Step 1
Why Windows Let Cold Air In
Windows create drafts through several distinct failure points, and the right fix depends on knowing which one you're dealing with:
Step 2
Finding the Drafts Before You Fix Them
Before buying anything, spend 10 minutes tracking down where the cold is actually entering. Three reliable methods:
Step 3
Fixes Ranked by Permanence
Weatherstripping is almost always the right place to start. Remove the old material — peel it, unscrew it, or scrape it depending on type — clean the channel, and press…
Step 4
Working from Outside vs. Inside
Some of these fixes are purely interior (rope caulk, film kits, weatherstripping on the sash) and others require exterior access (re-caulking the frame-to-siding joint).
Step 5
How Much Difference Does It Actually Make?
Energy savings from air sealing depend heavily on how leaky the house was to begin with, local climate, and fuel costs — so any specific dollar figure you'll read is…
Step 6
Putting It Together
Most draft problems in residential windows come down to three things: failed weatherstripping, cracked caulk, and single-pane glass conducting cold.
Want the full guide?
Read every step, tip, and detail on Post411.