North Country Windows and baths logoNorth Country Windows and baths logoNorth Country Windows and baths logoNorth Country Windows and baths logo
  • WINDOWS / DOORS
    • WINDOWS
    • DOORS
  • BATHS
  • FINANCING
  • ABOUT US
    • BLOG
  • CONTACT
Sun Damage & Home Windows
Sun Damage & Home Windows
June 11, 2020
window condensation
How To Get Rid Of Window Condensation Inside Your Home
July 27, 2020

How To Find The Cause of Drafty Windows

Published by North Country Windows & Baths on June 29, 2020
Categories
  • Window Replacement
Tags
drafty windows

I can’t think of anyone who doesn’t like fresh air every once in a while. However, most people aren’t too fond of fresh air infiltrating their home through drafty windows. Drafty windows not only cause discomfort; they drastically affect heating and cooling costs. Therefore, a drafty window is just like burning your hard-earned money. Even the slightest opening around a window in your home can be costly and uncomfortable.

How To Find The Cause of Drafty Windows

Here are a few tips to help you find and fix a draft in the windows in your home.

Inspect close points

A visual check around your windows should be your first step. Check the window to make sure it is shutting and latching correctly. In addition, give the latched window a tug. Does it feel sturdy? Even the smallest amount of give could mean your window is not closing correctly, leading to a draft. Secondly, after closing and latching the window, take note of the seal around the contact points, and walk away for an hour. Upon returning, check to see if the window has expanded at all around the points of contact. Keep in mind it can take a few minutes for a window to “settle” and reveal a gap that allows outside air to infiltrate the interior of your home.

Inspect rubber and silicone sealants

Check the rubber gasket and the sealant around both the static and mobile parts of the window. A brittle cracked gasket or gaps in the caulking could be the culprit. In double or triple pane windows, a failing gasket can cause an additional issue. Double and triple-pane windows contain insulating argon gas. If any part of the rubber gasket fails, the argon gas will escape. When inspecting the sealants around your drafty home windows, take your time. It only takes a small opening to invite a noticeable draft into your home.

Determine the windows’ age

It’s a simple fact of life, old windows are drafty, causing heating bills to skyrocket in winter months. Older windows are made from aluminum or wood. Neither wood or aluminum windows meet the minimum requirement for energy star efficient ratings. When it comes to older style wooden windows, continuous exposure to moisture will eventually cause them to warp. When the windows warp, they leave gaps between the window itself and the frame of your home. Over time outdated windows make veritable highways for drafts of cold air to enter your home.

Improperly installed windows

Just like anything when it comes to home improvement, it is imperative windows are installed by a professional. If the window is improperly fitted to the gap in the wall, you are guaranteed to have a drafty window in your home. Even if the window is fitted into the gap correctly, the problem could be linked to the window not being entirely sealed. Furthermore, if you have recently installed new windows, they could have been put into place where a compromised seal already exists. Proper installation of windows is not a project for the ‘weekend warrior’ homeowner. When it comes to installing windows, retain the help of a licensed contractor.

Drafty windows in your home can be extremely bothersome and expensive. Consequently, the costs accrued through inefficient heating and cooling add up. After doing a thorough inspection, take note of the potential flaws that are causing the drafty window. If you determine something needs to be replaced or repaired, contact a licensed contractor or a window and door professional. Above all, drafty windows in your home will not repair themselves. You will be saving yourself a lot of time and money by avoiding temporary solutions and having the work completed by a professional.

North Country Windows & Baths in Lincoln, NE, and the Surrounding Areas

At North Country Windows & Baths, our Windows are backed by a Lifetime Warranty giving our customers peace of mind. Each window is custom made to fit your home with state-of-the-art engineering by design, and energy efficiency enhanced by style. Our windows are made to last for years of maintenance-free beauty.

With so many products on the market today, selecting the window or patio door that is right for your home, family, and environment can be a little overwhelming. That’s why our designers and engineers developed a triple pane vinyl replacement window and patio door system that takes the guesswork out of ‘window shopping’ and puts your family’s wants and needs into action. Click here to see more information on our home window replacements.

Share
0
North Country Windows & Baths
North Country Windows & Baths

Related posts

Window Styles For Bathrooms
January 13, 2021

Best Window Styles For Bathrooms


Read more
window condensation
July 27, 2020

How To Get Rid Of Window Condensation Inside Your Home


Read more
Sun Damage & Home Windows
June 11, 2020

Sun Damage & Home Windows


Read more
SEO by Omaha SEO Company | Hosting by Sensible Websites