Drafty windows are more than just a nuisance. In winter, they welcome the frigid wind, making your home uncomfortably cold. In summer, they usher in the sweltering heat, leaving you sweaty and miserable. And of course, all year round, they drive up your energy bills. Wondering how to fix drafty windows? We have several ideas for you, ranging from minor DIY repairs to full window replacements. Let’s explore your options so you can keep your living space cozy and comfortable, your energy bills reasonable, and your home eco-friendly.
Say Goodbye to Drafts
First, it helps to identify where the drafts are located. Sometimes, you can see cracks or gaps around the edges of the window. If that’s not possible, try feeling for drafts on a windy day using your hand. Dampening your hand with water can make this easier. Another trick is to use a candle or incense stick, holding it near the window frame on a windy day. If the flame flickers or the smoke moves erratically, you’ve likely located a draft. Now that you’ve identified the issue, you can dig into how to fix drafty windows.
Try Weatherstripping
If you’ve never heard of it, weatherstripping is the process of sealing gaps and cracks to prevent drafts from entering. A variety of products are available for this purpose, and they’re typically called weatherstripping as well. For example, you could try foam tape, V-strip, or felt weatherstripping to seal the gaps between your window and its frame. While this fix is easy and affordable, weatherstripping must be replaced periodically. Check out the U.S. Department of Energy’s weatherstripping page to explore the most common types of weatherstripping and determine which will work best for your home.
Fill Small Gaps with Caulk
Caulk can be used to seal any stationary gaps or cracks around your window frames. It provides a permanent, flexible seal and works well on openings up to about 1/4 inch wide. Generally, silicone-based caulk is recommended for optimal durability. Remove old caulk and paint residue before applying the new caulk, and keep in mind that warm temperatures (above 45°F) and low humidity are necessary for the caulk to set properly.
Use Draft Stoppers or Rope Caulk
Old windows are often tricky to seal, so you might wish to look into draft stoppers, which are long fabric tubes, often filled with sand or rice, that can be placed at the base of a window or door to prevent drafts. Rope caulk serves a similar purpose, but it’s a more pliable, putty-like material. While these products can be helpful, removable, short-term options (they’re great for renters!), they’re more akin to band-aids than true solutions. If your windows are outdated or deteriorating, you could likely save money in the long run by replacing them instead.
Replace Your Windows
It’s important to understand that at some point, you should shift from wondering how to fix drafty windows to how to replace them. Are your windows old, damaged, or rotting? Do they have single-pane glass that offers little insulation? Are your energy bills high despite your attempts at sealing the windows? Do you often notice fogging between the windows’ double-pane glass? Upgrading your windows to modern, triple-pane windows will be a game changer. This is a long-term, energy-efficient solution that will add value to your home and can save you money in the long run.
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Anyone wondering how to fix drafty windows will quickly learn that speedy solutions like weatherstripping and caulking are simple, effective options — but they rarely work well in the long run. If your windows have begun to deteriorate and they’re affecting your comfort and energy bills, start exploring replacement windows. In many cases, they’re well worth the investment.
And when you’re ready to purchase new, beautiful, energy-efficient windows, check out American Window Company. Since 1999, we have offered an extensive collection of high-quality windows, doors, shutters, blinds, and more. We are a small, family-owned business committed to providing excellent quality and on-time installation. In addition, we are properly licensed and insured to protect our employees and provide our customers with peace of mind. Please contact us today for a free estimate or more information about our products and services.
