DIY Solutions: How to Stop Drafts from Home Windows With Ease

Well, hello there, DIY pals! Are you feeling a chill run down your spine every time you walk past your windows? Finding your heating bills slowly creeping up? You just might be dealing with a case of the window drafts. But have no fear; your trusty handyman guide is here to lead you through the process of making your home cozy again, all while saving on your heating or cooling costs. So, let's roll up those sleeves and get to it!

Gather Your Tools & Materials

First, of course, we need the right gear. Just like a knight wouldn't go into battle without their armor, don't walk into this repair without these essential tools:1. Weatherstripping tape or V-strip2. Silicone sealant3. Caulk gun4. Door sweep (optional)5. Draft snake or door sock (DIY-able)6. Window film insulation kit7. Scissors, utility knife, and hairdryer

Tip:

Silicone sealant and weatherstripping come in different types to suit different needs. Check which one is perfect for your window type and the weather conditions in your area.

Locate Those Sneaky Drafts

Now onto the detective work. You'll have to find where exactly the draft is coming from. Some simple ways:

• On a breezy day, hold a lit candle near the window edges. If it flickers or goes out, you've found your culprit!
• Wet your hand and move it along the window trim. A draft will feel cool to your wet skin. A bit primitive, but hey, it works!

Seal Away with Weatherstripping

After identifying the draft source, it's time to seal them away. Apply weatherstripping to the window sash - this comes in handy for the moving parts of your windows. It's as easy as peel-and-stick, but ensure your window surfaces are clean and dry for the best stick.

Quick Fix Tip:

If you can’t find weatherstripping, layers of old clothing or insulation tape can work temporarily until you get your hands on the real deal.

Use Silicone Sealant for Non-Movable Partitions

For non-moving parts such as the window frame or the space between the window frame and the house, congratulations, it's time to whip out the silicone sealant! Ensure surfaces are clean and dry. Load your caulk gun with the sealant, and apply a continuous bead along the joints. Smooth it out, and let it dry.

The Extra Mile: Window Insulation Film

Ah, we've made it this far! As an extra preventive measure and for maximum effectiveness, opt for window insulation film. It's particularly helpful during extreme weather. Attached with double-sided tape and heat-shrunk with a hairdryer, it can be easily installed and removed without causing damage.

Befriend the Draft Snake

Draft snakes, also known as door socks, work wonders in preventing drafts from infiltrating the bottom gaps of windows. You can purchase a commercial one or make a DIY draft snake by filling a tube of fabric with sand or kitty litter.

Did You Know:

Using a draft snake also helps reduce noise and light coming from under the doors.

The Finish Line: A Cozier Home!

And voilà, my DIY comrades, we have crossed the finish line! Your home should be markedly less drafty now, more comfortable, and (hopefully) with lower energy costs. Remember that learning how to fix a drafty window can take a few tries, but don’t be disheartened, the satisfaction of mastering a new skill is incredible. Oh, and your house just might thank you for the TLC with fewer creeks and groans.

Until our next DIY rendezvous, stay warm, stay satisfied, and remember - a true DIYer can indeed fix nearly everything... even that chilly draft!