Practical Air Sealing Techniques To Try Before Upgrading Your Windows

They explain different insulating techniques, including using shrink wrap, weather stripping, and caulk. Anything you can do to decrease airflow and leakage will drastically increase comfort and energy savings.

Try Sealing Air Leaks Before Upgrading Windows

Windows usually have an R-value of 1 to 2—walls generally have an R-value between 13 and 20. Before incurring the expense of buying a new window, homeowners should try to seal any air leakage around the existing window’s frame.

Easy Fixes for Drafty Windows and Doors

Traditional New England homes usually have storm windows to create a bigger barrier during winter. Nathan also explains a newer style: screw-in aluminum with removable glass for spring and summer.

How to Check for Window Air Leaks

Look and feel around your windows. You can walk around your house and see any obvious cracks or holes where the building materials from your siding and window meet. Turn off your lights. See If there is any daylight coming through the sides or bottom of your window. Also, on a cold day, you can hold your hands an inch away from the window to feel for any drafts. You can rent a thermal camera from your local hardware store to help you detect energy leaks in your windows, ductwork, and roof, as well as missing insulation all around your house.

How to Seal Window Air Leaks

How to Seal Leaks Between the Lower Window Rail and the Windowsill

Resources

When talking about shrink wrapping windows, Nathan refers to the Frost King Premium Cylinder, Heavy Duty, EZ Roll Shrink Window Kit. When talking about feeling a draft in your window and removing window casing, Nathan suggests using a low expanding foam like GREAT STUFF™ Window & Door Insulating Foam Sealant. You can find all other tools, including a caulking gun, fiberglass insulation, weatherstripping, and caulking cord at local home centers.

Materials

Window insulation kit Foam sealant Fiberglass insulation Weatherstripping Caulking cord

Tools