Whether the wind is howling to no end, or there’s only a slight breeze, you don’t want any air getting escaping from your windows and doors. This is especially true for exceptionally hot and cold days. When the elements are able to enter your home, it’s really getting into your wallet, as it will cost you more money to run your AC or furnace. When the wind gets in, it can fluctuate the temperature in your home, forcing your systems to work harder, and hampering their longevity. No one wants to waste money due to this.
Not only will drafty windows and doors impact energy bills, they will also create an uncomfortable living environment. When you sit down on the couch to watch a show after a long day of work, you don’t want to be uncomfortably cold inside. This can also create additional moisture, leading to mould and damage to the paint, floor, and walls. The quality of your home is now compromised. Leaks can also be detrimental to those who suffer from seasonal allergies, as those allergens have a clear path into your home and into the person’s body.
So, the experts at Milano Windows and Doors have a number of simple solutions on how to fix drafty windows and drafty doors. Let’s fix the temperature in your home and save you money!
Use Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is a process that includes sealing openings or cracks that might surround your windows and doors.
The material is usually a strip of rubber or metal that will line the edges, blocking out the cold and heat. This option is affordable and comes in 3 varieties: compression, v-type, and foam.
Compression weatherstripping includes small tubes of rubber or vinyl that are placed along the edges of your windows and doors. V-type involves a v-seal with a built-in hinge.
Foam involves applying an adhesive to the edges of your windows and doors. It can also prevent pollen, dust and insects from entering your home.
Re-Caulking
If you’re looking for an easy way to fix drafty doors and windows, then re-caulking may suit you the best. If you look closely at your current windows, you may see some caulking on the edges. Over time, this can wear out and may need to be replaced or added to.
If you notice that the draft is minimal, pick up some caulking at your local hardware store, locate the area where the breeze is pushing through, and add some extra caulking. Doing this is also energy-efficient and will save you money in the end.
Use Foam Tape
This is not the same as foam weatherstripping. Foam tape is a sticky substance that is known for its waterproof qualities while stopping air leakage at the source. A bonus is that you can use this option for all window and door sizes.
It’s as simple as cutting the pieces and sticking them onto the desired area. Voila! Now your furnace and AC can stop overworking. This option is affordable and ensures that no unwanted air will penetrate your house.
Draft Stopper/Door Snake
Using a draft stopper or door snake is a more old-school approach to sealing drafty doors or windows, but it can still work.
If you are uncomfortable or uncertain about adding tape or partaking in weatherstripping, then you should turn to this option first, as it requires minimal effort, and you aren’t adding anything to the structure of your windows and doors. You can find one at your local hardware store.
They are usually made of insulative materials, such as batting, rice, beans, or other materials. Or if you are feeling creative and adventurous, you can make your own. How so? All you need is a sock, a piece of linen, or a towel.
You can then fill the tube with rice or beans, as stated above. Simply place it against the edge of your door or window and you’ll have something in your home to keep you warm or cool.
Hang Insulated Curtains
Insulated curtains? Yes, they do exist, and if you want to stop drafty windows, then these are a great solution. Insulated curtains, otherwise called thermal curtains, are recommended to use during the winter as they can retain the heat in your home.
If you are someone who likes to soak up lots of natural light, then this may not be for you. In order for insulated curtains to work efficiently, they need to remain closed. You can also use these curtains in the summer to block out the sun. It’s a win-win no matter what season you’re in!
Apply Shrink Film
Shrink film is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a thin layer of plastic film that will stick to or “shrink” to fit your window or door. The goal is to create an additional barrier between the outdoors and your home. It can prevent drafts and air leakage, making your heating bill cheaper.
Shrink films often come in kits. They are a little less on the aesthetic side, so if you don’t like the look of them covering your windows then you may want to opt for one of the above options.
Contact the Pros
We hope you have found our tips to be helpful in your search to fix your drafty windows and doors. No matter what DIY or caulking projects you embark on, you may still need help to fix drafty windows as air leaks can be persistent. If you’re still finding that your windows and doors are letting in a draft, call our team of experts at Milano Windows and Doors.
We can fix all of your home’s insulation and draft problems. We cover casement, fixed and awning windows as well as entry and patio doors. Call us today and we will make sure your home’s windows and doors are in tip-top shape.
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