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How to Fix a Drafty Window

Drafty windows can be a pesky and costly problem, especially during colder months. Not only do they create uncomfortable cold spots in your home, but they can also significantly increase your heating bills. Fortunately, fixing drafty windows doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical steps you can take to eliminate drafts and improve your home’s energy efficiency. From locking windows and applying weatherstripping to using physical barriers on doors and insulating windows with plastic, these expert-recommended solutions are sure to keep the cold air out and the warm air in.

How To Reduce Window and Door Drafts

1. Lock Your Windows and Apply Weatherstripping

Locking your windows is an often overlooked but effective first step in reducing drafts. When windows are locked, they are pulled tighter together, minimizing gaps through which air can seep. It’s a simple yet crucial action that establishes a better seal. Ensure you check and maintain locks to work effectively year-round.

Weatherstripping is another effective measure that acts as a buffer against drafts. Available in various forms like V-strip, foam tape, and door sweeps, weatherstripping is easy to apply and can make a significant difference in enhancing the insulation properties of your windows. Be sure to clean the surfaces before applying any new weatherstripping to ensure it adheres properly.

2. Weatherproof Your Exterior Doors

Exterior doors are common culprits for drafts when not sealed properly. Start by examining the door frame and ensuring the door fits snugly when closed. Installing or replacing old, worn-out door sweeps can prevent drafts under the door. For the perimeter, apply weatherstripping to stop air passage.

You might also consider installing a storm door if you don’t have one already. This additional door serves as an extra barrier against wind and cold air. With the added layer, the space between the storm door and your main door acts as insulation, reducing the transfer of cold air indoors.

3. Reglaze Loose Windowpanes

If your windows are getting old, the glazing or putty holding the glass in place may have degraded, leading to gaps where drafts can enter. Reglazing the windowpane involves removing the old putty and applying a new layer to secure the glass firmly in place.

This task requires some level of precision and care, as you’ll need to remove and potentially replace some of the window’s parts. However, once completed, it offers a more permanent solution to draft problems emanating from the windowpane itself.

4. Use Physical Barriers on Drafty Doors

Sometimes a physical barrier is the simplest and most effective solution. Consider using draft excluders or draft snakes, which are long, cylindrical pillows placed at the bottom of doors to block drafts. They are easy to position and can be moved as needed.

Draft excluders can be particularly useful for doors that aren’t frequently opened, such as basement or storage room doors. Choose ones with features like weighted fillings to ensure they stay in place even when the door is in use.

5. Layer Your Window Treatments

Layering window treatments can significantly reduce drafts and add a stylish touch to your home. Use heavy curtains or drapes to act as an additional barrier against drafts, ideally lined with thermal fabric to enhance insulation.

For an added layer of protection, combine curtains with blinds or shades. Cellular shades, in particular, are renowned for their energy-saving qualities, as their unique structure creates air pockets that trap cold air before it reaches your living space.

6. Fill in the Gaps to Seal Windows

Ensuring that all gaps and holes around your window are sealed is crucial for minimizing drafts. Use silicone caulk to fill cracks and gaps between the window trim and the wall. Opt for a high-quality, all-weather silicone caulk that can expand and contract with the seasons without breaking the seal.

For larger gaps, you might need to use a sealant product such as expanding foam. This material expands as it cures, filling larger spaces and providing a firm, insulated barrier against drafts.

7. Apply Temporary Caulk to Drafty Windows

Temporary caulking solutions are ideal for windows you intend to open in the warmer months but need sealed tight against winter drafts. This removable caulk applies easily and peels away without damaging the window or leaving residue when you’re ready to let the summer breeze in.

This method is perfect for renters, or for maintaining flexibility with your windows seasonally. Ensure the surface is clean and dry before application for the best seal.

8. Insulate Windows With Plastic

Insulating windows with plastic film is an effective and affordable solution to reduce drafts, especially in older homes with single-pane windows. Window insulation kits include shrink-wrap plastic film that adheres to the window frame. Use a hairdryer to shrink the film taut, forming a tight seal.

This method creates an insulating layer of air between the film and the window, keeping warm air in and cold air out. Be sure to apply the plastic film before temperatures drop too significantly, as extreme cold can make installation more difficult.

Next Up In Insulation

Once you’ve tackled your window and door drafts, consider where else your home might benefit from improved insulation. Attics, basements, and exterior walls are common areas for heat loss, and upgrading insulation in these spaces can enhance your home’s overall energy efficiency and comfort.

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