Almost any homeowner will struggle with drafty windows at some point, either due to the home’s age or general wear and tear. In fact, even the smallest gap in the window’s sealing can cause cold air to leak in.
Knowing how to stop drafty windows can keep your home and family protected and warm during the colder months. Our team at Minnesota Exteriors Inc. has been helping locals safeguard their homes since 1947, and we’re here to help you stop drafty windows from affecting your home.
- What Causes Drafty Windows?
- How to Fix Drafty Windows
- When to Replace Drafty Windows
- Benefits of Stopping Window Drafts
- Window Replacement Services
If your windows are worn and DIY solutions are no longer keeping your home draft-free, reach out to our team at MEI for expert window replacement.
What Causes Drafty Windows?
So, how do you know a window is drafty? Before you can fix the issue, you first need to know what’s causing the draft to occur. There are many reasons why your home may be facing drafts from windows, and some of the most common indicators include the following:
Worn Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is your window’s first line of defense against drafts, but it can wear down, crack, or peel with age. These cracks or holes in the weatherstripping can easily cause a window draft.
If you notice any gaps, holes, or cracks in the seal or trim around your window, this often points to needing to replace (or install) weatherstripping.
Deteriorated Window Seals
Between each window pane, there is a seal, which holds an inert gas that acts as a barrier between the home and the outside world. However, if this seal breaks, either due to cracks in the window itself, the trim, or the outside weatherstripping, this can cause issues with the window’s efficiency.
Drafty apartment windows often suffer from deteriorated seals due to a lack of proper maintenance or tenant mishandling. If you notice condensation between the panes of glass, this is a sure sign you need a better seal or new windows to protect your home from drafts.
Poor Installation
If the windows were installed incorrectly in the first place, this can quickly allow cold air to enter the home. If you start to see cracks between the wall and the window itself, bowing of the window frame, or other obvious signs, this often indicates improper installation.
Many companies offer warranties for poor installation. However, in some cases, it may be a better idea to turn to another company entirely to fix drafty windows and ensure your home is protected the way it should be.
Warped or Cracked Window Frame
The frame is an important part of a window, as it can significantly impact the window’s effectiveness. If you see cracks or breaks in the frame around the window, this is likely the cause of your draft.
Warped or cracked window frames are especially common causes for drafty windows during Minnesota’s harsh winters. These issues often tend to be more noticeable (and more disastrous in the colder months) than other causes of drafts.
Poorly Insulated Windows
Windows that are not properly insulated are often an issue in older homes. The insulation between the window and in the wall itself can fall, become damaged, or get wet over time, leading to the need for new insulation or sealant around the window.
If you start to notice cold drafts coming from the wall around the window itself, this often points towards issues with insulation.
Old or Single Pane Windows
As mentioned earlier, the seal between window panes can become an issue that leads to drafts. This often happens if you have single-pane windows, as there isn’t an extra seal or pane of glass to help trap the cold air before it enters your home. Investing in double or even triple–paned windows can help protect your home from drafts and cold air.
Need help keeping your home warm in the winter? Minnesota Exteriors offers lasting, expert solutions that ensure your windows stay insulated for years to come.
How to Fix Drafty Windows
Once you’ve figured out the cause of your drafty windows, the next step is to fix the problem. Knowing how to seal drafty windows can increase your home’s energy efficiency and protect your family from the cold Midwestern air.
Some drafty window solutions will be easier and more cost-efficient than others, but it ultimately depends on the severity of the issue. Some of the most effective ways to fix your home’s drafty windows include:
Apply New Weatherstripping
If you notice the weatherstripping around your windows starts to break down, an easy fix is to install new and improved sealing. For sealing drafty windows, you can either turn to a professional, like Minnesota Exteriors, or opt for a DIY approach.
Most home improvement stores offer weatherstripping for sale. For homeowners who take this approach, it’s important to make sure you measure your window’s dimensions and the width you’ll need before buying anything.
Caulk Drafty Window Gaps
Caulking drafty window gaps is one of the most cost-efficient and easy ways to seal up your windows and protect your home. You can purchase some window caulk from any home improvement store and seal up the gaps, cracks, and other small imperfections you see to ensure a better seal.
However, it’s important to note that this isn’t a long-term solution. While this will help for a few years, if there is a deep-seated issue within the window, you’ll want to replace it sooner rather than later.
Use Window Insulation Film
For a quick and more affordable short-term option, you can buy a window insulation film kit. These kits often come with sealing tape and plastic wrap designed to be sealed to the window using hot air (most use a hair dryer for this). This provides an extra layer of insulation against the cold or hot air from outside.
Install Insulated Curtains
If you are not able to add insulation to your windows or are looking for an additional solution, you can purchase insulated curtains. These offer a thick outer layer to protect the home from drafts, but this may end up pricier than other DIY options.
It’s essential to note that while quick DIY options, such as caulking or insulation film, can provide temporary relief, a professional solution ensures lasting comfort and efficiency.
Reach out to Minnesota Exteriors to learn more about how we can help fix drafty windows or doors.
When to Replace Drafty Windows
While many DIY options are great fixes for your drafty windows, sometimes those fixes won’t be enough. For example, if the insulation between walls is failing, your energy bills continue to rise regardless of what you do, or the frame around the window is broken in multiple areas, it may be time to consider new windows instead of opting for quick fixes.
For many, the cost of replacing windows is often the biggest barrier. While the price tag of getting new windows can seem overwhelming, there are many financing options available to ensure that your home is protected at an affordable rate.
Benefits of Stopping Window Drafts
Fixing drafty windows comes with several valuable benefits that give homeowners greater peace of mind. Not only does it create a better living environment, but it also helps reduce long-term costs. The most notable benefits include:
- Increased Comfort: With new and improved windows, you and your family will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
- Lower Utility Bills: Drafty windows can lead to increased utility bills because your HVAC unit must work harder and more often to compensate.
- Improved Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient windows maintain steady indoor temperatures while reducing strain on your HVAC, saving both energy and resources.
- Higher Home Value: Upgraded and properly sealed windows will raise your home’s value and curb appeal, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
Contact Minnesota Exteriors to Replace Drafty Windows
Does your home have drafty windows? Whether you’re looking for easy fixes or think it’s time for a complete replacement, taking action will help ensure your home is comfortable and protected this winter. If you need window replacement, reach out to our team at Minnesota Exteriors. We have been helping homeowners in the Twin Cities for over 75 years, so you can trust us as the local experts.
Get in touch for a free estimate today to see how we can protect your home from the elements and ensure it looks beautiful for decades to come.