Window Air Sealing Techniques | Ask This Old House

In this video, Ask This Old House home technology expert Ross Trethewey and master carpenter Nathan Gilbert share some cost-effective ways to seal and insulate existing windows without replacing them.

Host Kevin O’Connor, contractor Nathan Gilbert and tech expert Ross Trethewey share some cost-effective ways to seal and insulate existing windows without replacing them. The team discusses efficiency ratings for older single-pane windows compared to today’s options and offers tips to seal your drafty windows from the inside. They explain different insulating techniques, including shrink wrap, weather stripping, and caulk. Anything you can do to decrease airflow and leakage will drastically increase comfort and energy savings.

Skill level: 1/5
Cost: Varies depending on the method of sealing air leaks
Time: 1-2 hours

Materials

Tools

Try Sealing Air Leaks Before Upgrading Windows
Windows usually have an R-value of 1 to 2—walls generally have an R-value between 13 and 20. Before incurring the expense of buying a new window, homeowners should try to seal any air leakage around the existing window’s frame. Traditional New England homes usually have storm windows to create a bigger barrier during winter. Nathan also explains a newer style: screw-in aluminum with removable glass for spring and summer.

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From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. Ask This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.

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Window Air Sealing Techniques | Ask This Old House

[BlueStreak]

Been watching this show since 95 when I was 13. Thanks to YouTube, we don’t have to wait until Sunday to catch it on tv.

[garyc]

I just bought a 1960s house with Wood windows. The Home inspector recommended New Windows. After doing a little research . Im sticking with my Old windows that came with outside Storm windows.

[cabooseocallaghan]

If anyone is wondering what kind of caulk to use, i used Dap Dynaflex 230 clear on my windows since it's pretty much invisible when it totally cures. It's white at first but don't worry, it'll turn clear in either a few hours to a few days depending on how thick the bead you lay is. My windows were having early morning frost build up on the inside, and after sealing the cracks with the Dynaflex there's no frost at all. It also comes off fairly easy with a painter's tool, caulk remover, or putty knife or some kind of flat scraper. Best of luck boys 👍

[rawbacon]

Stopping air infiltration and thick curtains can make a huge difference.

[TheChupacabra]

I can’t get over how cool it is to see richard’s son jumping into the this old house cast!! The resemblance is so uncanny. Love how you all are keeping it in the family. I wish Roger’s kid could’ve jumped in when Roger had to step away.

“There you are Peter!”

[jimcarmichael]

I made my own removable indoor storm windows that I can remove in the spring. Built the wooden frame, applied clear shrink wrap to both sides, then 1/2 inch open foam around all 4 edges to make a nice tight seal. I have 28 wooden double hung windows in this old house and it has saved me a boatload of money by eliminating draftiness. And they look great! I custom made each frame for the window openings and painted them to match the windows/trim in each room. I'm happy to send pictures if anyone wants info.

[buckybarnes]

One year I did the plastic inside but I taped it over and around the trim. Then additionally I built an inexpensive exterior frame with 4 mil plastic on the outside. It was a particularly drafty window and room. Wasn't pretty but it worked

[govinda]

I lined/wrapped my removable screens with thin plastic. It helped nicely especially when I used removable tape where the screen meets the window frame.

[camicri]

That's good information, thanks guys! I've been watching your show since 1984 and always loved it! Is so good to see that is as relevant as January 1st my case 1984.🤗🤗

[wingking]

Thank you for speaking to the average home owner who can’t spend 20-30 thousand for new windows.

[vickilindberg]

We have traditional roller shades on our bedroom window, then light dampening curtains that cover the entire window surface & not only cut out light but also cold/heat & sound. Best solution ever.

[mikeylikesit]

This is the exact video I needed. Can’t afford new windows yet. Have other more pressing matters. This will help tremendously. TY

[Stonewallx]

With gas prices going the way they’re probably going to go this winter (‘22-‘23) this information could literally be a life saver for many! Frankly as much trust as most have in the power grid after the Texas fiasco a couple years ago it would be foolish not to think through some efficiency improvements in each of our homes to get through the roughest spots.

[Lwnmwrboy]

Window inserts are a good option if you have enough depth in the sill. Relatively inexpensive and don't look as cheap as a plastic film. Getting new windows is nice, but the return on investment takes quite a while. We have old single pane and a window installer came by to give us a quote and was quite honest and said if you aren't going to stay for at least 5 years after this, just band-aid it and save your money.

[dimitardonev]

This type of window are full of design flows. In order to keep the convenience of low profile footprint when opened they said good buy to all ability to create tight seal between the panels.

[ThePowerWithinOnline]

Thank you for explaining all the options! I have installed new windows and found condensation where the top and bottom join. For $7, I can use rooe caulk to solve this problem. Thank you!! 🎉💖

[bangbang-nmhx]

I gotta say very informative and handy, call me old, Bobs where its at. Good man.

[warrenvalentino]

Thank You Very Much for this information in this video! i love watching all of your videos. :)

[jennlo]

Replacement windows are not as infinitely repairable like the old wooden Windows. Storm windows, weatherstripping, work great for old windows and reduces drafts.

[jamesriley]

This putty worked well for me. I wondered if there was a better way