Double-hung sash windows are beautiful but incredibly leaky – especially when they’re a few decades old. Here’s what you’re likely dealing with:

• Cold air creeping in around the sashes in winter 
• Cool air escaping (hello, higher summer air conditioning bills!)
• Dust, pollen, smoke and noise slipping through the gaps
• Rattling or movement on windy days
• Difficulty keeping rooms at a stable, comfortable temperature

So exactly where are the air leaks coming from? 

A big reason people fail (or give up) is that they don’t understand where the leaks are. They assume air comes through “the glass” or “the frame” in a general way, when in reality double-hung (also called ‘sash’ or ‘push up’) windows leak at specific paths: along the moving sash edges, at the meeting rail where the sashes touch (in the middle of the window), and at the bottom and side channels where the sash is meant to slide. On older windows, the gaps are rarely even – they can be tight in one spot and wide in another which is exactly why generic foam tape often performs badly.

A  commonly used, but unsuccessful approach, is to use foam tape.  Foam tapes tend to compress unevenly, fall off or degrade, especially when they’re forced to handle irregular gaps. Thick seals can stop the sash from sliding properly or prevent the latch from engaging. Many traditional hardware store approaches don’t address the annoying sleep-reducing rattle at all.  They might block a little air in one section but leave the sash loose, so the window still chatters in the wind.

How do we fix the rattle?

If you’re tired of shivering (or sweltering) near the window or shoving newspaper into the window gaps, this DIY project is for you. The Draught Dodgers for Double-Hung Windows are a clever, non-intrusive way to seal up those leaky gaps and make your windows behave like they were actually designed to keep the weather out.  Windproof your windows for year round comfort.  

The Draught Dodgers Double-Hung Window Kit is a discreet, high-performance draught-proofing system for Sash, Double Hung, Push-Up or vertical sliding timber windows. 

The kit combines custom-made, self adhesive mouldings (in raw timber or white aluminium) fitted with sturdy brush seals to stop air infiltration without affecting how your windows open or close.  There is a separate V seal to seal the gap between the top and bottom windows!  

This is the professional standard kit, adapted for DIYers who want their windows to still look great and perform like they should.

Everything you need to seal one double-hung windows (top and bottom sashes) including:

• Pre-cut timber architectural quality Draught Dodgers mouldings – in either raw timber or white aluminium
  
• Strong adhesive backing on each moulding (no brad gun needed!)
  
• Fitted with flexible, long-life brush seals
  
• EMV to seal between the top and bottom windows
  
• Fitment tool for perfect placement of your mouldings
  
• Step by step video instructions to guide your install to a professional grade finish

 Got more windows? Try the Sash Windows Draught Proofing Kit for 4 Windows

Installation is straightforward and satisfying — no special skills required.

📽 Prefer to watch?

This video provides you with step-by-step instructions on how to achieve a perfect seal of your double hung windows.

 📖 Prefer to read?

Prep the Window
Give your sash window frames a thorough clean so the adhesive sticks well. Make sure the window opens and closes properly.  Draught proofing will not fix a broken window.  🙁 

Fit the Draught Dodgers Mouldings
Use the included placement packer to fix the timber mouldings to the inside frame. The pre-fitted adhesive strip makes it easy to get them aligned and in the right place.

Fit the Centre Seal
Fit the EMV to the seal between the top and bottom windows. This forms a flexible barrier that stops draughts without interfering with movement of the windows. 

Test & Admire
Open and close the window a few times. Notice how it still glides like a charm?
Now notice how the breeze has disappeared. ✨

Most off-the-shelf draught stoppers (especially foam strips) don’t work with moving sashes.

They either:

• Block the movement entirely
• Fall off
• Don’t seal properly and leave gaps 
• Look terrible 😬

Draught Dodgers are different. They work with the design of your windows, not against them.  No ugly gaps. No compromise on how your windows work. Just comfort, savings, and a lovely finish.

• Great for heritage homes, owners AND renters (remember that Minimum Rental Standards are legislated from 1st July 2027)
• If you’re only sealing 1 or 2 windows, individual packs are available
• Can be painted to match your existing trim for a seamless finish

Combine with Invisible Pelmets or heavy curtains for a full thermal upgrade

You’ve made it this far — now it’s time to take action.

Sealing your leaky sash windows is a simple, high-impact upgrade:

✅ Shop the Draught Dodgers Double-Hung Kit – 4 Windows – best value if you’re sealing multiple windows.
✅ Single Window Kit – perfect for smaller jobs or trialling the system.
✅ Not sure where to start? Try Find and Fix My Draughts to pinpoint all the sneaky air leaks in your home.

Related Resources

Link to Related Articles:

• How to Draught-Proof Your Home: A Comprehensive Guide
• Energy Efficiency: The Best Tips for Reducing Your Bills

How-to Videos:

• Watch: Step-by-Step Guide to Draught Proof your Double Hung Windows