How to Deal With Drafty Windows Before a Kenosha or Racine Winter

A drafty window is easy to ignore in October. By January, it’s the cold spot in the room and a steady drain on your heating bill. Fall is the best time to find out whether a window needs a simple fix or a replacement.

What Causes a Drafty Window?

Most drafts come from gaps. Caulk around the exterior trim dries out and cracks. Weatherstripping on the sash wears down or comes loose. Older windows can also shift as a house settles, leaving the sash out of square with the frame.

In some cases, the glass itself is the problem. Older single-pane windows, or double-pane units with failed seals, lose heat even when every gap is sealed.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Common signs a window is letting in cold air or moisture include:

• Feeling moving air near the window on a windy day
• Fog or condensation trapped between the panes
• Frost or ice forming on the inside of the glass
• Windows that stick, won’t stay open or won’t lock tightly
• Soft, stained or peeling wood around the frame or sill

These signs don’t automatically mean a window needs to be replaced. They do mean it should be checked before winter.

What You Can Do Before Winter

Walk the house on a cool, breezy day and hold your hand near the edges of each window. Note which ones feel cold or move air.

Check exterior caulk for cracks or gaps and replace it where needed. Inspect weatherstripping and replace sections that are flattened, torn or missing. Make sure every window is fully closed and locked, which pulls the sash tight against the frame.

If a window has fogging between the panes, rotting wood or a frame that no longer closes properly, sealing it may only buy a season. Those are the windows worth having inspected for repair or replacement.

If a Window Is Already Leaking

Avoid covering water stains or soft wood with paint or caulk without finding the source first. Trapped moisture can spread into the wall and lead to bigger repairs.

Call a professional if water is getting in, the frame is soft or damaged, or several windows in the home show the same problems.

Under 1 Roof serves homeowners throughout Kenosha and Racine counties. If you’re dealing with drafty, fogged or damaged windows, request a window estimate or call (262) 818-4727.