“Winter” is often considered a bad word for many of us. We often think of shivering cold and foul weather once the daily temperatures begin to drop.
Additionally, there are also certain preparations involved at the arrival of winter, like switching over our winter tires and preparing our backyard for the pending snow and cold season ahead.
You may be surprised to hear that your windows need some preparation for winter as well. Air can travel in and out of your home any time there’s any gaps or opening, which may go unnoticed through the warmer months. During the winter, you’ll notice the price of your heating bill has gone through the roof, leaving you to ponder the cause. Taking some extra precautions now will ensure your home will stay warm all winter long.
In this blog, we’ll outline some tips for preparing your windows for the upcoming winter season.
1. Caulk and Seal Your Windows
Sealant and caulking are essential during the winter. Both create a barrier between the window frame and the exterior siding, so it is important that they are in good condition.
Before the snow arrives, check each of your windows to see if they are airtight. Also, check to make sure no water can get in; air that seeps into your home makes your home cold, while water can create more damage, especially if it freezes.
What Should I Be Looking For?
When you go to inspect your windows, take a look at the caulking in the lower corners and under the joints between window combinations. If you see any cracked, dry, broken, or worn sealant, apply some new caulking to fix it.
2. Apply New Weather-Stripping
Once you’ve either replaced the sealant or confirmed that it’s in good working order, the weather stripping is next. Weatherstripping should cover the sash between the window sash and frame to prevent water from entering your home and air from escaping.
There are a variety of weatherstripping options available, depending on what kind of windows you have. Usually, it’s not very difficult to remove the old weatherstripping and replace it with new.
3. Inspect Window Locks and Latches
The last step is to make sure all of the windows in your home can close and lock properly. Windows that can’t close properly are going to let in air and moisture, and can often be an indicator that you may need new windows. If a window sticks, you can try cleaning and lubricating it. If that does the trick, great! Make sure you lock all of the windows in your home to get a seal before winter begins.
If your windows won’t close, you may need new windows. This leads to our last point…
4. Replace Your Windows If Necessary
If your windows look like they could use an upgrade, contact Kempenfelt Windows and Doors. We’ve been servicing Simcoe County for over 25 years. We’ve also been voted Barrie’s best windows and doors company 21 years in a row!
To find out more, give us a call at 1-800-841-7469 or send us a message online.
