‘Tis the Season to Replace Drafty Windows

Get out the roll of tape, the hair dryer, and the shrink wrap. Is it time to wrap presents for the holidays? Nope! If you live in the Midwest, especially in Southeastern Wisconsin, chances are you’re trying to fight drafty windows.

Many of our customers resort to the “tape and plastic” method when they attempt to stave off the blustery Wisconsin winter cold. Unfortunately, plastic and double-sided tape along the window sill isn’t the best solution for drafty windows. Shrink film is unsightly, renders your windows unopenable, damages the window glass and frame, and, frankly, it’s a big pain for a solution that’s not so effective. If you’re feeling the chill, here’s why you should consider window replacement to fix your drafty windows.

‘Tis The Season: Signs of Drafty Windows

Drafty windows are a common problem that can eat up your energy usage and raise your utility bills. How do you know if your windows are drafty? Besides the unmistakable “feel” of drafty windows, another sign that the seals are no longer working is the appearance of condensation in between the glass panes. If you have single-pane windows or old windows, you may also notice air leaks around the window frame.

Since they’re made of glass, windows are heat (and cold) conductors. Just because you don’t feel a strong draft from the window seals doesn’t necessarily mean it isn’t an energy suck. If you get a chill near your window panes, you may need to look into long-term solutions.

Do you need to put on an extra pair of socks when you’re watching a movie on the couch? Do you haul out your supply of blankets when the weather turns cold outside? Heat rises, and cold air drops to the floor. If your feet are cold, that’s a good sign your windows don’t have a tight seal and aren’t working as well as they should; you’re likely experiencing heat loss.

See our video below for more signs of drafty windows, like sun damage, sealant, glazing changes, and faded trim.

Window drafts aren’t a problem limited to older windows or even older homes. Many homes built in the last few decades need window replacement as well. It’s not uncommon to see better windows in older homes because the craftsmanship was better. Nowadays, we often see windows that need replacement after 10, and sometimes even five years!

With Weather Tight, you’ll rest easy after investing in new, energy-efficient windows. Windows are an instant facelift for your home. Not only will you add curb appeal and improve the look of your house, but it’s also the best way to save money on energy bills and heating costs. New windows lower your energy costs and increase the value of your home–something that shrink window film just can’t do.

We stand behind our work, so there are no worries with Weather Tight. Our replacement windows come with a non-prorated warranty for as long as you live in your home. We also offer a lifetime service guarantee while you own your house. We have many types of windows to suit your style. Our unparalleled warranty protects your investment for years to come. No more drafty windows and high heating bills—just beautiful, easy-to-open, draft-free windows for your house or condo.

Does Putting Plastic on Your Windows Work?

The tried-and-true solution of putting sheets of plastic on your windows isn’t your best bet for combating drafty windows. Even in ideal conditions, the plastic doesn’t seal airtight. The tape doesn’t stick well to the panes and may even damage your trim and sealant.

We mentioned the obvious drawbacks of plastic—which, all in all—makes plastic on your windows a solution that won’t combat drafts efficiently. The temporary fixes of hauling out space heaters and piling on the blankets is no way to live. Space heaters can even be dangerous! And cranking up the thermostat costs you more money and does not get to the root of the problem. There are no quick fixes to draft problems. The best option is to consider replacement windows.

Efficient thermal pane windows are a much better problem-solver for keeping warm air in your home. Thermal pane windows don’t have large spaces between the panes like non-thermal older storm windows do. There’s no moisture build-up between the panes, and they won’t suck energy and heat out of your room. The most efficient windows are also filled with insulating Argon gas, which is 40% denser than air and keeps temperatures steady. Weather Tight windows are coated with up to eight layers of microscopic metals. This greatly helps regulate temperature and makes the windows extremely efficient.

We recommend Weather Tight triple pane windows to most Wisconsin homeowners because they are the best suited for our climate. With multiple pieces of glass, these windows are highly efficient and an excellent solution for cutting your cooling costs and making your home more comfortable. They keep the heat in and the cold out all winter long. Our windows can be customized to fit and enhance the look of your home. Windows are also only as good as their install. With our installation team that is fully trained, we trust that your windows will be installed with no gaps, spaces, or places to allow that drafty breeze to come through.

Not to mention that new windows are a beautiful, more permanent solution. They’re easy to open and clean. When spring comes and outdoor temperatures warm up, you’ll be ready to let in the fresh air right away. You won’t need to spend another precious Saturday pulling the plastic film back down and scraping tape off the trim.

Is Winter a Bad Time to Replace Windows?

Typically, when drafty windows are too much to bear, customers give us a call. But with unpredictable Wisconsin winter weather, the best time to call is long before you can see your breath in your living room. Unfortunately, we all procrastinate, so chances are, when the outside air is warm, you may have forgotten how much drafty windows affect your quality of life in the winter.

Don’t worry; window replacement can be done any time of year! Weather Tight installation techs work year-round to replace your windows. The process is relatively painless and is done quickly, room by room. You won’t end up with a hole in the wall overnight, waiting for the installer to return tomorrow. We take every precaution, such as shutting doors and working on one window at a time, to ensure the process is painless and simple.

If you’re putting off window replacement, don’t wait! The best time for window replacement is now. You’ll add value to your home and start saving money on your energy bills right away—something everyone appreciates in the winter.

Those old drafty windows significantly lower your house’s temperature and raise your heating bill in the winter months. Every degree you turn down on your thermostat in the winter can save you 1-3% on your energy bill. That adds up quickly in colder weather, especially when drafty windows have you turning up the thermostat. By replacing drafty windows, you’ll see actual savings, fast.

Time and time again, we’re told by homeowners how much new windows improve their quality of life, comfort, and happiness in their homes. Windows are a great investment to eliminate air infiltration, increase curb appeal, lower energy bills, and make life easier (and warmer).

If you’re hauling blankets out of the closet, grabbing those extra socks, and wrestling with the plastic and tape, it’s time to give us a call! We’ll help you choose a window replacement plan that fits your needs and budget. We service residential and light commercial customers in 10 counties throughout Southern Wisconsin. If your windows give you a chill, we’ll help you find the best solution.

Call us today to learn how replacement windows will solve your draft issues and improve your quality of life.