Drafty Windows

 H2: Identify the source of the drafts

If you have a draft in your home then the first thing you need to do is find out where it is coming from, and you can do this by using something with a flame - like a candle - to find the draft.  Move the flame around the window and watch what the flame is doing - if it flickers then you know that there is a draft there and you should mark the spot on the window frame so that you know where it is so that you can seal it.

 

H2: How to seal an apartment window

Most drafts are found in the frame of the window - where the window meets a different material such as wood - as it is often not sealed completely airtight.  You should inspect the area where the frame meets the wall to see if there is caulk sealing in the gap between the wall and the window frame.  If there isn’t sufficient sealing then you can use a paintable caulk sealing to fix it.

 

It’s also a good idea to check the area between the window glass and the frame as this is also a frequent place for drafts to occur.  You can use either caulk or silicone to seal this area and you should make sure that there are no small cracks where air can get through.

 

H2: Apply window insulation film

How many panes of glass your window has can also make a difference as to how well insulated your house is and even though two panes are better than one, there is often little insulation value in the glass.  An easy way to improve the insulation provided by the window is to use a kit to insulate it further.  This is a simple and effective method that involves placing a layer of film on the inside of the window.

 

The film used in window insulation kits is clear so you don’t need to worry about being unable to see out of your windows, and the easiest way to apply it is with a hair dryer.  All you need to do is cut it to the required size and place it against the window then use the hair dryer to apply heat so that it sticks.  This is a fast and fairly inexpensive method of adding another layer of insulation to your windows and it can raise the insulation value of the window by around 90%.

 

H2: Removable magnetic window insulation

Another method of improving the insulation value of your windows is to install removable magnetic window insulation.  If you prefer to still be able to open your windows during winter then this is a good method to use as it uses magnets rather than tape to attach the insulation to the windows.  This means that you can either only add the insulation on cold days or simply remove it when you want to open your windows.

 

You can use the following steps to install it:

 

1. Apply a few coats of magnetic paint to the window trim.

2. Cut the vinyl insulation to the required shape and size for your window.

3. Add the magnetic tape to the vinyl insulation.

4. The tape can now be used to attach the insulation to the magnetic paint.  The use of magnets makes it simple to remove as and when required.

 

H2: Check the window closes fully

Although it might seem like a fairly simple thing, a major source of air and heat loss is an old window that no longer closes fully.  Sometimes it can be because there is simply something stuck in the way that is preventing it from closing properly, but it could also be because the window no longer fits properly.

 

To prevent drafts then you need to make sure that any air going underneath the window can be stopped.  If it is only a small gap then you can use a foam sealing strip on the bottom of the window.  This works by compressing when the window is closed and will completely block any small gaps and prevent air from leaking under the window.

 

H2: Insulated curtains

Using thermal insulated curtains in your home can make a massive difference as they can keep your house much warmer in winter by blocking drafts.  They are also useful in the summer as curtains with white backing can make your home cooler as they reduce the amount of warm air entering through the windows.

 

H2: Storm stoppers

Storm stopper windows are usually made from acrylic or plexiglass and can be fitted straight into your current window frames.  These can increase your home’s insulation and are much cheaper to fit than completely new windows.  Also, compared to traditional storm windows, these do not change the look of your house.

 

H2: Fixing drafty windows from the exterior

Once you have fixed any insulation issues from the inside of your home it is time to take care of the outside to make sure that you have absolutely no drafts left.  Much like the inside, check the exterior of the windows where the window frame meets a new material such as wood or brick and see if the caulk or silicone sealant is still present and in good condition.  If it’s not then you can remove it and clean the area where you are going to add new sealant.  Silicone sealant is the better choice for the exterior as caulk can go mouldy.  Silicone is available in both coloured and clear forms and a mold-resistant one is recommended.

 

Finally, you should also examine the area where the window pane meets the window frame to check that there are no gaps.  If there are any small gaps then you should use a silicone sealant to fill them.

 

H2: Contact your landlord

If your home is a rental property then you should always contact your landlord or their management if there is a draft coming from your windows.  If the windows are cracked then you should make sure that the landlord deals with it and replaces them immediately as there is a serious risk of it causing condensation or mold, which means that you could end up with bigger problems in the long run.  Not only that, but drafty or broken windows will cost you more money as you will have increased heating bills.

 

If you do have drafty windows then you should make sure that you inform your landlord about how you are dealing with them as they might need to be replaced.  It’s also a good idea to keep track of your energy bills to see if your costs are rising as a result of the drafty windows.