Published on September 1st, 2022
Last updated on February 6th, 2023
4 Simple Ways To Fix Drafty Windows: Draft Areas And Their Removal
An installed plastic window helps to keep the interior warm and creates a comfortable microclimate. However, it can sometimes give surprises in the form of drafts. Such a problem causes serious inconvenience and requires knowledge of how to fix drafty windows correctly. It would seem that the very construction of such a device guarantees reliable protection against the draft. The occurrence of the defect convinces many consumers otherwise. The buyer should know that many counterfeit, low-quality products are on the plastic window market.
You must solve the issue if there is a draft in a flat with plastic windows. Otherwise, there will be a draft in the room, and the temperature will drop to “uncomfortable”. It can cause your sudden illness.
The first step is to find out the reasons. It only seems easy to understand why there is a draft from windows. There is a lot to think about.
I will tell you what can cause a draft from plastic windows.
How To Keep Cold Air From Coming Through Windows?
When there are drafty windows, you can usually solve the problem yourself. These are the ways to do this:
1. Seal Drafty Windows
The pressure plates are elements that join the pinnacles and make the window airtight. They may be either external or internal. They are fixed on the side of the profile with screws that may slightly loosen over time, influencing the appearance of drafts. It is sufficient to tighten the screws and recheck the tightness simply.
2. Adjust The Fittings
You can adjust the tightness of the sash with a craftsman’s help or do it yourself to save time and money on fixing drafty windows. The eccentricities or pivots on the sash face are responsible for the tightness of the fitting. Fitters leave them in a neutral position by default, and the owner has to switch them twice a year from summer to winter mode and back. Turning the trunnion clockwise towards the room will make the sash fit more snugly against the frame. A hexagon wrench and sometimes pliers are needed for adjustment. Each sash usually has 3 to 5 eccentrics, each of which should be set in the appropriate mode.
3. Plaster A Wall
You can use any type of plastering to seal the gaps under the window sill. Note that a strip of wallpaper will have to be sacrificed, so make sure you have some leftover wallpaper sheets.
- Cut the wallpaper under the window sill down to 10 cm, using a painter’s knife;
- Remove the cut area;
- Expand the seam under the window as much as possible;
- Fill the seam with foam or plaster, depending on its size;
- After cutting the foam, seal it with putty;
- Glue a piece of wallpaper on top.
Seam preferably moisten with water. Even better, if you have at hand a primer. It will take no more than 2 hours to eliminate drafts, even if you have no experience in repair.
4. To Renew The Assembly Joint
First, you have to clean the window from dust and dirt with a dry cloth to seal drafty windows properly. Then you must apply a new sealant layer to the joints between the elements. You will need a spray gun and a silicone sealant. Then you can remove the excess material from the surface with a knife.
The Most Common Areas Causing Drafty Windows
After reviewing the general methods of eliminating and identifying the location of the drafts, it is better to turn to a solution for each particular problem. Let’s find out which areas are the most problematic and how to fix them.
| Problem | Cause | Fixing |
|---|---|---|
| Drafts go from hinges | Holes for fixing parts do not fit the locking devices. | Check tightness at the point where the locking mechanism is pressed. |
| Draft between the frame and the window sill | Construction is warped. The frame and window sill joints are not sealed well with installation foam. | Seal the joints of the drafty window with sealant. In extreme cases, the window element has to be reinstalled. |
| Sash windows are leaking around the perimeter | Adjustment is not correct, or the contact pressure is not strong enough. | The drafty windows need to be adjusted. Adjust the operation depending on the season. In winter mode, sashes are pressed as much as possible against the frame. In summer mode, the sashes are pressed as little as possible. |
| Blowing from a gap between frame and mullion | Window construction was defective from the start, and the shape of the mullion has changed. | The gap is closed from the outside using sealant, and the sash has to be opened for this purpose. It is more economical to replace the old system. |
| Drafts in the handle area | The most common cause is a loosened handle. | Lift the trim strip, and turn it 90 degrees. There are two screws under the strap that need to be tightened. |
| Drafts blowing from window sills | Poor quality of the window sill installation. Gaps are forming. | Check the window sill structure, and seal drafty windows with foam or sealant. Fill the top part of the window sill with plaster. Sometimes the window sill may have to be repositioned. |
| Blowing from soffits | The window was installed in violation of the rules. Voids, cracks, and chips are forming in the installation foam. The installation foam has expired. | Take off the linings, remove the old foam and cement layer, and re-foam the space. |
| Grommets (from rubber bands) are leaking | The polymer rubber seal lost its elasticity and cracked. | Remove the old gasket. replace it with a new one, and drafty windows will go. Lubricate with silicone every six months to make it last longer. |
| Drafts between the window sill and the frame | The window was installed in a misaligned position. The joints between the frame and the window sill are not sealed. | You should seal drafty areas of windows. In severe cases, the whole unit must be reinstalled. |
Bottom Line
As you have realized, drafts from windows can occur for several reasons. To avoid this problem, you should initially order the installation of the windows from a reputable company. Otherwise, the windows spoil the happy days instead of bringing light and joy to the house. We can’t recommend do-it-yourself repairs, even if a draft comes from the sash’s perimeter or the hinges. Lack of experience can lead to more damage, which will be much more challenging to repair. You should therefore call in professionals who will be able to repair and install plastic windows if the need arises.
FAQ
How Do I Spot A Draft From Windows?
To understand what the problem is, you need to perform a small test. You may light a candle or lighter and hold it to the window. It will tell you exactly where the air leaks to eliminate the issue.
How To Prevent Drafty Windows?
Trust the installation of experienced, reliable professionals, keep the windows in good condition, and protect the installation foam from sun and moisture. Insulating the area under the window sill with sealant is also possible.
How To Protect Wooden Windows From Drafts?
Use plastic linings. They will be an effective barrier against cold air, make the window complete, and serve to save heat.
