At some point or another almost everyone has walked by a closed window and noticed a drastic temperature change, this universal experience is hard to avoid. There are a couple ways a draft can occur around your windows and doors. The air can find a way to sneak between the frame and your home’s wall material or the draft can make its way between the window sash and the frame of the window itself. Some drafts are barely noticeable and others are hard to ignore.
When it gets so bad that you start reaching for a blanket or your energy bills have noticeably increased, it’s time to act and work on fixing the cause of the draft.
Below is a list of five effective ways you can fix drafts in your window;
1. Window Caulking
Caulking is applied around your window frames to reduce the amount of heat loss and potential drafts. However, as your windows age, the caulking will begin to develop cracks, gaps and may even shrink. All of which will allow heat exchange between your home and the outside environment and provide opportunities for air to work its way in and out of your home. If you notice your caulking is looking very weathered, and there are cracks and gaps, it is time to replace the caulking around your windows. This is a fairly easy process, begin by removing the old caulking using a utility knife and apply a new bead of caulking.
2. Window Film
If you are looking for a fairly inexpensive fix to your drafts in your window, applying window film may be the solution for you. Affordable yet effective, films provide your windows and doors with enough insulation to keep draft at bay. Window films provide insulation capable of retaining up to 55% of your home heat during winter.
3. Shades And Curtains
Heavy duty curtains and shades can also reduce heat transfer from around your windows and block any drafts from creating a drastic temperature change around where your windows are located. Thick curtains can completely cover a window and provide additional insulation, as well in the summer months, these curtains can block out the warm rays of the sun. An additional benefit shades and curtain offer is that they can add to your rooms design and ambiance.
4. Draft Blockers
Draft blockers are known by many names including draft stopper, draft snake and draft pillow. They work by simply placing them around the edge of your windows and doors and they prevent any air from passing through. Different varieties are constructed using a variety of material such as fabrics which are then filled up with sand or dried beans, plastic, foam, silicone and so on. Some are actually fastened to the window or door and others just lay on the frame or ground to prevent air flow.
5. Hire A Window And Door Expert
Sometimes we need professional help to get complicated problems resolved. One of those instances include a bad, drafty window. While most drafty windows can be fixed using DIY procedures, it is advisable to call a window expert when the issue seems beyond a simple repair. A windows and door professional will give you the best advice on what the repair would entail or if a replacement window is your best solution.