Drafty windows are always a great discomfort for any house, no matter what time of the year it is outside. In the summer, it does not feel so uncomfortable (however you pay more for the bills) but it is winter which brings cold drafts and leaks, leading to the highest point of discomfort.
What Is Wrong with the Windows?
Most old windows have severe troubles with glazing which over time become brittle and fall away. Moreover, old wooden sashes usually shrink and wear with age, letting a lot of cold air in. So the final line, if you feel drafts and air leaks on a cold day, then you definitely need to consider fixing your problems. Think about contacting a company that does custom window installation in Cary NC (or somewhere nearer to you), so that professionals can take a good look at your windows and replace them with newer, stronger ones. This can drastically help reduce the drafts in your home, keeping you comfortable during winter. If you do not want to replace the windows, there are other quick fixes (like Window Treatments) to try also.
Below is a list of easy and fast ways of fixing your problems in case you are already in trouble of cold air inside the house.
Rope caulk addition. As it has already been said above, old windows have old sashes that shrink over time and so they leave plenty of room for drafts. According to windows Strathmore experts, in order to fix such a problem, you need to apply rope caulk to any cracks in the sashes. Experts claim that such soft and sticky stuff can in fact be molded to suit any gap you have; when you do not need it anymore you can easily remove it at the end of the season. And the great thing is the price: only $5 for 30 feet.
V-seal weather stripping. This is the easiest way of fixing troubles. All you need to do is to add this plastic weather stripping through all the sides of the leaking sashes. In this way your windows will be able to open and shut even if you make the V-seal in place. And the price for it is also pretty appealing: just $5.50 per window.
Shrink film. This special film is normally applied with shrink wrap tape. Those interested could consider getting more information about that tape online. Shrink wrap is a clear plastic sheeting which shrinks drum-tight when heated (the easiest way to do so is to use a regular hair dryer). This shrink film seals off all the drafts and can capture an insulating buffer of air. In order to release the tape after use, expert advise to use rubbing alcohol; in this way you can avoid pulling off paint. And the price is nice too: $2 for a 42-by-62-inch window.
Add a draft snake. If you have found out that your windows’ bottom leaks cold air, you can get a foam-and-fabric draft in order to snake kit. All you need to do is cut the 36-inch foam tube of the required length and then slip the washable cover over it. After that you just need to place the snake on the sill and simply shut the window on it in order to seal the deal. And the price here is a little higher – $6 per window.
Clifton Mason is established as a content developer for a range of Internet content networks, who focuses on a range of home safety and improvement topics typified by tips from Olds windows experts for fixing old drafty windows and other related areas. A committed explorer of online community and an opinion maker in all things related to the home improvement.
