Repairing Windows and Adding Weatherstripping to Stop Drafts
Your windows are drafty, hard to open or close, or won't latch tightly, and you can feel air leaking around the sashes when it's windy or cold outside.
Windows lose their seal and smooth operation over time as weatherstripping flattens, balances and locks wear, and sashes shift out of square. Repair work targets whatever is actually failing, which might be a sticking sash, a broken latch, or a worn balance, while weatherstripping replaces the compressible seals that close the gaps where the moving parts meet the frame. The goal is a window that slides easily, latches snugly, and seals tight enough to block drafts.
How the job is done
- 1
Inspect operation and find the leaks
Each window is opened and closed to find sticking points and loose hardware, and the gaps are checked by feel or with a draft test to see where air is getting through.
- 2
Repair the hardware and sashes
Worn balances, broken latches, and loose handles are repaired or replaced, and binding sashes are cleaned and adjusted so the window moves and locks correctly.
- 3
Remove old or flattened weatherstripping
Crushed foam, hardened gaskets, and peeling seals are stripped out and the surfaces are cleaned so new weatherstripping can adhere and compress properly.
- 4
Install the right weatherstripping
A seal type suited to each gap, such as compression, V-strip, or a sweep, is fitted so the sash closes against it firmly without being forced.
- 5
Test the seal and smooth operation
The window is cycled to confirm it opens easily and latches fully, and the new seal is checked so it closes tight without binding the sash.
What a pro checks
- Matches the weatherstripping type to each specific gap for a proper seal
- Fixes the underlying hardware so the sash actually closes against the seal
- Cleans surfaces so adhesive-backed stripping bonds instead of peeling
- Checks that a new seal isn't so thick it stops the window from latching
- Looks at the lock, since a window must close fully to seal well
- Addresses sticking sashes so the window isn't forced and damaged
- Confirms the repair reduces the felt draft, not just looks sealed
Let AZ Smart Fix handle it
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Frequently asked questions
Will weatherstripping alone stop my drafts?
Sometimes, but only if the window closes and latches properly. If a sash is warped or the lock won't pull it tight, the seal can't compress, so the hardware usually has to be fixed alongside the stripping.
Why is my window suddenly hard to open?
Common causes include a broken balance, swollen or dirty tracks, or paint buildup. A pro identifies which one it is, since the fix for a failed balance is very different from simply cleaning and lubricating a track.
Can old windows be repaired instead of replaced?
Often yes. Many draft and operation problems come down to worn seals and hardware that can be repaired and re-weatherstripped. Full replacement is usually considered only when the frame or sash is rotted or failing.
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