What We'll Cover:
Those small gaps and cracks might seem insignificant, but over time, they force your HVAC system to work overtime, leading to higher utility bills and unnecessary energy waste. If left unchecked, drafts can even affect the longevity of your windows and doors, causing more wear and tear. The good news? Fixing these drafts can be simple and cost-effective, making your home more efficient and comfortable in the long run. Let's dive into some practical solutions!
- Understanding what causes drafty windows and doors
- Tips for identifying drafts in your home
- Quick fixes for immediate relief
- Long-term solutions for sustainable comfort
- Knowing when to call in the professionals
- Preventing future drafts through regular maintenance
What causes drafty windows and doors?
Over time, the seals and materials around your windows and doors can degrade. This wear and tear can lead to gaps that let cold air in and warm air escape. Other potential reasons for drafts include:
- Poor Installation: If your windows and doors weren’t installed correctly, they might not fit snugly in their frames, which creates gaps that allow air to flow in and out.
- Environmental Factors: Changes in temperature and humidity cause materials to expand and contract, which may result in the development of cracks and gaps over time.
- Lack of Insulation: Insufficient insulation around windows and doors can let cold air seep into your home.
How to locate a draft in your home
Before you can fix those drafty windows and doors, you need to pinpoint where the air leaks are coming from. Begin by carefully inspecting your windows and back and front doors, checking for any gaps or cracks between the frames and walls. If you spot daylight peeking through, that's a sure indication of an issue.
On a windy day, run your hand along the edges to feel for any cold air seeping in. Another method is to hold a candle or incense stick near the frames—if the flame flickers or the smoke moves erratically, that might mean your window is drafty. Hearing whistling or howling noises when the wind blows? That’s another telltale sign of gaps needing attention.
Quick fixes for drafty windows and doors
If you’ve identified drafty areas in your home, you’ll want to take action quickly, so that you don’t lose a lot of warm air through heat transfer. Here’s how to fix drafty windows for the short term in a way that doesn’t break the bank:
Weatherstripping
One of the simplest and most effective fixes is applying weatherstripping to your drafty windows and doors. This material comes in various types, such as adhesive-backed foam, V-strip, or felt. To apply, measure and cut the strips to fit around your windows and doors, sealing the gaps and stopping drafts in their tracks.
Thermal curtains
These insulated curtains block out light as well as helping keep the cold air at bay, significantly improving your home’s temperature regulation. Make sure to hang them as close to the window as possible for maximum effect.
Draft stoppers
Draft stoppers can be placed at the bottom of your doors to block chilly air from sneaking in. You can find fabric or foam options in stores, or you can create your own by rolling up a towel or sewing a fabric tube filled with rice. Simply position them at the base of your doors for immediate relief.
Long-term solutions
While a quick fix can get you by for a while, you may be wondering, well how do I stop drafty windows permanently? Getting rid of window drafts for good means cutting to the root of the problem with long-term solutions that keep your home comfortable year round.
Caulking windows
Caulk helps seal gaps around window frames and prevents air leaks. Choose a high-quality, paintable caulk for the best results. To get started:
- Identify areas where the frame meets the wall or where there are visible cracks.
- Clean the surfaces to remove old caulk or debris, then apply a bead of caulk to fill the gaps.
- Smooth it out with a caulk tool or your finger for a neat finish.
Adding insulation
Insulation is key to keeping your home energy-efficient. If your windows are older or your home has insufficient insulation, consider upgrading. There are various options, such as rigid foam boards or fiberglass insulation, that can be added around window frames and in walls. Spray foam insulation is particularly effective for sealing larger gaps.
Air sealing
Air sealing, which involves sealing all possible air leaks throughout your home, complements insulation efforts. You can use expanding foam for larger gaps or specialized sealants for smaller cracks around windows, doors, and other openings.
