Drafty windows can be a real headache for homeowners, especially in places like Ottawa, Canada, where the winter chill can be quite severe. You might notice how cold air sneaks into your home, leaving you uncomfortable and causing your heating bills to soar. Understanding how to fix drafty windows is important for keeping your home comfortable and improving energy efficiency.
What Causes Drafty Windows?
There are several reasons why windows become drafty. By identifying the causes, you can choose the best way to fix the problem.
- Old or Worn-Out Windows: Older windows often have gaps or cracks in the materials, letting in cold air. This happens when wood rots or metal rusts over time. If your windows are more than a decade old, they might be reaching the end of their useful life.
- Poor Installation: Sometimes, windows aren’t installed correctly. A poor installation can leave gaps between the window frame and the wall, allowing drafts to seep in.
- Lack of Maintenance: Windows need regular checking to ensure that all parts are in good condition. If no maintenance is done, even small issues can turn into big drafts.
- Deteriorated Seals: Weather seals on windows can degrade over time, leading to gaps. Exposure to the sun and weather can make these seals brittle and less effective.
- Broken Glass: A broken window pane obviously results in drafts that need urgent fixing.
- Frame and Pane Alignment Issues: Sometimes, the window frame and pane don’t align perfectly. This mismatch can lead to small gaps where air can enter.
DIY Solutions to Stop Drafty Windows
Before looking into permanent solutions, try some easy fixes to see if they help. Many drafty window issues can be solved using simple methods.
- Sealing Gaps with Caulk: Use caulk to fill in small gaps and cracks around window frames. This provides an air sealing that blocks drafts effectively. Caulking is easy to do and inexpensive.
- Install Weatherstripping: Weatherstripping is a great material for creating a tight seal around the edges of windows. It’s especially useful for moving parts like sashes.
- Use Shrink Film: Shrink film is a plastic sheet applied to the inside of your window frame. You use a hair dryer to shrink the film tight. This acts like a secondary barrier to keep out drafts.
- Apply Bubble Wrap: For a temporary fix, bubble wrap can insulate windows. Simply spray the window with water and press the bubble wrap in place. It might not be the most beautiful solution, but it’s effective.
- Hang Thermal Curtains: Thick curtains can block out drafts and keep your home warmer. They also add a layer of style to your room.
- Use Draft Blockers: Draft blockers or draft snakes are easy to place on window sills to keep cold air from entering. These are simple barriers you can put in place quickly, blocking the immediate draft.
- Double-Sided Tape and Plastic Sheeting: Using double-sided tape, secure plastic sheeting over your window to create another layer against drafts.
Professional Solutions to Fix Drafty Windows
When easy fixes aren’t enough, you might need more substantial solutions to keep the draft out.
- Window Glass Repair and Replacement
The most effective and permanent fix for drafty windows is to check if the glass is causing drafts and get the glass repaired or replaced. This solution can be be energy efficient, reducing drafts significantly and lowering your energy bills.
2 Repairing Window Frames
Sometimes, the window frame itself is the problem. Repairing or replacing a damaged frame can stop drafts effectively.
- Replace Old Glass with Energy-Efficient Glass
Modern windows often feature double or triple panes with inert gases filled between them, increasing insulation and reducing drafts.
- Install Insulation Around the Frame
If there are gaps between the window frame and the wall, adding insulation can improve the frame’s fit and reduce air intrusion.
- Professional Air Sealing
Engaging professionals for air sealing ensures that all potential points of the draft are completely addressed.
Maximizing Energy Efficiency
Improving window energy efficiency doesn’t stop at sealing drafts. Using a combination of methods can give the best results:
– Use Layers: Combine window coverings like blinds and shades with thermal curtains to add insulation.
– Regular Maintenance: Ensure all parts of the window, like hinges and locks, work properly. Tight-fitting windows mitigate drafts significantly.
– True View Assessments: Conduct regular assessments to see if windows meet modern energy efficiency standards.
The Impact of Fixing Drafty Windows
Understanding how to stop window drafts is about more than comfort; it’s about resource conservation. You save on heating costs and help reduce the carbon footprint of your home. Improving energy efficiency by addressing a drafty window can pay for itself over time through savings on energy bills.
In conclusion, fixing drafty windows starts by recognizing the problem. Whether it’s a matter of caulking gaps and cracks or undertaking a full window replacement, solutions are available for every budget and skill level. Keep your home comfortable and your energy usage efficient by taking steps to seal a drafty window. By understanding these fixes, you can ensure a snug and cozy house, even when the Ottawa winter wind howls outside.
