If your older home seems like it’s letting in too much of the outside cold in winter it probably is. The main culprit is likely the windows. On a cold windy day, if there’s a draft, you’ll be able to feel it coming in with just your hand. The problem usually comes with age catching up with them through glazing putty falling away, worn out weather stripping and gaskets, or double hung sashes getting smaller over time. All of these issues will let in drafts, but there are a number of solutions available.
In the Short-Term
If you just want to get through the winter you can apply shrink film – a plastic sheet that shrinks to fit the window when warmed with a hair dryer – to stop drafts. For issues like the putty or weather-stripping wearing down adding new weather stripping is a cost-effective option as can adding new caulk molded into any gaps between the glass and the window frame. Cracks can be fixed with simple everyday nail polish but it’s not a permanent solution – just something that can get you through to spring before your window should be replaced.
In the Long-Term
For longer-term results you can put in new window glazing to give you a permanence that caulk simply will not. You can also have storm windows that you can install every fall in preparation for the coming colder seasons.
The best bang for your buck over the years will be to replace your old and drafty windows with new modern windows. Modern windows are Energy Star compliant, require less maintenance and can be laminated for outstanding sound reduction. And, of course, they’ll be sealed perfectly tight in the winter – keeping the cold out and the warm in.
If you’re in need of new windows George Kent can help you out. All of our installers have 10+ years of experience and we offer features most of our competitors don’t. Call us today.
