How to Stop Cold Air Coming In

As the days get shorter and warmer days start to feel like a distant memory, you might start to notice a bit of a chill in your property.

Buildings lose a significant amount of heat through their windows – 18% of all heat loss, in fact, so keeping your windows properly insulated is crucial. It’s particularly important if you’re an employer, as HSE states that you are legally required to provide a reasonable working temperature. Anyone who has worked in a cold office can attest that it’s much harder to focus – in fact, one survey found that 87% of employees found working in a cold environment made them less productive. And that’s not even thinking about how much money you’ll (quite literally) be throwing out of the window on heating bills!

Before things start to get even colder outside, we’ve put together our tips on stopping the cold air getting in and the warm air getting out.

How does cold air get in through windows?

There are a number of ways that cold air can seep in through your windows, and you’ll need to be sure what’s causing it in order to prevent it.

One of the most common reasons is because your windows are old and damaged. After years of being exposed to the elements, windows won’t be as effective as they once were, especially if they are more fragile, single-pane windows. If you can see visible damage to your windows, such as cracks, rotting or warped wood frames or condensation between window panes, it might be time for new ones. It may be expensive to replace them, but no amount of quick fixes is going to save windows that need upgrading.

Even if you have newer windows, even small cracks or breaks can let in a steady flow of cold air and impact the performance of your windows. To check to see if your windows have any holes or cracks, you can hold something lightweight like a feather or a piece of paper to the window. If it moves, there is a crack in the window, and cold air can easily get in.

Similarly, another common reason for draughts through windows is because of damaged seals. Visible damage like warping or rotting might call for new windows, but more minor damage can still cause a problem. This is especially true of double glazed windows, as the seals are necessary to keep the airtight gap between the panes.

How to stop cold getting in through windows

Once you’ve identified the cause of the draught, you can take steps to fix the issue.

Switch to double glazed windows

Single-pane windows allow a significant amount of heat to escape a building, as they are very poorly insulated. They are also more prone to cracks and damage, which can let in even more cold.

Upgrading to double glazed windows isn’t exactly a budget-friendly option – especially if you have a commercial property with a lot of windows – but over time, you’ll be saving on your energy bills, as they offer far superior insulation. Double glazed windows comprise two panes of glass with an air gap in the centre, and they reduce heat loss as the trapped air between the panes is a poor conductor of heat and can’t circulate well, which means that less heat is able to escape the room. Getting double glazed windows means keeping warmth in and the cold out – and then in summer, it does the opposite, keeping the interior of a property cooler.

Replace the seals

If you’ve determined that the cold air is getting in through a damaged or broken seal, you just might be able to fix it yourself. Caulking windows seals up gaps and helps to get rid of draughts, and is straightforward enough to use. You’ll need to gently scrape off the existing caulk from around the windows before cleaning and drying the area. Using a steady, smooth motion, carefully apply the caulk around the perimeter of the frame, and then smooth it down.

Before fixing the seals, you’ll need to make sure you’re using the right type of sealant – there are a few different types available, so you’ll have to check you’re using one that is best suited to your windows. Although sealants form an airtight barrier, they aren’t a totally permanent option, as they are broken down over time by factors like UV radiation, extreme temperature fluctuations, high moisture levels and poor installation. As a quick fix for minor gaps, though, it can do the trick.

Try weather sealing tape

Similarly, weatherstripping can be a handy DIY option for minor gaps. They are especially useful for using on moveable components, as they don’t prevent the sliding of window panes. There are a few types of materials available, like rubber and foam, and can tightly fit gaps to create a durable seal. It can be a quick, cheap fix, and can last a couple of years before it needs replacing. However, it only works to target specific gaps, and won’t improve the overall performance of your windows.

Thermal curtains

Thermal curtains create an extra level of insulation, as they are made of thick, multi-layered fabric that acts as a physical barrier to your windows. They can help to trap air leaks that are coming in through the windows, stopping cold air from getting in and warm air from getting out. Most thermal curtains contain a high-density foam layer that can prevent heat exchange, a vapour barrier that blocks moisture, and a reflective film that can direct heat back into the room.

They are a low-maintenance option that can be quite cost effective, but in order to work properly, they do need to be kept closed. Whilst this is great for cold nights, it’s not so ideal during a work day, when we’d ideally want to be soaking in that precious winter sunlight! However, to keep things warmer during the night, thermal curtains can be very beneficial.

Solar window film

Whilst window film might be more closely associated with summer months, and its glare reducing, UV-resistant properties, they can be hugely beneficial in cold weather. They are designed to also address heat loss, so they help to keep rooms warmer. Energy-saving window films work by reflecting interior heat back into the building, so you can rely less on costly central heating. In large buildings with lots of windows, a significant amount of heat can be lost through glazed surfaces, so window films are an effective way to reduce this. Window films help to maintain a more comfortable working temperature, and drastically reduce your electricity bills.

Work with the Window Film Experts

OVAGLAS specialises in the supply and installation of window films, working with clients around the globe to improve the performance of their windows. If you’d like to find out more about how we can work with you, or have any questions about our products, we’d be happy to help.