Does the winter weather have you reaching for blankets? Are your energy bills rising because your furnace is struggling to keep up with the demands? Have you noticed a draft around your windows? Jacksons Home Improvement is here to help.
In this article, we will walk you through what it means to have drafty windows, how to fix drafty windows quickly but temporarily, and how you can permanently stop drafty windows in your home. Keep reading and we’ll breeze right through it.
Have You Noticed a Draft?
Typically, homeowners notice their windows becoming ineffective when they start to feel a cold breeze coming in. However, there are a few other signs that your windows may be aging. Here are a few things to look for:
- Poor sealing
- Dry-rotted seals
- Crooked alignment in the frame
- Condensations around & on the window panes
- Cracking of the frame or pane
- Increasing energy bills
- Noticeable air movement
If you start to notice some of these problems, it’s imperative that you take action. Ineffective windows can contribute to a number of problems around your house, including mold growth from excess condensation, poor climate control, overworking HVAC systems, rising energy bills, and more. To prevent these issues, you need to repair or replace your windows quickly. So, if you find yourself wondering how to fix drafty windows, we’re here to help. Let’s get to it.
How to Fix Drafty Windows: Temporary Solutions
If a cold front is moving in, you may find yourself needing a quick fix for your drafty windows. Don’t worry! We have some tips to get you through the cold nights before you can schedule a more permanent solution. Read on to best understand some temporary methods to stop drafty windows in your home.
1) Lock Your Windows
Firstly, make sure your windows are fully closed and locked, creating the best possible seal. In addition, consider adding two locks, at either end of the window, as opposed to one lock in the center. This creates a tighter seal and may prevent air from entering around your window panes.
2) Apply Weather Stripping
Plastic weather stripping can be purchased from most home goods stores and can be placed along the window sash. This seals the window tightly, preventing drafts from getting through.
3) Layer Window Coverings
While many people may use curtains or blinds over their windows, you can actually add layers to your setup to prevent the cold air from entering your home. You can add blinds to the interior window, then light curtains and heavy drapes too. While this may not stop the air leak, it will prevent the cold air from changing the temperature in your house.
4) Fill Any Gaps
If you’ve noticed any gapping around your windows, it’s important to fill in these areas. You can buy commercial gap fillers. Or, you can use wood as necessary. Temporarily, you can also use a blanket, towel, caulking, or weather stripping in evident gaps.
5) Reglaze Your Window Panes
As time goes on, the glazing around your windows tends to age and become ineffective. When you start to feel a draft, you can reglaze around your window panes to prevent further leaking and cold drafts.
The above options will help you make it through a cold streak without feeling too many of the effects indoors. During these frigid winter days, the quickest thing you can do is block off any drafty areas, whether that’s with weather stripping, a towel, or window glaze. However, these solutions are only temporary. They may help you through the season, but the best thing to do is invest in a permanent solution. We’ll discuss how to fix drafty windows permanently in the next section.
The Most Permanent & Effective Method to Stop Drafty Windows
Unfortunately, as windows age, they do become less effective. Older windows tend to leak, letting in air and moisture. You may notice excessive condensation around your windows, as well as the cold air seeping in from outside. The water buildup can lead to mold growth and structural damage, and the air leaking can lead to ineffective climate control in your home.
Because of these complications, the best way to stop drafty windows is with a window replacement. Modern windows are built for energy efficiency, as well as effective noise control, temperature regulation, and UV protection. Many new windows utilize at least double pane glass, which acts as an insulator and prevents condensation.
By installing new windows, you can quickly stop any drafts, keeping those freezing temperatures out of your home through the winter. When you start to notice a draft, it’s always best to call in your local window replacement company for assistance.
Overview
Whether you can see a gap or just feel the drafts leaking in, you need rapid solutions to keep the winter air out of your home. For a simple temporary fix, you will need to find a way to fill in the gaps where air is coming in. First, make sure the windows are locked. Then, fill in the gaps with weather stripping, blankets, gap filler, or caulk. You can also cover the windows with blinds and heavy curtains.
Then, it’s imperative you seek a permanent solution to stop drafty windows. This will include a window replacement. Your local window company will be able to offer guidance regarding which solutions will best serve your home.
So, if you find yourself wondering how to fix drafty windows, don’t delay! The cold is coming. Are you prepared?
Jacksons Home Improvement Offers FREE UPGRADES to Triple Pane Glass!
If you’re struggling with old, drafty windows, Jacksons Home Improvement is here to help. We are serving the Northwest Indiana region with dependable window installation services using the industry’s best material. And, we are now offering a FREE UPGRADE to triple pane glass with EVERY window replacement! Why wait? Call us today to take advantage of this offer.
