A guide to drafty windows
Drafty windows allow heat to escape through the window seal. Window seals break for several reasons. Over time, wear and tear are bound to happen. When the seal fails on a double or triple-pane window, the argon gas between the glass escapes, making the window less energy efficient. Caulking creates an extra seal around the window. You should inspect caulking periodically because it does crack and deteriorate over time.
Saving energy, and heating and cooling costs are some of the things we need to consider when buying, replacing, or repairing our window and door frames. Addressing the drafty window sooner rather than later will help with the uncomfortable chill it brings into the room. Window drafts cause many issues for homeowners. It's chilly and can become quite costly. Your HVAC system works harder when the controlled air escapes your home through the drafts. Your energy bill will increase when you have drafty windows and doors.
We use the Energy Star Certification System in Canada and the United States. This system is used on a variety of items. Testing products by independent and credible laboratories show different energy efficiency levels. If they pass the energy efficiency standards, they get the Energy Star symbol. Standards and policies are constantly changing because of the ever-changing environment and technologies.
Testing on Windows is based on a few evaluations:
The U Value – measures the overall heat loss. Windows with a lower U factor have better insulation for colder climates.
Energy Rating (ER) - combines passive solar heat gained through the glass and overall heat loss and air leakage.
The R-Value – retains the heat through the window.
Air leakage is another thing to consider. If the window was not correctly installed, it could result in an air leak. Air leaks will allow heat to escape through the gaps or let the cold air in, thus using your furnace more and costing you more to heat the home. Save money on heating costs by replacing the window and adding caulk and new weatherstripping.
What are the primary causes of window drafts?
Some of the contributors to window drafts are window seals. The seal is bound to break over time and could also be related to the outside elements. Poor installation and poor workmanship can also lead to drafty windows. Installing the windows yourself is not recommended so have a professional do it.
Old windows past their lifespan
All windows have lifespans. The lifespan is related to good maintenance and reasonable weather. Older windows are made of wood or aluminum. Neither is excellent for long-term effectiveness. For example, wood expands and contracts and leads to rot, leading to drafts. Newer windows are built with vinyl or fiberglass and don't rot or crack as easily and so require less maintenance. These materials are better solutions for drafts in the long run.
Recommended repairs for drafty windows
Once the source of the draft is located, you can eliminate it with the proper repair. Some solutions are easier to apply if you have some experience or want to Do-It-Yourself. You can significantly reduce air drafts from windows or doors with these:
- V-seal Weatherstripping – the plastic weather stripping goes along the sides of the sashes and helps restrict airflow.
- Plastic Window Wrap – Window Shrink Wraps are plastic covers applied to a window's interior to prevent drafts. Window wraps are not the most attractive or long-term solution.
- Rope Caulk – is a premium type of caulk that is very affordable. You can mold the soft, sticky- substance to fit into bigger gaps where the drafts are notorious.
- Draft Snakes – a draft snake is a foam & fabric substance cut to fit the drafty window. The tube extends across the bottom of a window to restrict airflow and usually has a washable cover.
Long-term solutions for drafty windows
The above solutions are considered short-term repairs for window drafts. For more long-term fixed that may cost more money but can solve the problem are:
- Replace the Glazing – Window Glazing refers to the putty that holds the glass in place or the process of installing the window glaze using the putty. Replacing the glaze is not easy, and you may have to hire a professional.
- Install Storm Windows – storm windows are mounted inside or outside the main glass windowpanes. They have superior air-sealing, retain temperature, and protect the main window from Mother Nature's wear and tear. They also help with drafts and insulation, making the home more energy efficient.
To keep your energy bill from going through the roof during the winter, you can use window plastic to insulate your windows seasonally.
Advantages of Plastic Window Films
- Window plastic reduces the cost of heating by 30 to 40 percent.
- It provides privacy.
- Window plastic kits are inexpensive.
- High-quality window films can significantly increase the efficiency of low-cost windows.
The Disadvantages of Plastic Window Films
- Window insulation kits can be challenging to install because of the nooks and crannies of window latches.
- Not all kits are designed equally. Cheaper, low-quality kits will provide different benefits.
- By adding the plastic to your windows, you may void the warranty from your window manufacturer.
- There are many skepticisms about the efficiency of the plastic kits that make them a hard sell.
- Reflective window films can cause tremendous heat build-up in multi-pane windows, causing them to crack. Avoid using window film on windows that receive a lot of direct sunlight.
Before you buy the plastic window film, measure your windows and know all the dimensions you'll need to cover them. And it's always good to have extra tape.
If none of these tips help with the drafts in your windows, you can always buy new windows. Window replacements are costly, but, in some cases, they are the best long-term option.
By: Tricia Cook, Content Navigator