Does Draught Proofing Sash Windows Reduce Noise? Case Study: Ella's Story in Cheltenham, Sydney

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

In June 2024, Ella, a resident of Cheltenham, Sydney, decided to tackle the ongoing issue of noise and environmental discomfort in her home. Living near a busy road, Ella had been contending with a constant barrage of traffic noise and the infiltration of black dust through the gaps in her sash windows. Additionally, she had been dealing with the presence of black mould in one of her rooms. After exploring possible solutions, she contracted MST Window Repairs to draught proof seven of her sash windows—a decision that proved transformative.

The Problem: Noise, Dust, and Mould

Ella's home, though charming with its original sash windows, was experiencing a range of issues that were affecting both her comfort and the overall condition of the house:

• Noise Pollution: Being located near a busy road meant that Ella’s home was frequently exposed to the sounds of traffic. The constant noise was a source of significant discomfort, especially during quieter parts of the day when the outside sounds seemed even more intrusive.

• Dust Infiltration: Sash windows are designed with gaps to allow for movement as part of their original mechanics, but this design also allowed external elements, such as black dust, to enter the home. Over time, this dust accumulated, especially in rooms near the road.

• Black Mould: In one of the rooms, Ella noticed the growth of black mould, which she traced back to the gaps in the sash windows. The draughts and condensation caused by these gaps created an environment conducive to mould growth.

The Solution: Draught Proofing with Ecobead

Ella decided to address these issues by draught-proofing her windows, aiming primarily to reduce noise. She chose to work with MST Window Repairs, a company known for their expertise in retrofitting sash windows.

Matt, the technician from MST, performed a full sash window service, which involved not only draught proofing but also addressing the underlying issues with the windows. He uses Ecobead as the material for the draught sealing. Ecobead is widely regarded as the gold standard for retrofitting draught seals in sash windows, due to the effectiveness of its brush seals, which tightly fit into the gaps and offer superior insulation.

During the service, Matt also discovered several other issues with Ella’s windows. When the glass had previously been replaced, the windows had not been rebalanced properly, leading to snapped spiral balance systems. These problems were corrected as part of the full service, restoring the windows to their former functionality.

Pre-Installation Measurements: Ella’s Data Collection

Before the draught proofing installation, Ella took the initiative to measure the sound levels and temperature in different parts of her home at various times of the day. She used a decibel meter to record the noise levels and tracked the temperature variations in the rooms with the sash windows.

These initial readings revealed some striking figures:

• Noise Levels: The sound from the busy road reached an uncomfortably high level, with an average noise measurement that Ella found to be intrusive during both the day and night.

• Temperature Variability: Without proper insulation, Ella noticed significant fluctuations in the indoor temperature, contributing to discomfort and higher energy usage.

Post-Installation Results: A Remarkable Improvement

After Matt completed the draught-proofing work, Ella repeated her measurements. The results were impressive:

• Noise Reduction: There was a 3.64 dBA reduction in noise levels—an improvement that equated to 20% noise reduction and that made a noticeable difference in Ella’s daily life. Traffic noise was significantly less intrusive, and the home felt much quieter overall.

• Heat Loss Reduction: The draught-proofing led to an impressive 67% reduction in heat loss, making the home warmer and more energy-efficient. This not only increased comfort but is expected to reduce heating costs over time.

• No More Dust or Mould: The draught-proofing also resolved the issue of black dust entering the home. With the gaps sealed, no more dust particles could pass through the windows. Additionally, the black mould that had been growing in one of the rooms disappeared, likely due to the reduction in condensation and the improved insulation of the windows.

Important Note: Results from Draught Proofing Alone

It’s important to note that Ella did not have her glass replaced during this process and she kept the original timber frames. The significant improvements in noise reduction, heat retention, and overall comfort were achieved solely through the draught-proofing of the sash windows. This is especially notable because these results were achieved without upgrading to thicker glass or double glazing—two common alternatives to improve energy efficiency and noise reduction.

In fact, these benefits came without changing the glass at all. This highlights the power and effectiveness of Ecobead draught-proofing alone, which is a far more affordable than double glazing.

Ella’s Feedback: A Satisfied Customer

Six months after the draught-proofing installation, we caught up with Ella to get her feedback on the long-term effects of the service. Ella reported that she is still extremely pleased with the outcome. The home is quieter, more comfortable, and healthier. The black dust is gone, the mould has disappeared, and the temperature inside is more stable.

Ella was so impressed with the results that she recommended MST Window Repairs to her neighbours, who were experiencing similar issues with their sash windows. She even mentioned that one of her neighbours had already booked an appointment after seeing the transformation in her home.

Conclusion: A Proven Solution

Ella’s case is a testament to the effectiveness of MST Window Repairs and Ecobead draught-proofing. While feedback from customers has always been positive, Ella’s detailed measurements and documented improvements provide concrete proof of the benefits—67% reduction in heat loss and a 3.64 dBA noise reduction. For anyone struggling with noise, dust, or temperature regulation in their home, this solution could be the answer.

Importantly, these results were achieved whilst keeping the original timber window frames and glass. This highlights how effective draught-proofing can be on its own—offering a cost-effective, sustainable, and practical solution to common issues with sash windows.

If you're interested in draught-proofing services for your own sash windows, contact MST Window Repairs for a consultation. With proven results and customer satisfaction, it's clear that this service offers significant improvements to both comfort and energy efficiency.

Contact MST Window Repairs today to find out how we can help you with your sash window draught-proofing needs.