

Ella’s beautiful heritage home came with charming original sash windows — but those same windows were letting in more than just fresh air. Over time, she began to experience:

🚗 Noise Pollution

Living near a busy road, traffic noise was constant — especially disruptive during quieter moments in the day.

🌬️ Draughts

Cold air was entering through the window gaps in winter, while heat escaped in summer, making the house uncomfortable and energy inefficient.

🌫️ Dust Infiltration

Black dust was working its way into her home through the window gaps, collecting on surfaces and affecting air quality.

🦠 Black Mould

One room developed black mould — a result of condensation and cold draughts creating the perfect environment for mould to grow.

The Solution: Draught-Proofing with Ecobead

Ella contacted MST Window Repairs, led by Matt, who has over 20 years of experience restoring and draught-proofing timber sash windows.

Matt recommended using Ecobead — a high-performance draught-proofing solution featuring brush seals with a plastic fin embedded in the bristles. This fin forms a complete, lasting seal against air movement, noise, and dust, without compromising the window’s ability to slide smoothly.

“We use Ecobead in all our draught-proofing installations. It’s the gold standard for sealing timber sash windows properly.” — Matt, MST Window Repairs

Matt’s approach involved a full service:

• Replacing the Stop Beads, Parting Beads, and Meeting Rail with brush-sealed components

• Resealing and balancing the sash cords and weights

• Repairing poorly replaced glass and correcting broken spiral balances

Ella's Pre-Installation Measurements

To get a clear picture of the problems, Ella conducted her own research before the installation. Using a decibel meter and temperature tracking, she measured:

• Noise levels throughout the day in rooms near the road

• Heat loss over 50 minutes in sash-windowed rooms

Key Findings:

• Noise levels were consistently high and disruptive

• Noticeable heat loss occurred in just under an hour, especially on colder days

Post-Installation Results: A Dramatic Improvement

After the draught-proofing was completed, Ella repeated her measurements using the same tools, times, and methods.

🔇 Noise Reduction

Noise levels dropped by 3.64 dBA — a significant improvement that made her home feel far quieter and more peaceful.

🔥 Heat Loss Reduction

She recorded a 67% decrease in heat loss, dramatically improving her home’s insulation and comfort. This also means lower heating costs over time.

❌ No More Dust or Mould

With the gaps sealed:

• Black dust infiltration stopped entirely

• Mould in the affected room disappeared — likely thanks to reduced condensation and better internal temperature stability

No New Glass – Just Proper Draught-Proofing

One of the most notable aspects of Ella’s case is this:

She didn’t replace her glass or install double glazing.

All of these results — reduced noise, improved heat retention, elimination of mould and dust — were achieved through draught-proofing alone.

This proves just how powerful and cost-effective draught-proofing your sash windows can be when done properly.

Six Months Later: Ella’s Feedback

We followed up with Ella six months after installation. Here’s what she had to say:

“It’s made such a huge difference. The house is quieter, warmer, and more comfortable. The black dust is gone, the mould hasn’t come back, and I’ve already noticed a difference in my energy bills.”

She was so happy with the results that she referred MST Window Repairs to her neighbours, who were dealing with similar issues in their homes.

Conclusion: Draught-Proofing That Works

Ella’s experience shows that with the right materials and expert installation, draught-proofing can make a real, measurable difference in your home — even without replacing glass or installing new windows.

• ✅ 3.64 dBA reduction in noise

• ✅ 67% reduction in heat loss

• ✅ Dust and mould eliminated

• ✅ Improved comfort, health, and energy efficiency

All thanks to high-performance Ecobead brush seals and professional draught-proofing by MST Window Repairs.

Thinking About Draught-Proofing?

If you’re struggling with draughts, noise, dust, or temperature fluctuations, draught-proofing your sash windows could be the most cost-effective solution — with real, lasting results.

Contact us today to learn more or book a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does draught-proofing sash windows actually reduce noise?
Yes. Ella's case recorded a 3.64 dBA reduction in road noise after installation — brush seals with an embedded fin close the air gaps around the sash that normally let sound through, without needing to replace the glass.

Do I need double glazing to stop heat loss in old sash windows?
Not necessarily. Ella's heat loss dropped by 67% using draught-proofing alone, with no glass replacement or double glazing involved. For many heritage homes, sealing the gaps around the sash delivers most of the comfort and efficiency gain that people assume only new glazing can provide.

Can draught-proofing fix mould and black dust problems?
In Ella's case, yes — both issues were linked to gaps around the sash letting in dust and creating the damp, draughty conditions mould needs. Once the brush seals were fitted, the black dust stopped entirely and the mould in the affected room did not return.

What does draught-proofing a sash window actually involve?
A full service typically includes replacing the stop beads, parting beads, and meeting rail with brush-sealed components, resealing and rebalancing the sash cords and weights, and repairing any broken spiral balances or poorly fitted glass along the way.

What is Ecobead and why is it used for this?
Ecobead is a brush seal system with a plastic fin embedded in the bristles, forming a continuous seal against air, noise, and dust while still letting the window slide freely.

Will draught-proofing work on heritage or period sash windows?
Yes — it's designed specifically for original timber sash windows, preserving the existing frames and glass rather than replacing them, which makes it well suited to heritage homes where retaining the original windows matters.

How long do the results last?
Ella's follow-up six months after installation showed the improvements held — quieter, warmer rooms, no returning dust or mould, and a noticeable drop in energy bills.  These results will last for years.