Drafty Windows - FIX!, by Down to the Frame on YouTube. 7 min 8 s.
- Video length
- 7 min 8 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
On a windy day, feel around the frame, sash and sill for cold air. You can also hold a lit incense stick near the edges and watch the smoke.
Inspect the old caulk and weatherstripping. Scrape away cracked caulk and peel off worn strips with a utility knife or putty knife.
Clean the frame and sill so the new seal will stick. Wipe away dust, old adhesive and loose paint, then let the surface dry.
Fill narrow cracks between the frame and wall with exterior silicone caulk. Run a smooth bead and press it into the gap with your finger.
For larger gaps around the frame, use low-expansion window and door foam. Apply a small amount, let it cure, then trim the excess flush.
Fit new weatherstripping to the moving sash or opening edge. Choose a foam, felt or rubber strip that fills the gap when the window closes.
Check the window lock and latch. Tighten loose screws or adjust the strike so the sash pulls in firmly against the weatherstripping.
Test the window by closing it and repeating the draft check. Add a second strip of weatherstripping or a bead of caulk where air still leaks.
For a quick temporary fix, fit a clear window insulation kit or place a draft stopper along the sill. Remove it before the weather warms up.
Tips and common mistakes
Never use expanding foam that is not labelled for windows and doors, because it can bend the frame as it cures.
Do not caulk over wet, dirty or loose surfaces, or the seal will fail.
Keep utility knives closed when not in use and cut away from your body.
Test window operation before the caulk fully sets so you can correct a seal that is too tight.
Questions
Can I fix drafty windows in winter?
Yes, use removable rope caulk, weatherstripping or a window insulation kit for a temporary seal. Save permanent caulk and foam repairs for mild, dry weather.
Why is cold air still coming in after sealing?
The leak may be at the sash lock, sill or exterior trim rather than the frame. Check those spots and adjust the latch or add weatherstripping.
Should I use foam or caulk around a window frame?
Use caulk for narrow cracks and low-expansion window and door foam for wider gaps. Do not fill the whole frame cavity with foam.
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.
