ISSUE GUIDE

Cold air entering window

Window Drafts in Winter

Window Drafts in Winter reduce comfort and raise heating bills. Drafts are commonly caused by failed weatherstripping, gaps in trim, or poor sealing around the window frame.

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Be cautious on ladders when checking exterior seals. Avoid open-flame candles to “find drafts”; use a tissue, smoke pencil, or infrared thermometer instead.

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WINDOW TECHNICIAN

WHAT THIS USUALLY MEANS

  • Worn weatherstripping around sashes or doors
  • Gaps in interior trim or failed caulk at casing/jamb
  • Poorly insulated window cavity (missing/settled insulation around the frame)
  • Failed window seal or warped sash preventing tight closure
  • Old single-pane or low-efficiency windows

DIY-SAFE CHECKS

DIY-safe checks: Determine if air is coming through the sash, trim, or the wall cavity.

  • Run a tissue along edges to spot airflow (or use an infrared thermometer on cold days)
  • Check locks—many windows seal better when fully latched
  • Inspect weatherstripping for cracks, flattening, or missing segments
  • Look for visible gaps where trim meets wall, especially at corners

HOW TO FIX

  1. Re-seat and latch the window fully; adjust or replace sash locks if they don’t pull tight.
  2. Replace worn weatherstripping (match type: foam, V-strip, bulb, etc.).
  3. Caulk gaps at interior trim and exterior joints (use paintable interior caulk and exterior-rated sealant outside).
  4. Install a seasonal window insulation film kit to reduce drafts quickly.
  5. If the cavity around the frame is uninsulated, a pro can remove trim and add low-expansion foam properly.

Many draft fixes are DIY-friendly (weatherstripping, caulk, film kits). If frames are rotted, glass seals are failed, or drafts persist, consider professional window repair or replacement.

WHEN TO CALL A PRO

Call a pro if you see rotted wood, persistent drafts after sealing, visible frame movement, failed insulated glass (fogging between panes), or if multiple windows are inefficient. A window installer can repair alignment, improve air sealing, or recommend replacement options that pay back in comfort and energy savings.

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