Easy Fixes for Drafty Windows and Doors

Unless you’re living in a brand-new home, you’ll likely battle drafty windows and doors once winter blows in. Even the slightest air gaps let cold air seep in and heat seep out, leading to high energy bills and difficulty keeping your house warm. Whether you’re dealing with old windows that need replacing or newer ones showing signs of wear, these easy fixes for drafty windows and doors will help you stay toasty.

How To Reduce Window and Door Drafts

In regions with long winters, keeping your windows sealed for months on end may not be ideal. The following solutions will stop drafts while keeping your windows and doors operational, allowing you to adapt to changing temperatures.

For safety, keep at least one window in each room operable. Building codes require that basements and sleeping rooms have at least one functioning exit window.

1. Lock Your Windows and Apply Weatherstripping

A simple but often overlooked step in winterizing a home is locking the windows. Window locks pull the sashes together, closing up spaces where air can leak through. Follow these steps to maximize your window’s draft-blocking potential:

1. For large windows, consider installing two locks a few inches from the outside edges instead of just one in the center. This closes the gap across the entire sash.
2. Before closing the locks on double-hung windows, pull down the top sash and insert weatherstripping along the top edge. Push the sash up as tightly as possible before locking.
3. Inspect the weatherstripping annually and replace it if it shows signs of wear or damage.
4. Consider applying weatherstripping to the bottom of the lower sash for additional protection.

2. Weatherproof Your Exterior Doors

Did you know that a 1/8-inch gap around a door’s perimeter can let in as much air as a small window opened halfway? To combat drafts around doors, take these steps:

1. Apply weatherstripping to the sides and top of the door frame.
2. Install new door sweeps at the bottom of the door.
3. Check for gaps between the door and the threshold, and adjust the threshold if necessary.
4. Consider adding a storm door for an extra layer of insulation.
5. Inspect and replace weatherstripping annually if needed.

3. Reglaze Loose Windowpanes

Check the glazing on older windows. If you notice missing chunks or loose panes, it’s time to reglaze. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Remove old glazing with a putty knife or chisel.
2. Patch any chips or cracks in the frame with epoxy.
3. Clean the area thoroughly and apply linseed oil to the wood.
4. Roll the glazing compound into thin ropes and press into place around the pane.
5. Smooth the compound with a putty knife at a 45-degree angle.
6. Allow the glazing to cure for at least a week before painting.

For the best results, we recommend tackling this when temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. 

4. Use Physical Barriers on Drafty Doors

Door snakes—long tubes filled with sand or other insulating materials—are an easy and effective way to block drafts at the foot of a door. If a door snake isn’t enough, consider hanging a heavy quilt or blanket over the door to block drafts coming from the sides. You could also try using a door sweep, foam tape, or a magnetic door seal.

5. Layer Your Window Treatments

Combining multiple window treatments can provide excellent insulation against cold air. Here’s how to layer effectively:

• Add heavy drapes for maximum insulation.
• Hang sheer curtains for privacy and light filtering.
• Install blinds inside the window frame.

When it’s frigid outside, keep everything closed to trap heat. On cold but sunny days, open the drapes and blinds to let sunlight warm the room naturally. For even better insulation, pair a cornice with close-fitting drapes that hang snugly to the window. Thermal-lined curtains provide even more protection.

6. Fill in the Gaps to Seal Windows

For window gaps large enough to insert a fingertip, use a gap filler such as a backer rod. This foam rope comes in various sizes for different gap widths. Here’s how to use it:

1. Clean the gap thoroughly to ensure good adhesion.
2. Measure the width of the gap.
3. Cut a length of backer rod slightly longer than the gap.
4. Press the foam into the gap using a putty knife or your fingers.
5. Trim excess with scissors for a neat finish.

For added protection, consider applying a removable caulk over the gap filler. This combination provides an excellent seal and can be easily removed when not needed. 

7. Apply Temporary Caulk to Drafty Windows

Temporary caulking is a great way to seal cracks without permanently altering your windows. It’s ideal for renters and others who don’t want to permanently change their space. You can find it in tube form, like regular caulk, or on a roll. Here’s how to apply it:

1. Clean the area around the window thoroughly.
2. If using a tube, cut the nozzle at a 45-degree angle.
3. Apply a thin, continuous bead of caulk along the gap.
4. Smooth the caulk with a wet finger or caulk-smoothing tool.
5. Allow the caulk to dry completely before exposing it to moisture.

For a removable option, try Mortite, a clay-like substance that comes on a roll. Simply press it into window gaps to seal out winter winds, then peel it off in summer when you want to open the windows.

8. Insulate Windows With Plastic

Window insulation kits are both affordable and effective, and they’re available at most hardware stores. These kits typically include plastic sheeting and double-sided tape. Here’s how to use them:

1. Clean the window frame thoroughly for good adhesion.
2. Cut the plastic sheeting to size, leaving a few inches of overhang.
3. Apply the double-sided tape to the window frame.
4. Carefully attach the plastic sheeting to the tape, smoothing out any wrinkles.
5. Use a hairdryer to shrink the plastic, creating a tight seal that looks like another glass pane.

This method is particularly effective for older, single-pane windows or in extremely cold climates.