In the midst of winter when we’re enduring rain, wind and snow, you might be able to start feeling chilly drafts, which is an indication that your windows need some TLC. Don’t panic though, because before you need to replace them fully, there are a few quick and easy temporary fixes which will help to see you through the winter months. Aside from providing more comfort, these will also help to avoid your energy bills increasing!
Apply V-seal weather stripping
This is a simple and cost effective fix. Apply weather stripping along the sides of the window sashes. The windows will still open and shut with the V-seal in place.
Use rope caulk
Old window sashes can shrink as they get older, which will allow plenty of room for air to sneak through. A quick fix for this is to apply rope caulk (rope caulk is a sticky malleable paste that can be moulded) to where the drafts are seeping in. Rope caulk is only temporary and can also easily be removed when you want to opt for a more permanent solution. However, doing this should be more than enough to see you through the winter!
Fill cracked panes with nail polish
When carefully applied to the cracked pane, nail polish will dry and set almost invisibly. When attempting this technique, clear nail varnish is the best option. Once hardened, the polish will stabilise the glass until you’re in a better position to replace it after the winter.
Add a draft snake
If the bottom of your window is letting in cold air, you can purchase (or make) a foam-and-fabric draft snake/stopper. All you need to do is cut the material (discarded curtain fabric works excellently) down to the desired length and place a washable cover over it. Then place the snake on the sill and shut the window on it to seal it in. For more information about how to make your own draft snake, check out this informative article by The Guardian.
Use plastic film
You can apply plastic film to the windowpanes with double-sided tape and seal it using a hair dryer. This is a very economical way of getting a room to retain as much as 55 percent of its heat. If you can’t get your hands on plastic film, bubble wrap will also do the job well. Push the bubble side of the wrap against the glass and seal it with double-sided tape. However, please be aware that this is a very short-term fix and you should start looking for a longer-term solution as soon as possible.
We hope you have found these DIY hacks helpful. Of course, they’re all very much temporary measures until you are in a better position to think about replacing your windows or seeking professional maintenance.
[Photo by pippalou]