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Drafts — they can be one of your worst enemies during the cold winter months in Ohio. Windows develop drafts when the glass, sash, and frame no longer meet up perfectly. The gaps created are the perfect holes for cold air to pass through, especially during a windy snow storm. But what causes the windows in a Cincinnati home to become drafty? There are four common culprits to consider.
1. Missing Weatherstripping
If your windows are pretty new, they probably feature a strip of weatherstripping along the edge of the frame. The sash sits against this weatherstripping when the window is closed, and the weatherstripping ensures the seal between the sash and frame is a tight one. If the weatherstripping starts peeling or pulling away, gaps are created between the sash and the frame. Drafty air can flow straight through these gaps.
As long as your windows are in otherwise good shape, you can solve this problem by replacing the weatherstripping. Buy a new length of weatherstripping from the hardware store. Measure your window, and use a pen knife to cut the weatherstripping to size. Remove the paper on the back of the adhesive weatherstripping, and push it into place. You should notice a lot less draftiness throughout the rest of winter.
2. Deteriorating Wooden Frames and Sashes
Do you have older, wooden windows? These are quite common in many Cincinnati homes. When the wood begins to deteriorate, gaps are created between the sash and the frame. Gaps may also develop between the window glass and the sash. If the glass feels loose, you can temporarily reduce draftiness by pushing some rope caulk into the crevice where the window glass and sash material meet. If the gaps are between the sash and frame, try hanging thicker, insulating curtains to block the flow of cold air into the room. In the long run, however, deteriorating and drafty windows need to be replaced if you want to improve your home’s energy-efficiency.
3. Cracked and Warped Vinyl Sashes
If you just replaced your windows a couple of years ago, you might be perplexed as to why they’re already creating drafts. Take a look at the material surrounding the glass. Is it white vinyl? Cheap vinyl replacement windows have become very common, and while they might look nice at first, they tend to become leaky and drafty. In the short-term, you can block drafts with heavy curtains. Ultimately, you should consider investing in higher-quality replacement windows made from Fibrex® composite. Fibrex does not warp and crack like vinyl, which makes for a reduced risk of drafts as the window ages.
4. Broken Latches
Most windows need to be latched and locked to prevent air from seeping around them. If the latches on your window no longer function, this could be contributing to the draftiness. Casement windows, for example, may start leaking cold air if the latches give out and no longer hold the window in place. The top pane of a double-hung window may sink down and create an air gap if the locks no longer work. Usually, latches and locks start malfunctioning as a result of deterioration in the window sash or because the window was not properly installed. Replacing your windows is a smart solution.If you’re struggling with drafty windows this winter, contact Renewal by Andersen. We’ll conduct a free consultation in your Cincinnati home and help you choose efficient new windows