Why Are My Windows Drafty?

Replacement windows in San Jose, CA are definitely something you will want to consider if you are contending with drafty windows in your home. Drafty windows are a common issue for homeowners. Cold air comes pouring during the winter months, making it harder to heat the home to a comfortable temperature and sending energy costs higher. Similarly, during the summer months, hot air comes in through the drafty windows and makes the whole house warmer. HVAC systems have to run more frequently to cool down the internal temperature of the house, which means that power bills are more expensive.

So, what causes drafty windows?

Drafty windows can be caused by a number of different issues with existing windows in a home. If your home has drafty windows, not only is it more uncomfortable, but it can make your energy bills as much as 30% higher than they would be if you did not have drafty windows.

One reason that you may have drafty windows in your home is that the rough opening for the window was not insulated properly when the original windows were installed as part of the home construction. A rough opening is cut for each window in a home as part of the home construction process. It is cut large enough to accommodate the entire window frame.

However, rough openings are just that. They are not designed to be precision cuts that window frames fit perfectly and snuggly into, because there needs to be some extra room so that damage is not done to the rest of the home.

The way windows are conformed to a tight and snug fit after they are installed in the rough opening is by adding insulation. If there was not enough insulation added or the insulation was not done properly, the result will be drafty windows.

Another reason why you might have drafty windows in your home is that the windows weren’t installed correctly to begin with. This may mean that the frame doesn’t fit squarely into the rough opening and there are gaps that are allowing hot air in during the summer and cold air in during the winter.

Homes settle in the first few years after construction. If the foundation was not constructed to minimize the amount of shifting the house would do during the settling phase, there could be cracks around the windows that are causing them to be drafty.

If your home has wood windows that are older, then they are probably drafty because of the damage that occurs to wood window frames as they age. Wood is living, so it expands and contracts, shifts, and changes shape over time, which can create drafts. Additionally, wood can be damaged by moisture, which can cause it to rot or warp, when can also make windows drafty. This can be because the frame itself gets damaged or the seal of the window is compromised.

The style of your window may be a factor in its draftiness as well. Single hung windows can be drafty because they are likely 30 or 40 years old, and because of their age, they no longer operate properly, which allows hot and cold air to leak into your home.

Double-hung windows that are older (10-15 years) may be very drafty because there are two sashes that can shift or get damaged over time, effectively doubling the window’s draftiness.

To learn more about replacement windows in San Jose, CA, you can speak with our knowledgeable staff at California Custom Creations. You can contact us at (408) 316-6293 to make an appointment for a free in-home consultation.