Drafty, Cold Windows: Who Should You Call?
Urgency: Plan aheadUpdated 2026-08-31
Short answer
Most window drafts come from failed caulking, worn weatherstripping and gaps at the frame — all inexpensive to fix. Replace the window when the seal has failed (fogging between panes), the frame is rotted, or the sash no longer closes squarely. Get sealing done first: it is a fraction of the cost and often solves the comfort problem entirely.
Who to call: A window installer or a handyman for sealing and weatherstripping; a window company for replacement.
What to do right now
- 1Hold a lit incense stick near the frame on a windy day and watch for the smoke to bend.
- 2Check for gaps in the exterior caulking around the frame.
- 3Replace worn weatherstripping on operable sashes.
- 4Add a removable interior film kit as a same-week stopgap.
Most likely causes
- Failed exterior caulking
- GTA freeze-thaw cycling cracks caulk in five to eight years.
- Worn weatherstripping
- Compressed foam or brush seals stop making contact.
- Broken seal in a double-glazed unit
- Fogging or condensation between the panes; insulating value is largely gone.
- Cold glass convection
- Not a real draft — cold air falling off single-pane glass feels like one. Better glazing is the only fix.
What it typically costs in the GTA
$200–$600 for a full weatherstripping and caulking pass on a typical home. $350–$800 to replace a failed sealed unit. $900–$1,800 per window installed for full replacement in the GTA.
Ranges are typical market pricing for the Greater Toronto Area and vary with access, age of the home, and time of year. Always get the scope in writing before work starts.
Repair first, replace once
Full replacement is the most expensive answer to a problem that is frequently mechanical. Any installer who quotes replacement without inspecting the seals and caulking is quoting their product rather than your problem.
Rebates worth checking
Federal and Ontario efficiency programs periodically offer rebates on qualifying window upgrades. They change often, so confirm current eligibility before committing to a replacement schedule.
Get the right pro on it
Describe the problem in your own words. We’ll work out which trade you need and connect you with suitable local pros. Free, no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
- Why do my windows have condensation inside?
- Condensation on the room-side glass means high indoor humidity meeting cold glass. Between the panes means the seal has failed.
- Is it worth replacing windows just for energy savings?
- Payback from energy alone is slow. Comfort, noise and rot are usually the better reasons.
- What's the best time of year to replace windows?
- Spring and fall. Installers are less booked and temperatures suit sealants better than mid-winter.