Have you walked past a window in your home and felt a sudden chill, even though the window is closed? Drafty windows can make interior rooms feel too warm in summer and too cold in winter, resulting in inefficiency and higher utility bills.
Fixing this air infiltration will keep your house more comfortable. But what causes a window to let in air in the first place? Below, you will find the most common reasons for draftiness, as well as solutions to help you eliminate drafty windows for good.
What Causes a Window to Allow Air in?
Windows should produce a tight seal when closed, which means draftiness is not expected. If too much outdoor air is getting indoors unwanted, your home becomes less efficient—and moisture might be sneaking in and doing damage.
This issue should not be overlooked. Common reasons for drafty windows include:
Misalignment
As a house ages, it settles due to seasonal changes. Sometimes, settling can push windows out of their proper alignment, resulting in gaps and unwelcome airflow.
Frame/Pane Damage
Cracked glass, defective frames, and other malfunctions can all result in less-efficient, drafty windows that fail to work as they should to keep your home insulated.
Broken Seal
Double-pane windows feature a perimeter seal to stop outdoor air penetration and keep insulating gas fills intact. Time, wear and tear, improper installation, and manufacturer defects can result in a broken seal, which allows outside air to infiltrate your house.
Missing Caulk
When windows are installed, caulk is injected around the frames to create a snug fit. As time passes, this caulk can wear down, crack, or fall out of place—resulting in gaps that allow drafts to get in. This should be checked annually.
Outdated Design
Older single-pane windows are not as efficient as new designs with up-to-date features. Aging windows may feel drafty because they allow more of your heated and air-conditioned air to escape outdoors.
Warping
Weather exposure, aging, and damage can cause a window’s frame to become warped or misshapen. A warped window cannot provide a fully secure seal against the wind.
How to Determine the Cause of Drafty Windows
Addressing your windows’ needs first begins with identifying the root cause of the issue:
- Perform a physical inspection of your windows from top to bottom, looking for concerns such as cracked glass or missing caulk.
- If you desire to pinpoint the exact spot of unwanted airflow, you may light a candle and hold it near the window frame to see when and where it flickers.
- Notice whether there is condensation or debris caught in the center of double-paned glass, which can indicate a broken seal.
If you cannot determine what is causing the draftiness, call upon a windows installation team (like us) to do an inspection.
Five Practical Fixes to Address Your Drafty Windows
The best solution to fixing your windows will depend on the cause of the problem. We recommend taking these steps as you determine the right approach for your house:
1. Ensure a Snug Fit
For windows that are functional but have minor gaps, you might try these solutions:
- Replace cracked or missing caulk with a fresh new application. Caulk is intended for small gaps around parts of your window that do not move.
- Weatherstripping is a flexible material that fills in gaps around movable parts of your window.
2. Block Air
Another way to remedy a minor draft on working windows is to use window treatments designed to provide insulation value.
- Draft stoppers come in so many decorative designs and colors, and they can be a simple, attractive tool for blocking chilly air from entering through a window.
3. Improve Insulation
For old, single-pane windows, one solution to stop drafts is to install an added layer of insulation. There are two common ways to do so:
- Window insulation kits are a temporary, yet helpful tool. A clear plastic film is applied over the window and sealed with hot air from a hair dryer. This blocks chilly air, but it also means windows cannot be opened until the film is removed.
- Storm windows are removable glass panes and frames that add another layer of insulation. They are a durable option during the winter when you do not plan to open your windows for additional ventilation.
4. Repair Damage
Broken windows are a frequent cause of draftiness, because their failure means they cannot perform with airtight results.
- Replace broken glass with a brand-new pane to prevent air from getting in through the cracked glass.
- Seal replacement may be an option if you own double-paned windows. This technique involves replacing the entire insulated gas unit while leaving the existing frame intact.
5. Install New Windows
Drafty windows may be a sign of a larger need. If your current windows are faded, broken, or lacking in features that would make your home more enjoyable, then it may be time to consider new windows.
Today’s replacement windows come in beautiful colors and styles, with energy-efficient features such as argon fills, triple panes, and specialty glass coatings that block heat transfer. Homeowners love the visual style and comfort of new windows, especially when installed with a perfectly snug, airtight fit by local pros (like us).
Take the Next Step Toward a More Comfortable House with Our Expert Window Guidance
Over time, window draftiness adds up to higher energy bills and a less cozy house. Whether you need to identify the key reason for the airflow or are ready to upgrade to long-lasting, high-performing new windows, getting expert advice can make all the difference.
At Beissel Window & Siding, we understand how important it is to make the right decision for addressing your home’s needs. This is why we look at the root cause of an issue and recommend the best solution, even if the fix is simple! Reach out to schedule your free consultation and discover how to address your drafty windows—for good!
