Now that winter is here, your home will have to cope with colder temperatures, high humidity, and strong wind gusts, so now’s the time to prepare your windows and doors for the colder months of winter. Getting your windows and doors sorted now can help keep your home warm and save you excessive energy costs. If windows and doors are not installed correctly, they can let cold air in and let warm air out. When this happens, your HVAC system will have to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, which will increase your energy costs. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do now to make your windows and doors winterproof. With these steps, you can keep your house warm and save significantly on heating costs.
Checks for Cracks and Damages
As winter begins, it is good to check the doors and windows for tightness. Small openings can release enormous amounts of heat, and the older the window or door, the more likely you are to have this problem. New windows and doors fit tightly into the frame and are easier to open and close. They must fit tightly into the frame to prevent drafts and make the heating system work more efficiently.
During winter, your home could turn into a frozen tundra. You need to inspect your doors and windows for any cracks and damages or any signs that show vulnerability to harsh elements. Will they be able to withstand the first storm? If the frame is badly warped, sagged, or misaligned, you may need to repair it or have the entire window or door replaced. Wear and tear typically occur over time and can cause damage to the window or door frame itself. If the air between the frame feels noticeably cooler, there is a chance that there is a tiny crack or gap. If there is a gap between the window or door frame, cold air can enter your home through the gap and cause damage. In this case, all you need to do is install some weatherproofing to seal the crack and prevent cold air from entering your existing door or window.
If the inner lock does not work or the sashes do not fit together, and if there is any reason to believe that it will leak, get a new window.
A new window would completely eliminate any operation or winter-related issues since new windows close tightly and firmly so that they do not need any additional weatherproofing. A new and better-insulated window is designed to prevent other things as well such as noise. Double or triple glazed windows are the best choice for insulating windows. Better insulation and the prevention of heat leakage will also save you money on your heating costs and ensure that you feel comfortable in your home even during the most severe storms.
Caulking Around Windows
Check all windows and doors to make sure there are no problems that need to be addressed immediately. You need to check for small gaps in the door or window frame and use caulking around window seals, and caulking around the door frame to prevent drafty doors. These leaks would be located around the frame, not between the frame and sash or door. Loud noises can also easily penetrate if there are gaps and cannot prevent the howling of the wind from being heard.
Many people try to avoid this by using something around the edges, but this is often not the right material and may negatively affect the product. If you find yourself compensating for issues throughout winter to stay warm, it could mean that new products should be installed soon to fix caulking issues.
Apply Weather Stripping
Consider adding weather stripping or fiberglass insulation to your door or if you already have them. check for any worn-out or loose weatherstripping in your home’s openings and reattach or replace them.
You can slow drafts around windows and doors by caulking around windows and doors and between the frame and door/window by installing weather stripping. Weatherstripping prevents air from being drawn through door and window openings and has a greater flow-thru rating than caulking alone (keeping in mind these are often installed in different locations and for different purposes). If you are unsure of proper installation processes or locations make sure to reach out to a professional contractor that handles repairs.
Replace Single-Pane Windows with Double-Pane Windows
Older windows do not protect against cold temperatures as well as modern windows. If you still have single-pane windows in the house, it’s time to upgrade them to double-pane windows and they could be your best choice to prepare for winter.
Single-pane windows offer little insulation from wind and cold, but double and triple panes have a mixture of gases in between the panes for even further improvements in weather protection. These gases are added to prevent heat from escaping from the house and are particularly beneficial in winter. When heat escapes, your heating system needs to work harder to reach the temperature you have set for your home. Double and triple glazed windows with argon gas in the panes enable the heating systems to operate with less effort and thus saves you money. With this solution, you don’t have to break the bank to keep your house from freezing by replacing single glazed windows which can not achieve the same insulating factors.
Protect Your Door With Another Layer of Insulation
Front doors are exposed to wear and tear from a variety of factors that cause damage to the outside of your home such as weather, the sun, rain, wind, or simply frequent usage. If you will be expecting a lot of rain and wind, it is important to prepare your doors with as much protection as possible, especially in the winter months. Some people add a storm door to help increase the longevity of your door though it’s rare in California. Storm doors are additional exterior doors that provide some added benefits during the harsh winter months and from the excruciating summer heat and sun.
Typically made of wood, plastic, or aluminum, storm doors provide an additional layer of protection as well as additional insulation. They also offer several advantages: They can complement your front door, let more light into your house, and increase the overall attractiveness and curb appeal of your home. If your front door is outdated, it can display problems over time and you will have to keep an eye on it. You will have less to worry about If you replace it with a new one knowing your house is better prepared for a harsh winter.
Replace Windows with Energy Efficient Windows
Inefficient windows are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to losing heat in winter which is why one of the best upgrades you can make to your home is to upgrade your windows. Energy-efficient windows come in a variety of designs and styles, they provide improved aesthetics and quality, reduce your energy bills, and keep your house nice and comfortable, too. The US Department of Energy calculated that these types of windows can decrease the cost to the consumer by 25-40%. This simple hack also means that you also don’t have to go big to save a lot of money on your utility bills and they often cost less than regular windows. Energy-efficient windows use cutting edge technology on their glass panes to block UV rays. With the combination of thermal and radiation reflective glass, energy consumption is reduced, meaning that it can be more affordable and efficient. Sunlight can be filtered out through their thermal reflective glass while air that passes through the window is pre-heated.
With all the options available and factors to consider on energy-efficiency windows, selecting the right window can sometimes be difficult. To help you choose the right type of energy-efficient windows for your home, feel free to browse our website for more information or call us if you need assistance in choosing the right one for your home.
Winter Ready Wrap Up
For most people winter is a magical time where the best part is coming back home after a long cold day out and staying comfortably relaxed with a delicious hot coco in their hand. If you follow these steps to winterizing your home you can enjoy this season even more. A perfectly warm and cozy home that’s properly insulated, free from drafts and cracks, and well protected from the possible harsh weather provides comfort and peace of mind. Whether it be just needing a few fixes here and there, weather stripping around door frames and windows, or using a caulking gun to do some caulking and sealing, make sure you have done a thorough inspection to ensure you are all set for winter. If it turns out that you need more than simple repairs and add-ons, and that you need to replace your windows and doors entirely, we have got you covered. We install robust, winterproof windows and doors that are built to last not just through the cold months of the year but for decades to come.
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