Unwanted drafts, even when the windows are closed, can cause significant inconvenience in your home. Drafts infiltration through windows is one of the main sources of this problem, which can compromise the effectiveness of your home’s thermal insulation. Fortunately, there are effective solutions to stop this phenomenon and improve the comfort of your home.
How to Caulk a Window
To effectively prevent air from passing through your windows, caulking is an essential step. Caulking a window is the process of sealing gaps and cracks that could allow outside air to seep inside your home. This can not only significantly improve the thermal comfort of your home, but also reduce your heating and cooling costs.
The first step in caulking a window is to carefully inspect the perimeter of the window for cracks, holes, or damaged seals. Once problem areas have been identified, you can choose from different caulking materials, such as silicone, latex, or acrylic, depending on your specific needs and the location of the window.
When applying caulking, make sure the surface is clean, dry, and free of any dirt or old caulking residue. Use a caulking gun for a precise and even application. Apply the caulk along the cracks, making sure it adheres well to the surface and forms a watertight barrier. You can smooth out the caulking with a suitable tool for a more aesthetically pleasing look.
Once the caulk is applied, allow it to dry and cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After drying, you can paint the caulk to match the color of your window.
Caulking a window may seem like a simple task, but it can have a significant impact on your home’s energy efficiency. Be sure to do this meticulously to ensure better thermal insulation and a more comfortable indoor environment
Inspect the condition of the house structure
The first cause of draft entry into a house is the condition of the structure of the dwelling. If this structure is defective, it will have more or less gaping gaps in places. Through these faults, the slightest draft can pass. Flaws can also be present in the windows.
The inspection of the structure of a building must be entrusted to professionals such as Calfeutrage Élite based in Montreal. A detailed report will be produced and then submitted to you. Our company specializes in residential caulking.
Strengthen the sealing of windows
To stop having drafts entering your home through the windows, it is necessary to strengthen the tightness of the latter. To achieve this, many solutions will be offered by our window caulking specialists.
The least complex solution is to lay joints all around each opening. They make the windows very waterproof and thus contribute to the energy reduction of the heating. In terms of seals, there are several including:
- Foam seals;
- Rubber seals;
- Silicone seals.
If your budget is low, we recommend foam seals. They are also very simple to install. On the other hand, they lose efficiency over time. The fact is that they are laid as an adhesive. Therefore, they wear out slowly every time you open or close the windows.
Rubber seals are the mid-range. As for silicone seals, they are less affordable, but are durably resistant against air and water infiltration. In addition, they effectively ensure the sound insulation of the house.
Install thermal curtains
One of the effective shields against drafts is the thermal curtain. When it is installed at the windows by professionals like Calfeutrage Élite, it becomes impossible for air to pass. In addition, during the winter, your home will not lose heating energy. On the contrary, this device will optimize the reduction of heating energy .
If you are in Greater Montreal and need to reduce your domestic heat loss, thermal curtains are one of the best solutions. Once they are installed on your windows, the interior comfort of your home will be increased even more.
Keep shutters closed
It may not seem like anything, but having the shutters closed can greatly reduce the drafts that pass through the windows. In addition, the shutters greatly reduce the cooling of the windows when night falls. You will then feel less the change in temperature that occurs every night.
In the center of your different rooms, the temperatures will not really change. Therefore, you will not need to consume more energy to heat your interior.
Eliminate micro-leaks
If you notice that there are leaks in the structure of your window, be aware that fluids flow in both directions. In other words, you lose heating energy. Worse, drafts enter your home. Therefore, you will be forced to increase the heating to compensate for this heat loss.
The elimination of micro-leaks is a delicate operation that requires the intervention of specialists. First, it is necessary to identify the areas where the leaks take place. Then it will be necessary to choose the right solution to eliminate them.
Entrust caulking operations to professionals
More than ever, humanity is faced with the challenges of safeguarding the environment. This requires the rational use of available energies. The more heating energy you consume, the higher your bill will be. However, poor sealing is a factor in increasing the need for energy consumption.
To reduce your electricity or gas bill, you need to turn to sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. These solutions increase the thermal insulation of your home and in turn reduce your energy losses.
By entrusting residential caulking interventions to professionals, you ensure that the job is well done. Calfeutrage Élite is committed throughout Greater Montreal to providing all its customers with the best window caulking services and complete thermal/sound insulation of homes. Trust us and call us to benefit from our expertise built over many years.
FAQ Draught Closed Window: Solutions and Tips for a Comfortable Interior
What are the main causes of drafts even when the windows are closed?
Persistent drafts, even when windows are closed, can be caused by several factors. One of the most common is aging caulking around windows, which creates cracks through which air can enter. In addition, poorly fitting or damaged windows can also allow drafts to seep in. Finally, poor insulation or unsealed gaps around window frames can contribute to this problem.
How can I tell if drafts are occurring through my closed windows?
To detect drafts coming from your closed windows, you can perform a simple test. Light a candle and place it near your windows. Observe the flame carefully. If it wobbles or leans in one direction, it may indicate that a draft is seeping in through the window. You can also feel the cold air by running your hand around the contours of the window.
How can I fix cracks in the caulking around my windows?
To repair cracks in the caulk around your windows, start by removing the old caulk using an appropriate tool. Clean the area thoroughly to remove dirt and residue. Then apply new silicone caulk, making sure to seal any cracks and gaps. Smooth the caulk for a clean look. Allow it to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This repair will help eliminate unwanted drafts.
What are the options to improve the insulation of my windows and prevent drafts?
To improve the insulation of your windows and prevent drafts, there are several options you can consider. One of them is to install self-adhesive weather stripping around the window frame to seal in the gaps. You may also want to consider adding an insulating window film that reduces heat loss. Finally, installing more energy-efficient windows is a long-term solution to eliminate drafts.
When should I hire a professional to fix drafts through my closed windows?
If you’ve tried the basic solutions and drafts persist, it’s a good idea to call in a professional. An expert can conduct a thorough assessment of your windows, caulking, and insulation to determine the exact source of drafts and recommend necessary repairs. The expertise of a professional is especially important when solving complex insulation and window problems.
To learn more about the different practices that will allow you to better know how to caulk an extermination company window, we invite you to consult the catalogue: https://montreally.com/category/calfeutrage/