Drafty windows waste energy in winter and summer alike. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that heat gain and loss through windows accounts for roughly a quarter to a third of residential heating and cooling energy use. If your windows rattle in the wind or your curtains move when a cold gust hits, it's time to address the problem. Windows get drafty for a number of reasons, including age, cracked glazing putty and worn-out weather stripping.
You can often fix these problems with a little elbow grease and a trip to the local hardware store.
Weather Stripping
Weather stripping lines the moving parts of your windows to stop outside air from getting in. It's especially useful where you can see gaps when the window is closed. Many people install weather stripping on their own, but you can also have a professional replace it as part of a window repair.
Window Caulking
When windows are installed, the joints around the frame are caulked to seal the edges and stop drafts. Over time that caulk can crack, shrink or pull away, especially on older windows and on walls that take the full Texas sun.
Rope caulk, sometimes called "finger rope caulk," is exactly what it sounds like: a long, rope-like strip of putty you can press into gaps and cracks. It's ideal for small gaps and as a temporary extra layer during a cold snap, and it peels off in the spring.
Insulating Window Film
For an inexpensive winter fix, an insulating window film kit adds a layer of trapped air over the window. The clear plastic sheet attaches to the frame with tape and is tightened with a hair dryer, and it's nearly invisible once installed. The downside is that you can't open the window until you take the film down. Permanent solar control films applied directly to the glass are a different product, aimed mainly at reducing summer heat and glare.
Shades And Curtains
If you'd rather not install anything, consider shades and curtains. Cellular shades help keep warm air in and cold air out because their honeycomb-shaped cells trap air between the window and the room. Heavy, lined curtains help too, and in summer they block afternoon heat.
Signs You Need New Windows
Your Energy Bills Keep Going Up – Your heating and cooling bills are a good indicator of how well your windows are performing. Track them over several months, the longer the better, and compare them over time. If your bills keep climbing, you may be losing energy through your windows.
Leaky, Moist Windows – Check your windows inside and out for rotting or crumbling frames and for fog or condensation trapped between double panes. Rot is a strong sign that moisture is getting into your home through your windows, which can lead to serious mold problems inside.
Noisy Windows – Moisture is a key concern with windows, but noise can also be a source of irritation. Single-pane and lower-quality double-pane windows can let in a lot of outside noise. If your windows don't keep outside noise out, it may be time to call a window service.
A well-made window that's been properly installed makes a real difference in your family's daily comfort, and we make sure every part of the process is done right so your windows last. If you need a window installation or replacement, contact Roof Experts in Arlington for a free estimate.