Ways to keep cold air coming in through windows?

Is there some things you can do or buy that you can place inside your windows to help the cold air from coming in?

5 Answers

Many stores (Wal-mart, hardware and building supply) now sell kits that consist of double stick tape and a clear plastic film that you can use to put over windows.

You first wipe down the window frame & seal. Let that dry. Then attach the double sided tape. Works best if you only peel 1 side off for now. You place the tape around the casing of the window not just the window itself. Most of the cold air leaks in from the joint between the window sash and the frames. Then apply the plastic film. Try to be neat but it’s not a huge deal if you get a wrinkle or two. Then take a plain old hair dryer and you will direct that at the plastic film and the film will shrink to fit!

And this might be a good time to take a peek at the spot where the window casing meets the wall. Is it well caulked? Or is there crumbling stuff in there. If the answer is the latter, you might get a tube of caulk and a caulk gun and caulk that seam. Just take your time, remember you can always add more (less is sometimes better) and use a wet finger to smooth/push the caulk into the seam if need be.

Clear plastic stapled or tacked over the outside of the window is the quickest way and works very well. And is the cheapest too.

There is cold air coming through our apartment window?

Please I am in desperate help. I am in Chicago and the weather is 16 degrees. We feel cold air coming through our window. Especially at night its the coldest. And I’m worried because I have two little babies: I asked the landlord about this situation.. he said this is the warmest it gets and there’s nothing to do about it.

Please I need serious and honest answers

What can I do about the windows?? Even when I stand in front of the windows I feel the cold air. Is there a solution to this? Is it my responsibility or the landlord?

12 Answers

the cold air has several sources. 1. cracks and openings around the edges. 2. most likely, the glass is single pane and transmits a lot of heat.

for #1, add weatherstripping to cover the openings.

for #2, I’d advise installing a «window insulation kit»

you can get both at a hardware store, or amazon.

The landlord is responsible to keep the temperature in the room above some temperature, I think 68º, but it varies with state. check with your city hall or town clerk.

MA: From September 16 to June 14, every room must be heated to at least 68º F between 7:00 AM and 11 PM, and at least 64º F at all other hours.

Your landlord is required to have a heating system that maintains room temperature to a certain temperature, usually 68 degrees. The window is a thin pane of glass that allows drafts. In my day, we’d go to the hardware store, buy a sheet of plastic-like covering, and tape it over the window. It always worked. We called it common-sense.

you have bought some draft proofing for your windows , its only $5 a roll , or dont you think to go to home depot to buy it . even your local hardware store sells it ..use your brain to think .

What is the overall temperature in your apartment? If it’s at least 68F in daytime hours, there is nothing your landlord is required to do about it. If you don’t like the draft (which is pretty common around windows in homes), you can take steps to seal it like others have recommended with plastic sheeting or similar.

Winter is Coming – How to Stop Cold Air Passing Through Your Windows

by Clearview Secondary Glazing

24/09/2018

in Thermal

No Comments

When you’re relaxing on a beach in the peak July sun, it’s easy to forget how cold your home can get through the winter. But as the nights start to draw in and the temperatures drop, now is the time to start thinking about how you can keep your home or commercial property warm in the colder months.

The instinctive reaction is to turn the heating on. However, relying on your heating can be a costly endeavour. That’s especially the case when your property is letting cold air in – and letting the warm air escape.

The first step to making any property warmer in winter is stopping that cold air getting in and improving its heat retention. And your windows play a pivotal role. This post discusses the importance of efficient windows and how to stop cold air getting through your property’s fixtures.

Why windows are so important

Every property has a thermal envelope, which is made up of the walls, roof, floor, doors and windows. While we’re constantly being told about the importance of wall and loft or roof insulation, your windows are an equally important part of the thermal envelope.

Essentially, it’s no use having large parts of your property insulated if your windows aren’t up to scratch. Not only that, windows are actually much quicker, easier and more cost-effective to renovate and improve.

Do I need to replace my windows?

No – we’re not talking about replacing your windows with expensive alternatives. Installing double-glazed or even triple-windows is expensive, disruptive and can sometimes negatively impact the value of your property. In some cases, it might not even provide the best solution for your property.

There are actually several ways to stop cold air coming through your property’s existing windows…

1. Re-sealing

Over time, the caulking or sealing around windows can break down. The result is small breaks or gaps around the window, which let cold air in – not to mention moisture, which can cause further damage.

Your windows can be resealed easily using caulk along the joints. This will seal off any gaps and stop cold air getting through. It’s probably best to get a professional to complete this job, as the old caulk needs to be removed first.

2. Weather strips

Weather strips are a temporary alternative to caulk re-sealing. They are self-adhesive strips, which are applied to the inside of your window’s frame to stop cold air getting through any gaps. Unlike caulk, weather strips can also be used on the moving parts of windows. That way, you get extra insulation when the window is closed, but can still open it when required.

The only downside of weather strips is that they’re not a permanent solution and, when removed, they can leave a residue or cause paint to peel off.

3. Thick curtains

Chances are, your property already has something on the windows. Whether it’s blinds or just some light curtains, they’re useful to control how much light enters the room as well as maintaining privacy. What people commonly forget, however, is that curtains can also be used for heat retention.

If you’re only using light curtains or blinds, you’re missing out on a big insulating layer on your windows. Invest in some thick, lined curtains – or even those specifically designed for thermal efficiency – to keep more warm air in and cold air out.

4. Secondary glazing

You don’t need to affect the appearance of your property and its windows to keep cold air out. Secondary glazing is easily one of the best methods of heat retention for existing windows. Rather than replacing windows, a secondary pane is discreetly installed on the inside.

It works perfectly on heritage properties, where double glazing is not an option as the original windows need to be retained. However, secondary glazing also complements existing double-glazed units for impressive insulation. With a larger gap between the secondary pane and existing windows, there’s a bigger barrier for cold air to pass through.

5. Shutters

Wooden shutters are another option for the inside of your windows. Like curtains, they add another layer of insulation to your windows, making it harder for cold air to get through.

Shutters are particularly effective through the night, when they can be closed without any impact on light. However, they do block out a lot of light in the daytime, meaning they’re not as versatile as solutions like secondary glazing.

6. Draught snakes

You’ve probably seen draught snakes used on doors. They’re a decorative fabric tube that sits at the bottom of the door to stop cold air drifting through. However, they can also be used on windows.

Laying out draught snakes on the window sill will stop draughts coming through your windows without any work or hassle. Even better, they’re available in all kinds of patterns so you can complement the appearance of your home or office.

7. Insulation film

Insulation film is exactly what the name suggests. It’s a film that can be applied to windows to improve their insulation. Simply cut to size, stick the film on your window and apply heat to make it stick to the surface.

While it will improve the heat retention of your windows, insulation film can create a cloudy layer on your windows. So, unlike secondary glazing, it can be noticeable from inside your home or commercial property.

How can we help?

If you’re looking to keep the cold out this winter, secondary glazing is an effective, discreet and long-lasting solution. And it doesn’t have to be stressful. At Clearview, we provide DIY secondary glazing kits for homes and commercial buildings across the UK.

Our kits are supplied fully assembled, pre-drilled and completely installation-ready, so there’s nothing stopping you improving your property’s heat retention.

Discover How To Stop Draughts for Good And Save On Your Energy Bills

This free eGuide – written by specialists – explains in simple terms how to improve the thermal efficiency of your windows by 60% and how you can reduce your yearly heating bill by 15%.

Simply enter your name and email below and we will send a free copy straight to your inbox.

Clearview Secondary Glazing

Clearview secondary glazing — the solution to significantly improved acoustic and heat insulation to your property, making your home or offices more comfortable, secure, greener and cost efficient to run. Achieved without the disruption of replacement windows, and without damaging the character of your building.

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My client wanted a solution to a problem regarding excessive sound being experienced within a large office complex, whilst having conferences and meetings in a large second-floor room with single glazed aluminium windows on two elevations. During my research, I found Clearview to be knowledgeable and very helpful in solving my client’s problem and alternatives with prices to meet the budget available. I was provided quality support throughout the process. The product was delivered on time, as promised with good protective wrapping. The installation was extremely easy, with quality materials and instructions. Once installed, the difference was amazing and whilst showing the client the finished job, a very large articulated lorry being towed by a similarly large tow truck rolled past the conference room within 3 m. The silence was palpable, the client was over the moon and hopefully impressed enough to want this system throughout this large office complex. Watch this space! Many thanks to the Clearview team for making this such an easy process and special thanks to Lianne and Deborah for putting up with my blond moments during the survey and ordering stage. As a shopfitter/office refurbishment specialist, we provide a service and believe that the client is king and by providing a good service the client will happily use us again. Clearview have the same philosophy, sadly there are too many companies who do not. read more

Excellent service form start to finish, we are really happy with our new windows, the house is now much warmer and they have really reduced the noise levels from a near by road. The whole team at Clearview were very professional, the fitters were great and the whole experience was efficient and the windows fitted within a month. I would highly recommend Clearview to anyone looking for secondary glazing. read more

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If you have an older house with «special» windows which are struggling to cope with our ever changing weather conditions, I recommend that you seriously consider Secondary Glazing. Have a look at Clearview’s web site first as it is really helpful, then if you are in any doubt speak to them. The Ladies there are even more helpful. Do not rule out fitting them yourself as the quality of the units supplied is first class. The key to it success is in the measurement of the windows you wish to fit. Measure and then check again. I would recommend trying just one first before embarking on a full scale re-fit as it will give you more confidence in the product. I had a condensation problem in my downstairs cloakroom, so I tackled this first. It looked great and it solved the problem. You get expert help, they keep you up to date on delivery (always on time) and the end product is first class, at a fraction of the cost of new glazing. Highly recommended. Geoff Chipping Campden read more

Hi guys, I recently bought some secondary glazing, which arrived on time, 7.00am, just before i went to work..excellent service, Ive just fitted them to my sash windows. They look great,so easy to fit!! Im over the moon with them, I would certainly recommend these windows to anyone.. All you have to do is remember to double check your measurements before ordering. I would say 3,- 4,hrs to fit 7 windows, Ne bother . Thanx once again, Best regards. Syd Carr. P,S. One double glazing company wanted nearly «double» what you guys charge. read more

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Our bedroom overlooks a railway line, so we were primarily looking for acoustic insulation (we’d had secondary glazing in our last home, so knew how effective it was). After some online research, we went with Clearview this time, as their prices are competitive, their online quotation system quick and easy, and – perhaps most importantly – their customer service responsive and helpful. As it happened, here were a couple of glitches (on my part) with measuring and specifying, which Andy at Clearview ironed out for me with no fuss. Once ordered, the product arrived on time, and has proved highly effective at reducing the noise. I actually enjoy watching trains go by in near-silence, and have since ordered a similar unit for our living room, to repeat the experience! I can thoroughly recommend secondary glazing in general, and Clearview in particular. read more

Bought 2 units for our front bedrooms as we are on a noisy main road. Installed them yesterday and the difference in noise is amazing. I went for the 6.4mm laminated glass and positioned the units on the front of the window sill to give maximum gap. read more