Feeling a breeze through your window, even when it is completely closed, is usually caused by pressure imbalances inside your home, or by air leakage through degraded seals.
Is it normal for some cold air to come through windows? A small amount of air leakage is normal, especially in older homes. However, if drafts are noticeable, it's a sign that the window needs sealing or replacement. Learn more about window replacements from Glass Doctor.
Feeling the wind through your window often points to damaged seals, warped frames, or outdated glazing. Identifying the root cause allows you to take effective action, whether repairing seals, upgrading windows, or improving maintenance. By addressing the issue, you can enjoy a warmer, more energy-efficient home.
A stress crack in a window typically appears as a single, long, clean line that starts at the edge of the glass. Unlike impact damage, it has no central point of contact (no starburst or "spiderweb" pattern).
Since a house is not aerodynamic, it creates a lower pressure on the other side than the still air in the house and leakage from the other side. Fluid, which air is, goes from high pressure to low pressure. So since right after the house, its a very low pressure, it feels as wind is blowing thru the window to outside.
One of the best ways to seal drafty windows is to insulate around them. Remove interior trim around the window so you can access the space between the frame and the wall. First, cut through any dried paint along the edge of the trim with a utility knife.
Not necessarily. Condensation happens when warm, moisture-rich air touches a cold surface and turns into water droplets. It means the temperature difference between a surface and the air is too high, combined with high indoor humidity.
Something hitting your window at night is usually caused by nocturnal wildlife or migratory birds drawn to artificial lights. Depending on the sounds and the time of year, it is likely one of these common culprits:
Stress cracks in windows are primarily caused by uneven temperature differences across the pane, known as thermal stress. Because glass expands when heated and contracts when cooled, severe temperature imbalances cause parts of the window to pull against each other, leading to a crack.
Generally, you can neither predict nor prevent a stress crack. You usually have no idea when or if one will occur. In this vein, your auto insurance can often step in to help you pay for the damage. It often will consider the crack an unpreventable accident, thus adding coverage.
Ancraophobia, also known as anemophobia, is an extreme fear of wind or drafts. It has many different effects on the human brain. It can cause panic attacks for those who have the fear, and can make people miss out on regular everyday activities such as going outside.
Leaving windows open at night can compromise home security, invite unwanted pests, worsen seasonal allergies, and disrupt sleep with outside noise. While it allows fresh air in, the drawbacks often outweigh the benefits, particularly in urban areas or during peak pollen seasons.
To quickly stop wind from blowing through your windows, seal the gaps around the frame using Window Insulation Film Kits or fill cracks with Weatherstripping. For a fast, temporary fix on operable windows, you can apply Painter's Tape and HVAC Tape.
To tell if windows are leaking air, look for drafts on windy days, feel for cold spots around the frame, or use a lit incense stick to watch for smoke moving horizontally near seals. Other signs include visible gaps, light peeking through, rattling, high energy bills, or condensation between panes.
Drafty windows are often caused by window seal failure, poor installation, and cracks in the window caulk. Sometimes, drafts come through windows if some hardware components are worn-out and the windows aren't properly sealed when closed.
A stress fracture is a small, hairline crack in the bone caused by repetitive stress or overuse. Four common signs include:
Glass doesn't “heal”. Even minor cracks will continue to spread due to ongoing temperature changes and structural stress. If your window is cracked, replacement is the only viable option — and it's an opportunity to upgrade to a better-performing system.
No, it is generally not recommended. While you can technically walk on a very mild stress fracture if it doesn't hurt, doing so places repetitive pressure on a weakened bone. This can worsen the crack, delay healing, or cause a complete fracture.
Whether God sends birds as signs is a matter of personal faith and interpretation. While religious texts like the Bible feature birds as divine messengers or symbols, many theologians and people of faith view them as reminders of God’s presence rather than direct, literal messages.
Tapping on your window at night is usually caused by nature or the house itself. Common culprits include wind-blown tree branches, nocturnal animals, or the window frame expanding and contracting with temperature changes.
A pressure crack is often one single line running from edge to edge of the window. It's usually somewhat curved but can run from end to end or in a diagonal fashion. There are a few different reasons for pressure cracks. It could be that there was a problem with the installation.
Circulatory problems, diabetes, arthritis and mental health issues can be made worse by living in a cold home. And people with respiratory conditions like asthma are also at risk, particularly if their home is damp and mouldy, which is often the case in under-heated, poorly ventilated homes.
If you already have condensation on your windows, here's how to remove it effectively: Wipe Windows Regularly: Use a clean, dry cloth or window squeegee to remove moisture from the glass. This is a temporary solution but can prevent further issues like mold or damage to window frames.
Excessive condensation signals that indoor moisture levels are too high. The most common warning signs include: