It’s happened to homeowners with leaky windows all over Canada… You sit down on the couch to enjoy a movie and popcorn with your family, only to feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand up as a cold breeze drifts through your closed window. 

Or, if it’s summer in Canada, you might be sitting in your house wondering why your central air conditioning has to run 24/7 just to keep up in 27-degree weather. 

Either way, temperature transfer is a telltale sign that your home’s windows aren’t up to the task. Another telltale sign of leaky windows is condensation that builds up on the panes. In this case, moisture is leaking in, which can cause significant damage to your windows, home, and furniture. Leaky windows are also a cause for higher power and heating bills. 

There are plenty of reasons for this. Some of them require a quick fix and can be easily “DIYed,” while others will probably require that you call a professional window company. 

4 Reasons Your Windows Are Leaking Air (& What to Do About Each)

 Badly Fitted or Installed Windows

Windows that are problematic from day one are the most frustrating. After making an investment to have your new windows installed, they should be free from problems. In this case, it’s usually best to look into the company that installed the windows in the first place. Is there a warranty? Do they guarantee their work? If it’s a reputable company, there should be an option to have it fixed. If not, it’s best to call another window installation company you trust to have them take a second look and give you advice on your next steps.

Badly Sealed Windows

In most cases, the seals around your windows will be the first thing to wear out. Luckily, this is often an easy fix and can help you hold off on a full window replacement for a while.

Two simple ways to fix your badly sealed windows are by adding caulking or weatherstripping. Caulking is typically used around non-moving parts of windows and doors, whereas weatherstripping is used on the edges of moving portions to create a tight seal when the windows are closed. There are plenty of DIY tutorials out there for weatherstripping and caulking your windows.

Badly Sealed Glass

There are many reasons condensation appears on your windows, but if you see condensation gathering between the panes of your window, it means there’s a bad glass seal. Typically, there should be an insulating layer of gas between your panes, but condensation indicates it’s not working, which could result in leaks. This makes your windows far less energy efficient than they once were.

Aside from replacing your windows, there’s not much that can be done about glass leaks. One idea if you’re not planning on a full window replacement for a while (or if you rent your home) is to invest in heavy-duty window shades, curtains, and blinds to keep moisture and temperature transfer from seeping in. Black-out blinds are typically made of heavy material, which can block out some of that cold air from the inside of your home.

Older Model Windows

Like any feature of your home, the older it gets, the more it gets worn down and outdated. If you’ve already replaced your seals, it might be time to consider a replacement on some or all of your home’s windows.

The good news is that most modern windows are built with durability in mind using new technology. This means they’ll last a lot longer. To get reassurance that your windows will hold up to cold Canadian weather, make sure you shop with a company that offers a lifetime transferable warranty on their windows.

How to Avoid Leaky Windows When You Buy New Ones

Get Windows Built for Harsh Weather

In Canada, windows have to stand up to a lot of shifts in weather. That’s why we’ve chosen to install Canadian-made windows with double-pane and triple-pane options, offering more insulation. In fact, windows built for the weather can improve your home’s insulation value by up to 40%. That’s why it’s important to compare products and ask questions when you have a consultation. 

Find a Window Company with a Transferable LifetimeWarranty

When you invest in something new for your home and it doesn’t work, you expect it to be repaired. We expect that too, which is why the best Canadian products are backed by a strong warranty policy.

When you’re shopping for new windows or doors, be sure to make sure the warranty extends to both workmanship and products. The lifetime warranty is typically good for the windows and doors themselves, while there will be a standard length workmanship policy. 

Find the Right Window Type & Shape for Your Home

From casement to double-hung and bay to bow, there are plenty of styles to choose from when you’re selecting new windows. That’s why most professional window companies in Canada offer in-home consultations, so we can see your current windows and look at how we could improve your insulation by finding the right type and style. There are also custom options for those tough windows that need a specific solution. 

When you have your consultation with a sales rep or project manager, make sure to focus on insulation as much as style and function. Ask questions about the most energy-efficient window options on the market, because these can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in lifetime value from utility bills and prevention of further repairs or replacements.

Book an In-Home Consultation with Window Insulation Experts 

If you’ve been thinking about replacing your windows, book a free in-home consultation with your local Edmonton or Calgary window replacement specialists first. Experienced staff can help you envision what your new windows would look and feel like in your home and help you choose the options with the most value for your replacement. Even if your replacement is a few years away, you can price your window project now and start planning.