How to Repair Drafty Windows

Drafty windows can cause you to lose a lot of heat from your house. Energy costs have gone sky high, so it is important that you have energy efficient windows. Most windows, unless they are double-insulated, will tend to have drafts. One thing you can do to minimize the drafts and cut your heating bill is to add insulation around your windows. Here are some tips on how to repair your drafty windows.

The first thing you need to do is collect the supplies and tools you will need to repair your drafty windows. You will need a utility knife, putty knife, caulking gun, fiberglass insulation, all-weather caulk, weather stripping, a heat shrink film kit and a hair dryer.

Your next step is to remove the trim from the winner window. Fill the gaps around the edge of the window with fiberglass insulation. You can use a putty knife to help pack the insulation in, but don't get it in too tight. After you have the insulation all in, then you can put the window trim back on.

Next you will want to caulk the window to seal them. First remove all of the old caulk off of the window. Then use your caulk gun and caulk all the way around the outside of the window you are repairing with all-weather caulk.

Once you have the window caulked, you will want to put in molding strip films around the window's edges. Cut molding strip films to fit the outside of your window with the utility knife. The corners of the molding strips should be mitered at forty five degree angles. Once you have the strips cut to size put them on the window.

To seal off drafts that are around the window you can also add some additional weather stripping between the window sash and frame. Weather stripping comes in a variety of materials including plastic, vinyl felt or foam. Just follow the directions that come with the kit for installing the weather stripping.

Next, thoroughly clean the trim on the inner part of the window. Take your heat shrink kit and cut film strips that are two inches longer than your drafty window. Place two-sided tape against the window trim and press the heat shrink in place. Heat shrink the film using your hair dryer, moving it from side to until until there are no creases or wrinkles.

Repairing drafty windows by insulating them is an easy project and will really help cut down not only the drafts but your heating bill as well.