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Drafty Window Solutions

Keep windows drafts at bay with these easy solutions

Tue, 02/17/2009 - 14:01 — Tom Kraeutler
Filed Under: Living Spaces, Decorating and Design, Windows and Skylights, Green Home, Saving Energy, Seasons
Summary: 

Drafty windows lead to higher winter heating bill.  Drafty windows can be sealed with a combination of caulk and weather stripping.  Drafty windows can also be covered with insulating shades to reduce heat loss.

Dear Tom and Leslie: 

I have really drafty windows. The drafts are particularly bad when I sit in one chair that is near an east window. I am not ready to go for new windows and am wondering what my alternatives might be. Can you tell me how to fix my drafty windows?

Answer: 

Drafty windows are an annoyance you don't have to put up with. Drafty windows drive up your winter heatings bills. Here are some suggestions on how to end window drafts.

Drafty windows should be caulked between the window and the siding on the outside, and between the trim and the window on the inside. These are the most common areas that drafts slip through. Check for loose or missing weatherstripping, as that may be the source of drafts.

Drafty Window SolutionsIf the drafts are coming in between the window sash and the frame, you might consider caulking the window shut with a special temporary caulk that is designed to be removed in the spring.

DAP makes a product called SEAL-N-PEEL that fixes the drafty window and allows the caulk to be removed in spring. It goes on like regular caulk, but can easily be pealed off after it dries. As a precautionary safety measure, don't use caulk on any window that you rely on as an emergency fire exit.

Finally, you can add a cellular shade to block out window drafts. Cellular shades have a honeycombed design that provide an added layer of insulation between you and the cold, drafty window. Check out the new line of cellular shades from Levolor. These shades offer light and privacy control, energy efficiency, and safe and easy operation. They also come in many fashionable designs. Levolor will even send you free swatches so you can decide on colors from the actual product.

If drafty windows have you ready for window replacement, you can download our free guide to choosing and installing replacement windows.

Comments

Sun, 03/14/2010 - 20:12 — Bob (not verified)

window caulking

The caulk is cracking around my window frames on the inside. Is it necessary to remove the old caulk? Or can I simply add additional caulk around the edges of the windows to reduce the drafts?

Mon, 02/15/2010 - 14:45 — Bennietta (not verified)

I have drafts comming in

I have drafts comming in around the floor where the floor meets the walls.Had the house winterized by a sorry contractor.

Benni

Fri, 02/12/2010 - 12:07 — Patrick Hartshorn (not verified)

Window Coverings

Although the window coverings above do help in reducing the drafts, there can be a drawback! Please remember, I live in Alaska where the exterior is cold and the interior is commonly moist, mostly from our subsistance life styles. I own an indoor environmental services company and regularly inspect homes with heavy condensation on the windows. This condition is commonly caused by window coverings not allowing any air flow over the glass surface. Although this is mostly a problem from high humidity already in the house, it can be accelerated by the covers. Luckily, it is also easily dealt with, usually by simply opening the window shades during the daytime or when not needed for privacy. A ceiling fan pulling air up and pushing it across the ceiling and down the walls over the exposed windows also offers great results in reducing or elliminating the moisture.

Thanks Tom and Leslie, this site is awesome and I pass it on to all my customers.

Fri, 02/12/2010 - 09:35 — Simonton Windows (not verified)

Noise Dampening Windows

Made with laminated glass that can help lower the transmittance of outdoor noises into the home by 50 percent over standard windows, Simonton StormBreaker Plus double hung, picture and casement windows have a Sound Transmission Classification (STC) rating of 35. Similar styles of traditional replacement and new construction windows have an STC rating of 25 to 28.

STC ratings measure the ability of sound waves to penetrate walls. For windows, STC ratings range from 18 to 38. The ultimate in noise reduction, a sound-proof recording studio, is generally constructed to have an STC of 45-50.

The highest STC rating you can have for a window is 38 to block out exterior noise, so with a 35 rating, these windows rank high in preventing noise infiltration into the home. Research shows that an improvement of 5 STC rating points equates to a 50% reduction in noise reaching into the home.

Simonton's Stormbreaker windows are available with glass packages that are guaranteeed to qualify for the federal energy tax credit of up to $1,500, so you can gain great energy efficiency and help offset the cost of the windows.

Sun, 01/10/2010 - 13:38 — george (not verified)

noise & thermal windows

what type or kind of replacement windows do I need to reduce energy cost and eliminate noise from roosters (many)it keeps me awake , had to move to other side of house!!

Sun, 01/10/2010 - 14:24 — Tom Kraeutler

Replacement Windows

Wow...no one ever asked me how to keep out rooster noise before!

Generally speaking, a good quality, Energy Star-rated thermal pane window will do a pretty good job of reducing street (or farm life!) noises. You can buy windows that are specially designed for sound reduction but they are extremely expensive. Make sure that the new windows you buy qualify for the Federal Energy Tax Credits too, as that can save you up to about 30% of their cost.

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