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Are all windows drafty
Will new replacement
windows stop the draft coming into the house?
Why do my new replacement windows have
drafts?
Unfortunately, if your new windows have been improperly installed they
may have drafts. If this is the case, the problem may be corrected
without replacing the
window or having to have the window removed. By caulking and flashing
around the window you should eliminate all outside air leaks. If this
does not stop the drafts, then the problem may be more serious. During
installation the window frame may have been twisted or racked, causing
the weather-stripping around the sash not to seal properly. In this
case, removing of the window may be necessary to correct the problem. It
is easy to determine if the air is coming in between the joint, frame,
and house, or between the joint, sash, and the frame. Before you start,
remove your drapes and blinds, or have someone hold them back for you.
You do not want the blinds or drapes catching fire. Wind is blowing
outside, take a lighter or lit candle, and hold it in front of each
joint, move the flame slowly around the joint. The joint is probably has
a leak if the flame flickers strongly or is completely extinguished.
If your windows were not properly installed, then you will have to
contact the builder or a contractor and have them rectify the problem.
If you discover the leak coming in between the frame and the sash, and
the window was properly installed meaning that it was squared, plumbed,
leveled correctly and not twisted or racked in any way then the problem
could be in the construction of the window. If instances if you windows
do not have insulated glazing, or are not efficient for your climate,
then the air may not be coming in from the window, by may simply be a
case of cold air in the room creating the draft. This happens when the
window surface becomes cold, and actually cools the air near it. Cold
air is then heavier than warmer air, and sinks toward the floor. As this
happens, it is replaced by warmer air that soon becomes cool. As this
process continues it creates airflow near the window. Therefore, you do
not have drafty windows, but windows that are not insulated or energy
efficient. By replacing these windows with energy efficient ones, you
can
solve this problem.
If you have built a new home or have recently retrofitted your windows
and have problems, then you will have to contact your builder or
contractor and the window manufacturer and work with them to correct the
problem. Your satisfaction will depend upon how you or the builder
specified the window in your contract, or how well you can negotiate
with all parties concerned. You should receive what you paid for and
specified. However, if the wording in your contract was vague or
specifications were non-existent, then we are afraid that you will have
to negotiate to improve your circumstances.
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