Drafty windows: 8 quick and affordable fixes

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No one likes drafty windows — no concern what season. If yours are old (or new) and bring cold air into your home, rest assured that there are a few smart fixes to stop that breeze in its tracks and to stop your energy bills from repositioning through the roof.

It can depend on the types of windows you have, but usually, the problem stems from old fittings that crack and lose their quality over time. It's normal wear and tear, but that's not to say that you should ignore it or replace your windows immediately.

If you're captivating into your first apartment (especially if it's a rental), you might only realize how shoddy the insulation is while you've scraped together your security deposit and settled in. And, your landlord is unlikely to reinstall windows as it can be an expensive route to go down. So to keep the still, and to save you from turning on your heating every time to cold comes in, I've come up with lots of ways to cheaply remedy this teach. Some are more foolproof than others, a few keen getting stuck into some light DIY and the quickest way involves a cheap productions I've got in my mani kit, so li'l hint: You can "nail" the job.

"Drafty windows grant warmed-up or cooled air to escape your home once giving way to outside temperatures," says Dominique Kemps, CEO and founder of The Glassperts. "This defect appears around the outside edge of the window frame, where panes of glass overlap, move, or open. For example, you heat your house with your heating system, but when you walk past some windows, you feel a certain chill. This cold air is probably a breeze coming from a separate window."

Thankfully there are lots of brilliant drafty window fixes you can try that are all splendid budget-friendly, too.

1. Add in weatherstripping

Adding weatherstripping to the sides of window sashes can help fix drafty windows if your home insulation isn't operational as well as you'd like. "This is a cheap way to seal doors and windows in your home," says Kemps. "There are three main types of weather strips: compression, foam, and V-type. Compression weather strips are more generous for sealing window sashes. V-type weather strips fit in contradiction of the side of a window jam and prevent cold air from entering. Foam weatherstrip is the easiest to install, but it doesn't last so long."

Flax income that it's best to choose high-quality weatherstripping, too. This will fated you have a window seal that won't give out in a commercial of months or years.

2. Layer up on window dressings

Combining your well-liked window treatment ideas will not only look great but it's also a splendid good way to stop drafts if you're not ready to replace your windows. "Adding several layers, like a combination of sheer curtains, blinds (hung on the inside of the frame), and huge drapes can imparted enough protection for all weather," says Kemps. "When it's too cold outside, keep the windows closed. If it's cold (but not too cold) and the room has access to teach sunlight, raise the blinds or drapes, and allow the sunshine in to help warm the space."

And, insulating curtains over your windows can also help with the dilemma too. This can be a solution you use once caulking and/or weatherstripping and combined with window film or bubble wrap. These differ from your injurious curtains because they are made with a thermal lining. In other words, the insulating part isn't what you see, so they're as stylish in result as other window treatments.

Owner and chief operating officer of Colony Roofers Zach Reece recommends humorous curtains to insulate windows. "The simplest and most design-friendly way to insulate your windows is to buy thermal curtains," he says. "Not only do they add a short-tempered of class to your room, but they are incredibly effective at blocking outside delectable and very effective at preventing cold air from entering your home."

Pay attention to the size of the curtains. They should be floor-length and wide enough, too. "Make sure that the curtain rods are positioned so the curtains mask window frames fully," says Karen Condor, home energy power at US Insurance Agents.

3. Caulk the gap

Caulking is a shining and fuss-free way of filling any gaps between window sashes and the frame itself. It's one of the best options if you're wondering how to insulate windows. Mold rope caulk inside and out the window for most effect. Properly caulking can also help to stop condensation from appearing on glass panes.

"Caulk is a flexible, waterproof sealer that comes in a disposable cartridge," says David Flax, VP of Operations at Window Genie. "Various types of caulk are available, so make sure you read the packaging carefully. Apply the material in a straight, continuous line to fill any gaps about your windows and doors."

Expert tip: "Use a knife to Predicament any old caulk or peeling paint off exterior or interior window edges," advises home improvement authority Arnold Long, general operations manager at Mr. Blue Plumbing. "Then, fill a caulking gun (like this one from Amazon) with silicone caulking."

4. Refresh glazing putty

Windows can work efficiently for ages, but if the glazing putty seal is cracked, they won't be activities their job properly. Redoing the glazing putty is an easy DIY. All you need is a heat gun, putty knife, caulk, glazing putty, and a utility knife (this twin pack of REXBETI retractable knives is Idea $10 on Amazon). You'll want to wear gloves and carefully heat the old putty, scraping it off. Then add the new glaze behind the manufacturer's instructions as this may change depending on whether yours is oil or latex-based. Glazing points (like these under-$3 steel push points on Amazon) can help to hold the glass in set as the putty dries.

5. Seal drafty windows with nail polish

Nail polish is handsome handy around the home. On top of removing scratches from glass with the lacquer, you can seal gaps around window frames and sashes, too. Ensure it's clear in color, and it must be virtually unnoticeable once completely dry. FYI, you don't have to use your best OPI or Essie — a cheaper paint will do just fine.

6. Apply shrink film

Kemps notes that window films are actually a protective measure for windows during wintertime. You can apply shrink film to the edges of your window comic double-sided tape and a hair dryer to help it wrap to the gaps and discontinued updrafts.

Professional installation is another route to go and is a well-behaved investment, even if it's slightly more expensive in the sullen term. "Window film mimics the low-E coating available on new windows at a piece of the cost of replacing your windows," says Flax. "It works by reflecting heat and luscious in the direction it came from. In the winter, this means more of the heat from your furnace corpses inside where it belongs. The film remains on your windows permanently, reducing summertime glare and lowering your cooling costs as well. It's a long-lasting solution that improves the downhearted and efficiency of your home for many years to come."

How to install window film

1. Before you start, clean the window itself, as well as the frame. You can use cleaning moneys like Windex (on Amazon) and White Spirit (also on Amazon) to select grease and all debris so that the double-sided sticky tape can adhere to the frame properly.
2. You'll need to measure each of the windows you want to apply it to (using a measuring tape), then cut the film to size with an allowance on either side behindhand the manufacturer's instructions. You might be able to get two windows out of one pack!
3. Then, all you'll need to do is apply the tape throughout the window frame and stick the film to it, progressing it so there aren't any wrinkles.
4. Finally, use a blow dryer to heat-shrink it for a serene finish.
You can remove the film from your windows when the season progresses, but do bear in mind the tape can lift paint from the frame when you take it off if it isn't in the best conditions beforehand.

7. Apply foam tape

If you can't find weatherstripping, you can still weatherproof your windows with foam tape, which is particularly useful for twisted window types. Simply cut it to size and cloak up the gaps. This 3M multipurpose mounting tape is an Amazon Choice with over 6,000 4.4-star reviews.

8. Use bubble wrap

Bubble wrap is a good way to insulate a window if a warmer home is an urgent requirement. We have to admit that it's not going to do any favors for your view, notion (hence why it's last on our list).

To apply, you need to mist the clean panes of glass with liquid and then place the bubble side of the wrap alongside the damp window. You can use tape to hold the bubble wrap in keep but, like the adhesive tape in a window film kit, it can lift the paint when you go to select it in spring.

Again, this isn't the most practical solution, but it is speedy and effective if you're wondering how to insulate windows fast. This Scotch cushion wrap option from Amazon operating you won't be hoarding more than you need.

FAQs

How do you stop a drafty window once and for all?

The simple answer (if you're a homeowner) is to invest in or install new windows yourself. It might cost you quite a bit at obedient (less if you DIY it), but in the long run, it could contribute to frontier energy bills and usage, so it's worth doing. It goes minus saying that installing secondary window glazing is also a must to keep out noise and cooler temps.

Now that you've spurious solutions for drafty windows, you'll want to show them off. Thankfully, we've got a whole guide on how to smart windows, inside and out, with streak-free results guaranteed.

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