Cold Air Leaking Through My Picture Window

Problem's Source

• Many factors can cause an air leak in a picture window. As a window ages, its weatherproofing such as putty and caulking may crack and peel, letting air through the window's sides. It's also possible that the picture window was never weatherproofed. Wooden window casing can become warped with time, too, allowing air to enter the home. Modern advancements in construction, design and energy efficiency have improved the ability of windows to keep out cold air while locking in warm air.

Heavy Drapery

• Heavy curtains won't fix the problem, but they can contain a draft. Replacing sheers and light curtains with a heavier drapery and keeping them closed helps. This method obviously has disadvantages, such as blocking the view to the outdoors, but the drapery serves as a temporary insulator.

Weatherstrip or Caulk

• Weatherstripping is used to prevent windows from leaking cold air, and it also can prevent window panes from rattling during windstorms. Weatherstripping is available at home improvement stores and hardware stores. Caulking with 100 percent silicon caulk works better for more serious leaks. Apply a bead of caulk all the way around the window pane's edge.

Broken Window

• For obvious reasons, a broken window with cracks leaks air. Replacing a broken window pane before winter will prevent or decrease the cold air from leaking. An option is to replace a double-pane window with a single-pane storm window, and place a bead of caulk around the edge of the pane.