Leaky window seals, drafty window panes and old window frames are much more forgivable with warm and sunny weather. However, that all changes come fall and winter, especially here in Northern Nevada. The otherwise unnoticeable window draft during winter months can feel like walking past a freezer!
As we move into these colder months, now is the perfect time to start addressing any poor window seals and ensuring they are keeping the colder weather out of your home as they are supposed to. Drafty windows can be due to a variety of factors (all of which we can help you with).
Poor window sealing has to do with where your windows meet your home or window frame. Even if the frames are in good shape, if there are small gaps between your walls and the window, it can create noticeable drafts. The best way to tell if it is a sealing problem is to run your hands across where the window trim meets the frame and feel for drafts. Either side of your inside window trim can need sealing and often times this can be relatively easily fixed with additional caulking. Once locating and fixing a draft on the inside of the home, it’s also a good idea to double check the sealing on the outside window trim as well. An inside draft means air is passing from both the inside and outside so it is best to troubleshoot both at the same time.
Loose window panes can be another source of unwanted drafts and climate loss in the home. This is where the glass itself meets the rest of the window frame. If you have cross hatched frames with multiple glass panes per window, the more points you’ll have to check. If you find a gap and it is relatively small and doesn’t affect the other frames, then a repair may be the best option as opposed to a full replacement. These repairs are a bit more tricky than fixing drafts near trim. A weather proof clear sealant can work great in this situation but making sure the seal comes out clean can be a challenge. This is something we can help with so give us a call if your panes are loose.
Another reason for the loss of climate and drafts can be your window frame. Even if your glass panes are in good shape, and even if your trim, inside and out, is in decent shape, a rotted out or worn window frame can cause major issues. This can include allowing moisture into your walls which can then cause issues with mold and rot. Typically speaking, if your window frame is in poor shape, a replacement window is usually the best bet. This is especially true as any substantial work in getting to the frame would require opening up the entire space and if having to go that far, a complete replacement usually at that point just makes sense.
As we move into the colder months, give us a call to get all of your windows in tip-top shape!