The $1 Winter Window Trick That Keeps Cold Air Out, by Secret Vault on YouTube. 11 min 31 s.
- Video length
- 11 min 31 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 6
What you need
Steps
Pick a cold, windy day and close the window. Run the back of your hand slowly around the frame edges, the hinges and the latch. Cold spots show where air is getting in.
Hold a single sheet of tissue paper near each seam. If it flutters, moving air is passing through that gap. Work around the whole frame before you buy anything.
Open the window and check the existing seals. Look for flattened, cracked or missing weatherstripping, and for gaps at the corners where two pieces should meet.
Clean the frame where the window sash meets it with a damp cloth, then let it dry fully. Foam tape will not stick to dust, grease or damp wood.
Measure the length you need, then cut the foam tape with scissors and press it along the frame stop so the window still closes and the latch catches.
Open and close the window a few times and repeat the tissue test. Add a second layer of tape to any spot that still flutters.
Tips and common mistakes
Cold glass is normal in winter and does not mean the window leaks, so test for moving air before sealing anything.
Heavy curtains slow heat loss but may not stop a draught, and closed curtains can trap cold air against the glass.
Never cover the small drainage holes at the bottom of the frame, the air vents, or anything that keeps the window usable as an emergency exit.
Stand on a step stool rather than a chair when you reach the top of a tall window.
Questions
How do I know if my window leaks or is just cold?
Feel for moving air rather than temperature. A tissue held at the seam will flutter if air is passing through, while cold glass alone just means heat is escaping through the pane.
What is the cheapest way to stop a window draught?
Foam weatherstripping tape is the usual starting point. It costs very little, needs no tools beyond scissors, and can be removed later if you rent.
Do I need to replace the whole window seal?
Usually not. Fix the gaps the tissue test finds first, then recheck. If the frame itself is warped or the glass is loose, call a professional.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
