How to stop drafty window: 8 Ways to Fix Drafty Windows and Doors
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The last thing you want in your home is drafty windows. A drafty window can allow hot or cold air to escape your home while letting in the outside air. Why is this happening? Isn’t there a way to stop your windows from leaking once and for all?
Window drafts are a common but serious problem. Not only will your home be less comfortable, but you’ll end up spending more money on your heating and cooling bills throughout the year. The good news is that there are several ways you can fix this problem.
In this article, we’ll show you what causes drafty windows and how you can fix them. Let’s get started.
Common Causes for Window Drafts
Before you can fix your drafty windows, you need to know where the problem originates. Pinpointing the cause of your problem can change the urgency and the solution. We’ll highlight all of the major causes for window drafts below.
Window Seal Failure
One of the most common problems is seal failure. This is when the seal of your double or triple pane window breaks and the argon gas between the glass escapes. Your window is no longer energy efficient when this happens.
There are a few ways your window seals can break:
- Wear and tear over time
- Windows are poorly installed
- Seals break during shipment
- The elements (if your windows aren’t built to handle extreme temperatures and weather)
- Build-up of mold
When seal failure occurs, outside air is able to easily get into your home and affect the temperature of your home. This forces your furnace and air conditioner to work harder, increasing the amount of money you’ll pay on your energy bills. You can learn more about window seal failure in this article.
Poorly Installed Windows
If your windows are poorly installed, you’ll feel drafts coming from them because they don’t fit properly in the opening. That means there will be gaps between the window and its frame.
Installing windows isn’t a DIY job. Make sure you hire a professional for your window installation. They’ll make sure your windows fit into the opening perfectly and you won’t feel any drafts.
There Are Cracks in Your Window Caulk
Caulk goes around your window where the frame meets the building structure to help prevent drafts from getting into your home. If there are cracks in your window caulk, then outside air has an easy way into your home.
Some cracks in your caulk aren’t as obvious as you think. You can test to see if drafts are getting into your home by moving your hand along the caulk. If you feel a breeze coming through, then it needs to be replaced.
Window caulk wears down over time especially when the weather changes causing your windows to expand and contract. It’s important to check every year if your window caulk is doing it’s job.
If you do feel a draft, you’ll need to recaulk around your window. This video will show you everything you need to know on how to caulk your windows:
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Your Windows Are Old
Sometimes there isn’t a physical problem with your windows. Maybe they’re drafty because they’re old. You will feel drafts if you have older windows – especially if they’re single pane windows.
Your Windows Aren’t Energy Efficient
Some windows are much less energy efficient and aren’t built to withstand the harsh Midwest weather. For example, wood and aluminum windows aren’t as energy efficient as vinyl windows so they may become drafty much sooner.
Also, wood windows warp when exposed to moisture (which is very common in the Midwest). If this happens, you may start to see gaps form and outside air get into your home.
It’s very important to make sure the glass of your windows is double or triple pane. This refers to the amount of glass that makes up the window. Double and triple pane windows can be filled with argon gas which makes them more energy efficient and prevents heated or cooled air from escaping your home through the glass.
Get by in a Pinch with These Temporary Solutions
Now that you know where the problem areas can be, it’s time to fix them. There are several temporary solutions that can help you out in a pinch. These cost-effective options will get you through a rough winter or a smoldering hot summer but the problem isn’t solved until you replace your windows.
Plastic Window Wrap
Window wraps are plastic covers that are applied to the interior surface of your window to prevent drafts from getting into your home. They doesn’t last long (about one season) so window wraps should only be used to get you through a particularly tough season, not as a permanent fix.
It’s very easy to apply window wrap. You’ll need to measure the amount of wrap you’ll need, cut off the portion to use and blow dry it to your window. Make sure no air bubbles get caught between the wrap and your window – it needs to be a tight fit to prevent outside air from getting into your home.
Storm Windows
Storm windows work very similarly to a storm door. They’re installed on the outside of your existing windows and work as a barrier and extra layer of insulation.
The problem is that they don’t fix your windows. While storm windows will decrease the amount of outside air that gets into your home, you still have drafty windows behind them. You haven’t solved the problem, you’ve only put a band-aid on it.
Invest in a Draft Stopper
A draft stopper is a rectangular pillow that you put on the sill to prevent drafts from sneaking underneath your window. It’s a very specialized product and only works for drafts sneaking under the sash.
Plus, it isn’t guaranteed to work 100% of the time. Drafts can still get into your home around the pillow. It’s a very quick remedy while you’re looking for a more permanent solution.
There’s Only One True Fix for Drafty Windows: Have Them Replaced with Vinyl Windows
If you really want to rid yourself of drafty windows once and for all, there’s only one way – invest in replacement windows. It’s the only way for you to know that they’re energy efficient and installed properly – especially if you choose a reputable company.
Also, make sure that you get vinyl windows – they’re made specifically for homes in the Midwest. You already know that they’re more energy efficient and durable than wood or aluminum windows so you won’t have to worry about drafts sneaking into your home.
Another advantage of vinyl windows is their frames are also insulated. They have a foam insulation that prevents drafts from passing through the frame. You won’t find this perk with other window styles.
Other features such as argon gas-filled glass and low-e glass are important to look for in your efforts to eliminate drafty windows. Replacement windows with these features provide added layers of insulation and protection from the elements.
If you just can’t get over the great look of wood windows, don’t worry. Feldco offers wood grain finishes to give you the appeal of wood without ever having to worry about drafty windows.
Getting rid of drafty windows lies within choosing the right company. With over 500,000 homeowners served, it’s no wonder why Feldco is the Midwest’s leading window company. Our premium products and expert service will help you get rid of those annoying drafty windows.
Say Goodbye to Drafty Windows
Make drafty windows a thing of the past. Make sure you check them every year for bad caulking, seal failure and wear and tear. If you ever feel a draft, it’s time for a replacement. Any other solution is only a band-aid that ends up costing you extra money in energy bills.
If you start feeling drafts coming from your windows, get a free quote from Feldco. Our team of product specialists will make sure that you get the perfect replacement window measured correctly to fit the opening. We take the stress out of getting replacement windows.
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5 Quick and Easy Fixes for Drafty Windows
Have you ever noticed a burst of cold air when you walk by a window? Or a room in your home that won’t get warm, no matter what you do? If so, you may have drafty windows. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, drafty windows can be responsible for up to one-third of a home’s heat loss in the winter. This leads to homeowners cranking up the thermostat in an attempt to keep warm, which can increase their energy bill. To save you money and get your home to a comfortable temperature, here are five quick and easy fixes for drafty windows.
1. Weather stripping
Weather stripping can stop cold air from entering your home, especially if there are visible cracks or gaps in your windows. Weather stripping can be installed easily on your own, or installed by professionals as part of a window repair job.
There are several types of weather stripping available, and each one has its own pros and cons.
Tension seals
Tension seals are made of vinyl or aluminum and come in a folded V-shape. When applied to the sides of windows, tension seals stop drafts by squeezing against the edges of the window.
Tension seals may increase the resistance when opening a window, but it is notably durable and nearly invisible once it’s in place.
Foam tape
Foam tape is applied to the top and bottom of a window sash and is easy to install because of its sticky base. Foam tape will not interfere with the regular operation of a window, but it’s visible and can cause wear and tear over time. Because its sold in varying widths and thicknesses, foam tape is best for irregularly-sized cracks.
Felt
Felt weather stripping is meant to be stapled or nailed around a window’s sash and is generally easy to install. Felt weather stripping is inexpensive, however, it typically lasts one to two years—meaning you’ll have to reinstall it.
Felt weather stripping can easily be damaged by moisture, friction, and operating the window. This makes felt weather stripping best for windows that aren’t opened very frequently.
2. Window caulking
When windows are installed, caulking is applied to reduce drafts and heat loss. However, over time this caulking can develop cracks or gaps, especially if the window is several decades old. Use a caulking gun to seal small cracks in your windows and prevent drafts. Window caulking guns can be found at any home repair store and resemble large hot glue guns.
For larger cracks and gaps in caulking, it’s best to call a professional. As part of our window repair services, we can repair your window’s caulking and seal them against even the toughest drafts.
3. Window film
For increased window insulation and protection against drafts at a cheap price, window film is an ideal solution. Installing window film can help your home retain up to 55% of its heat during the winter and is almost completely invisible once it is applied. As a downside, you will not be able to open the window once the film is applied.
To apply window film to your windows, follow these easy steps:
- Prepare the window by cleaning both the window and the frame.
- Record the dimensions of your window using a tape measure and add one inch to each side to allow for shrinkage.
- Using scissors or a straight edge, cut the plastic film into the dimensions you recorded.
- Starting at the top corners of the window, attach the film to the window using adhesive tape. Use your hands to smooth any wrinkles and to reinforce the seal.
- Seal the film using a blow dryer. Hold the dryer over the border of the window frame. Be careful not to touch the dryer to the plastic as that can cause it to melt.
4. Shades and curtains
If you want to address your drafty windows without having to install anything, consider shades and curtains. Cellular shades have the ability to prevent warm air from escaping, and cold air from coming in, because of their unique honeycomb shaped cells that trap air between the window and the room.
Layered curtains can help keep drafts at bay by reducing the amount of cold air that enters the room. As a bonus, layered curtains can help a room feel cozy and inviting while also being an easy way to accent and accessorize any room in your home. With a wide variety of colors and styles available, it’s easy to find layered curtains that fit your individual tastes.
5. Draft blockers
Draft blockers, also known as draft snakes or draft pillows, function exactly how they sound—by physically blocking air from entering your home. Simply place the draft blocker at the base of your window and enjoy a warmer room.
For a DIY solution, you can easily make draft blockers using household materials. Draft blockers are usually made of fabric, such as polyester, and filled with sand, dried beans, or anything that will add weight. Rolled up towels or blankets are also used as draft blockers.
Long term solutions
A quick fix for your drafty windows will get you through the winter, but to get to the root of the problem, a long-term solution may be needed. Replacing old, drafty windows with modern energy-efficient ones is one of the best investments you can make for your home. Not only will new windows lower your energy bill and save you money in the long run, they’ll also enhance the look and feel of your home.
At True View, we have more than a decade of experience in window replacement and repairs. From beginning to end, our skilled technicians perform quality work and ensure the job is done right every step of the way. We understand that new windows can be an investment, which is why we offer flexible financing options.
How True View can help
Tired of drafty windows? Don’t know where to start with scheduling repairs, or buying replacement windows? For anything and everything window or glass related, True View is your best source. Contact us today to get started with a free over-the-phone quote.
How to stop your drafty windows from letting out heat
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Most of us have experienced it. Sitting on the couch on a snowy January day, watching your favorite movie, and then you feel it. The cold air on the back of your neck from the window. Not only are drafty windows annoying and uncomfortable, but they’re costly as well. Poorly insulated windows can cost you hundreds of dollars every year in unnecessary heating costs. In fact, Energy Star says that owners can save up to 15% per year on heating costs by air sealing their homes.
Fortunately, there are many ways to fix drafty windows. Here are some of the top products and tips for reducing or eliminating those winter chills. Don’t be afraid to use more than one of these approaches—they’re better if used together.
Understand what the problem is
Credit: Getty Images / ideabug
Take a look at your windows and try to figure out where the air is leaking in. It could be that the seal between the glass and the window sash is cracked.
When you’ve got drafty windows, your first step is to take a look at your windows and try to figure out where the air is actually leaking in. It could be that the seal between the glass and the window sash is cracked, allowing cold air to seep in this way.
Another possible failure point is the window sash not fitting tightly on the window sill. And, a third possibility is that there is missing insulation around the frame of the window.
Different points of air entry may require different solutions, so making sure that you understand the problem is an important first step.
Seal your windows with plastic covering
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to eliminate drafts from leaky windows is to use a window insulator kit. For only a few dollars per window, these sheets of plastic attach to your window casing, trapping a layer of air to serve as insulation and blocking any breeze coming into your home. Most attach with included tape and can be easily removed when winter is over.
You can also opt to use heat-shrink plastic, which clings to your window casing when heat is applied.
Generally, plastic insulation kits come in both indoor and outdoor varieties, so make sure you buy the right one for your needs.
The biggest drawback of this simple solution is aesthetics—many people find plastic window coverings ugly. They also tear easily, so you need to make sure that children or pets aren’t clawing at them throughout the season, or you’ll have to put up new ones.
Weatherstrip your windows
Credit: Getty Images / BanksPhotos
Another simple and affordable way to fix leaking windows is to install weather sealing tape or weatherstripping if your windows have cracks around the edges of the glass, or if the window sash isn’t closing all the way.
Another simple and affordable way to fix leaking windows is to install weather sealing tape or weatherstripping. These two methods can be a great solution for windows with cracks around the edges of the glass, or if the window sash isn’t closing all the way.
Weatherstripping is also an excellent solution for dealing with drafty doors. Like plastic sheeting, it can be a bit ugly depending on where you need the weather stripping or tape, but it does the job to fix specific problem areas.
Weather stripping is not a realistic solution if your window is simply all-around drafty, or if you have single-pane windows that just radiate cold air from the outside.
Repair the window’s seal, and maybe call in a pro
Credit: Getty Images / BanksPhotos
You can repair the window seal by scraping away the window seal gasket connecting the glass to the window sash, and then running a bead of silicone caulking around the seam, between the pane and the sash.
Along with replacing or adding weatherstripping, resealing your windows may make a big difference. This process is a bit more involved than some of the others, and it may be worth hiring a professional to take care of it if you don’t feel comfortable. In a nutshell, to reseal a window is to replace the insulation and gaskets around the window frame itself, as well as along the glass.
Depending on the type of windows that you have, there are different steps involved to repair the window seal. The first is to remove the window casing, and then spray expanding foam around the exterior of the window frame, sealing up any holes.
From there, either remove or scrape away the window seal gasket connecting the glass to the window sash, and then install a new gasket or run a bead of silicone caulking around the seam, between the pane and the sash. As the process is different depending on the types of windows that you have, check with your window manufacturer for the proper procedures and materials.
Protection can be pretty, too
Credit: Getty Images / Vitaliia Hryshchenko
Many companies make insulated window treatments and blinds.
If aesthetics are important to you, and you have more budget to spend, think about investing in some high quality curtains or window treatments.
Thermal curtains provide insulation for both temperature and sound, and they can be purchased to match your own personal design style.
Curtains also offer protection year round by keeping cold air out in the winter and the hot sun out in the summer.
If curtains aren’t your style, many companies also make insulated window treatments and blinds, which, while not as insulating as curtains, can certainly make an improvement.
Whether you choose curtains or blinds or both, make sure that you are searching specifically for products with insulating capabilities—not all are designed with insulation in mind.
Consider whether it’s time to replace your windows
Credit: Getty Images / galitskaya
If your windows are old, it may just be time to replace them.
All good things come to an end, and windows are no different. They wear out and need to be replaced.You’ll know it’s time when no amount of weather stripping or caulk will stop the drafts.
While replacing your windows is a costly proposal—running in the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars depending on your home and the types of windows you choose—replacing your windows is a sure way to seal up those annoying drafts and conserve heat.
New windows look great, too, and they can add value to your home if a sale is on the horizon. Just make sure when you are choosing new windows that the installers address your insulation concerns. And as with any contractor job, get multiple quotes from different vendors to ensure that you’re getting both the best deal and the best product for you.
No matter what level of fix you decide to take on, there’s no reason to watch movies with a breeze on your neck or accept those higher heating costs.
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How to Fix Drafty Windows
January 21st, 2021, 9:30 AM
Bundling up to deal with drafty windows in your home doesn’t have to be a part of the winter routine. It is fairly easy to learn how to fix drafty windows once you know how to detect air leaks and apply the right seals.
Even if you don’t mind the extra blankets and layers, it is important to consider the impact drafty windows could have on your energy bill. Heat can slip through the cracks, affecting the efficiency of your electric or gas heating. Feeling a breeze might indicate not just a faulty seal, but a greater issue in the structural integrity of your home. The air flowing through may also carry moisture, which reduces the effectiveness of insulation and can cause mold, mildew, and rotting — not optimal for maintaining a long-lasting structure.
Checking for air leaks around windows
In order to fix a drafty window, you have to locate the airflow. An easy way to check for leaks around windows is to wet your hand and hold it still in front of the window. Feel around in various places and mark the spots where you encounter cold air. Then, depending on where the draft is located, you will want to repair the seal, caulk, weatherstrip, or even replace the window altogether if the issue is structural.
Air leaks are caused by ineffective seals and shifts between the walls and windows in your home. The phenomenon of weather, specifically wind, moving parts of your structure and creating pressure is called deflection. This is what can render weatherstripping and other sealing methods ineffective after a while.
Where are my windows most vulnerable to leaks?
Leaks most often occur in windows with multiple movable parts, or when cracks and gaps appear in the wall around the window. If a window frame or pane rattles while opening or closing, it is leaking air.
While single-pane windows don’t insulate very well, double-hung windows and sliding windows can also be prone to leaks. You might consider installing storm windows as an extra layer of protection.
Awning windows are similar to double-hung windows in that not only do they need a seal along the bottom but along the sides too, much like double-hung windows. For casement windows, air may leak where the handle is, especially if the weatherstripping is loose and the window does not firmly lock in place.
Caulking and weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is very effective in sealing windows, and there are many choices of seals to fit your windows. The seals have varying levels of installation difficulty, but most can be installed yourself.
Weatherstripping should be checked twice a year and replaced as needed. It should run around the perimeter of the window and along the bottom of the pane — near any opening parts. If you’re experiencing drafts, check to see if your stripping is damaged, folded, or not sitting correctly.
Caulking can fill in cracks and gaps in the structure around the window, and is affordable and simple to do yourself. It is primarily done on the outside of the house, between the window and siding.
These simple repairs and preventions can make a huge difference in the effectiveness and longevity of your window and its supporting structure. Check out our guide on winterizing your windows and doors to learn more about the types of caulking and weatherstripping.
How to repair a window seal
You can tell if a window seal is broken not only from a draft, but whether there is condensation or fog on the inside of the panes on insulated windows, or if the glass is cracked. The fog can be taken care of with an anti-fog spray and liquid sealant. The vast majority of sealing options can be done yourself, depending on your handiness and experience.
If you do not feel comfortable repairing the seal yourself, check the warranty on your windows to see if the manufacturer is responsible for repairing issues. Installing the following seals, however, are fairly easy and can be done at home:
- For aluminum sliding windows and glass doors, a fin seal would be best. On a strip, the “Mylar fin” is the solid ridge in the middle of the strip which makes a more snug seal when pressed against the window frame.
- Sweep/pile weatherstripping, which looks fuzzy, is also great for double hung windows, sliding windows and doors.
- Compression weatherstrips, often called gaskets, are best for casement, hopper, and awning windows. They are typically bulb shaped and compressible as the window squeezes tight.
Replacement windows from Hodges
Say you’ve located a draft, updated your weatherstripping and seals, but the wind still slips through. You peel back your siding and notice a huge crack around the window, and the wood looks like it’s taken some water damage. This malfunction in the structure of the frame can lead to bigger problems down the road such as mold or pests living in the wood, and cannot be fixed by mere caulking.
If you’re looking for more information on whether to replace or repair windows, check out our guide. If it is time for a replacement, the Hodges Company is here to help with quality brands and installation expertise.
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Drafty Windows Guide | Winterize Windows 2019
With winter just around the corner, now’s the time to seal up drafty windows to prevent cold winds from blowing into your home. Weather-tight windows will not only make your home feel more comfortable, but also they’ll save you money each month by reducing energy consumption, resulting in lower heating bills.
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And while there are several ways to seal any drafty windows in your home, the best approach requires a two-pronged attack: caulking around the outside of the window and weather stripping the inside. Here’s a guide on how to nail this process.
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Caulking
Begin by scraping off any old caulk or peeling paint from around the exterior perimeter of the window. You could use a regular metal putty knife to scrape the surface clean, but a much better option is a 6-in-1 painter’s tool. This specialty tool has stiff, beveled scraping blade and pointed tip that’s great for raking hardened caulk out of narrow cracks and crevices. And if the beveled end becomes dull or damaged, you can always sharpen it with a bench grinder.
Once you’ve removed all the old caulk and peeling paint, clean away all dirt and dust using a scrub brush dipped in warm, soapy water. Then, wipe the surface dry with an old towel. Next, apply a fresh bead of caulk around the outside perimeter of the window, creating a continuous wind-blocking seal between the window frame and siding, or between the window frame and exterior trim boards. And be sure to use an exterior-grade caulk. I recommend either 100% silicone sealant or a “siliconized” acrylic caulk. Both adhere well and will remain flexible for years. Note, however, that 100% silicone must be cleaned up with mineral spirits; siliconized caulk can be cleaned with water.
Weather Stripping
After caulking around the outside of the window, move inside and use weather stripping to seal around the sash. (The sashes are the movable parts of a window that open and close.) There are dozens of different styles of weather stripping available for sealing windows, but these are top five types:
Adhesive-backed foam: This is a compression type of weather stripping, meaning that when the window closes against it, the foam compresses to seal gaps and block drafts. It features easy peel-and-stick application and cuts with scissors. Just be sure to thoroughly clean the area around the inside of the window, as the adhesive won’t stick to dusty, dirty surfaces. On double-hung windows, apply adhesive-backed foam weather stripping to the bottom edge of the lower sash, and to the top edge of the upper sash. If you don’t want to apply the weather stripping to the sash, stick it to the sill directly below the lower sash, and to the head jamb above the upper sash. Either way, once the sash is closed and locked, the foam will seal out drafts. On sliding or casement windows, apply the adhesive-backed foam to the vertical edge of the sash or vertically along the side jamb.
Tubular rubber-gasket weather stripping: This is similar to adhesive-backed foam, except that it’s formed into a hollow rubber tube instead of dense foam. When compressed by the sash, the tubular weather stripping conforms to the space, effectively sealing out drafts. Some tubular gaskets have peel-and-stick adhesive backing, while others have an attached metal or wood flange that must be secured with nails or screws. Also look for foam-filled tubular gaskets that have a spongy-foam core, which holds its shape better than the hollow-core gaskets.
Spring V-Seal: This is a resilient polypropylene plastic or metal strip that comes folded into a V-shape. It’s known as tension-seal weather stripping because the V-shape springs open, creating tension between the sash and window frame that blocks the passage of air. Plastic V-seal can be cut with scissors, but you’ll need aviation snips to cut metal V-seal, which comes in copper, aluminum, bronze, and stainless steel. Also, the plastic type often has a peel-and-stick backing, while metal V-seal must be nailed in place. V-seal can be installed vertically along the sides of double-hung windows, and at the horizontal meeting rail where the two sashes meet when closed. On casement or sliding windows, V-seal is installed along the vertical side jamb where the sash closes.
Felt: Felt is one of the oldest types of weather stripping. It’s commonly sold in rolls with or without an adhesive backing and is also available with an attached metal mounting flange. Felt is used as a compression weather stripping around the inside of double-hung, casement, and sliding windows. Felt is affordable and easy to install, but it doesn’t last as long as other types of weather stripping and must be replaced every four to six years.
Window insulation kits: These kits block cold air by sealing the entire window behind a large sheet of shrink-wrap plastic. The plastic adheres to the interior window casing with double-sided tape; you then use a blow dryer to seal it in place. Window insulation kits are very effective at sealing out drafts, but keep in mind that you won’t be able to open the window until next spring, when you peel off the plastic wrap.
Here’s one final tip for sealing drafty double-hung windows. Most of them have a single sash lock installed at the horizontal meeting rails where the upper and lower sash meet. To ensure that the two sashes fit tightly together, add a second sash lock: Unscrew the existing sash lock and reinstall it about one-third of the way in from the side jamb. For example, if the window is 24 inches wide, move the sash lock from the middle of the sash to about 8 inches from the end. Next, buy a second sash lock and install it 8 inches in from the opposite side jamb. Now, when you engage both locks, the sashes will fit together tightly.
Joseph Truini
Joe is a former carpenter and cabinetmaker who writes extensively about remodeling, woodworking, and tool techniques. He has written eight books and is a contributing editor to Popular Mechanics. He also appears on the Today’s Homeowner TV show, and co-hosts the weekly Today’s Homeowner Radio Show. Joe writes from his home in Roxbury, Connecticut.
6 Hacks To Stop A Cold Draft From Your Window — Budget Windows & Doors
Written By Kelly Marshall
There are several reasons why you should take steps to stop a cold draft from your window. For starters, your home is to be a place of shelter from wintry conditions.
More importantly, that cold draft is likely causing your monthly energy bill to spike, and nobody needs that extra expense in this economy. Read on to discover 6 hacks to stop a cold draft from your window – increase your comfort and reduce your energy bill this winter!
If at any point you have further questions, or if you realize it’s time for a window replacement, trust the experts at Budget Windows & Doors – 20 years of experience in installation, security, and customer satisfaction!
Contact Budget Windows & Doors
1.
Window film
Installing a layer of plastic film is a simple way to stop a cold draft from your window. Consider this from a source that would know best: the Daily News-Miner in Fairbanks, Alaska!
Question: “I am thinking of putting plastic film over my windows for the winter. Is there any value in this?”
Answer: “Yes, but mostly for windows that are old or are in bad condition. If installed well, using plastic heat shrink films can provide three key areas of benefit. Putting plastic film over a window is almost equivalent to adding an extra pane of glass on the window. This could mean up to a 50 percent decrease in heat loss through the glass of your window, but little to no reduction in heat loss through the window frame.”
Here’s a handy instruction video to help you with this task:
2. Weatherstripping
Weatherstrips are an inexpensive way to help seal drafty windows. You can refer to this guide from Lowes to get this job done in a few simple steps. First, you must choose the best type of weatherstrip for your window. Make sure that it will withstand the temperature changes, friction, weather, and the wear and tear associated with the location.
Check out this video for help making that call:
3. Insulated curtains
Thermal curtains are a great way to retain heat in your home during the winter, and you can have some decorating fun by picking and hanging ones with unique and interesting colours or patterns. The big drawback is that to be most effective, they need to be closed. Natural light is at a premium during the long winter months, and limiting it even further is less than ideal.
Thermal curtains need to remain closed to stop a cold draft from your window, limiting the amount of natural light you get in winter months.
4. Re-caulking
Over time, the caulking on your windows degrades and may wear or peel away. Before every winter, it’s good practice to buy a tube or two of exterior caulking and do an inspection on the outside of your home. Simply re-caulk old spots to help seal out drafts. If it’s a small opening, clear nail polish will also get the job done!
Watch this video below for easy DIY tips:
5. Door snakes
Placed at the bottom of the door or window, these weighted fabric tubes help stop a draft from your window. You can find simple DIY instructions here, and you can even gather the whole family and create some of these unique options from Good Housekeeping.
If you’re not the crafty type, you can simply roll up a towel and place on the window ledge.
Image Source: Amazon
6. Window replacement
If you notice drafts around your home and detect that they’re coming through your windows even after taking some or all of the steps above, it’s time to get new windows installed.
Drafty or damaged windows can cause your energy bills to be about 10% to 25% higher, according to Energy. gov. Replacing old, drafty, single-paned windows with Energy Star certified products can result in substantial savings in your energy costs. As an added bonus, those new windows – and the resulting energy cost savings – can be a big selling point if you’re considering selling your home.
Installing windows isn’t a DIY job. Make sure you hire a professional.
Contact Budget Windows & Doors to make sure your windows fit into the opening perfectly and you don’t feel any more drafts.
Need To Stop A Cold Draft From Your Window? Trust Budget Windows & Doors!
When it comes to replacing windows, you can trust Budget Windows & Doors. With over 20 years of experience, we take great pride in our work and place special emphasis on customer satisfaction. Our windows are top quality, attractive, and Ontario-made!
Regardless of the size and scope of your project, owner and president Robert Lindner will personally meet with you, listen to your ideas and needs, and make experienced suggestions and recommendations.
Through client consultation, he is able to determine the true needs of your project, conscientiously aware of time and budget constraints that could potentially be a deterrent in moving forward. He is able to adapt to and grow with projects, to contribute to and possibly further enhance his clients vision and to deliver their expectations “on time and on budget”!
What Budget Windows & Doors customers are saying:
“Dealing with Budget Windows & Doors has been a refreshingly positive experience. From the initial site visit and estimate, to completion, my expectations were exceeded. Robert was polite and honest and his installer Lavern, is a master of his craft. The windows are top quality, attractive and Ontario-made. They ensured that everything was to my satisfaction including cleanup after the work was completed. I would be happy to recommend Budget Windows & Doors for excellent work and a personal touch. “
– William Wirtz
Read more customer reviews here.
Contact us today for your no obligation estimate.
Contact Budget Windows & Doors
stop a cold draft from your window
Kelly Marshall
Drafts with closed plastic windows. Windows Germany
Published: 07/02/2016To the list of articles
Another common problem with plastic windows is draft when the sash is closed . Such a problem can be encountered not immediately after the installation of the window structure, but already in subsequent years of operation. It is very easy to make sure that it really blows from a closed window. Bring a lit match, lighter or candle to the frame and run along the perimeter of the sash. Be careful the flame must not be too close to the PVC profile to avoid the risk of damage.
So, if you notice that the flame fluctuates a lot, then there is still a draft problem. Do not get upset right away, perhaps the solution to this problem will not require any special costs . In our article, we will tell you about the possible causes of drafts with closed plastic windows, as well as methods for dealing with them.
Possible causes of drafts when windows are closed
One of the causes of drafts when the window is closed may be incorrect installation of the window construction . Perhaps the team of installers that installed the window was not sufficiently qualified or simply did not have much experience. In this case, the most common mistakes are: the installation of the window structure is not “level”, errors in the arrangement of the mounting seam, insufficient foaming, errors in the installation of vapor and waterproofing, savings on consumables.
It is worth noting that both a window company and a specific team of installers can save on consumables. As for savings by the company, everything is quite simple here: high-quality windows cannot cost very cheap .
If the price is low or you are offered unrealistic discounts, then will save on material and quality in general . If you save on mounting foam (insufficiently foamed mounting seam) – this is not very scary, but the lack of vapor barrier and waterproofing tapes is a very serious problem.
Sagging of the sash and weakening of the clamping force are quite common causes of drafts when plastic windows are closed. This is perhaps the simplest problem that does not require much labor, time and money. In solving this problem, the usual window adjustment will help you . We will describe in more detail below.
Another cause may be problems with the window seal . With proper and regular care of the sealant, problems may arise no earlier than five years later. If the seal is not taken care of, then in a year microcracks will form on it and it will not be able to perform its functions in full. Proper maintenance of window seals and how to replace an old seal will be discussed in a separate chapter later.
If the window is assembled incorrectly, the window is made from a low-quality profile and reinforcement , a violation of the geometry of the window may occur. To achieve complete elimination of drafts in this case is almost impossible. Violation of the correct geometry can also occur when the building itself sags in significant sizes.
Troubleshooting:
When ordering new plastic windows , you must take care of the exterior finish (finishing of external slopes, installation of flashings). You should not save on this, relying on you to do it yourself in the near future. External seams are more exposed to negative factors, because they are constantly exposed to direct sunlight and moisture. If the mounting foam remains unsealed from the side of the street, then in one or two years it begins to collapse.
Window sash and pressure adjustment
If you still feel a draft from your closed windows, then a simple adjustment of the sash pressure in some cases will help solve this problem. We open the window sash and at the end we find three oval or round eccentrics. When the handle is turned, the eccentrics move.
The pressure adjustment is carried out by slightly turning the eccentrics. You should not turn strongly, in most cases a couple of millimeters will be enough. All eccentrics must be set to the same position.
Slight sagging of the sash contributes to the fact that the window blows when the sash is closed. You will need the hex wrench to eliminate the slack. There are two screws on the upper canopy: the lower one fixes the changes, the upper one regulates. First you need to loosen the bottom screw, and then turn the top one until the sash starts to work well. We fix the position with the bottom screw and the problem is solved.
Window seal replacement
It is very important to follow the elementary rules for caring for the window seal, and then replacement will be required only after 5-10 years. Using a cloth and normal soap solution , wipe the seals from dirt and dust, especially under its petals. After the seal dries, lubricate with glycerin or silicone oil. We recommend doing this procedure twice a year.
If the seal is outdated and does not fulfill its protective functions, you should replace it. To do this, you can use the services of a master or do the replacement yourself.
To replace the window seal, you will need a new quality seal, special glue and rubber scissors. First you need to remove the old seal and gently clean the profile with a cloth. Now coat the corners of the window frame with glue and you can insert a new seal into the grooves. It is important that the seal is solid around the entire perimeter; the use of several segments is unacceptable. The seal must lie evenly, do not squeeze or pull it. Now cut and glue the edge of the seal with glue. Ready!
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Blowing from plastic windows. How to identify and eliminate the causes of drafts
Winter brings not only a lot of positive emotions and holidays, but also a lot of trouble. One of them is that beautiful and reliable PVC windows begin to let cold air and drafts into the room, thereby chilling the rooms.
To solve this problem, first of all, you need to find out why and where is blowing from the plastic window . At first glance, it seems that it is quite easy to find out the cause of this trouble, but this is not so, because in the case of plastic windows, the range of possible causes is very large.
First you need to find out whether it is actually blowing from the window opening. The fact is, no matter how paradoxical it may sound, but often it can only be an illusion, for example, if you have a not very warm window, then at sub-zero temperatures, cold air circulates not from the street, but from the home side (inside). The glass cools down, which just makes us think that the window lets in the cold.
To find out if a plastic window lets in the cold , use this method – bring a burning candle close to the sash in the place where it comes into contact with the window frame. If you see that the fire began to fluctuate strongly, then it definitely blows from the windows, and if the flame is direct, then this indicates a good sealing of the window structure – then the reason lies elsewhere.
With a candle, you need to pass along the entire perimeter of the structure and then you will accurately determine where the problem areas are. More often, cold comes from those places where the window frame joins the slopes, it is here that the most vulnerable places are located. The reason for this is poor-quality installation, and it blows from the slots located in the slopes or under the windowsill. If the window warranty has not yet expired, then it is better to contact the company that installed the window for help and demand that they solve this problem. They will definitely respond and send a master to you, who will have to completely eliminate the mistakes made.
How else can you determine why it is blowing from a plastic window? There are a lot of answers to this question. The most common cause is improper adjustment of fittings. You can deal with such a problem quickly and easily. The window structure must be correctly in its rightful place. True, these works are still better to entrust to a professional.
It often happens that during the installation of the window, a violation of the geometry of the window structure was made, because of this, the sash does not fit well to the frame, which causes drafts.
In this situation, nothing can be adjusted, here it will be necessary to reinstall the equipment in the opening, taking into account all the previously made mistakes.
The next most common cause of drafts may be low-quality fittings from an unknown manufacturer, more often this is done underground in China or Turkey. Of course, such accessories are much cheaper, but its quality will correspond to such a price. Therefore, you need to buy and order the installation only in trusted companies.
The next reason for the appearance of cold may be a poor-quality seal, which, under the influence of sub-zero temperatures, loses its elasticity . Moreover, not only the poor quality of the sealant can cause drafts, but also its contamination. In this case, you need to replace it. Of course, not everyone will be able to cope with such work, so it is better to entrust it to professionals.
Especially since today many companies offer modified seals with better performance and longer life. Very often drafts can be caused by poor quality plastic , which is made from cheap raw materials. Such plastic differs from the good one in that ultraviolet rays and high temperatures, with prolonged exposure, begin to destroy it, as a result of this, in the autumn and winter, cracks often appear on the window structure. Such a profile is no longer subject to repair.
As you can see, there can be many reasons for the appearance of drafts and cold from PVC windows and they are all different, but the biggest number of problems lies in the poor quality of the window construction. That is why it is better not to save on the installation of plastic windows, as this can result in additional large cash costs that you might not have to face.
But if you want to have reliable, durable and high-quality windows in your house that will reliably protect the room from cold and drafts, then you should seek help from a well-known company in the city, and they, in turn, They will do everything possible to ensure that window structures serve you faithfully for many years to come.
Plastic Windows Blow: Reasons How to Prevent Drafts?
When the autumn season comes, many are faced with the problem of drafts from window openings. This is a very common phenomenon, but for what reasons does it occur? It would seem that plastic structures are characterized by tightness and slight heat loss, so why does it continue to blow?
If windows have been installed recently and the warranty is still valid, it is better not to start looking for the causes of blowing on your own. It is necessary to contact the craftsmen from the construction company and ask them to solve the problem. However, after the end of the warranty period, you will have to spend a substantial amount on calling a specialist. To save the budget, you need to figure out how to fix the problem yourself.
It is quite possible that you only need to tighten the window structure, after which the blowing will stop and the discomfort will pass. Sometimes it is necessary to make much more effort and spend time studying the information or contacting qualified specialists.
Why is it blowing from the window: reasons
If you delve into each cause, the probability of identifying a problem due to which it blows from the window will increase significantly:
Adjustment of PVC windows
When the winter season comes, it is necessary to adjust window structures and perform procedures aimed at a tighter fit of the sashes. Often, after changing the degree of pressure of the sash, drafts are finally eliminated.
If the wind blows all around the sash, what should be done? First of all, you need to familiarize yourself with the design: the sashes of plastic windows are accompanied by clamps, which ensure a snug fit to the frame part. The clamps are characterized by an eccentric shape, and a 4 mm hex key can also be inserted into them. By turning the eccentric, it will be possible to adjust to:
- Winter mode for the tightest possible fit. To do this, each trunnion along the perimeter of the leaves is moved clockwise to the remote position.
- Summer mode. Window eccentrics must be rotated by a minimum radius towards the apartment. This position makes the density of the porch insignificant, as a result of which the air begins to flow freely through the sashes and fully ventilates the room.
By the way, many manufacturers in modern models of window structures set the function of automatic transition from mode to mode. This design includes a special mechanism – a roller with a rotating ring. It is he who weakens or strengthens the pressure of the sealing gum to the frame.
Blowing from the side of the window hinges
How to get rid of the problem of blowing through PVC window hinges? It is necessary to carefully inspect and determine which fastener holes are not filled in order to close them in the future.
Next to the hinges are a huge variety of fasteners that go inside the frame through the plastic. For example, there may be holes on the outside to which a mosquito net is attached. Air often enters these cavities, which creates a draft. It is enough to seal the holes here, after which the problem will be solved.
Blowing from under the window sill
If you notice that it is blowing from the bottom, this indicates a leaky installation of the window sill. When installing double-glazed windows, the task of builders is to achieve high-quality filling of the entire space under the window sill using mounting foam. Having completed this process, the plastering of the treated space begins from below the window sill. This is done primarily so that destructive external factors do not destroy the foam and provoke drafts.
In the case when the wind enters the apartment from the windowsill, it is necessary to seal every crack. You can perform a similar procedure without outside help, but if after sealing the blowing remains, you will have to completely replace the window sill with a new one.
Blowing between the frame and slopes, window sill
Another common malfunction that occurs as a result of improper installation (if the installation was completed relatively recently). In the event that a double-glazed window has been used for at least several years, it is worth remembering the following: mounting foam tends to collapse. You can detect such a problem in advance. Responsible owners even in the summer begin to overhaul the slopes, but even with the onset of cold weather, a number of measures can be taken. Sealants are often used to prevent the destruction of assembly joints, but they will save only for a while.
If the wind blows at the junction of the frame and the window sill, it means that unscrupulous builders were engaged in the installation of the structure, who saved on mounting foam. The frame must be fixed with an opening using anchors, and then insulated everything with plaster and mounting foam.
Gasket blowing
Through from PVC construction gasket? So it is partially or completely destroyed. After a while, even the highest quality sealant will begin to crack or shrink. To seal small cracks, glue is used, however, to finally eliminate such blowings, it is necessary to change the sealing rubber. The process is quite easy and is performed without outside help. The main thing is to decide on a suitable sealant for a specific plastic profile.
Thus, you can cope with the problem of drafts through the windows yourself. It is only necessary to correctly determine the cause of blowing and follow the advice to eliminate it. Dexen plastic windows in Simferopol Often a similar phenomenon can be traced in the lower sash parts. It is explained:
- installation of a single-chamber double-glazed window;
- not enough double-glazed windows for your climate zone;
- poor heating performance;
- covering radiators with an excessively wide window sill;
- setting too strong ventilation.
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How a draft appears in the apartment and how to get rid of it
- Home
- Blog
Published: 11/29/2018 Explanated: 31.05.2022
AND a rather insidious physical phenomenon that can cause significant harm: from falling off your favorite wallpaper to a severe cold with all the ensuing consequences.
Let’s figure out what a draft is, for what reasons it is formed and how you can protect yourself from its negative consequences.
Draft in the apartment: common causes
From the point of view of physics, a draft can be characterized as a through flow of air in a closed space, penetrating inside through various slots and openings, window and door openings.
The main causes of drafts in the house:
- Open windows and doors are the most obvious factor that provokes drafts. Intensive movement of air currents in the room occurs when open windows / doors are on opposite sides of the room.
- The presence in the neighborhood of adjacent premises with a large area – for example, flights of stairs, corridors, large halls and halls. One has only to open the door, as immediately there is a strong draft.
- Slits in windows, doors and walls – probably you have come across a situation more than once when you enter a room and you get the feeling that something is “pulling” from somewhere. There can be many reasons for this: holes under the windowsill, poorly sealed window openings, the presence of a gap between the wings of a closed door.
What does this lead to? Few perceptible air currents are formed. Their main danger is that they increase heat loss in winter and can blow a person (with all the ensuing consequences).
There are other known causes of air currents in the room. For example, they can come from an outlet, and sometimes even from a chandelier on the ceiling.
Why are drafts dangerous?
At first glance, they do not seem to be something dangerous. However, this physical phenomenon should not be underestimated. Uncontrolled strong air currents can cause significant damage. And in three directions at once. Let’s consider each of them:
- Harm to health is the first and most important risk. The draft itself does not cause a cold, but it creates a contrast in temperature, as a result of which a person becomes ill.
How it happens: it is usually warm in the apartment, while cooler air penetrates from the street, which locally affects different parts of the body (neck, back, head, lower back).
As a result, a person may develop a cold, tonsillitis, otitis media and other acute conditions.
For example, one of the frequent consequences is inflammation of the ear. Without timely treatment, this condition can become chronic. Over time, perforation of the eardrum and hearing loss are possible. - Heat losses are increasing – as you know, windows in a house are considered heat conductors. The presence of a draft further increases heat loss. This is especially felt in the cold season.
An increase in heat loss leads to an increase in the cost of heating the room. - Damage to repairs and property – A draft is considered the worst enemy for freshly pasted wallpaper. With regular exposure to air currents, they quickly peel off or can go in waves. As a result, you will have to spend money on repairs again.
Also, for the storage of certain types of property (pictures, books, documents, etc.), it is required to create suitable conditions in the room (in terms of air temperature, humidity level). If they are broken, it can cause damage to valuable things.
An “imperceptible” draft is especially dangerous. In this case, air flows are practically not felt, but in fact they are. As a result of a long contrast in temperatures, you can catch a bad cold. In addition, such exposure can lead to more dangerous conditions: myositis (inflammatory lesions of the skeletal muscles), sciatica, inflammation of the facial nerve, and sometimes pneumonia.
How to solve the problem of constant drafts in the apartment: effective methods
In order to protect yourself and your property from the negative consequences of drafts, you must take the following measures:
- doorways, the space under the window sill, the floor, the entrances to the pipes, the gaps around the lamps and chandeliers.
Detected cracks and cracks should be well sealed with mounting foam. - Very often the wind in the apartment appears due to improper adjustment of windows – to fix this problem, call the master and he will adjust everything.
- If you live in a private house, carefully insulate the attic and floors.
- Keep an eye on the chimney hood – when the chimney is not in use, the damper must be tightly closed. Otherwise, the chimney hood will constantly “siphon”.
- It is also important to take care of the safe ventilation of the premises – for this you can purchase a breather. This is a special device that ensures the intake of fresh air from the street without open windows, and, therefore, without drafts. At the same time, it allows you to heat the air flows to a comfortable temperature. The relevance of this function especially increases in the cold season.
Another important option of the breather is air purification from harmful gases, dust, allergens and unpleasant odors. - Pay special attention to the sealing of doors, as if they do not fit snugly enough, they often provoke the appearance of “hidden” drafts. What can be done in this case: buy special plugs, raise thresholds, lay pillows or rollers (purchased or homemade).
- Sometimes cold air enters the room through loose outlets. Sealant will help solve this problem.
- Also, elementary precautions will help protect against drafts. If you decide to ventilate the room, then close the door tightly and try not to open windows in neighboring rooms.
Regardless of the cause of a draft, you can always find a way to eliminate it. The main thing is not to ignore this problem, and then your health and property will be completely safe. Have a good mood and a comfortable atmosphere in the house!
how it occurs, what is dangerous and how to eliminate it
12/17/2021
Reading time ≈ 6 minutes
People who try to avoid drafts do it for good reason – the human body can really suffer from its effects. In this article, we tell you what a draft is, why a draft appears in an apartment, why it is dangerous to health and how to eliminate it.
Contents
What is a draft?
Why is a draft dangerous to health?
How to eliminate a draft?
What is a draft?
A draft is a directional flow of air that moves through a room at high speed and leads to cooling of the body, a feeling of chills and discomfort. Most often, a draft appears in an apartment during ventilation, but it can also be caused by a gap under the windowsill, leaks in the windows, a poorly sealed seam in a panel house, or the operation of an air conditioner.
A draft from an open window occurs when the outside temperature drops below room temperature, this increases the draft, forcing cold air to enter the apartment at an even greater speed. The draft intensifies if you open the second window in the opposite part of the apartment – this also increases the draft, so the draft appears even in the warm season, especially if there is a strong wind outside.
Thus, the strength of a draft from a window or cracks depends on the difference in temperature and pressure between the street and the room, the strength of the wind, and also on the presence of other sources of draft in the opposite part of the apartment.
Why is draft dangerous for health?
People need fresh air to feel good. However, if air currents at high speed act directly on a person, this can harm his health – reduce immunity, cause hypothermia and inflammation.
It is important to understand that the wind and cold in the street affects the body differently than a draft in the house. On the street, people take shelter from the wind with warm clothes, and even if this protection is not enough, the body rebuilds the heat exchange process to external conditions and does not allow hypothermia. At home, people are lightly dressed and with local exposure to a draft, the body does not always have time to compensate for the loss of heat in the “blown” areas of the body.
Exposure to a draft, even on a small open area of the body, can cause a malfunction in heat exchange and human immunity and subsequently lead to the development of a cold or flu, cause inflammation of muscles or nerve endings.
SARS and influenza
There is an opinion that a draft is a sufficient cause for SARS or influenza, but this is not true. For these diseases to develop, the viruses that cause them must enter the body – the influenza virus, parainfluenza, adenoviruses, rhinoviruses or coronaviruses. A draft only creates “favorable conditions” for the infection – it weakens the human immune system, making protection against infection ineffective.
In reality, this is what happens: because of a draft, the human body becomes supercooled, an inflammatory process develops, and if at this moment a person comes into contact with the virus, he can get sick. It is believed that hardened people tolerate hypothermia more easily – their vessels respond correctly to temperature changes, and therefore the body’s defense against infections is not weakened. True, there is still little research on this topic, so even hardened people are better off avoiding hypothermia due to drafts.
Draft is not the cause of SARS or influenza, but only a condition under which the likelihood of their development increases. Exposure to a draft creates a “gap” in the immune system through which it is easier for viruses to enter the body and cause disease.
Diseases of the respiratory and hearing organs
If a draft affects the upper body, then bacterial and viral infections of the respiratory and hearing organs can develop. Among these diseases are sinusitis, rhinitis, otitis media, pharyngitis, tracheitis, tonsillitis, as well as bronchitis and pneumonia. In order for the disease to develop, pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses, must enter the body weakened by hypothermia.
Inflammation of the muscles
Exposure to a draft on the back, neck or chest leads to inflammation of the muscles – myositis. The people say simply: a person has been “blown away”. It happens like this: due to the effect of cold moving air on a specific area of the body, an intense and prolonged muscle spasm occurs there, which leads to inflammation. At the site of inflammation – the neck, lower back or chest – there is pain that hinders movement.
The chances of developing myositis increase if a person is in a draft in one position and with prolonged muscle tension. For example, even a small draft can cause cervical myositis in a person who sits at a computer for a long time in one position and with a tense neck.
Inflammation of nerve endings
Due to local cooling, a person’s immunity decreases, there is a spasm of blood vessels and muscles, which temporarily disrupts the supply of nerves in the area affected by a draft. Because of this, inflammation of the nerve endings occurs. Most often, a draft affects the nerves in the area of \u200b\u200bthe sternum and face.
If a draft blows through the chest area, then intercostal neuralgia may develop – a pain syndrome caused by nerve damage between the two ribs of the chest. A person experiences sharp, piercing pain in the chest or along the entire length of the spine. This pain is most commonly described as a “shoot through” or “electric current” and is aggravated by coughing, sneezing, deep breathing, and sudden movements.
If a strong air current affects the face, neuritis of the facial nerve may develop – inflammation of the nerves that control the movements of the muscles of the face. In this case, paralysis of facial muscles occurs, the face becomes asymmetrical. The treatment of this disease lasts from two weeks to a year, while only 75% of patients fully recover.
All of the listed diseases must be diagnosed by a doctor. Self-medication or lack of treatment leads to serious complications.
How to eliminate a draft?
To get rid of drafts in the apartment, find and seal all the cracks in the walls, near windows and doors, use climate control equipment correctly and ventilate without risk to health.
Eliminate gaps
If the source of the draft is not obvious and cannot be felt by hand, then you can examine the apartment with a lit candle – in places where the flame will deviate, it is worth looking for a gap. To search for weak air currents, you can light an incense stick or cigarette, put them on an ashtray or saucer, and move 2–3 meters away for observation. Where the smoke is blurred, you need to look for leaks.
Most often, the sources of drafts are obvious. For example, a common problem of panel houses is the ingress of cold air from the street through leaky interpanel seams. In this case, you need to contact the management company of the house – it must close up these seams from the side of the street.
Often there is a draft from the window in apartments. Cold air can enter the room along the perimeter of the window or through cracks under the window sill. Leaks near the slopes or between the window sill and the window frame can be covered with sealant, and the gap under the window sill can be filled with mounting foam or plaster.
It is better to replace old-style wooden windows with more hermetic plastic ones. In addition, before the cold seasons, do not forget to switch the plastic windows to the “winter” mode to tightly press the window sashes. It is also important to monitor the condition of the seal in the windows – over time, it wears out and allows air to pass even when the window is closed. In this case, the seal is replaced.
Positions of eccentrics in “winter” and “summer” mode
Another source of draft in the house can be a gap in the front door opening – it needs to be sealed with a sealant.
It can come through from the gaps around the fixtures in stretch ceilings – they can be sealed with heat-resistant insulation treated with a fire-fighting mixture. Another non-obvious source of drafts are outlets: make sure they fit snugly against the wall.
If there are no listed problems in the apartment, but it still blows from somewhere, you can order a thermal imaging survey: specialists will determine the source of the draft using a thermal imager.
Window inspection with thermal imager
We use climate technology correctly
When using a fan or air conditioner, do not direct air flows at people – it will be safer if active air movements occur in free zones. So the air flows from the fan or air conditioner will reach the person at a lower speed.
A common mistake when installing an air conditioner in a bedroom is placing the unit away from the bed and directing the airflow onto the bed. In this case, cold air descends around the head of sleeping people, which leads to hypothermia, inflammation of the muscles or nerve endings. To avoid this, it is better to place the air conditioner above the bed – so the cooled air will move along the ceiling and fall away from people.
Properly ventilate the room
To protect your health from drafts, when ventilating the room, go to another room. It is safer to ventilate the rooms in turn, so as not to be in a room with a draft. This is not very convenient, especially when you consider that in order to remove excess carbon dioxide, you need to ventilate the room every hour for at least 15–20 minutes. Read more about how to properly ventilate an apartment at different times of the year in the article “Ventilation rules: how long and how often should a room be ventilated?”.
In order to ventilate without a draft and the need to leave the room, you can use supply units or breathers. Breezer is a compact supply ventilation device that takes air from the street, heats it up to a comfortable temperature and doses it into the apartment.
READ ARTICLE
Breezer – what is it?
What is a breather, principle of operation and functions causing discomfort.
Depending on the model, the breathers supply from 30 to 200 m³ of air per hour to the apartment. The user can change the air flow rate based on the number of people present. One person needs 30 m³ of air per hour to breathe, so the flagship breather models provide air to 4-5 people in one room.
Pavel Goncharov
Breezex General Director
In contrast to ventilation through a window, the breather accurately doses the air supply. The volume of air supplied from the breather does not depend on the strength of the wind on the street and the pressure difference, as when airing through a window. Due to this, there is no temporary acceleration of air movement in the room and a sharp “influx” of large air masses. Thus, when airing with a breather, there is no feeling of a draft.
Most breather models throw air upwards through narrow outlets, which effectively mixes the supplied air with the warm air already in the room. Thanks to this, the temperature in the room becomes uniform, which also protects against discomfort. Top air breathers include the Ballu ONEAIR ASP-80, Tion Lite, Royal Clima BREZZA 150 LUX, Tion 4S and AIRNANNY A7.
Air outlets Tion 4S
Breezer is the optimal solution to the problem of draft in the apartment. It not only makes ventilation comfortable and simple, but also provides fresh air at room temperature to all residents of the apartment, regardless of the time of year.
Breezer also solves the problems of noise or unpleasant odors from the street, high humidity, allergens entering the apartment, automobile and industrial emissions. For information on what characteristics a supply device should have to solve these problems, read the article “Breather for an apartment: which one to choose?”.
Alexandra Konova
Olga Mishunina
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27.02.2019
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We tell you how to find the cause of drafts and suggest ways to solve the problem.
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Eliminate blowing in plastic windows:
How to find a defect
Why drafts appear
How to eliminate blowing
- Window porch
- Shtapikov
- Leaf
- Window sills
- Slopes
Refinement of double-glazed windows
Modern thermal insulation solutions
The main source of heat loss in the house is window openings. If they are not airtight, the room cools down quickly and the heating bill increases. We will tell you how to insulate plastic windows if they are blown. Usually such work takes no more than an hour.
Before proceeding with the insulation, it is necessary to reliably determine the weak points. Otherwise, you will have to redo the work several times. Let’s list the most common problems:
- Bead does not fit snugly.
- Pins do not press the sash against the frame well.
- The seal has worn out.
- Foam joints leaking.
To identify the specific location of blowing, it is enough to run the back of your hand along the perimeter of the frame, slopes, sashes and under the window sill. In places of depressurization, air movement is felt. If you wet your hand, the sensitivity increases, and you can easily notice even small gaps.
Matches or a lighter can be used for visual evaluation. If there is a leak somewhere, you see how the flame deviates from the vertical. To avoid fire, do not bring fire to curtains and flammable objects.
Please note that the intensity of the draft is always different. It blows the most from the cracks in windy weather and at large temperature differences between the street and the room. It is necessary to look for a problem at this time.
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Windows
How to repair a plastic window yourself
To know exactly what to do if it is blowing from a plastic window, you need to understand in detail the possible malfunctions:
- Wear of the sealing gum. This is the most likely cause of the problem. The service life of the new rubber is 10 years, subject to constant prevention. Without maintenance, it can withstand about 5 years.
- Hardware wear. The trunnions have the positions “Winter” and “Summer”, which are designed for seasonal deformations of the material. If you leave them at the maximum porch, the resource of the mechanisms is reduced. At the first stage, the skew can be eliminated by adjustment.
- Mounting technology is broken. A draft appears when the foam joint is destroyed. If the foam was applied to a dusty wall, it will come off over time. The material not covered by the flashing will crumble in the sun. The most flagrant violation is the absence of a closed loop of insulation.
- Settlement of the building. The problem is typical for new buildings. In the first years after construction, the foundation always sags a little. If this happens unevenly, distortions appear.
- Slope blowing. Adjacencies to window blocks should become a single heat-insulating circuit. It is better to trust their device to professionals. Otherwise, there is a risk of cracks and cracks.
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Windows
How to insulate plastic windows with your own hands: detailed instructions
Many problems can be solved by yourself. But there are two cases in which it is better to trust experienced craftsmen:
- The product is under warranty. If defects are found during the warranty period, all work must be carried out with the consent or with the help of the installer’s masters. Unauthorized intervention may result in subsequent denial of warranty service.
- Insulation on the outside. If you live in a high-rise building, the work to restore the external slopes has to be carried out at a height. Residents of the first floors can use the ladder. If the apartment is located above the second floor, you have to work from an open window opening, which is very dangerous.
For those who want to fix the purge on their own, here are step-by-step instructions for each of the faults.
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Windows
How to remove the protective film from plastic windows without ruining them: 8 ways
The tightness of the sash rebate to the frame is provided by eccentrics that engage with the strikers. Installers leave them in the neutral position by default. But with the onset of cold weather or with a strong gusty wind, such pressure is not always enough. You have to install it yourself.
There are pins on the side that need to be adjusted to achieve the desired result. They have three positions:
- Neutral. Installed at the factory. The mark (dot or notch) is located along the vertical axis.
- Winter. The mark on the trunnion is turned towards the gum. This position provides maximum pressure.
- Summer. The point or risk faces the street. This weakens the pressure for the summer season, which increases the service life of the sealing gum.
Turn the trunnions with a #4 hex wrench, an asterisk or a screwdriver. There are several around the perimeter. The exact amount depends on the size of the sash.
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Neutral position
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Position
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Position
Eliminate it by adjusting the loops. We’ll show you how to do it right in the video.
How to eliminate blowing from under the glazing bead
The problem is rare and is a factory defect. Therefore, if the warranty has not yet expired, contact the installers. There may be several defects.
Usually the glazing bead just doesn’t fit. If its length is less than necessary, cracks form at the corners, at the junction. When the glazing bead is longer, after installation it does not fit well and puffs up. A defect may appear during operation. The clamping bar installed with excessive tension snaps off during thermal expansion.
In both cases, the glazing bead must be replaced. You buy a new hold-down bar from the window company and cut it to size. Washed down at an angle is easy to do with a hacksaw and a miter box. It is useless to shorten the old long rail. Most often it is already deformed. And if not, it turns out to be very difficult to carefully cut it a couple of millimeters.
If the above adjustments do not solve the problem, then the problem is due to the wear of the sealing rubber. In this case, you can see the following defects: rubbing, wrinkling, loss of elasticity. We select new tires according to the sample or type of profile system. We change in the following sequence:
- Use the handle to open the sash.
- In the corner we pry off the seal and tighten it around the perimeter until we reach the top loop.
- Move the sash to the “ventilation” position.
- We take out the rest of the sealing rubber.
- Thoroughly clean and wash the mounting groove.
- The beginning of the new rubber is located at the top in the middle. We completely bypass the perimeter with a single contour. It is important to avoid excessive tension at the corners.
- Cut the rubber at the joint without excessive tension or overlap.
- We take out both ends of the gum. We apply a drop of Moment glue on their lower parts and set them back.
Be sure to change the second sealing circuit, which is located on the frame. The principle of action remains the same.
The method described is suitable for tilt and turn opening. To repair conventional pivot windows, you must first remove the sash.
Cold air can come directly from under the window sill or from the junction of the lower frame profile with the window sill. Both defects indicate violations in the construction of the foam joint. In new buildings, installers save foam by filling large gaps with construction debris.
The most correct solution is to dismantle the window sill and reinstall it with a thorough foaming of the seam. In this case, it is necessary to break the lower part of the slopes and restore them after repair. Therefore, this method is rarely used. To get by with the least damage, we carry out the work in the following order:
- We break the plaster layer under the window sill to a height of 5-10 cm.
- We clean the mounting foam and debris from the seam. We leave only the stand bars on which the window sill lies.
- Thoroughly foam the seam to its full depth.
- After hardening, we restore the plaster and wallpaper.
Foam expands upon curing. To prevent the window sill from lifting up, put something heavy on it.
If the work is carried out at a negative temperature, you need to use a special frost-resistant mounting foam.
This method is only suitable for shallow window sills. If it is more than 20-25 cm, it is very difficult to get to the frame installation plane. In some cases, the defect can be eliminated from the side of the street.
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Doors and partitions
How to insulate a balcony door made of wood and plastic: instructions for each type
If the rubber seals are tight, the only possible defect is damage to the slopes. There is practically no blowing in plastered junctions. Therefore, we will tell you how to repair prefabricated slopes from sandwich panels. First, dismantle them:
- Remove the outer framing corners or profiles.
- With a long knife or a hacksaw, we cut the foam seam along the perimeter.
- Removing panels.
- We clean the remaining foam from the wall and plastic.
After dismantling, we see the quality of installation of the window block itself. We evaluate it visually and set the points through which cold air enters the apartment. We remove the old foam in them and foam the joints again.
Draft can occur due to cracks in the wall under the plastic panels. If you find them, damaged areas need to be embroidered, primed and repaired with plaster.
After repairing the problem areas, we restore the slopes.
The problem may lie not only in the interior, but also in the exterior. In urban development, the outer slope is formed by a quarter in reinforced concrete panels or brickwork. But there is always a deformation foam joint between the wall and the PVC window profile.
The most common mistake is its incorrect sealing. Installers do not close the foam, leaving it in direct sunlight. Over time, it breaks down and crumbles. Fixing a broken adjoint is simple:
- Use a knife or spatula to remove the insulation from the gap.
- Re-foam the seam.
- After the composition has completely dried, cut off its protruding parts.
- We close the gap with a flashing or plaster.
These were the main faults that you can fix yourself. You have learned how to adjust plastic windows so that they do not blow and you can now fix them if minor defects appear. We will give a few more recommendations that will help keep the heat in the house.
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Windows
Replacing double-glazed windows in plastic windows with your own hands: 7 answers to the main questions and instructions
Modern two-chamber systems reliably protect the house from any frost. The energy efficiency of older frames lags far behind them. Eliminating this shortcoming requires a complete replacement of the glazing, which is very expensive. A special thermal film becomes a budget solution to the problem. It is installed on the PVC profile in the following sequence:
- Wash glass and frame thoroughly.
- Glue double-sided tape around the perimeter around the glazing beads with a single contour.
- Remove the top protective strip from the adhesive tape and glue the film.
- We cut off the excess with a clerical knife.
- We heat the material until the wrinkles are completely smoothed out.
Thermal film creates an additional sealed chamber that stores heat and reduces thermal conductivity. It retains light transmission and remains almost invisible.
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Windows
How to adjust plastic windows for the winter: detailed instructions
Technology does not stand still.