It’s not pleasant to feel cold in your own home all the time, especially when you know the problem is around your windows and doors. Although sometimes the only solution to drafty windows and doors are replacing them, other times it’s a matter of getting them back to the way they were when your door and window company installed them.
If you look at your windows and notice cracked frames, window sashes that don’t sit properly in the frames, or actual issues with the glass, call your Indianapolis window company. However, if you don’t notice anything wrong with the window itself, you might need to perform some maintenance. By opening and closing your door a few times, you can likely make an evaluation as to whether it needs replacing or if some maintenance will help you reduce the drafts.
Window Caulk
When your Indianapolis window company installed your windows, they placed a bead of caulk around the frames, both inside and outside. At the time that bead of caulk should have been continuous without cracks or bubbles. Over time, caulk breaks down due to weather and UV rays. One of the easiest ways to reduce drafty windows is by re-caulking them. On the outside of your windows, choose an exterior rated silicone caulk. For inside your home, you can use silicone or polyurethane. If you’ve never caulked anything, or want further instruction, there are many great YouTube videos and this WikiHow page.
Weather Stripping for Windows
Depending on the type of window, you’ll find its weather stripping in different places. A single and double hung window will have weather stripping along sash where it meets the window frame. The same goes for sliding windows. Casement windows have weather stripping around the entire sash. Fixed windows, like picture windows, do not have weather stripping. Most window weather stripping is a sticky back product that does wear out over time. Look at your windows and try to closely match what you have with new product. Weather stripping that’s too big or too small is ineffective. You can always take a piece to your hardware store to compare or get help to better seal your drafty windows.
Drafty Doors
You should notice the weather stripping around your door’s perimeter. If you can feel the heat or cold coming in around your door, either you need a new door or the weather stripping is ineffective. One common test is to slide a dollar bill through the door frame with the door closed. If it slides easily, you need to replace your weather stripping. However, like window weather stripping, you do need to be aware of the size currently on your door. You want your door to seal tightly but not be difficult to close. It’s ok to take a piece off your door to the hardware store to help find the right replacement type. Installing weather stripping is easy, but much better with a helper. And, while you have your window caulk out, be sure to check your door frame – both inside and outside – and re-caulk as necessary.
Is It Time to Replace Your Drafty Windows and Doors? Call Blair Windows & Doors
Although we’d all love for our windows and doors to last forever, just like the rest of the items in our home, eventually they need replacing. As a trusted Indianapolis window company, we can help you choose windows and doors that meet your energy efficiency goals, home’s style, and budget. Call Blair Windows & Doors today to schedule your free in-home consultation and estimate – (317) 356-4666 or fill out our contact form.
