What Are the Main Causes of Window Drafts?

As you walk through the rooms in your house, you notice a fluctuation in the temperatures. There are warm spots, cool spots, and other spots where you can definitely feel a breeze. That breeze may be coming from your windows and it’s not a good sign. Drafty windows can make it hard for your HVAC unit to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. But what causes window drafts? Believe it or not, there are a lot of reasons. Let’s look at a few of the common causes:

Normal Aging

Even good windows with proper installation will start to wear down after 15 to 20 years or so. Some of the materials can start to dry and crack, creating tiny gaps that allow air to move through your window seals.

Poor Installation

Window installation is a very precise process. If the window is not fitted correctly and sealed properly, it will leave spaces where air can pass through. If you’ve had your windows professionally installed, this should not be a problem you have to deal with. But, some window installers cut corners just to get the job done fast, and this will cost you in the long run.

Dried, Cracked Caulking

Caulk is used to help seal your windows during the installation process. Over time that caulk can dry out, causing it to crack and leave gaps. You should check your windows annually for signs of drying caulk. The good news is your windows may be fine and you just need to have them recaulked to create a good, airtight seal again.

 Wrong Windows

If the windows in your home are made from cheap, inferior products or they are not made specifically for the climate in which you live, the wear and tear of extreme weather and temperatures may break them down quite quickly.

If you feel like your home is drafty, but you’re not sure where the drafts are coming from, contact Ultimate Gutter Guard. We will come to your home, inspect your windows, and let you know where your drafts are coming from. Then, if you would like, we can provide a quote for new, energy-efficient vinyl windows for your home.