Symptoms
- High-pitched whistle only during windy conditions
- Sound changes with wind direction or speed
- Draft can be felt at the same spot as the sound
- Started after a storm or seasonal change
Likely causes
- CommonSmall gap in the weatherstrippingEven a pinhole gap can create a whistle at the right wind speed.
- CommonGap between the sash and frame at the lock pointA loose lock lets the sash sit slightly open, creating a whistling gap.
- PossibleGap in exterior caulk or trimAir moving through a wall-to-frame gap can whistle similarly to a sash gap.
- PossibleLoose or slightly open storm windowA storm window not seated fully can be the actual whistling culprit.
What to do
- Locate the whistle by listening closely along the sash perimeter during the wind, or use a piece of tissue to spot moving air.
- Tighten the sash lock fully and see if that stops the sound by pulling the sash tighter.
- Inspect weatherstripping at the specific spot for a gap, tear, or flattening and add a small strip of adhesive foam tape there.
- Check the exterior caulk line around the frame for cracks at the same height as the whistle and reseal if needed.
- If there's a storm window, confirm it's latched and seated fully in its track.
- Test again during windy conditions after each fix to isolate which one solved it.
- If the whistle persists despite sealing, the sash may not be sitting square in the frame and could need adjustment.
Tools and parts
- Caulk gun
- Weatherstripping
- Tissue paper (for draft testing)
Self-adhesive foam weatherstrippingSearch: “window weatherstripping foam tape”
When to call a pro
Call a window repair pro if the whistle continues after sealing likely gaps, since the sash may need realignment.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.