One of the primary benefits of properly installed, new windows is energy efficiency. When a new window is placed in a home, it is sealed tightly and blocks out the transfer of heat during the warm summer months.
But, eventually, that window will get older, and as it does, it may start to develop leaks. These leaks dramatically reduce the energy efficiency of the window and your home’s overall comfort, increasing energy costs and allowing cold and warm air to transfer inside and outside of the property.
If you have drafty windows, it’s an issue you will want to fix right away. Even if you do not feel discomfort, the resulting energy efficiency issues will potentially dramatically increase your energy bills.
How Can We Fix Drafty Windows?
Leaking windows can be fixed in a number of different ways depending on the cause of the leak, the extent of the damage, where the leak occurs, and how many windows are leaking. Some examples of ways to fix drafty windows include, but are not limited to:
- Weatherstripping – Weatherstripping involves applying a strip of material around the window to seal gaps where air leaks may occur. Various materials, including foam, felt, rubber, and vinyl, can be used depending on the specific needs of the window. It is typically applied to the movable parts of the window frame and the sash, where most air leaks occur.
- Caulking – Caulking is used to seal the non-movable joints of a window frame and the space between the frame and the wall. Silicone or acrylic latex caulk are commonly used due to their durability and flexibility. Caulk should be applied to any gaps or cracks that are visible and where different materials meet, such as between the window frame and the house siding.
- Window Film – Window film is a plastic film applied directly to the glass, which helps to reduce heat loss and block drafts. There are insulating films that adhere directly to the window glass, creating an additional layer of insulation. The film is typically applied using a self-adhesive backing, and it should be smoothed out to eliminate any air bubbles for effective insulation.
- Draft Snakes Draft snakes are fabric tubes filled with a dense material, placed at the window sill to prevent air from coming through the bottom of the window. They can be homemade or purchased, filled with materials like sand or rice. Simply place the draft snake along the window sill or at the bottom of the window where drafts are most noticeable.
- Window Insulation Kits – These kits typically include a plastic shrink film that is applied over the window during colder months to add an extra layer of insulation. Most kits use a heat-shrink plastic that is tightened with a hair dryer to remove any wrinkles and create an airtight seal. The film is applied to the indoor frame of the window, and it can be removed when temperatures warm up.
- Double-Pane Window Replacement – Replacing single-pane windows with double-pane windows can significantly reduce drafts by providing an additional layer of insulation. Double-pane windows consist of two pieces of glass with a space between them, often filled with gas like argon for better insulation. Installation should be done by a professional to ensure that the windows are sealed correctly.
Any time the windows are old or damaged, replacing them is often the best choice. Energy efficient windows have better features, like low-E coating, to improve efficiency, and the window’s framing can be designed to reduce drafts and prevent leaks.
Always Fix a Draft Right Away
Fixing drafty windows should not be something that you delay, because the energy loss, discomfort, and increase in your utility bills is something that will happen quickly even with only one small leaky window. Christian Construction offers window replacement and window repair, so if you need help with your windows on Staten Island, we’re confident we can help you get the support you need. Give us a call today to learn more.
