Let’s Tackle the Common Window Problems – Noise and Draftiness
Every feature in the home brings unique value with its presence, even though only the most prominent role they play can be visible to the eyes. For instance, you equip your bathroom with a beautiful vessel sink matching your décor. The sink, paired with the right faucet, gives your vanity area a charming appearance. Plus, the ease of using them makes your experience even more blissful. While these are some evident or apparent traits, imagine a situation when your tap starts leaking. Wouldn’t this ruin your mental peace? Of course, it wouldn’t be a massive challenge if you could afford such minor changes. Still, the plink-plink sound caused by the falling droplets from the tap will rob your mind of calm whenever you visit your bathroom. Water wastage is another angle.
What do you do to avoid such a situation in the future? You will look for a leak-free model when shopping for bathroom faucets. Just like this, other things in your home are fixable. You only need to find out a proper solution. Think of your windows, for instance. Two common challenges many homeowners face with windows include the inflow of sound and cool air current. Let’s probe into the cause of these problems and ways to handle them.
Noise Infiltration Through Windows!
One of the main reasons can be the choice of windows itself. Single-pane windows don’t offer sound insulation as much as double-pane. If the noise problem persists even after installing double-pane windows, you must suspect the quality of your product. Surprisingly, a high-end single-pane version can beat low-quality double-pane windows in making your home noise-less. You can resolve your issue by selecting the proper thickness for your glass. It will absorb and block sounds. Sometimes, improper installation can also affect the windows’ ability to stop sound from coming in through the window sash, windowpane, etc.
The poor installation often results from measurement issues that lead to gaps between the window sash and panes. Please hire a trusted professional company for jobs like this to avoid glitches in installation. Experts add that the surrounding material of the windows can also be a culprit. Metal, glass, and wood are some standard options. Wood and vinyl make your windows better soundproof than glass and metal. Metal should be the least preferred if you want to reduce noise in your home. And if you use wood, it will demand care. Other than these, you can also blame windows’ poor performance on foam insulation or caulking.
Easy Solutions to Fix the Noise Problem
Some homeowners want to spend less on their windows despite facing the problem but wish to get rid of it too. They can install soundproof curtains on the windows. It will be affordable and easy to do. Others can replace regular caulks or seals with acoustic sealants to block the sound entering the home through tiny cracks. You can also try spray foam for a quick fix. The foam will quickly dry and harden to seal gaps and block outdoor sound. Or, you can opt for acrylic materials over glass windows for the inside of the window. It will prevent the sound from bouncing off the surface. Plus, it can reduce noise significantly.
If the noise problem is severe, you can replace double-pane windows with triple pane to make your glass surface about 50% more energy-efficient. But triple panes alone cannot work on noise transmission mitigation. They may require laminated glass to do the job. All these will make this installation work almost 20% extra expensive. One double-pane window’s installation cost can be between USD $350-500. With triple panes, the price will be much higher.
The Issue of Drafty Windows and Easy Solutions
Air leaking from the window causes uncomfortable room temperatures and expensive utility bills. How do you detect this issue? Hold a piece of paper close to the window frame to check whether it flutters. Fluttering indicates a leakage issue. When confirmed, you can examine your windows for loose joints, cracked glass, warping, damaged weatherstripping, faulty hardware, etc. Also, see if you can adequately shut the windows. Any of these problems can make your windows drafty.
You can do many things to improve your windows. Use a new caulk around the trim, frame, and other suitable parts. Pick a non-toxic composition – something like latex caulk can be better. Before applying caulk, clean all the dirt and debris from the windows. You may also have to eliminate window trim to caulk the area between the frame and the wall. Replace the trim also. If everything is alright but weatherstripping, you can replace this inexpensive material.
Weatherstripping is usually foam material. You can source it from your local hardware store.
In this case, you can also depend on curtains, cellular shades, and draft snakes to prevent the drafts from entering the home. Cellular shades can filter light a little, while layered curtains block the drafts to maintain warmth. Some homeowners use storm windows inside during cold months as an added insulation layer. The layer attaches to the window frame to check air leaks. If the problem persists after doing everything, you can call an auditor to assess your home’s energy levels. The energy auditor will investigate different nooks and corners to determine the spots encouraging air to enter your space and recommend precise fixes.
Homeownership is a 24X7 duty, but that benefits you only. At a rented place, you neither have the freedom nor does it make sense to spend money on things that don’t belong to you. Once you move to a different place, you leave them behind. You can make minor and urgent changes depending on the situation. However, fixing your home allows you to make it a better place to inhabit with peace. You can enjoy all the comforts without worrying you may have to leave this place one day.
The home is your sanctuary, and you own every bit of it. But it can be peaceful when you ensure its well-being. Fixing things from time to time can be one part. If you take care of this, you and your home can enjoy each other’s company for many years tension-free.
What's Your Reaction?
