How to Fix Drafty Windows

It’s nearly wintertime, which means chilly temperatures are approaching. With that comes drafts, and for homeowners who live in older houses with old windows, it’s time to seal up those air gaps.

Depending on where you live, some regions are more prone to flighty winter weather more than others—which means howling winds one day and calm breezes the next. 

Here are a few drafty window fixes to stop the cold from breaking in, and keep your home warm and toasty this winter.

Apply Weatherstripping

The easiest solution to drafty windows is locking them and applying weather-stripping. This method seals any openings and closes the spaces that air might leak through while simultaneously keeping interior air in, thus saving energy and money on heating and air conditioning.

Apply Cellular Shades

Cellular shades, or honeycomb shades, is an easy and inexpensive window treatment that uses a hexagonal design to keep your home’s interior air locked in. Their uniques shapes offer an extra layer of insulation to your window. 

As a bonus, they also provide light control and complete privacy to your windows. 

Fill Air Gaps with Temporary Caulk

Temporary caulk effectively seals any air gaps in your window during the winter. Just like a regular caulk, you can buy it in a tube at your local department store. Then, once summer rolls around, simply peel off the caulk to reopen your window.

Layering Window Treatments 

For exceptionally frigid regions, you might need to apply more than one treatment to your drafty windows. 

Hanging up black-out curtains is another easy method that can be used together with a temporary caulk or weather-stripping. Heavy curtains stop any drafts from passing through windows and throughout your house, while the dark color retains heat from the sun. 

Hire a Professional Service to Replace Your Windows 

The above solutions offer quick and temporary fixes to drafty windows. Combining several of these easy fixes can help you double up on retaining heat and protecting your windows from stronger drafts trying to penetrate your home. 

However, some windows are too old to be saved. Particularly older houses with worn or rotted windows demand replacement, and this is a job best suited for a professional. 

As a homeowner, you can browse frame materials and insulated glass options, and choose the level of maintenance according to your preference. Then, once winter rolls around, you can say goodbye to drafty windows once and for all.