Homeowners often think of drafts as a winter problem. You envision cold air blowing into your home through gaps or openings around your window. While winter drafts are a problem, drafts do not go away once the weather warms up. Air continues to blow in around loose and damaged windows, and that warmer air places a burden on your air conditioner and raises your energy bills. Drafts are a year-round problem, and they are a problem that you need to address.
So, what can you do to fight drafty windows in your Dayton home? Long-term, you should consider replacing the windows with windows that are less prone to drafts. Short-term, there are a few measures you can take to reduce air leaks until you’re able to have the windows replaced.
Short-Term Solutions: Block the Air Leaks
There are a few ways you can reduce the impact of drafts on your home’s comfort.
Choose Insulating Curtains
Sheer, flowing curtains are common during the summer months, but you’ll have to wait on them until you get your new windows. In the meantime, thicker, insulating curtains — those made for winter weather — will do a better job of reducing the flow of warm air into your Dayton home. Keep the curtains closed as much as possible so the warm air gets trapped between the curtain and the window instead of flowing right into your room.
Use Window Snakes
If a lot of air is seeping in along the bottom of the window, look for a small door snake, and place it in the groove between the window and the sill. You can also make your own window snake by filling a long tube sock with beans or rice. Tie the end shut. The snake will block the flow of air between the window sash and the bottom of the frame.
Apply Rope Caulk
If the air is leaking in between the glass and the window sash — which is the material that directly surrounds the window — you can stop leaks by applying caulk to the groove between the glass and the sash. Rope caulk is a lot easier to apply than standard silicon caulk. It comes in a roll, and you press long strips of it into the window gap to stop drafts.
Long-Term Solutions: Replace the Windows
If you never want to deal with drafts again, there are a few qualities to look for in your replacement windows.
Fibrex® Composite Sashes
Some replacement windows feature sashes made from vinyl. These are a very poor choice. As the vinyl ages, it becomes brittle and may begin to separate from the glass, leading to draftiness. Fibrex composite is a smarter choice for draft prevention. It does not warp or crack in response to temperature changes, so it won’t lead to drafts.
A Good Warranty
Look for windows that are protected by a warranty so that if anything does go wrong and drafts develop, you can get the problem addressed. Renewal by Andersen in Dayton windows carry a 20-year warranty on glass, 10-year warranty on installation, and 10-year warranty on non-glass components. A good warranty also indicates that a company is confident in their product!
If you’re ready to replace the drafty windows in your Dayton home, contact Renewal by Andersen. We offer free, in-home consultations with estimates good for one year.
