One of the most common problems with double glazing and a sign that your existing windows need to be fixed or replaced is when they let cold air in.
There are many reasons it happens, whether the seal has been damaged or your windows are failing in some other way. Before you start to panic though, don’t, as we are here to help.
In the following post, we have tips to help keep your home warm and lose less heat through your uPVC double glazing and help you to avoid drafty double glazed windows.
Why are my UPVC windows draughty?
If your uPVC windows are letting too much cold air in, this could be a sign that they have suffered damage over time or there is a problem with the window seal, locks, hinges or a dropped sash. Whatever the specific cause, your windows are not providing the insulation to your home and may need to be fixed.
Why do windows let in cold air? 4 Tests You Can Do
There are a number of different reasons why cold air is getting into the double glazed windows in your home and potentially giving your home drafty double glazed windows.
Before you decide on the perfect solution to cold air getting in despite your home being protected by double glazing, you need to identify what is causing the problem and where the draughts are coming through.
Test Your Hinges
You can do this by closing your double glazed windows and checking the window hinges.
- If there are any gaps between the window sash and the window frame, this is a clear sign that you have damaged window hinges.
Check Your Locks
However, if at first glance your hinges look okay, you can check the window locks.
- Slide a piece of plastic, such as a credit card between the frame and the sash.
- If you can move your card very easily, the lock needs to be tightened. If you can’t, there is nothing wrong with the lock.
- Locks can also corrode over time and may need replacement.
A Dropped Sash
Another cause could be a dropped sash, which normally happens with windows that open to the side. To check for this:
- Close your windows and then look to the top corners just above the handles. Can you see daylight?
This is where the window sash should join up with the frame. This is a sign that your uPVC sash windows have dropped and need to be readjusted.
Aged or Damaged Seals
Window seals are prone to wearing and will shrink over time. Do a quick eye test by checking each seal for damage and check around the seals to see if you can feel any draughts to avoid drafty double glazed windows.
They may need replacing.
How Do You Fix a Draughty UPVC window?
We want to be completely transparent and not offer false hopes. It is important to note that there is no magic bullet to stop cold air coming through your windows and doors. A small, natural amount of draught will always creep in.
The suggestions we offer below are only semi-permanent and temporary solutions that will help to keep your home warm in the short term only.
If your windows are badly damaged, the only real way to tackle cold air coming through them is by completely replacing your windows. Or even considering the upgrade to triple glazing. You can read more about the difference between triple glazing and double glazing if you don't already know.
The issue is, this can be expensive and you might not have the budget currently, so we've outlined some more affordable tips you can try first below.
How do I stop cold air from coming through my windows?
As noted above, these are in no way, shape or form magical solutions that will fix the problem and keep cold air out of your home forever.
However, if you are not in the market for new double glazed windows just yet and want to reduce your energy bills and heating bills, these will definitely help you.
Look into Secondary Glazing
There are plenty of great solutions out there. However, one thing the majority of the solutions have in common is that they are at best, semi-permanent or temporary.
One of the most effective, long-term ways to keep cold air out of your windows and property is by investing in secondary glazing (NOT to be confused with double-glazing or double-glazed window replacements)
It is easy to install them discreetly so that they do not stand out or make your property look any different and they aren't as expensive as double or triple glazing.
Even if they are noticeable, they can add to the aesthetics. The best thing about secondary glazing is the energy efficiency and control they offer over ventilation in your property.
Secondary glazing is generally cheaper than completely replacing your double glazing too, but certain types can still be cost prohibitive depending on your budget.
Below is a rough pricing range for a house that needs around 12 metres squared of secondary glazing.
| Type | Cost of Install |
|---|---|
| Sliding secondary glazing | £4200 to £5700 |
| Lift-out secondary glazing | £3300 to £4100 |
| Magnetic secondary glazing | £1400 to £2200 |
| Fixed secondary glazing | £2000 to £2600 |
Some solutions we've heard recommended involve sealing your windows completely (more on this a bit further down) to keep cold air out of your property. This can cause an increase in the humidity levels in your home, which can then lead to condensation, damp, and eventually mould.
How does secondary glazing help tackle this issue? With special vents that prevent moisture from building up, meaning the room gets warmer without the additional moisture.
So, if you don't want to invest in brand new double glazed windows or seal your windows to stop the cold air coming through your windows, secondary glazing is worth considering.
Secondary glazing can even be used in heritage properties to bolster the existing single or double glazed windows.
Invest in Insulated Curtains
One of the most cost-effective solutions that will help with the problem of windows letting in too much cold air is investing in thick insulated curtains.
Many people forget that curtains are as much a guard against cold air as they are against the light. They stop unwanted air movement and provide a barrier between your windows and the rest of the room.
What’s more, if you choose your insulated curtains carefully you can invest in a set that matches up perfectly with the colour scheme and décor of the room you hang them, you can enhance the look and feel of your home too.
Weather Strips
Another reasonably inexpensive option is to invest in self-adhesive weather strips. Available from most DIY and hardware stores, these are generally available in three different forms – foam, V-style, and compression.
By far, the easiest to use and longest lasting are foam weather strips. You just need to stick them carefully along your window frames to block the cold air ingress entering your home through the frame and windows.
It is important to note, though, that these are not a permanent solution and when it comes time to peel them off, for whatever reason, you may peel off paint at the same time or leave an unattractive and hard to shift adhesive residue on the window frame.
Draught Excluders – Draught Snakes
Not only is the next suggestion in our list a cost-effective and practical solution to cold air getting in your windows, but one you can actually make at home.
Draught excluders, or draught snakes as some people refer to them, are fabric tubes stuffed with a filler of some kind, such as dried rice, for instance, to add some weight to them and hold them in place.
You simply need to lay them down along the windowsill to block any cold air draughts coming through your windows.
As they can be designed in any way you like, using the fabric type you prefer and in a colour or pattern that matches the room’s décor, they can provide an extra decorative touch.
The downside with draught snakes is it is only possible to use them along the base of the windows, if the problem with the windows is up and down the sides, they won’t solve the problem of drafty double glazed windows.
Insulation Film
Yet another quick and easy solution that you can pick up from any good hardware or DIY shop is insulation film for windows.
These are basically thin sheets of plastic that shrink when they are heated. To use them, you just need to carefully apply them to the inner frame of your window and then blow your hairdryer on them to warm them up and they will shrink into place and stick to the window surface.
Although this is definitely a quick and effective way to form a protective seal over your windows, they do tend to leave a cloudy layer over the glass that is not only indiscreet but unattractive.
More Temporary Solutions
The below are even more temporary and short-term solutions which we personally don't advise you use for any real length of time.
Besides these options potentially causing condensation, stuffyness and messing with the aesthetics of your windows, they're potentially dangerous.
Any solution that seals a window completely shut and blocks air flow or a potential escape route, is risky. There are even stories of people doing this and CO2 levels in the house increasing to potentially toxic levels and making it's occupants drowsy!
We don't recommend the below unless you're really in a bind, in which case, these options might tie you over until you can get a professional in. Use these solutions at your own risk:
Clever Caulking
If the cold air is a problem during the autumn and winter and you don’t intend on opening your windows during that period, you could caulk along their edges, so they are sealed shut.
If you don’t want to go to those lengths, you could simply just caulk any of the areas of your window frames that cold air is getting in.
You need to have a steady hand and take care when you are applying caulk because if you overdo it even slightly it can look very unattractive.
Insulation Tape
Another quick and easy way to solve the problem of cold air getting into your home through the windows that won’t break the bank is window insulation tape.
Also known as self-adhesive foam tape, this can be bought for just a couple of quid and will stop those pesky draughts.
There is a "but...". You won’t be able to use your windows if you apply this product to them.
Therefore, this will only suit you if you know for sure you won’t need to use the windows during the colder parts of the year or you have someone coming in to fix the issue. Otherwise, you will want a more permanent solution.
Summary
Overall, there are a few methods at varying budgets that can make a difference to the amount of cold air being let through your uPVC double glazing, but ultimately, the best solution will depend on how serious the problem is.
If the issues are limited to the smaller parts of the window, they may be able to be repaired at a smaller cost than if the damage is more widespread. In this case, you'll likely need a full replacement of your double glazing or consider upgrading to triple glazing.
If you are having any problems with heat loss from your windows, contact our friendly team today on 08081688563 or contact us online
