The winter season is fast approaching and cool air is setting in. Even the mildest of winters will bring frigid temperatures, snow, and ice. To keep your home comfortable throughout the season, you need to take extra steps to prepare. One of the best ways to keep you home warm and cozy, and to keep the cold air out, is to winterize your windows.
While you may not notice it most of the year, air travels in and out through your home anywhere there is an opening. You notice this air infiltration more in the winter because of the cooler temperatures and higher energy bills.
To minimize the effects of winter on your windows, you’ll need to take these steps to make sure they’re ready for the season.
Inspect Locks & Latches
If your window can’t properly close, it will allow air and moisture in. Inspect each window and latch. Open and close them, latch and unlatch them. If something sticks or is difficult to operate, clean, and lubricate it.
Overtime your locks and latches may wear or break from use. If a thorough cleaning and lubrication don’t solve the problem, it may be time to repair or replace it. Contact your local window repair professional or purchase the replacement part and make the repair yourself.
When all your window hardware is clean and in working order, tightly close and lock each window. This will help ensure a tight seal and will prevent air from entering your home.
Place Storm Windows
If your home has single-pane windows, you likely have storm windows. Storm windows used to be the go-to method to winterize windows when single-pane were widely used. While they don’t provide insulation, they can help prevent air movement through glass that is in good condition.
It’s highly recommended that you replace your single pane windows with more energy-efficient ones. However, if that is out of your budget this year, take the time to make sure all storm windows are in place. And, if possible, replace storm window glass with Low-E glass for better efficiency.
Inspect Sealing & Caulking
Sealant and Caulking are critical during the winter because they create a barrier between your window frame and exterior siding. It’s important to check each and every window to ensure that all seals are air and watertight. Air leakage will make your home cold and uncomfortable but, water that seeps in and freezes can do far more damage.
Inspecting your window’s sealant and caulking should be a year task. Examine where the exterior of your house meets the window. Pay close attention to the lower corners of the windows and under joints around window combinations. This is where water is most likely to collect and enter your home. If you see cracked, dry, or broken seals, you need to make repairs. Either call a window professional or make the repair yourself.
To make the repairs, remove any damaged caulking and sealant. Clean and dry the area to ensure a tight bond between the sealant and the surface. Next, apply a fresh layer of caulk around the exterior perimeter of the window and between the window frame and exterior trim boards. Be sure to use exterior grade sealant and follow the manufacturer’s directions.
Apply New Weatherstripping
Once your sealants are repaired and in good condition, it’s time to move on to weatherstripping. Proper weatherstripping should be tight and should cover the space between the window sash and frame to reduce leaks and prevent water. There are many types of weatherstripping. What you need may depend on the type of windows in your home. Do your research but, in most cases, you can simply remove the old, damaged weatherstripping and replace it with new.
Add Thermal Curtains
Once you’ve completed all repair and maintenance work for your windows, you can add thermal curtains. Think of them like a warm blanket for your window and another barrier between you and the cold outside. Thermal windows are made with thicker fabrics and are lined with foam to provide an extra layer of insulation. Not only will they keep your home warmer, but they’ll also block outside noise and light as well.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows
Sealing, caulking, locking, and weatherstripping your windows all work to keep your window operating at peak efficiency in the winter months. However, over time you may find that these efforts are no longer paying off as much as they used to. You may notice increased drafts and higher energy bills due to your HVAC system working overtime. If this is the case, it may be time to replace your windows with top-rated, energy-efficient ones.
If you live in the northern states, seek out windows specifically made for that climate. Winters in the north are much harsher than in other areas. There are windows manufactured to perform well in harsh, cold climates. These windows offer lower U-factors and higher solar heat gain coefficients. The result is better insulation against winter temperatures and more warmth from natural sunlight.
Do your windows need replacing? Contact a Vytex dealer today!
Can I Replace My Windows in the Winter?
