Everyone dreads this time of the year when the temperature drops, and you’re left scrambling to find ways to make your home feel as warm as possible in the coming months. Turning up the heat is always an option, but that can’t keep the cold air out. If you find that your house is constantly drafty, then it might be a sign that you need to winterize your windows for the season. Insulating your windows can be achieved in various ways that range in both quality and pricing. Here are just a few tips to help ensure that your windows stay well insulated throughout the winter.
1. Inspect Window Locks and Latches
Before you consider any drastic measures to help winterize your windows, the first go-to tip would be to inspect the window locks and latches. Check each window to make sure they are opening and closing properly. You can also check to see if the locks are broken or damaged in any way. In some cases, you might be able to clean the locks off and lubricate them to get the window to operate more smoothly. However, if cleaning the locks doesn’t get the window to function as it should, it might be time for you to get your lock and latches either repaired or replaced. If your window can’t close securely, you can’t guarantee that cold air won’t get into your home. It’s recommended that you contact your local window supplier to see if they can provide the locks and the labor to install them. If you’re a little savvier when it comes to DIY projects, you might be able to install the locks yourself.
2. Caulk and Seal Windows for Winter
If after cleaning and inspecting your locks and latches, you still notice a draft, the next step would be recaulking your windows. Caulking is just another way to make sure your windows are as airtight as possible to keep the cold on the outside of your windows where it should be. If you’ve never gotten your windows replaced, there might be gaps and cracks that have gone unnoticed over the years. It’s highly recommended to inspect every single window annually to spot any small cracks that might be contributing to cold air leaking into your home. Using caulk to seal your windows will ensure that there are no extra gaps to let in any cold air into your home through the harsh winter season.
3. Apply New Window Weatherstripping
If you find that caulking the windows still hasn’t addressed your winter weather issue you can always try applying new weatherstripping to the window sashes as well. Weatherstripping is a material used to limit the amount of air leaks that can get through the window. Weatherstripping provides protection not only against cold air but from moisture and pests that may also try to find their way inside your home during the colder months. It’s applied by covering the area between the window sash and the window frame. In most cases, you should be able to pull off your old weatherstripping and apply a new piece. Weatherstripping also comes in a variety of different options to accommodate what type of window you may have. So be sure to do your research to find out which weatherstripping is the best for your type of windows.
4. Window Treatments and Coverings
Another quick solution to the issue of cold or drafty weather is investing in different window treatments. These treatments can include coverings such as shades, shutters, and curtains. While these treatments don’t provide a fix for the windows themselves, they do offer an extra layer of protection from the harsh cold. Having different style options also allows you to match the coverings with the interior style of your home.
5. Upgrading to Energy-Efficient Windows
If your budget allows, the best solution is to upgrade the current windows in your home to energy-efficient windows. When the previous tips don’t eliminate the consistent draft in your home, you might consider getting your windows replaced as a permanent solution. Although a little more costly, the benefits far outweigh the cost. Energy-efficient windows have properties that allow for protection against both the cold and the heat. What’s even more gratifying is that installing quality energy-efficient windows will make certain that you won’t have to address the problem again for a very long time. You’d also be saving more money because the inside temperature will be a lot warmer. This in turn will reduce the need to turn your heating system up or on as often as you normally would.
Whether it’s simply caulking your windows or replacing them all together, there are plenty of options when it comes to how you can best winterize your windows. If you still have questions about what method you should pursue, contact your local window supplier to see what method works best for you and your windows. Using these helpful tips and resources from window professionals, you’re sure to stay nice and warm throughout the winter.
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