Why Do My Windows Whistle on Windy Days?

Recognizing when your windows are in need of repair is a crucial skill to have as a homeowner. Something like a faint or high pitched sound coming from a window can be air coming in from small gaps or openings in your weatherstripping/seals. These sounds could even be coming from certain areas of the walls around your windows. However, the sources are usually pretty unclear, so in order to help you achieve this crucial homeowner skill, we will list several reasons and ways to find these holes and what to do.

Small Gaps Can Create a Whistling Sound

Wind moving through a narrow opening can produce a noticeable whistle. These gaps can come from things like sunwear, dust, usage wear, etc. Things like dust wearing out your seals is pretty common, but also quite avoidable by simply cleaning out your window tracks regularly. Sunwear and usage wear are a little less avoidable, but regularly maintaining your windows can keep them from sounding like overheating tea kennels every day if it's windy. Make sure to regularly inspect these areas. (DOE)

Worn Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is the portion of your window that keeps the elements outside. Over time, this material can wear for a multitude of reasons including, but not limited to: dust, debris, sunlight, usage and more. A compromised seal can allow more air to move through gaps around the window, which is why you might hear that high pitched whistling noise. You can simply inspect your home’s weatherstripping on the window that the sound is coming from, and if it looks deteriorated contact a professional to get it fixed up. (DOE)

Window Seals

Window seals control the movement of the air outside to minimize wear on the window and its many components. Older windows generally have worn or deteriorated seals, which both need a repair. Now, windows all operate differently depending on how they open and close, so if you suspect your seals are worn, we’d recommend searching up your window type and figuring out if the symptoms you’re experiencing are what's in line with your window type. The easiest fix is sometimes just a simple mistake, like making sure your windows are properly sealed, locked, and closed in place, because if they’re not locked they may shift around enough to let some air squeak by. If that doesn’t fix your issue, it would be best to call a professional, like Window World! (LBNL)

Window Frame or Surrounding Area

The window frame keeps your windows from falling out of place. If the frame, after long periods of use and wear, is no longer square, it could potentially leave some gaps around your window allowing air, dust, or water to enter. This may be why you are hearing whistling around the frame of the window, rather than the window itself. These drafts can contribute to an uncomfortable room at any temperature, with the winter being too cold, and the summer being too hot. It’s important to inspect these frames, because once they’re worn they need to get replaced. (DOE)

How to Find the Whistle

Finding the whistle is easy! Here’s a list of instructions and steps to finding it. Waiting for a windy day can make this job a whole lot easier, and ensure that during this day, the window you suspect has a leak is completely closed and locked. Listen around the corners, frame, trim, and seals. Visually inspect and look for gaps, or proof that the weatherstripping has worn and broken, and pay attention to any noticeable drafts coming from this window. Eventually, you’ll find the small leak, and you can decide if it needs professional attention or not! (EnergyStar)

Having an improperly sealed window isn’t just annoying, it can be inconvenient. Making rooms hotter/colder depending on the year, and pushing your house’s AC system by forcing it to make up for the loss of pressure. You don’t want to deal with these conditions all the time, especially that annoying whistling noise. If you ever notice that something is off with your window, please don’t hesitate to call Window World of Southern Nevada, as we can help you with all your window needs, no matter what they are. From the smallest patch up of weathersealing, to full window replacement, we do it all!