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How to Fix Drafty Windows

Posted by: Raj Kain

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Published On: Oct 29, 2024

A window with a thin curtain caught in a window draft

As temperatures drop in Ontario, homeowners often face the uncomfortable reality of drafty windows. Not only do these compromise indoor comfort, they also contribute to increased energy consumption and potential moisture damage.

This guide provides practical solutions for how to fix drafty windows, helping you maintain a warm and energy-efficient home throughout the colder months. Follow these simple tips and you can effectively seal air leaks for a warm, comfortable winter.

Identifying the Source of the Draft 

Before learning how to fix drafty windows, you need to pinpoint the source of the draft. Put on your detective hat and try these simple methods to find your leak:

Visual Inspection 

Start by carefully examining your windows, both inside and out. Look for any obvious gaps, cracks, or damaged seals around the frame, sash, and trim. Pay close attention to the corners and joints where leaks are most common.

The Hand Test 

On a breezy day, slowly run your hand around the edges of the window frame and sash. Can you feel cold air seeping in? This is a quick and easy way to detect drafty windows. You can also try wetting your hand to better feel air movement.

The Candle Test 

To detect a more subtle window draft, hold a lit candle near the window frame and sash. If the flame flickers or moves noticeably, you’ve found an air leak. Be sure to keep the candle a safe distance from curtains and other flammable materials.

Common Window Draft Locations: Where to Check For Drafts 

While a draft can occur anywhere around a window, here are some of the most common culprits:

  • Around the window frame: Gaps between the window frame and the wall allow air to infiltrate, causing drafty windows and a chill in your home.
  • Between the window sash and frame: If the weatherstripping is worn or damaged, air can leak in around the sash, leading to a window draft.
  • Cracked or missing glazing putty: Older windows with single panes of glass are often held in place with glazing putty. Cracks or missing putty can create air leaks.
  • Window sills and trim: Gaps or cracks in the window sill or trim can also contribute to drafty windows.

Ontario homeowner applying a window draft stopper

Image Source: Canva

Solutions for Drafty Windows 

Now that you’ve identified where those pesky air leaks are coming from, let’s learn how to fix drafty windows. Here are some effective solutions you can use to seal your windows and improve your home’s comfort and energy efficiency:

Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is a flexible, effective window draft stopper that seals the gaps between the window sash and frame. It comes in a variety of materials to suit different needs and budgets, including:

  • Foam tape: A common and affordable option, ideal for sealing small gaps. It’s easy to apply and comes in various thicknesses and widths. However, foam double-sided tape can compress over time and become ineffective.
  • Felt weatherstripping: Made from wool felt. It’s more durable than foam but may still need to be replaced occasionally, ideal for windows often opened and closed.
  • Vinyl weatherstripping: Available in V-shaped or U-shaped strips. This is a durable and effective option for sealing large gaps. It’s resistant to moisture and extreme temperatures, making it suitable for both interior and exterior applications.
  • Spring bronze weatherstripping: A more expensive option, but it offers excellent durability and a tight seal. This weatherstripping is typically used on old windows with metal frames.

When choosing weatherstripping as a window draft stopper, consider the size of the gaps you need to seal, the type of window you have, and the level of durability you require.

Draft Snakes 

These are fabric tubes filled with insulating materials like rice, beans, or sand. They’re placed along the bottom of windows to block drafts and prevent cold air from seeping in. Window draft snakes are a simple and affordable solution that can be DIY’d using fabric scraps and filling materials.

Caulking 

Caulk is a sealant that fills in gaps and cracks around the frame and trim of drafty windows, where air and moisture can seep through. It creates a weather-proof seal that prevents damage to your home.

There are two common types of caulking available: silicone and acrylic latex. The former is highly resilient, flexible, and withstands harsh weather conditions. It’s ideal for sealing existing windows, doors, and siding, while the latter is great for interior applications. Acrylic latex caulking is easier to work with and can be painted to match your trim. 

Rope Caulk 

Rope caulk is a temporary sealant perfect for quickly sealing and fixing drafty windows during the colder months. It’s made from a pliable material you press into gaps around your windows. It’s easy to remove in the spring, making it a convenient option for those who don’t want to make permanent changes to their window frames.

Industry professional inspecting windows on an Ontario home for drafty windows

Image Source: Canva

When to Call a Professional 

If your window frames show extensive damage, rot, or decay, it’s time for a professional opinion. These issues can compromise the window’s structural integrity and cause inefficient sealing.

Similarly, condensation or fogging between the panes of double or triple-pane windows signals window seal failure and reduced energy efficiency. These will most likely require window replacement.

If you’ve tried the window draft detection methods and still can’t pinpoint the source of the leak, or if you lack confidence to perform DIY repairs, it’s wise to consult a professional. They can expertly identify hidden air leaks and recommend the best solutions. 

In some cases, especially with old, single-pane windows, replacing your windows is the best course of action. New, energy-efficient models are the best way to improve comfort, save energy, and make your house more valuable.

Enjoy a Draft-Free Winter with Burano Doors 

Countless online resources offer advice on how to fix drafty windows, but nothing can replace the value of hands-on experience and knowledge. When you need reliable, long-lasting solutions, turn to the window experts at Burano Doors.

Our team of professionals will conduct a thorough assessment to pinpoint the source of the draft and provide expert guidance on the next steps. We offer a wide selection of high-quality, energy-efficient windows designed to withstand Ontario’s winter climate and keep your home cozy and draft-free year-round.

Contact Burano Doors today for a free in-home consultation, and let our experts provide the solutions you need.

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