How to Fix Drafty Windows

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HOW TO FIX
DRAFTY
WINDOWS
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Drafty windows make it hard to keep utility costs
down. On top of letting out the heated and
cooled air, youll also find that drafts affect
your comfort.
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Windows can lose their seal due to age or other
forms of damage. Fixing the underlying cause
restores your homes energy efficiency and keeps
your living environment at the perfect
temperature.
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Find the Drafty Spot
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If you can figure out where the air is getting
in, youll have a better chance at fixing the
issue. You can use your hand to feel around the
perimeter of the window.
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Holding a candle as you move your hand is another
option. If you see the flame flicker, then
youll know that air is hitting it there.
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Once you find a spot, use a sticky note or tape
to mark it. Keep in mind that you may have
several areas around the window that need repair.
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Put a Draft Stopper on the Window Sill
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Drafts that are at the base of the window can be
blocked right away with a snake-style stopper or
pillow. This method is just a temporary fix since
keeping a stopper in place forever isnt
feasible.
Photo from Amazon
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Replace or Add Weatherstripping
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Weatherstripping is made from rubber materials
that block drafts well. These materials can break
down over time, and it is common to have to
replace weatherstripping after several years.
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If the weatherstripping around one window is in
need of replacement, then it is worth doing all
of the windows at once to stop drafts in other
places before they start.
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Repair or Replace the Caulking
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Window caulking is also used as a seal, and it
breaks down over time just like weatherstripping.
You might be able to see areas of the caulking
that are cracked or completely missing during a
visual inspection.
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Small areas of damage can be repaired as patches,
but youll need to have the windows completely
re-caulked if there are large or multiple damaged
areas.
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Have the Windows Reglazed
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Special putty is used between window panes to
hold everything together. This putty can also
break down over time, and this is especially
common to find on older windows.
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Window reglazing removes the old putty and
replaces it with new materials to stop drafts
that occur around the panes.
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Replace the Window
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Serious drafts may require a more permanent
solution. Drafts can also happen if the window
frames become damaged or develop cracks around
them.
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It is also possible that your dual pane windows
have somehow lost their seal. Homes with single
pane windows might need to be upgraded to a more
energy-efficient type to fully block out the air.
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Add New Window Treatments
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Properly sealed windows shouldnt generate
drafts. Adding layers of window treatments
serves as extra protection in case a new problem
occurs.
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Try combining blinds with heavier curtains. Thick
fabrics work well as insulation, and you can
change out the curtains to lightweight ones in
the summer.
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Window drafts are a frustrating problem, and it
can sometimes be hard to figure out where the air
is coming from.
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If youre not sure why the window is drafty, then
an inspection is the best way to identify the
right solution for this common home maintenance
problem.
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Raben Glass has over 40 years of experience in
the residential and commercial glass industry.
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We take pride in providing top quality service as
we replace dual pane windows, install glass
shower enclosures, and build storefront metal
and glass entrances. We are bonded and insured,
and our work and products are guaranteed.
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Showroom by appointment only 1826 W Broadway
25 Mesa AZ 85202 [phone] info_at_rabenglass.c
om www.rabenglass.com