Fixing Drafty Windows: A Winterizing Guide

I love my old house, but when the wind howls, it feels like I’m living in a wind tunnel. One winter, we actually had snow accumulate inside the back door.

That was the last straw. I went on a mission to seal every crack and crevice. Here is what works.

1. The “Quick Fix”: Window Shrink Film

If you have old single-pane windows, this is the most effective temporary solution. It’s basically a giant sheet of saran wrap that you tape to the frame and shrink tight with a hair dryer.

• Pros: Creates a dead air space that insulates like a double pane.
• Cons: You can’t open the window until spring.

2. Doors: Weather Stripping

The gap at the bottom of your door is a highway for cold air.

• Sweep: Install a door sweep on the bottom edge.
• Jamb: Use adhesive closed-cell foam around the door frame.

3. The Hidden Gaps: Spray Foam

Pull off the trim around your windows and doors. You might be horrified to see daylight. The builders often shim the frames and leave massive gaps.

• The Fix: Use “Window and Door” low-expanding spray foam. Do not use regular Great Stuff, or it will bow your frames and your windows won’t open.

The Verdict

For $50 and a Saturday afternoon, you can drop your heating bill by 10-20% and stop wearing a parka in your living room.

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