Drafty Windows in Prague: Cheap Fixes to Cut Heating

Why Prague Apartments Are So Drafty — and What It Costs You

Drafty windows in Prague are one of the biggest reasons expats face shocking heating bills during Czech winters. Older Prague buildings — especially panelák flats and pre-war apartment blocks — often have original wooden-frame windows that let cold air pour in around the edges. Even newer plastic (PVC) windows can develop seal failures after 8–10 years.

The result? Your heating system works overtime while you still feel cold. Depending on the severity, poorly sealed windows can increase your heating costs by 15–30% over the winter season. In Prague, where heating typically runs from October through April, that adds up fast — easily several thousand Kč per year wasted on heating air that escapes through gaps.

The good news: most drafty window problems have affordable solutions that don't require full window replacement. Here's exactly what to do, what it costs, and when to call a professional.

How to Tell If Your Windows Are Drafty

Before spending money, confirm where the drafts are coming from. You don't need special equipment — just a few minutes on a cold day.

The Candle Test

Hold a lit candle or lighter slowly along the edges of each window frame. Where the flame flickers or bends, air is getting through. Pay special attention to:

• The joint where the window frame meets the wall
• The seal between the opening sash and the fixed frame
• The bottom edge of the window sill (inside and outside)
• Around window handles and locking mechanisms

The Paper Test

Close the window on a sheet of paper. If you can pull the paper out easily without resistance, the seal isn't making proper contact. Repeat this at multiple points around the sash — uneven wear is common, especially on older Czech windows where one corner drops over time.

Look for Visible Signs

• Condensation between panes — the sealed glass unit has failed and needs replacing
• Cracked or hardened rubber seals — common on PVC windows over 10 years old
• Gaps between frame and wall — the expanding foam or silicone has deteriorated
• Mould around the window edges — cold spots cause condensation, which feeds mould growth

Cheap Fixes You Can Do Yourself

Several drafty window solutions cost under 500 Kč and require no special skills. These are worth trying before calling in a professional.

Self-Adhesive Weatherstripping Tape

This is the single most cost-effective fix for drafty windows in Prague. Foam or rubber weatherstripping tape (těsnění) is available at any Bauhaus, Hornbach, or OBI in Prague for 50–200 Kč per roll. You press it along the inside of the window frame where the sash closes against it.

1. Clean the existing frame surface with rubbing alcohol to remove dust and grease
2. Remove any old, cracked weatherstripping first
3. Measure and cut the new strip to length
4. Peel off the adhesive backing and press firmly into the channel
5. Close the window to test — it should feel noticeably tighter

Rubber (EPDM) strips last longer than foam — typically 3–5 years versus 1–2 for foam. They cost slightly more but are worth the difference.

Window Insulation Film

Transparent shrink-wrap film applied over the entire window creates a dead-air pocket that acts as an extra insulation layer. Kits cost around 150–400 Kč and cover 2–4 windows. You apply double-sided tape around the frame, stretch the film over it, and use a hair dryer to shrink it tight.

This is especially effective on old single-pane windows common in Prague's historic centre, where replacing windows may be restricted by heritage (památková ochrana) regulations. The film is barely visible and removes cleanly in spring.

Silicone Caulk for Frame-to-Wall Gaps

If you can see daylight or feel air between the window frame and the surrounding wall, the original seal has failed. A tube of silicone sealant costs 80–150 Kč and a caulking gun about 100 Kč. Fill the gap from the inside, smooth with a wet finger, and let it cure for 24 hours.

For larger gaps (over 1 cm), use expanding foam (montážní pěna) first, then seal over it with silicone once cured and trimmed.

Draft Excluders for Window Sills

Fabric draft excluders (sometimes called draft snakes) placed along the interior window sill block air that creeps under poorly seated sashes. These are a temporary fix — effective, cheap (100–300 Kč), but they don't solve the root cause.

When You Need a Handyman or Window Specialist

Some drafty window issues go beyond what weatherstripping tape can solve. Here's when to bring in a professional:

• Window hardware adjustment — PVC windows have adjustable hinges and locking points that need periodic tightening. A handyman can adjust these so the sash presses evenly against the seal all the way around. This is the most commonly overlooked fix.
• Rubber seal replacement on PVC windows — the gasket that runs around the frame can be replaced without replacing the window itself. A professional can source the correct profile and install it quickly.
• Wooden window restoration — old dřevěná okna (wooden windows) in Prague apartments can be stripped, re-sealed, and re-fitted rather than replaced. This preserves the character of the building and may be required in heritage zones.
• Sealed glass unit replacement — if condensation appears between double-glazed panes, the unit has failed. A specialist can replace just the glass unit within the existing frame, typically for 1 500–4 000 Kč per window depending on size.
• Frame-to-wall resealing — if the expanding foam around the frame has degraded significantly, a professional can remove the old material and reseal properly, including vapour barriers.

What Does Professional Window Repair Cost in Prague?

Prices for window draught-proofing services in Prague typically range based on the scope of work:

• PVC window hardware adjustment: 300–800 Kč per window
• Rubber seal replacement (PVC): 200–500 Kč per window (plus material)
• Wooden window draught-proofing: 800–2 500 Kč per window depending on condition
• Sealed glass unit replacement: 1 500–4 000 Kč per window
• Full resealing of frame-to-wall joints: 500–1 500 Kč per window
• Handyman call-out minimum: many Prague handymen charge a minimum of 500–1 000 Kč per visit, so it's smart to batch multiple windows into one appointment

These are typical market ranges — actual prices vary by window size, building access, and materials needed. Always request an itemised quote before work begins, and ideally get 2–3 quotes to compare.

Special Considerations for Prague Expats

Renting vs. Owning

If you're renting a Prague apartment, your landlord is generally responsible for maintaining windows in functional condition. Before spending your own money on repairs, document the problem (photos, a video of the candle test) and notify your landlord in writing. Many landlords will arrange a handyman or reimburse reasonable repair costs.

For quick, reversible fixes like weatherstripping tape or window film, most landlords won't object — and you'll benefit immediately rather than waiting weeks for a repair to be scheduled.

Heritage-Protected Buildings (Památková Ochrana)

If your apartment is in Prague's historic zones — especially Prague 1 and parts of Prague 2, 3, and 7 — the building may be heritage-protected. This can restrict or completely prohibit replacing original wooden windows with modern PVC ones. In these cases, draught-proofing and restoring existing windows is not just the cheap option — it's often the only option. A skilled handyman experienced with older Prague buildings will know how to work within these constraints.

SVJ (Společenství Vlastníků Jednotek) Approval

If you own your apartment in a building managed by an SVJ (owners' association), changing windows often requires SVJ approval because windows are considered part of the building exterior. Interior-side fixes like seals, film, and hardware adjustments typically don't need approval. Check your SVJ bylaws or ask your building manager before ordering new windows.

How to Find a Handyman for Window Repairs in Prague

For most drafty window fixes — seal replacement, hardware adjustment, resealing gaps — a general handyman is the right professional to call. You don't necessarily need a specialised window installer unless you're replacing entire units.

On TraderPoint, you can post your window repair job and receive quotes from handymen in Prague who can help. Describe the number of windows, the type (PVC or wooden), and the specific problem — the more detail you provide, the more accurate the quotes will be. TraderPoint verifies traders' phone numbers and email addresses, and traders can optionally add their Czech company registration number (IČO), which you can verify yourself on ares.gov.cz.

Key Takeaways: Stop the Drafts, Keep the Heat

• Test your windows first — use the candle or paper test to identify exactly where air is leaking
• Start cheap — weatherstripping tape (50–200 Kč) and window film (150–400 Kč) solve most minor drafts
• Adjust PVC hardware — this is the most overlooked fix and usually requires a handyman with the right Allen keys and experience
• Replace seals, not windows — rubber gasket replacement is far cheaper than new windows and often just as effective
• Get multiple quotes — Prague handyman rates vary, so compare at least 2–3 before committing
• Check heritage rules — in protected Prague zones, restoration is typically required instead of replacement
• Renters: notify your landlord — window maintenance is usually the landlord's responsibility

Drafty windows in Prague are incredibly common, but they don't have to drain your wallet all winter. A combination of inexpensive DIY fixes and a single handyman visit can make a dramatic difference in both comfort and heating costs — often for under 5 000 Kč total.