How We Fix Drafty Windows in 3 Steps
Feb 23, 2021The Secret to fixing drafty windows is knowing the cause
Drafty windows have a huge impact on your home comfort and your energy bills. But what causes drafty windows? Our window experts know the answer is air infiltration, and they solve the problem in homes every day. Whether your windows were installed incorrectly, or your home has just settled over the years, gaps and cracks that form around window openings can leave your home uncomfortable. Here’s how to solve it.
What is air infiltration, and how does it cause drafty windows?
Air infiltration is the unintentional passage of outside air into a building, typically through gaps and cracks around doors and windows. These tiny openings form as the seasons change and building components (wood framing, window and door frames, and masonry, for example) expand and contract. Over time, this causes the connections between the building components to weaken.
When air infiltration happens around windows, it can really impact your home comfort. We often notice it during the cold winter months, but the same issues affect your home – and your wallet – in the summer.
Hot In the Summer
In the summer, you might not feel a draft – but keep an eye on your thermostat for telltale signs of air infiltration. If your air conditioner is fighting to keep your home cool, or you notice the humidity in your home is rising (maybe you’ve noticed some window condensation), air infiltration is often to blame.
Cold In the Winter
Drafty windows are especially noticeable in the winter. Oftentimes, cold outdoor air is creeping in through gaps and cracks hidden behind window trim, or beneath the sill. These issues can easily go unnoticed for years. But what can’t hide is the uncomfortable draft you feel, and the higher utility bills from your furnace working overtime.
three ways to solve drafty window problems
Once you notice drafty windows, the damage is done. Not only is your home uncomfortable, but you’re probably cranking up the furnace in the winter and the A/C in the summer, which means your wallet is also paying the price.
Believe it or not, up to 30% of household energy costs come from inefficient windows!*
To keep air infiltration from getting worse, consider:
- Caulking around your windows and exterior doors
- Adding weather stripping around drafty doors and windows, and
- Filling gaps around masonry with spray-foam insulation.
Just remember: these quick fixes are band-aids over a larger problem – they’re not permanent solutions. Chances are, you’ll have to re-caulk, re-strip, or re-insulate again next year. Additionally, some of these steps may void your window warranty if you do them yourself. Be sure to reach out to your window manufacturer before getting started.
fix drafty windows in 3 steps with improveit's air-tight window installation process
At Improveit, we see air infiltration problems in our customers’ homes every day. In many cases, the issue has gotten to a point where the homeowner is tired of throwing money out the window (literally!) by overpaying for heating and air conditioning becasue of drafty windows.
Since we know how important this solution is – and because we’re so passionate about getting it right – we use the Improveit Air-Tight Installation Process on every single window we install. Here’s how:
- Secure Installation. Our installers start by making sure the window is level and plumb, and then securely fasten the window in place.
- Air-Sealing the Opening. Next, any gaps between the window and the rough opening are filled with spray-foam insulation that expands to fill even the smallest gaps and cracks.
- A Second Seal Outside. Finally, the team installs the window trim and uses color-matched caulking so air can’t find its way in.
These steps help ensure that the window is securely installed, and that air infiltration is all but eliminated around the window, maximizing your energy efficiency. Additionally, the spray foam insulation will expand and contract with your home so, season after season, you’ll know that Improveit’s Air-Tight Installation is working for you. And this is all on top of our high-performance Performax54 windows!
Most replacement window installers skip these important insulation steps, and very few offer a lifetime warranty that will cover your window repairs or replacement if drafts ever arise down the road.
the improveit difference
At Improveit, we believe you should only have to replace your windows once, and Air-Tight Installation is an important part of the way we make sure that’s the case. As an Improveit window customer, you can feel confident that you’re getting the most energy-efficient windows and window installation at the best possible value. And we stand by both our products and our installation with a complete lifetime warranty.
If you’ve had enough of your drafty windows and are ready for an upgrade to your home’s energy efficiency, reach out to Improveit today! You can schedule an appointment online, or give us a call at 855–637-2999.
