Why Do I Feel Drafts Around My Windows?
The most common causes of window drafts, and how to tell whether the fix is weatherstripping or full replacement.
A draft around a window usually comes from one of three sources: worn weatherstripping, a warped frame that no longer seals tightly, or gaps in the original installation (insufficient insulation or sealant around the frame in the wall opening).
Worn weatherstripping
The rubber or foam seal around a sash naturally compresses and degrades over years of use. This is often the most repairable cause — replacing weatherstripping is a relatively low-cost fix if the frame itself is sound.
Warped frame
Wood or vinyl frames can warp slightly from moisture or age, breaking the tight seal a sash needs against the frame. This is harder to repair and often points toward replacement, especially if it's affecting multiple windows of the same age.
Installation gaps
If a draft seems to come from around the frame itself (not the sash), rather than the operable parts of the window, it may point to insufficient insulation or sealant where the frame meets the wall — an installation-quality issue rather than a window-product issue, sometimes fixable without full replacement.
How to test it
On a cold or windy day, run your hand slowly around the window's perimeter, including the sash edges and the frame-to-wall junction. A lit candle or incense stick held near the seams can make air movement more visible if it's subtle.
One more thing homeowners ask.
Ready to get a free estimate?
Two minutes, no obligation, no showroom visit required.