How To Fix Drafty Windows

While Jack Frost is busy making his creations on wet surfaces, Old Man Winter is working hard to air condition the outdoors. If you feel some of that cold air creeping into your home around your windows, there are a few steps you can take to figure out where the problem is and what to do about it until it’s warm enough to replace those drafty old windows.

Test It Out
Before doing anything else, move drapery out of the way, make sure your windows are locked in place and the hardware is firmly fastened. Then, take a few moments to feel for the draft.

If it’s still there, a simple way of pinpointing it is done with the aid of a lit candle or tissue. Move the tissue or candle along where the windows meet the sill, frame and where the sashes meet. If the tissue flutters or the fire flickers, you have found the problem area.

Quick Fixes
There are two primary causes for most leaks in windows. Once you find the cause of the leak, check both of these options, and take action to fix them.

• Weather Stripping
  If your weather stripping is damaged or worn, it will let in air from the outside. To fix the problem, apply new stripping to the area, so the window seals correctly again.
• Caulking
  Cracks and gaps in caulking causes the same problems as ineffective weather stripping. If this is the problem, scrape away the old, caulking, clean the area thoroughly and apply a fresh coating.

Sometimes, the problem lies within the window itself and the best remedy is to replace it.  But winter may not be the best time to do it, or it might not be in your budget right now.  A temporary fix?  Most home improvement stores sell clear film window insulation kits. Those provide materials and instructions on how to apply plastic to the inside of your window, and shrink it to ensure a clear view.  More fashionable options include putting insulating shades or curtains up.

Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.