For New England homeowners, one of the most important pieces of home maintenance you can perform is ensuring that your windows are properly sealed. This is essential for reducing energy loss during those cold winter days & nights. However, it can often be incredibly difficult trying to locate drafts in your windows. If you’re interested in learning a bit more about how you can find & seal a window draft yourself, keep reading below for a few tips from our team!
Finding A Draft
The first step to sealing your window drafts is locating them. To begin, all you’ll need is a bit of time & patience, and a candle to make the process easier. First, you can visually examine the window frame to see if there are any obvious holes in the system. However, generally window leaks are difficult to find, and you won’t be able to catch them with your eye, and you’ll need to employ your other senses. One option is to slowly run your hands around the window frame to see if you can feel any draft. Oftentimes this will work if the draft is significant enough, as you’ll notice the cold air rushing into your home, & warm air rushing out, or vice versa depending on the season. However, if there doesn’t work, try using a candlestick. The small flame will be more sensitive to gentle drafts than your skin, and if you see the flame flickering in the wind, its a clear sign that there is a draft nearby.
Sealing The Draft
Once you’ve pinpointed where the draft is coming in, the next step is sealing the draft. In order to seal it, you’re going to need caulking, or weather-stripping if the leaks seems to be relatively minor. You’ll need to install it around the entirety of the leak, taking care not to leave any corners unsealed.
However, if the leak is substantial enough, it’s a good idea to have a professional come to repair the damage and assess the window unit. If the leak is large enough, it’s possible that water damage could be occurring in the frame of the window, which can permeate through to the surrounding walls if left unchecked. A minor leak can safely be addressed at home, but for any leaks that are large enough to be visible, it’s best to get a professional opinion and repairs!
Contact Us Today
If you’re in need of new windows for your Massachusetts home this year, our team at E.M. Snow Inc. is ready to assist! You can reach out to our team today by calling us at (781) 893-4546 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your window replacement needs!