How to Fix Drafty Windows

As the Midwest continues to endure the constant onslaught of “unprecedented” weather, you may not have had a chance to take a look at the way your energy bills have been meeting the wildly fluctuating temperatures. And if your windows are failing to keep that weather outside where it belongs, those bills are going to come with a hard case of sticker shock.

Drafty windows aren’t only a winter woe, but can be a real problem year-round. From miserable allergens blowing into your home through the spring and fall, to failing seals letting your air conditioning blow right out the window in the summer, effective windows are a necessity to keeping the outside out. A draft isn’t always a sign that your windows need replaced, and knowing why your window is letting air in is the first step to fixing your problem, often without the need for a full replacement.

Common Causes of Drafty Windows  

Worn or damaged weather stripping

Age, improper installation, and damage can result in your weather stripping failing to do its job.

Gaps or Cracks Around Frames

As your home settles, cracks and gaps can form around your window’s frames, letting in drafts, allergens, and other environmental elements your windows are designed to protect you from.

Broken Window Seal

Problems with the seal on your double and triple-paned windows stop them from doing their job; keeping the outside out.

Outdated Single-Paned Windows

When old fashioned or single-paned windows have fought the elements for too long, they lack any kind of insulation to keep the outdoor elements from finding their way in.

Improper Closing or Locking of Windows

Misaligned or damaged components can keep your windows from properly latching, letting air and allergens in.

Quick Fixes for Drafty Windows  

• Replace Weather Stripping – The weather stripping on most windows should be an easy enough DIY project. If you are replacing weather stripping on a Pella window, we have a handy tutorial to make this process easier. First, locate the serial number on your Pella Windows. While it takes only a few easy steps to change your weather stripping, you’ll need to follow directions for your specific product type.

• Use Window Caulking – Seal gaps and cracks with a siliconized latex or acrylic caulk. Prep the window by removing any existing caulk from the window before you begin. Be sure to clean the sashes, frames, and sill thoroughly and allow them to fully dry, then cut the tip of your caulk at a 45 degree angle before loading it into your caulk gun. When you’ve finished caulking the gaps and cracks, run a wet finger along the strip of caulk to press it into the crevices and create a tight seal. Allow to dry fully before you paint.

• Apply Insulating Window Film – Window film is an inexpensive temporary measure to add another layer of insulation between you and the outdoors. New films are being innovated all the time, including magnetic films that snap into place, tinted films that filter out light, and sealing films that can be applied with a heat gun or hair dryer to create a stronger barrier from the elements. It’s important to note that adding anything to your windows voids the warranty, but the film protectant should come with its own guarantee, which should keep you covered.

• Invest in Draft-Stoppers or Thermal Curtains – Draft stoppers are an easy and affordable solution to stop drafts right at the source.

Long-Term Solutions for Eliminating Drafts  

If your windows continue to under perform after applying the fixes we’ve suggested above, then it’s likely time to consider more permanent fixes.

• Upgrade to Energy Efficient Windows – Pella’s double and triple-pane windows and Low-E glass provide reliable protection from the outdoors, year round.

• Repair or Replace Broken Seals – A faulty seal can make or break your utility budget, and replacing the seal is often enough to save you significantly on your energy bills

• Reframe or Reseal Windows – Regular maintenance of your windows can help you identify wearing and cracks that need resealed, and addressing structural issues, like gaps in your frame, can save you from a total window replacement

Why Omaha and Lincoln Chooses Pella Windows and Doors  

Your Pella Omaha and Lincoln team are experts in energy efficiency, and are excited to tailor our dependable designs to suit your style, and architectural needs. Our professional installation services ensure long-term performance, preventing drafts and maintaining your family’s comfort for years to come. Not only are our expert installers the best at their job, Pella Windows are backed by some of the best, most comprehensive warranties in the business.

Is it Time to Call in the Pros?  

There are plenty of times you can get by with a quick fix or a DIY repair, but when is it time to call in backup? Delaying repairs can create bigger, more expensive issues, so be sure to call in a specialist when:

• Drafts Persist Post-Fix – If you’ve been through all of the troubleshooting you can muster and you’re still feeling a draft

• Damage You Can’t Repair – There is no home remedy for cracked glass, warped frames, or severe seal failure

• When You’re Ready for an Upgrade – There comes a time when the benefits of modernizing your windows with Pella’s Energy Efficient options are just too attractive to ignore

Tips For Maintaining Draft Free Windows  

Once you’ve managed to repair, or have ultimately decided to replace your drafty windows, there are a few easy steps you can take to ensure that your windows stay draft-free for as long as possible. This includes regularly inspecting your windows for cracks and seal damage, cleaning and maintaining your window seals and tracks, and taking steps to prevent condensation from weakening your seals. Add these checks to your seasonal home maintenance schedule to stay ahead of wear and tear, and to identify small issues before they become big, expensive problems.

Don’t Live With Drafty Windows  

There is no reason that faulty windows should become a fact of life you have to deal with. There are plenty of easy fixes, effective repairs, or more efficient windows that can ensure that your home is a safe, comfortable place for you and your family to live. With these tips, and help from Pella Windows and Doors of Omaha and Lincoln, you can give that draft the shaft. Contact Pella today! For your free quote, call (402) 331-9225.