They could be beautiful, historic or even high-quality, but if your windowsare letting in air, you've got a problem. If you're facing this issue atyour home or business, you may be wondering how to stop drafty windows. Doyou have to replace them outright? Are there other effective ways to stopdrafty windows? Fortunately, there's good news. Rather than paying for allnew windows to be installed at your location, you have several alternativesfor drafty window repair.
Why Windows Get Drafty
Old windows weather over time and even good windows will need somemaintenance over the long haul. Glazing putty can fall away, cracks candevelop, caulking can degrade, and some types of windows can shrink withage. If your windows are letting in cold air or not working as well as theycould, your energy bill is probably suffering for it. That's why it'sworthwhile to look for ways to fix drafty windows and extend theirusefulness.
In fact, there are several ways to breathe new life into your existingwindows without shelling out big money for replacements. If you're lookingfor the best solutions to fix drafty windows and improve efficiency, hereare six simple methods to consider:
- Repair, replace or add new weatherstripping
- Get a window draft stopper
- Cover cracks with nail polish
- Wrap the windows with film
- Reglaze the window panes
- Use interior storm windows or inserts
By prioritizing these energy saving methods, you could save an average of20% on your energy bills, which will really add up over time!
Repair, replace or add new weatherstripping
Another way to prevent a draft from windows is with plasticweatherstripping. Install it along the side sashes and instantly improve thewindow's insulation from outside temperatures.
Get a window draft stopper
A draft stopper or draft snake is one of the most simple ways to block coldair from coming in through your window. Draft snakes are tubes or sleevesfilled with dense materials that you place on the bottom edge of yourwindow. They are not permanent and can be removed (or sometimes knockeddown) very easily.
Cover cracks with nail polish
Very small cracks in your window can be painted with clear nail polish.Don't try this with any windows that have coating as this can harm windowcoating.
Wrap the windows with film
During seasons when you know you won't be opening your windows, you may wantto apply insulating film. Held by double-sided tape and easy to mount,shrink film can create an airtight seal over your existing windows. Thisnon-permanent fix is a great way to stop window drafts, but the adhesiveoften damages surfaces during removal in the spring.
Reglaze the window panes
The glazing putty that seals window panes into the frame is prone todegradation over time. Removing all the existing putty and replacing it withfresh material can improve your windows' insulation for a few dollars and alittle bit of time and effort.
Use interior storm windows or inserts
The beauty of interior storm windows is that they fit directly into yourexisting window frames, require minimal effort to install and significantlyimprove insulation. While interior storm windows give a tight seal againstwindow drafts, they don't change the look of your windows. You preservetheir original beauty or historic charm with zero risk of damage to theframe. And they cost less than a full window replacement. They also canimprove energy efficiency.
Benefits of Indow Insulated Windows
Indow inserts are a more permanent solution to insulating drafty windowswithout being as high-cost as replacement windows. They are a relativelyeasy fix — after measuring your windows, you simply press the custom-fitinserts into place inside your window frames. They provide a majorimprovement in efficiency, increase insulation and reduce drafts, and canalso add a layer of soundproofing.
They are designed to be easy and quick to install and remove. Theypractically disappear once in your window. Wherever you live and whateverthe size of your windows, Indow storm window inserts are a mix of all theother solutions to fixing drafty windows combined — except for repairingyour windows. Indow inserts and drafty window repair go hand in hand.
To learn more about making your windows draft free with Indow windowinserts, check out our drafts solutions pageor fill out our form to speak with a representative.
