Over time, your windows may lose their ability to create a seal between the inside of your home and the outside. If this happens, there are a variety of ways to fix your drafty windows. Here, our window experts share how to fix drafty windows with three short-term solutions and three long-term solutions.

Short-Term Fixes

Foam Weatherstripping

1. Find out which part of the window your draft is coming from.
2. Next, open the window and clean the area with soap, warm water, and a sponge.
3. Let the area dry completely.
4. Place the weatherstripping (backing side up) along the window jamb.
5. Press down firmly.
6. Once it’s in place, you can remove the backing.

Rope Caulk

1. Find out which part of the window your draft is coming from.
2. Next, open the window and clean the area with soap, warm water, and a sponge.
3. Let the area dry completely.
4. After that, measure how much rope caulk you’ll need.
5. Slip on your rubber gloves and dip the rope caulk into warm water for a few seconds to make it more malleable.
6. Press the caulk into the window gaps and let it dry.

Shrink Film

1. Find out which part of your window your draft is coming from.
2. Next, apply double-stick tape all the way around the window.
3. Peel off the backing to expose the adhesive.
4. Attach the shrink film to the tape and stretch it around the window opening.
5. After that, use a hair dryer to heat the film and tighten it. (Make sure you don’t overheat any area.)
6. Trim any film excess with a utility knife.

Long-Term Fixes

Glazing Putty Replacement

1. Start by removing your window from the frame.
2. Using a gasket scraper, remove the old glazing putty around edges of the pane.
3. Once the putty is removed, dust off the area with a bristle brush.
4. Next, warm up your glazing putty.
5. Using a putty knife, pack the putty into the crevices between your window frame and your pane.
6. Use the edge of the putty knife to “cut away” any excess putty.
7. Let the putty dry completely before you paint it.

V-Channel Weatherstripping

1. Find out which part of the window your draft is coming from.
2. Next, open the window and clean the area with soap, warm water, and a sponge.
3. Let the area dry completely.
4. Measure your window and cut your v-channel weatherstripping into strips, adding one inch to the measurements.
5. Apply your weatherstripping to your side window jamb, leaving the backing on the one inch portion.
6. Remove the backing and fold the extra inch up under the side of the sash.
7. Repeat steps 5-6 on the other side of the window.
8. Follow the same process for the top and bottom of your window.