They could be beautiful, historic or even high-quality, but if your windows are letting in air, you’ve got a problem. If you’re facing this issue at your home or business, you may be wondering how to stop drafty windows. Do you have to replace them outright? Are there other effective ways to stop drafty windows? Fortunately, there’s good news. Rather than paying for all new windows to be installed at your location, you have several alternatives for drafty window repair.

Why Windows Get Drafty

fix drafty windows with broken seals

Old windows weather over time and even good windows will need some maintenance over the long haul. Glazing putty can fall away, cracks can develop, caulking can degrade, and some types of windows can shrink with age. If your windows are letting in cold air or not working as well as they could, your energy bill is probably suffering for it. That’s why it’s worthwhile to look for ways to fix drafty windows and extend their usefulness.

In fact, there are several ways to breathe new life into your existing windows without shelling out big money for replacements. If you’re looking for the best solutions to fix drafty windows and improve efficiency, here are four simple methods to consider:

  • Repair, replace or add new weatherstripping
  • Get a window draft stopper
  • Cover cracks with nail polish
  • Wrap the windows with film
  • Reglaze the window panes
  • Use interior storm windows or inserts
 
Coiled weatherstrip: effective methods of keeping cold air from coming through your windows
 

Wrap the windows with film — During seasons when you know you won’t be opening your windows, you may want to apply insulating film. Held by double-sided tape and easy to mount, shrink film can create an airtight seal over your existing windows. This non-permanent fix is a great way to stop window drafts, but the adhesive often damages surfaces during removal in the spring.

 
 

Repair, replace or add new weatherstripping — Another way to prevent a draft from windows is with plastic weatherstripping. Install it along the side sashes and instantly improve the window’s insulation from outside temperatures.

Reglaze the window panes — The glazing putty that seals window panes into the frame is prone to degradation over time. Removing all the existing putty and replacing it with fresh material can improve your windows’ insulation for a few dollars and a little bit of time and effort.

 
 

Use interior storm windows or inserts —The beauty of interior storm windows is that they fit directly into your existing window frames, require minimal effort to install and significantly improve insulation. While interior storm windows give a tight seal against window drafts, they don’t change the look of your windows. You preserve their original beauty or historic charm with zero risk of damage to the frame. And they cost less than a full window replacement. They also can improve energy efficiency.

 
man installing interior storm window to prevent draft from coming through his windows
 

Benefits of Indow Insulated Windows

Indow inserts are a more permanent solution to insulating drafty windows without being as high-cost as replacement windows. They are a relatively easy fix — after measuring your windows, you simply press the custom-fit inserts into place inside your window frames. They provide a major improvement in efficiency, increase insulation and reduce drafts, and can also add a layer of soundproofing.

They are designed to be easy and quick to install and remove. They practicallydisappear once in your window. Wherever you live and whatever the size of your windows, Indow storm window inserts are a mix of all the other solutions to fixing drafty windows combined — except for repairing your windows. Indow inserts and drafty window repair go hand in hand.

To learn more about fixing your home for winter, read our Winter House Maintenance Checklist.