Winter weather in Colorado Springs can be challenging, to say the least. With an average of nearly five inches of snowfall each month from November through March, and temperatures ranging from lows under 20°F to highs around 45°F, on average, you definitely want the weather to stay outside, where it belongs.
What happens when your cozy interior is threatened by drafty windows letting the cold air seep in? The first step is to pinpoint the cause so you can find suitable solutions, like window repair or replacement, to restore your comfortable home interior. Here are a few of the top causes of winter air intrusion.
Are Older Windows More Likely to Be Drafty?
Every component of your home is subject to wear and tear with age. Whether windows are operational or fixed, they can suffer the ravages of time, which means drafts will likely worsen if left untreated.
One of the most common causes of window leaks is the deterioration of seals, caulking, and weather stripping. These substances and materials are durable, but they will decay over time, cracking, peeling, and resulting in gaps that let outside air in.
Drafty windows can also be caused by aging window frames, which may shrink, warp, crack, and rot over time from exposure to the elements. Cracks may be caused by structural shifts as houses settle as well.
Is Installation a Factor in Drafty Windows?
It’s always important to find a reputable and reliable window replacement company when you update windows in your home. When new windows are installed correctly, you shouldn’t experience any drafts.
However, if frames aren’t fitted properly during the installation process, resulting in gaps around the frame, you’re likely to experience a leaky window situation that becomes alarmingly apparent when outside temperatures plummet. In such cases, you may need a window or glass replacement specialist to diagnose and fix the problem.
Is Cold Air Always Caused by Drafts?
If you walk by a window and feel yourself shiver at the temperature dip, you might be dealing with drafty windows, but it could also be a product of large window surfaces.
Expansive panes of glass, like those found in picture windows and sliders, have a larger surface area than smaller windows broken up by mullions, which causes greater heat transfer, which equates to heat loss in winter.
You don’t necessarily have to forgo larger windows to combat this phenomenon. If your house features old or single-paned glass, the best solution is to upgrade to double-paned, energy-efficient windows. This will not only curb the chill but also help reduce heating costs.
Don’t Ignore Window Drafts
A drafty window doesn’t have to signal the demise of your comfortable home interior. When you diagnose the cause and work with a trusted installer to repair or replace glass, you can maintain cozy living spaces through winter and summer months and combat high utility bills associated with temperature fluctuations.
Contact Complete Window Care today to learn more about window draft solutions.