Improve Drafty Windows with Spring Bronze Weatherstripping

Homeowners often report that their windows feel drafty during the colder months. Not only do these drafts add a chill to your living space, they also add considerably to your energy bill. Old windows have a reputation for being inefficient, but with the addition of spring bronze weatherstripping and perhaps some adjustments to the window itself, gaps between the sash and jamb can be tightened up to improve the performance of your old windows.

Spring bronze weatherstripping is a great addition to original windows in cases where there is no weatherstripping or when other types of metal weatherstripping aren’t performing well. Spring bronze weatherstripping is a durable, attractive strip of metal that is nailed to the interior side of the window jamb. It has a slight crease running it’s length, giving it a springiness that holds tight against the sash. This simple flexing action is enough to give a much better seal against air infiltration and it also helps windows open and close with ease.

In addition to installing weatherstripping, window efficiency can sometimes be improved through adjusting the inner stops (the wood trim holding the sash in place) to create a tighter fit. You can also check to see if upper sashes are in their uppermost, fully closed position. It is surprising how often we come across windows where the upper sash been painted “shut” but with a small gap at the top that allows cold air to pour in. In this case, the paint lines can be cut away, the sash can be closed securely, and the sash lock can be readjusted so it operates properly.

For a short term fix that anyone can do, you can also press some caulking cord (a soft, putty-like product) into gaps and cracks where you notice drafts. Though this is a quick and easy solution, it is important to remember that this is only a temporary solution. Be sure remove this before you open your windows again in the spring, as caulking cord can get wedged into places where it doesn’t belong and can make the windows very difficult to operate!

Interested in trying this yourself? Read DIY instruction for spring bronze weatherstripping here: http://thecraftsmanblog.com/how-to-weatherstrip-wood-windows/