Are you battling drafty doors and windows? Even the smallest gaps in the windows give way to the cold air flowing in and warm air leaving, making the home warm. A warm home means higher energy bills. The U.S. Department of Energy states that minimizing drafts in a house can save 5 to 30% on energy costs annually. In this article, we have made a list of solutions to fix the drafty windows.
What Causes Drafty Windows?
Some common causes of drafty windows are:
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Inadequate closure: Your windows might not seal tightly when they are closed.
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Poor installation: If your windows were not installed properly, there might be gaps along the edges.
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Old technology: Single-pane windows are likely to let cold air into your house.
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Cracked panes and frames: Cold air might pass through any damaged materials.
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Mold issues: Mold may grow from the moisture that occurs because of condensation within or around your windows, breaking down materials and causing drafts.
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Aging caulk: The sealants applied to panes and sashes degenerate over time and lose their seal.
Why Fix Your Drafty Windows Instead of Replacing Them?
Most people think that repairing drafty windows means replacing them. But that's not the case! If your house has old single-pane windows, getting them replaced with brand new double-pane windows won't solve the underlying issues leading to drafts and discomfort in your home. New windows can improve the appearance of your house, but even the most highly rated windows cannot stop drafts because the air leak occurs around the frames and not in the window glass. Air leak is a common problem seen in every area of the house, but we have solutions for that.
How to Reduce Window and Door Drafts?
For regions where long winters are experienced, keeping your windows sealed for weeks may not be advisable. The following solutions will eliminate drafts to adjust to changing temperatures while keeping your doors and windows operational.
1. Window Insulation Film
Vinyl window insulation kits can be used on any window size to improve efficiency for single-pane and double-pane windows. Typically, these are prepackaged kits designed to be used only and discarded when the weather becomes warm. They work efficiently without disrupting your home's appearance, home's view, and natural light. Most homeowners find window insulation kits useful since they are easily accessible and inexpensive. The vinyl insulation film sheets are available in large sizes but can also be trimmed to fit smaller windows. They are also available in multipacks, so one can easily insulate multiple windows with a single kit. The insulating shrink film is adhered to the window frame using adhesive strips and then secured with a heated hair dryer for a wrinkle-free, smooth finish.
2. Fill in the Gaps to Seal Windows
Use a gap filler, such as a backer rod, in large window gaps. There are several sizes of this foam rope to fit different sizes of gaps. This is how to use it:
To enhance good adhesion, clean the gap properly.
Determine the gap's width.
Cut a piece of backer rod that is just a little longer than the space.
Fill the gap with foam by using a putty knife or fingers.
Trim the excess with scissors for a clean look.
For extra protection, you may put a removable caulk over the gap filler. This combination provides a strong seal and can be removed easily when it is no longer needed.
3. Window Draft Stopper
Window draft stoppers are a popular solution to stop drafts and are often part of basic window insulation kits. Draft stoppers are also referred to as "draft snakes." They are thin tubes or sleeves filled with dense, insulating materials placed at the bottom edge of your window to close off any gaps.
Draft stoppers are a temporary fix and can be shifted around or easily knocked over. Furthermore, you'll need to push them aside if you have a window that opens from the bottom.
4. Weather Stripping
Weather stripping around leaky windows and doors can be added, repaired, or replaced. Weatherstrip is a self-sticking seal that is inexpensive, efficient, and comes in a variety of sizes. Also, its rubber material provides maximum protection against drafts.
However, there are several weatherstripping types to consider, such as expanding spray foam weatherstripping (available in aerosol cans), felt weatherstripping (available in rolls), and V-seal weatherstripping (available in plastic and spring-metal options).
5. Cover With Plastic
A plastic film or sheet works as a good temporary solution for window drafts. Any type of plastic sheeting, from plain plastic wrap to bubble wrap, can be used to stop drafts. Just roll the plastic insulation sheet or material along the window until it reaches the frame edges, and then tape it in place. You might not be able to open the window without tearing the plastic cover, but this is an effective temporary fix while you make arrangements for better permanent alternatives.
Conclusion
A window or door draft can be irritating during both winter and summer. It gets difficult to maintain a conducive temperature. Therefore, it's important to stop drafts from windows. From multiple ideas discussed in this article to fix the issue, you can take a sigh of relief. You can fix the issue temporarily via DIY, but you might need professional help to fix it permanently.
