DIY Fix: Drafty Windows for Michigan Homeowners

Michigan winters are no joke. When the wind starts howling and the temps drop below freezing, the last thing you want is cold air seeping into your home through drafty windows. Whether you’re in a century-old farmhouse or a 2000s-built ranch, drafty windows are one of the most common problems homeowners face.

We have good news! You don’t always need to rip out and replace your windows to fix the issue. In many cases, a few simple, low-cost DIY solutions can make a huge difference in both comfort and energy savings.

In this post, we’ll break down how to identify a draft, what causes it, and how to fix it yourself — step by step.

Why Drafty Windows Are a Problem in Michigan

Living in Michigan means dealing with four seasons — sometimes all in the same week. Drafty windows are more than just an inconvenience during the colder months. They:

• Make your home feel colder than it should
• Cause higher energy bills as your furnace works overtime
• Lead to condensation or even mold growth
• Let moisture in, potentially damaging wood frames

Old wood windows in places like Detroit, Ferndale, or Ann Arbor might have charm — but that charm comes with gaps, cracks, and cold spots.

How to Tell If Your Windows Are Drafty

Here’s how to spot the signs of a draft before you reach for the caulk:

1. Feel for Cold Air

Hold your hand around the edges of the window frame, especially at corners. If it feels noticeably colder or you feel air movement, you’ve got a draft.

2. Use a Candle or Incense Stick

Light a candle or stick of incense and slowly move it along the edges of the window. If the flame flickers or smoke moves, air is getting in.

3. Look for Daylight

If you can see light coming in around the window sash or frame, that’s a clear gap.

4. Listen

On windy days, you might actually hear air whistling through the frame or rattling the panes.

What Causes Drafty Windows?

Drafts happen for a few different reasons, especially in homes built before modern energy codes.

• Shrinking or cracked caulk and sealant
• Worn or missing weatherstripping
• Poorly fitted or warped window sashes
• Old, single-pane glass with no insulation
• Gaps between the window frame and house framing

Fortunately, you can often address these without replacing the entire window.

DIY Fixes for Drafty Windows

Let’s get into the part you’re here for: fixing the problem. You can tackle most of these solutions in a weekend using supplies from your local hardware store.

1. Re-Caulk around Window Frames

Old caulk tends to dry out and crack. Scrape off any loose or damaged caulk with a putty knife, then apply a fresh bead of exterior-grade, paintable caulk where the window meets the siding or trim.

What you’ll need:

• Caulk gun
• Exterior-grade caulk (silicone or latex)
• Utility knife or scraper

Let it dry for at least 24 hours before painting or exposing it to moisture.

2. Apply New Weather-stripping

Weather-stripping seals the moving parts of your windows — mainly the sash that opens and closes. If it’s cracked, brittle, or missing, replace it.

Options:

• Foam tape (easy to apply, works well for sash windows)
• V-strip or tension seal (good for double-hung windows)
• Felt (cheap, but less durable)

Clean the area with rubbing alcohol before applying new strips to ensure a solid bond.

3. Use Window Insulation Film

This is a go-to winter fix in Michigan homes. Insulation kits include clear shrink film and double-sided tape. Apply it around the inside of the window frame and use a hair dryer to tighten the plastic. It’s nearly invisible and creates a temporary thermal barrier.

Pros:

• Cheap ($10–$20 for a multi-window kit)
• Easy to install
• Great for single-pane windows

Cons:

• You won’t be able to open the window until you remove the film
• Needs to be redone each year

4. Install Draft Stoppers or Window Snakes

These are fabric tubes filled with rice, sand, or foam that sit on the inside window ledge to block air flow. They’re simple, reusable, and a great quick fix for basement or attic windows.

DIYers can make their own using old socks or pillowcases.

5. Add Insulated Curtains or Thermal Drapes

Sometimes, the simplest solution is layering. Heavy, lined curtains can significantly cut down on heat loss in drafty rooms.

Bonus Tip: Install curtain rods closer to the ceiling and let drapes hang to the floor to trap cold air behind them.

6. Interior Storm Windows

If you’re not ready to replace your old windows, interior storm windows are a solid alternative. These are removable panels that create a secondary seal inside your existing frame. Some models use magnets, others use compression or clips.

They’re more expensive than plastic film but more effective and reusable year after year.

When DIY Isn’t Enough

If you’ve done all the above and your windows are still freezing cold, it may be time for a bigger fix:

• Rotten window sills or frames may need to be repaired or replaced
• Glass with seal failure (foggy double panes) should be swapped out
• Windows with broken hardware might not close or seal properly

That’s when a Detroit handyman or window specialist can step in. You don’t necessarily need a full window replacement — many older windows can be repaired, retrofitted, or upgraded without a total overhaul.

Energy Savings You’ll Notice

Sealing up drafty windows is one of the fastest ways to cut energy costs. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates you can save 10% to 20% on your heating bills just by sealing air leaks.

In Michigan, where average winter heating bills can easily hit $200–$400/month, that adds up. Over the course of a heating season, sealing drafts can put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket.

Final Thoughts: Fixing Drafty Windows in Michigan

Drafty windows don’t just make your home uncomfortable — they hit your wallet every single month. Fortunately, most of the fixes are affordable, DIY-friendly, and make an immediate impact.

If you’re a Michigan homeowner dealing with cold air creeping in around your windows, start with:

Re-caulking
Adding new weather-stripping
Installing insulation film
Hanging heavy curtains

And if you’ve done all that and still feel the chill? Call a handyman who knows what to look for, especially in older Michigan homes that need a bit more TLC.