Preparing Your Windows for Winter Weather

November 17, 2021

Winter weather is almost here, which means it’s time to focus on preparing your home’s windows for winter. Not only will it help keep drafts out, but you’ll save on your energy bills. Keeping the warm air inside your home means your heater won’t work as hard to keep you toasty and cozy throughout the season.

Winter window prep is quick, easy and inexpensive. Here are our best tips for getting your windows ready for the cold:

  • Weatherstripping: Weatherstripping is one of the easiest ways to prevent drafts in your home. It typically comes in a roll and is available at most home improvement stores. Some varieties come with adhesive, which makes installation a matter of peeling and sticking the weatherstripping in place.
  • Caulk: If there are gaps around the window frame itself, you can use caulk to fill them in. This is also readily available at most home improvement stores. Be careful to evenly apply the caulk, especially if it will be visible once dried.
  • Control condensation: Look around your home. Is there condensation forming on your windows? Condensation forms when dry, cold air comes into contact with warm, humid air. To control condensation, you need to control the humidity in your home. This can be accomplished in several ways: by using a dehumidifier, opening a door for a few minutes to let out humid, warm air or using exhaust fans to circulate the indoor air better. Too much moisture around your windows can cause wooden frames to warp and paint to bubble.
  • Watch for rotting wood: Look around your home every month or so for rotting wood frames. Wood frames are prone to rotting when they’re exposed to heavy moisture content. This can spread and cause structural damage if you don’t catch it right away. You’ll need to replace any rotting wood.
  • Use additional insulation: To keep your home extra warm, you can use additional insulation on the windows. Many home improvement stores offer plastic sheeting that can be heat-shrunk to fit on your windows. Alternatively, you can find another way to secure thick plastic sheeting to the windows, which will add another layer of insulation to the glass. Generally, you should save this for windows where you don’t mind missing the view for a few months.
  • Swap out the drapery: Finally, consider swapping out your lightweight drapery for thick, heavy drapes. This is another way to insulate your windows from the inevitable heat exchange that occurs in winter.

Preparing your home windows for winter is well worth the time, effort and any expense you might incur. In fact, if it’s been a while since you last inspected your windows, this is a great time to get started. Walk around your home and look for cracks, chips, rot and other problems. If you spot any, the team at Architectural Windows & Doors, Inc. can help. We offer high-quality windows and doors, custom installations and more.

When it’s time to upgrade your windows, call Architectural Windows & Doors, Inc. today to arrange a consultation.

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