How to Spot Drafty Windows and Fix Them

Feeling a chill in the air even when your heat is cranked up? That unexplained cold spot might be coming from your windows. Drafty windows are a fairly common issue for homeowners, but ignoring them can lead to discomfort, higher energy bills and bigger problems down the line. Fortunately, spotting and fixing them is easier than you might think. At Berg Home Improvements, we’ve helped homeowners across Illinois with their home exterior issues for over 50 years, and we know what to look for.

Here’s how you can identify and address drafty windows:

• Physically feel for drafts
• Look for visible damage or condensation
• Listen for rattles
• Consider quick fixes
• Know when to replace them

By taking time to address window drafts, you can proactively improve your home’s comfort, energy efficiency and overall value.

What Are the Signs of a Drafty Window?

Pinpointing a drafty window doesn’t require any special equipment. A few simple checks can help you find the source of the problem.

• The Hand Test: On a windy day, move a dampened hand around the window frame. If you feel a cool breeze, you have a draft.
• Visible Gaps or Damage: Look closely at your windows. Can you see any daylight around the frame at all? Is the caulk cracked and pulling away? Is the weatherstripping old and brittle? These are all clear signs pointing to a leak.
• Rattling Sounds: If your windows rattle during windy weather, it may mean that the sashes are loose in their frames, allowing air to enter.
• Condensation: While some condensation is normal, moisture building up between the panes of a double- or triple-pane window indicates a broken seal. This failure compromises the window’s insulation, making it less effective.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to start considering fixes.

Why Is It Important to Fix Drafty Windows?

Fixing a drafty window helps make your home more comfortable, prevent water damage and improve energy efficiency.

• Lower Energy Bills: Leaky windows can account for a substantial portion of your home’s energy loss. Sealing these drafts means your heating and cooling systems don’t have to work as hard, which saves you money.
• Improved Comfort: Eliminating temperature fluctuations near windows makes your indoor living space more pleasant.
• Prevent Water Damage: Gaps that let in air can, over time, also let in water, leading to potential mold, mildew and structural damage over time.

What Are Quick Fixes for Drafty Windows?

If you’re not ready for a full window replacement, there are several effective temporary solutions you can try.

• Weatherstripping: This self-adhesive foam or rubber tape can be applied around the window sash to create a tighter seal.
• Caulking: Apply a new layer of caulk to seal any cracks or gaps between the window frame and the wall.
• Draft Stoppers: These filled fabric tubes can be placed along the bottom of the window sill to block incoming air.

If these don’t help with temperature drops or other problems, you may need to consider window replacement for optimal efficiency.

Your Long-Term Solution to Drafts

While quick fixes can provide temporary relief, the best long-term solution for old, inefficient windows is replacement. Modern wood and vinyl windows offer superior insulation, durability and security, ensuring your home stays comfortable and energy-efficient for longer.

The Berg Home Improvements team has been providing top-quality replacement windows to the Chicagoland area for over five decades. If you’re tired of dealing with drafts, contact us today for a free, no-obligation estimate. Let our window professionals secure your home and take care of gaps and drafts for good.