Fresh air is a good thing from time to time. But the last thing you want is a draft that continually lowers a room’s temperature. Drafts from windows aren’t just a source of discomfort. They can also rapidly increase the cost of heating and air conditioning. Nobody wants to have to deal with this problem. So it’s best to know how to stop window drafts before they start. But what causes draughts around windows, and what can be done about them?
Causes of window drafts
To properly solve a draughty window problem, you need to get to the root cause. Here are some common causes of draughts.
Incorrect installation
Faulty installation leads to multiple problems. For example, if you don’t install the window correctly in the opening or seal it completely, the gaps around the frame can cause a draught. Remember: window installation should never be a do-it-yourself project. Always call in a glazier to help you install your windows. At Vitrier-vilet-thionville.fr, you’ll find a professional glazier who can provide a fast, high-quality service.
Window sealing problems
Generally speaking, draughts around windows are the result of poorly installed seals. In fact, when the seal on a double- or triple-glazed window is not airtight, it allows the argon gas between the panels to escape. In this case,energy efficiency drops and you start to feel a draft.
Window seals can break for the following reasons:
- Wear and tear and normal weather conditions
- Poor installation
- Cheap materials
- Joints cracked during transport
- Exposure to extreme temperatures and weather conditions
- Mold and mildew build-up
Old, inefficient windows
Old windows can also be draughty. The same applies if they are inefficient, for example, if they don’t adapt to the weather conditions in your region. Similarly, wood and aluminum windows tend to develop draught problems much earlier. In fact, old wooden windows warp after continuous exposure to humidity. You may start to see gaps forming around the window frame.
Older window models may have only one pane. To increase energy efficiency, consider installing double- or triple-glazed windows filled with argon gas. This will help keep the air inside your home.
What to do about draughts?
Not sure where the draught is coming from? Try burning incense. Hold the incense stick close to your window and move it around the edges. If the smoke wavers or wafts towards you, you’ll know you’ve got an entry point. You can also call a glazier to check for drafts and perform a general inspection.
The good news is that you can fix these problems with a little elbow grease and a trip to the hardware store. However, if you really want to put an end to draughts, you need to invest in new windows. It’s the only way to put an end to drafts and increase your home’s energy efficiency once and for all.
