How to Fix Your Drafty Windows

Written by Central Glass Company on September 8, 2016. Posted in Uncategorized

Drafts are never a good thing. During the summer, you want your windows to shut properly and keep hot air out, and in the winter, cold air shouldn’t sneak in and drive up your heating bills. To keep your home comfortable, affordable, and energy efficient, you need to find ways to keep your windows from leaking air.

The good news is that you have many options for fixing those drafts. No matter your budget, you can find a solution.

Find the Source

If the source of the draft is obvious, like a cracked window, then you won’t have any trouble deciding how to fix it. However, you may not be certain where the air is coming in from. Most leaks from around your windows are small and unobtrusive.

If you need to find the source of the draft, light a candle, a match, or some incense. Move your object of choice slowly around the frame. When you see the flame flicker or bend, or if you see the incense’s trail suddenly move, you know you’ve found a spot where air is coming in. Mark the place where you saw evidence of a draft (a sticky note would do the trick) and search the rest of the window frame.

Now that you’ve found the places where air can get in, decide how to fix them. What you do next depends on your budget, your preferences, and the placement of the hole or crack.

Low-Cost Fixes

If you need to temporarily fix a small opening around the edge of your window, you have several options:

• V-seal weather stripping.

   This inexpensive product is easy to add to your window frame. You’ll still be able to open and close the window.

• Caulk.

   Caulking is always an easy, cheap, and fast way to seal up a hole. Just make sure the area is clean before you apply the new caulk.

• Draft snakes.

   If the hole you’re plugging is on the bottom of your window, a draft snake can provide extra insulation. You can buy these items online, or you can make your own. Just put dry rice inside an old knee-high sock and tie it off, then lay it against the bottom of the window.

• Plastic film.

   If you’re worried about your window panes, a film can insulate them. Look for shrink film at a home improvement store or online. All you need is to lay it flat against the window and use a hair dryer to seal it on. If you want to remove it later, rubbing alcohol will take it off easily.

• Curtains.

   Heavy curtains do a surprisingly good job of insulating your windows. Look for curtains made from a thick cloth big enough to completely cover the window.

If you need to get the draft fixed quickly and easily, these solutions may do the trick. However, if the draft is severe and you really want to get it fixed permanently, you may need a stronger solution.

Higher-Cost Fixes

Though they are more of an investment, the results will be better than the above, temporary fixes. If you have the money to solve the problem instead of patching it, you won’t regret the investment. Try these solutions:

• Add storm windows.

   You can put storm windows up every autumn to help keep the cold drafts out. These removable windows will fit inside your window frame, adding an extra layer against the outdoors. If you buy and install these, your problem should be solved.

• Replace the glazing.

   Though this fix isn’t expensive if you do it yourself, it is timeintensive and difficult. If you have an old window, the glazing around the window panes may be cracked or damaged. Redoing the glazing will fix your problem, and it’s easy to find instructions on home improvement blogs, though you may have more success if you hire a professional to do the job.

• Replace your windows.

   If your windows are damaged or old, it may be time to replace them entirely. You’ll need a professional to do this job. With his or her help, pick out a new low-maintenance, energy-efficient window and frame. That way, you won’t have to worry about drafts for years.

Though these solutions aren’t as fast, easy, or cheap, they will fix the problem effectively. If you really want that draft gone, one of these options may be best for you. If you’re not sure what to do, contact a professional to get an assessment of your windows.

If you need help with your glazing, storm windows, or window replacements, contact Central Glass Company. We have the experience and expertise to help you decide which solution will work best to solve your draft, and our work for you will be impeccable. Call us at the location closest to you to get started. We hope to hear from you soon!